JANUARY | 2025
1 MONTHLY REPORTS
DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION
ART IN PUBLIC
SPACES
16 SOCIAL MEDIA AND
ENGAGEMENT
CODE
ENFORCEMENT
Photos of the art installed REPORT
at City Hall as part of the
Art in Public Spaces
Program
Summary of December Code
Enforcement Activities
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
WORKPLAN QUARTERLY REPORT
This section includes the latest Workplan report on projects and programs as connected to the City Council Goals.
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
GENERAL ADMIN REPORT
FINANCE REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
80 FAIR OAKS LANE
ATHERTON, CA 94027
650-752-0504
[email protected]
WWW.CI.ATHERTON.CA.US
A Division of Public Works, reports on Park maintenance and event activities as well as Park Committee updates
PARKS DIVISION REPORT
Reports from the Building and Planning Departments on
permit and construction activity throughout Town.
COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT
03 09
19 20
27 36
24 53
Reports from the Police Department on crime activity, code enforcement, and traffic
44 POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
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.
Date and Time Printed: 12/12/24 12:54 PM 2024 Workplan Updates Page 1 of 6 Fiscal Sustainability
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Annual All
Q4
Annual Finance
Q4
Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Finance
Q4
Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Finance
Q4
FY 2024/25 City Manager's Office/Finance
Q4
City Manager's Office/Finance
Q4
Annual Police Department/Finance/City Manager's Office
Q4
Annual City Manager's Office/Finance
Q4
Communications & Engagement
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing City Manager's Office/Finance
Q4
Quality of Life
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Cultural Arts (Art in Public Spaces Program) Ongoing City Manager's Office/Public Works Q4
Park Maintenance Ongoing Public Works
Q4
Town Cleanliness & Safety Ongoing Public Works
Q4
Land Use, Planning & Building
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Maintain Fiscal Transparency
Preparing the mid-year Budget Report for February 2025
The City Council has adopted six (6) broad Goal Areas. Each of these Goal Areas have subcategories of projects and/or objectives. The following is an Update Summary of the timeframe and status of the project area and any associated UPDATE for the Quarter. 2024 Workplan Update
4th Quarter Update - December 2024
Consider Reduction in Franchise Fee Revenue (Refuse)
CM/PD review of overtime (November)
Finance Subcommittee finalizing Report/Review – due end of CY 2024 June 2025 the Town will have a Call Option on the COP
November 2024, Council action to reduce Franchise Fee (Jan 1, 2025) to 5%. Proposition 218 process pending to adjust rates for full-cost recovery Goal Area >>>
Adopt a Balanced Budget
GOVInvest is finalizing the FY 24 OPEB Actuarial, due end of November Currently finalizing audit review items for draft report by year end Prepare and Present Annual Audit
Review Long-Term Debt (Borrowing)
Review Unfunded Actuarial Liability (PERS)
Review Post Employment Benefits (OPEB)
Investigate Diversification of Revenues
Management of Overtime
developing Noise Enforcement data table for monthly report & annual report Parking Enforcement
Noise Enforcement
OpenGOV Portal Updates & Stories
Finance Director attended OpenGov Workshop to learn more about production and stories; ETA for new stories and integrations – end of CY 2024. Admin staff will provide support to Finance with this project that will include engagement of Management Analyst and Admin Intern to integrate the “stories” tool.
In partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and Code Enforcement, Admin staff are working to develop an internal process to manage appeals that result in Administrative Hearings.
Burglaries & Crime Prevention
enhanced deployment during holiday season
TBPAC reviewing permit and hourly parking near Town Center @ December meeting Code Enforcement
Directed Enforcement Activities
Drone Program
installed new drone landing garage on top of PD ancillary building K9 Program
completed lighting improvements for the Library Toad sculpture and coordinated pickup of the “Celebration” sculpture for future installation. Staff initiated design and purchase of signage for the new sculpture and is working with the donor on installation requirements.
Staff continues weekly by-hand trash pickup along major corridors and has coordinated with the PD regarding major debris clean-up and illegal dumping. Sandbag stations have been refreshed at the park, channel clearing and patching has been completed at various locations. Sandbags have also been installed at Alameda de las Pulgas & Walsh Road in advance of rains.
Ongoing efforts in the park include maintaining park grounds, improvements to landscaping. Staff replaced the playground restroom ejector pump, cleared Playschool sewer lines, repaired the Playschool HVAC, replaced a seat swing at the playground and replenished engineered wood fiber and sand at the playground.
Goal Area >>> Preserve Small Town Character & Quality of Life Access Improvements / Town Services
Date and Time Printed: 12/12/24 12:54 PM 2024 Workplan Updates Page 2 of 6 2024 Workplan Update
4th Quarter Update - December 2024
Spring 2025 Planning
Q4
Annual Planning/Building
Q4
Ongoing Planning
Q4
Ongoing Planning/Building/City Manager's Office
Q4
Spring 2025 Planning/Police Department/Public Works
Q4
Ongoing Planning/Building/City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing Planning
Q4
Ongoing Planning
Q4
ADU Online Portal / Plans Jan-25 Planning/Building/City Manager's Office Q4
Code Updates Jun-25 Planning/Building
Q4
Process Improvements Ongoing Finance
Q4
Public Infrastructure Projects
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing Public Works
Q4
Ongoing Public Works
Q4
Dec-24 Public Works
Q4
Dec-24 Public Works
Q4
Dec-24 Public Works
Q4
Dec-24 Public Works
Q4
Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Public Works
Q4
Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Public Works
Q4
City Hall Solar Project December 2024 & Spring 2025 Public Works Q4
Generator Backup Update Feb-25 Public Works
Q4
AT&T Facilities @ Town Hall Jan-25 Public Works
Q4
Master Plans and Plan Projects
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing Public Works
6th Cycle Housing Element
submitted to HCD in October; anticipate feedback in December 2024 Public Workshops and Engagement
ADU Program - Tracking & Registry
hosted Fall ADU Mixer in November
Zoning Enforcement
working toward updates for the Safety Element (General Plan) to bring Element into compliance with State law and address new environmental hazards SB9 Program & Tracking
Developing SB9 Public Workshop for January 2025
Staff is working with HIP Housing to manage a database of active Atherton rentals. Staff is also working to develop a database of home seekers and home providers that could be used internally.
Safety Element
ADU Resource Center online at County, Town is a participant; local online portal will include pre-approved plans that are site-agnostic. Assisting with Building and Planning to develop Town web pages with access to relevant information and resources.
Multi-Family Project Planning
PFS Multi-Family Solutions
developing pre-construction meeting format and requirements for January 2025 Goal Area >>> Manage Circulation & Improve Safety - Investments in the Future reviewing ADU Ordinance for necessary cleanup due to State law changes; reviewing Mills Act code for revisions; reviewing HTO for changes related to redwood trees (Planning Commission) and appeal processing; reviewing CEC and CalGreen for 2025 Code Updates (prescriptive measures for solar pool heating, heat pump requirements, high performance windows/walls, spacer and water heating requirements, HVAC performance, and AC replacements; for Multifamily – improving mandatory requirements for insulation, fenestration, water piping insulation, and electric readiness requirements + EV charging and bicycle parking requirements. staff is working to replace the inside components of several lobby lights in the Town Center due to their failure.
ADA Transition Planning
Facilities
West Coast Arborists (WCA) is trimming 170+ Town-maintained trees throughout the Town on medians and rights of way. This includes trees along Middlefield, Lindenwood medians, Town Center and the Park. Several trees were removed and slated for replacement. Caltrain contractor has initiated installation of mitigation trees in the Town Center and along Middlefield Road.
Tree Canopy
ECR Landscape Enhancements
contractor onsite to begin work on sign repair. ETA December 2024. Letter replacement has extended lead time.
Town Center Sign Repair
Contractor is working to complete the project for turnover to the Town. Outstanding items include completion of remaining electrical work, ADA pushbutton installation and door operation, addressing paint cracks and other minor issues. Turnover is anticipated by early December, weather permitting. staff is coordinating an agreement with Caltrain regarding the installation and maintenance of new trees along ECR. Staff is working with Brightview to identify solutions for landscape irrigation in preparation of the installation of trees provided/funded by Caltrain.
Train Station Renovation Project
staff is working with PCE Grant to secure bids for EV stations @ Park and PD Parking area. Admin Management Analyst is working collaboratively with PW to hand-off EV stations at the park to PW Management Analyst.
Staff is investigating ventilation solutions for the station building; heat in the space has resulted in peeling laminate; anticipated turnover from the contractor is early December, weather permitting.
Train Station Museum Project
EV Charging Stations
AT&T is finalizing the below-grade vault in the Town Center Parking Lot; once complete, AT&T will finalize will pulls and transfer all connections to the portable buildings. After this work completes, AT&T will pull all temporary wires, poles and infrastructure.
PARK - Park Event & Facilities Management Review
contracts finalized with vendor; Permit plan design was initiated with permitting anticipated in December 2024. Work will begin following permit approval with a 6- to 8-week timeline for completion.
Solar project is anticipated to complete in early December 2024, weather permitting. PG&E connectivity and activation is anticipated in February/March 2025.
Date and Time Printed: 12/12/24 12:54 PM 2024 Workplan Updates Page 3 of 6 2024 Workplan Update
4th Quarter Update - December 2024
Q4
Ongoing Public Works
Q4
Oct-25 Public Works
Q4
Fall 2025 Public Works
Q4
Fall 2025 Public Works
Q4
Spring 2025 Public Works
Q4
Otober 2025 Public Works
Q4
Summer 2025 Public Works
Q4
ROADS - Alameda Corridor Project Mar-26 Public Works
Q4
ROADS - El Camino Real Corridor Project Jun-30 Public Works Q4
ROADS - Annual Bridge Inspection Program Annual Public Works Q4
ROADS - Sidewalk Inpsection & Repair Annual Public Works Q4
Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing Police Department/Public Works
Q4
Jun-25 Police Department/Public Works
Q4
Dec-24 Public Works
Q4
Ongoing Public Works
Q4
Ongoing Police Department/Public Works
Q4
Community Engagement
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
Mar-25 City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Monthly City Manager's Office
Q4
Monthly City Manager's Office
Q4
Quarterly City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Monthly City Manager's Office/Public Works
The Park & Recreation Committee reviewed the two alternatives and provided a recommendation to Council. The Council heard the presentation(s) in December and continued the item to the January Regular Meeting for further discussion after providing direction to staff.
No responses to the most recent solicitation for vendor and rental management at the park. Event management is currently staff by a temporary agency that continues to have challenges maintaining consistent staffing. Staff is evaluating options.
PARK - Pickleball Program
design team working on finalizing design for roadway improvements; currently at 60% design, and incorporation of the roundabout at Atherton Avenue as directed by Council; draft design of Roundabout anticipated in the next 2 weeks to be shared 1:1 w/Council and then made avaialble for public inspections pending Council approval of bid documents for public bidding.
Completed 2024 paving projects including spring patching, slurry seal, and overlay projects. Implemented cooperative project with Menlo Park on Valparaiso Avenue (slurry and re-stripe). Input completed projects into the Town’s Pavement Management System. Coordinated 2024 pavement assessments in the field and final report in Winter 2024/25 (PTAP Grant). Initiating street evaluation and selection for 2025 maintenance projects.
ROADS - Pavement Projects
Staff has contracted with M-Group for Project Management. One proposal was received was received for the Project and staff/M-Group are negotiating scope and fee parameters with the consultant. This will return to Council at a future meeting for award.
Discussion on bicycle lane alternatives for Selby Lane scheduled for December TBPSC meeting.
BIKE/PED - Bicycle Lanes on Selby Lane
Initial survey data is complete, and preliminary solutions are being developed. It is anticipated that preliminary solutions will be presented to the Council for discussion at the January Regular Meeting.
will coordinate inspections of Town bridges in Spring 2025.
Reservation system is updated to reflect newly approved hours. Court signage has been updated. Staff is working to update the website in December to reflect current status of the Program.
PARK - Playground
DRAINAGE - Channel Project
Council input received at November Study Session regarding alternatives for additional public engagement.
BIKE/PED - Master Plan Refresh
Engineering walkthroughs have been completed for the site and the vendor is now working up solutions. It is anticipated that a preliminary plan (10%) will be reviewed by staff in December 2024.
DRAINAGE - El Camino Real
MCE installed speed humps on Watkins Avenue and is currently working on Storm Preparation Measures. Once complete MCE will shift to installation of speed humps at selected locations on Encinal, Selby and Stockbridge as weather and other activities permit. Maple Avenue speed hump request and discussion of parking concerns will be processed via the TBPSC
Intersection Signalization
signalization projects via the PCEP with Caltrain mitigation is presently in the scoping phase staff issued proposal packets for informal bids/pricing; once pricing is finalized, staff will reach out to property owners for work and cost sharing.
Speed Humps
None Planned
Directed Enforcement
Fair Oaks Crosswalk
Project is substantially complete. Staff is working with the contractor to repair damaged curb drain and complete punch list items HAWK Beacon Projects
Committee reviewing draft of survey in December. ETA for final survey January 2025 Town Hall & Issue Workshops
Winter edition Athertonian planning is underway; an outline has been developed and content assignments established.
Goal Area >>> Strengthen Community Engagement & Transparency Senior Task Force
Monthly Matters Newsletter
That's A Wrap Newsletter
Athertonian Newsletter
Writing production for mid-December (pre-Holiday) release Release to follow December Regular Meeting
Task Force made a presentation to City Council in December 2024; based on Council feedback staff will provide identified support to the Task Force. Staff will include events, programs, and updates in Town communication channels
Community Survey
Town Banner Program
Date and Time Printed: 12/12/24 12:54 PM 2024 Workplan Updates Page 4 of 6 2024 Workplan Update
4th Quarter Update - December 2024
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Social Media
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Community Events & Activities
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible April - Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
October - Annual Police Department/City Manager's Office Q4
April - Annual Public Works
Q4
December - Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
December - Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
May - Annual Police Department
Q4
April - Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
Spring / Fall - Annual Police Department
Q4
Sumner - Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
Sumner - Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
August - Annual Police Department
Q4
November - Annual Police Department
Q4
December - Annual Police Department
Q4
December - Annual Police Department
Q4
December - Annual Police Department
Q4
September - Annual Police Department
Q4
Sustainability & Climate Change
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Mar-25 City Manager's Office/Building Department
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Town Website
PW replaced various banners and is coordinating with ADMIN on installation of Holiday Banners and Committee banners, once designed Community Partner Engagement
X/Formerly Twitter
Updating website for Senior Resources and various Departmental Updates Website Communications (News Flashes, etd.)
Instagram
NextDoor
Volunteer Arbor Day event is tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025. Arborist and PW Maintenance Management will coordinate pre-event excavation of tree wells to facilitate volunteer installation
Holiday Tree Lighting
Earth Day
Halloween Event
Arbor Day
Planning is underway for the April 27, 2025 Earth Day event. Updates have been presented to the EPC and City Council (Nov. 2024). Staff continues progress with reaching out to community groups, schools, and other stakeholders for the event to confirm attendance and participation. Regular updates are provided to the EPC.
Hosted event in October 2024
Annual Volunteer Holiday Party event planned for December 18. Invitations have been sent and the catering vendor (Catered TOO) has been confirmed.
Public Safety Open House
Planning underway for event on Friday, December 13. Vendors have been selected. Santa and helpers have been selected. Outdoor tree is up and decorated on the Deck for the tree lighting and kid’s activity supplies have been ordered.
Volunteer Holiday Party
hosted Fall safety meeting in November 2024
Summer Concerts
Shred-It, Compost, E-Waste & Recycling Event
Vendor engagement has begun for Spring 2025 event - dates TBD Community Safety Meeting
National Night Out
Summer Movie
Coffee with a Cop
hosted Coffee with a Cop in October 2024
Shop with a Cop
ADAPT/RVP Annual Dinner
hosted annual dinner in November 2024
PD planning Annual Toy Drive for early December 2024
Bicycle Rodeo
PD planning Shop with a Cop for December 2024
Annual Toy Drive
Initiating Annual Review of CAP. The CAP Dashboard has been updated with the 2019 GHG Inventory and is available for public engagement online.
Green Building Codes
Goal Area >>> Be Forward Thinjking, Well-Managed & Well-Planned Implementation of Climate Action Plan
Staff has submitted quarterly reports to CalRecycle for compliancy review under the OWR4 Grant that is assisting the Town in meeting its SB 1383 requriements. Free compost continues at the park.
The Reach Code Ordinance amendment is underway and is expected to be presented to Council for 1st Reading in December. The Builder’s Roundtable provided feedback to staff during a recent meeting and subsequent communication.
SB 1383 Compliance
Date and Time Printed: 12/12/24 12:54 PM 2024 Workplan Updates Page 5 of 6 2024 Workplan Update
4th Quarter Update - December 2024
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Mar-25 City Manager's Office
Q4
Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office/Police Department
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Town Operations
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Summer - Annual City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Jun-25 City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Fall 2026 City Manager's Office
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Ongoing City Manager's Office
Q4
Law Enforcement
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Annual Police Department
Q4
Fire
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing Fire/Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Planning/Police Department/Fire
Q4
Communications
Leaf Blower Rebate/Gas Leaf Blower Ban
The Electric Leaf Blower Rebate Program continues to be a success and well used. For FY 2024/25, there are approximately 50 of 100 rebates remaining.
Staff has confirmed Mademoiselle Colette’s is exempt from the Edible Food Recovery requirements due to their building footprint. Menlo Circus Club and the private schools are monitored and enforced via staff through the County. The Town is engaged with the County and made aware of any violations within our jurisdiction.
Electrify Fleet
REACH Codes & Electric Readiness
Electric readiness code set for 1st Reading to Council in December 2024 Edible Food Recovery Program/Food Generator Monitoring
staff is working to integrate CAP finding into staff reports New EV cars for PD to arrive by end of CY 2025; 2 new hybrid vehicles and 2 all electric vehicles Staff Report Integration
Public Facing Connections (PD, Admin, CD)
Planning and Building have been collaborating on a variety of processes to prevent future issues related to the plan review and approval process. The City Manager’s Office and PD are working to ensure certain community information is shared broadly. PD have been granted access to Vista Social, where they can draft and prepare their own social media content and posts, which would get approved for release by the City Manager’s Office. To date, the City Manager’s Office has exclusively developed content, but with the onboarding of the new MA we anticipate getting more involvement from PD.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Document Management (Laserfiche)
Succession Planning
Internship Program
Management Analyst Program
Initial meetings with Department Heads will take place in early January 2025.
IT has been ensuring that multi-factor authentication is implemented Townwide, especially within the Police Department. IT has been penetration and intrusion testing with Cylance. Phishing and other cyber-attack detection software is ongoing.
Open Enrollment Wellness massages will be rolled out in December. These are done twice per year. The Employee Assistance Program will host a “lunch and learn” session in early 2025. There will also be vendors that will provide staff with training public speaking, and meeting facilitation.
Employee Wellness
There are three mid-level analysts within the Town’s structure. One in Admin, one in Public Works and one in PD. The PD analyst will be onboarded in January 2025. Once all three are on board staff will begin a mid-level management program to develop responsibilities, roles, and programs for these mid-level managers within the organization.
Cyber Security
Internship program will launch in early 2025. Flyers will be developed and posted/connected with local schools and colleges.
MOU expires June 2027; negotiations begin Fall 2026
Required Trainings (AB 1234, Sexual Harassment Prevention, Supervisory Training, Brown Act, ETC.
Labor Negotiations
Goal Area >>> Emergency Preparedness - Be Prepared
Emergency Response
Brown Act refresher scheduled for December 2024; There will be additional trainings scheduled for early 2025 for staff, elected officials, and appointed committee members.
IT Infrastructure
Update to the PDs Alarm Monitoring System for IP-capable transceiver scheduled for mid-year budget add of $63k; Staff is investigating upgrading the Town phone systems, there may be some cost saving options, with monthly/annual costs and maintenance needs. Infinity would become our maintenance provider, and we would shed CMS. We have built out some SharePoint sites although we have not promoted the use broadly. This project will be reinitiated in early 2025. The Town Website AI ChatBot will go live preholiday once initial prompts have been instituted. In mid 2025, the Town website will transition to “.gov” from our current domain. We had an issue verifying some information with the federal agency that oversees this
City Manager is reviewing the Annual Audit Reports produced in December 2024 Training Reports provided within the Monthly Departmental Reports Annual Program Audits
Departmental Training & Compliance
Evacuation Planning & Studies
Local Responsibility Area (LRA) - Fire Hazard Zone Updates Working with Menlo Fire to update the LRA requirements to bring them in line with State law - Spring 2025
Date and Time Printed: 12/12/24 12:54 PM 2024 Workplan Updates Page 6 of 6 2024 Workplan Update
4th Quarter Update - December 2024
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Ongoing City Manager's Office/Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Disaster Preparedness
Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Fall Police Department
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
Fall Public Works
Q4
Ongoing Police Department
Q4
PD hosted Annual Communications Drill with ADAPT and HAM Radio Operators Collaborate with ADAPT
Community Education
PD hosted Annual Communications Drill with ADAPT and HAM Radio Operators Disaster Communications
Recent communications tested during Tsunami Warning in early December Host Annual Community Preparedness Drill
Required Training (ICS/NIMS)
PD working on streamlined training handout for staff and elected officials - most training is online via DHS/FEMA Winter Storm Preparedness Activities
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 City Manager Office onboarded Michael Gallagher for the Receptionist position at the top of 2025. 2024 Staffing Highlights:
The Town consistently had a retention rate of 95% throughout the year. In 2024 the Town created new positions within the Public Works Department and converted two (2) existing roles in the Police Department creating a Management Analyst and second full-time Code Enforcement Officer. The Town onboarded four (4) new hires and four (4) summer Interns in 2024 within the City Manager’s Office, Police Department and Public Works Departments.
Outreach Events & Activities:
2024 Employee Event Review:
We held four (4) events in 2024 with Sutter Health (Employee Assistance Program). The workshop topics were;
§ Navigating Learning & Work Styles
§ Engaging & Empowering Your Team
§ Time Management
§ Effective Communication
We held monthly birthday celebrations and bi-monthly team lunches hosted by each department. 2025 Planning:
Staff are planning several employee wellness activities for 2025 which will include continuing the lunch and learn series with our Employee Assistance Provider across a variety of topics related to
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
team building, stress management, and general employee relations. We intend to continue birthday recognition activities and team lunches in 2025. Those dates will be released later in January.
Staff is coordinating onsite sessions with our deferred compensation providers to lead staff through workshops regarding retirement planning and hosting 1-on-1 sessions with representatives in the 1st quarter of 2025. The exact date will be released later this month.
Senior Services:
Staff worked in collaboration with the Atherton Senior Task Force (STF) throughout 2024. We are in the planning stages of hosting an event with local service providers and partners independent of the STF but aimed at engaging our 55+ community in early 2025.
IT Systems & Activities
The Town’s IT systems are operating within acceptable limits. Current IT priorities include:
• IT Special Projects:
o Assisted with Police Department Drone installation that included firmware fixes and data line creation.
o Performed maintenance on Police vehicles related to Cradle point and E911 before deploying
o Two-Factor Authentication process and implementation with DUO has been ongoing
o Set up of network wiring for new Hyper-V servers. Beginning transfer of data next week.
o Performed Rims 31 upgrade and server maintenance. Caused downtime of 1 hour. o Cylance Policy updates and testing to make sure whitelisted apps aren't getting quarantined
o Car 24 is online, however needs configuration with E911 before its deployable o Continued work related to the Town Historical Train Museum including cabling and internal camera installation assessment with Verkada o Cybersecurity and server routine maintenance including report generation for ESET and Cylance and Performed cyber security status check with vendor. o Performed urgent maintenance to restore RIMS due to an outage at the Police Department.
Emergency Management
The San Mateo Operational Area Emergency Services Council (ESC) approved changes to the Joint Power Agreement (JPA) at their September 2024 meeting, which the Town is a part of. The changes include:
• Standardizing nomenclature.
• Updating agreement language; and
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
• Clarifying and defining the roles of the ESC, the ESC Finance Committee, and the Department of Emergency Management
The Council adopted the updated JPA at the December 18, 2024, meeting.
The Bay Area Urban Area Security Initiative will conduct a tabletop exercise in Redwood City on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. This exercise will focus on the partnership between San Mateo County Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and local government, and how we can better partner to serve CBO Clients and communities during a Winter Storm emergency scenario. Staff will plan to participate.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Updates
The Town’s Building Department launched the ADU resource page on the Town website to provide information on building Accessory Dwelling Units in Town. Those resources include the Association of Bay Area Governments – Second Unit Resource Center. To learn more visit https://secondunitcentersmc.org/.
The page has linked information to the ADU Amnesty Program. The information provided will help residents understand how to apply for the program, the application process and steps to legalize existing ADU’s. To learn more visit: https://atherton.news/ADU-Information ADU Match Program:
HIP Housing continues to assist both home providers and seekers with interviews, applications, background searches, and matching services. They provide us with monthly home seeker profiles to be posted on our ADU webpage.
Recent outreach has focused on building relationships with local schools, faith-based communities, and major businesses. You can also catch HIP Housing tabling at the Menlo Park Farmers Market as part of their ongoing outreach efforts!
Emergency Management Activities
1. SMC Emergency Managers Association Meetings
The COAD of South San Mateo County held its monthly meeting on January 9, 2025, focusing on enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through collaboration among member organizations. Key topics included reviewing text message test results to improve emergency communication, updates on quarterly goals, and sharing organizational activities related to disaster readiness.
Sustainability Activities
The current sustainability projects and activities are:
1. Environmental Programs Committee
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
The Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) met on November 21, 2024, and covered a variety of important topics. The discussion included updates on the upcoming Earth Day event, which will focus on conservation and sustainability, and the Tusk Turtle Trail, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting wildlife conservation in Africa. The committee also reviewed the draft Reach Code Ordinance, which was presented to the City Council in December 2024.
Several key steps were identified, including outreach to schools, exploration of conservation exhibits, and the possibility of a turtle race as a feature for Earth Day.
In addition to planning for Earth Day, the EPC is preparing for an educational facility tour of GreenWaste sites in January 2025. This tour will include visits to Z-Best Composting Facility in Gilroy and the San Jose Materials Recovery Facility. Staff will send out dates to EPC members for selection.
The next regular EPC meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM, where Earth Day planning will continue to be a major focus.
a. GreenWaste Facility Tour – January 17, 2025 (8 AM –3 PM) Staff will be taking a few members of the Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) on an educational tour of the Z-Best Composting Facility and the San Jose Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 8 AM to 3 PM. During this tour, participants will learn about composting and recycling processes, including how mixed solid waste (MSW) and singlestream recyclables (SS) are handled.
If any members of the Council are interested in joining the tour, please let me know by Tuesday, January 14, 2025. We have a couple of spots available, space permitting.
• Z-Best Composting Facility: 980 State Highway 25, Gilroy, CA 95020 • San Jose Materials Recovery Facility (MRF): 653 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
2. Waste Reduction
a. CalRecycle Conference Call and Site Visit
Staff has coordinated with CalRecycle to host a conference call and site visit as part of their efforts to review and support the Town’s sustainability initiatives, including compliance with SB 1383 mandates. On January 6, 2025, staff participated in a conference call with CalRecycle representatives to discuss Atherton’s sustainability programs and SB 1383 compliance. The discussion covered key program areas, including:
• Organic Waste Recycling: Residential and commercial collection systems, contamination monitoring, outreach efforts, and enforcement mechanisms. • Edible Food Recovery: Program implementation, inspections, and recordkeeping requirements.
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
• CALGreen and MWELO Standards: Enforcement and reporting mechanisms for construction and landscaping projects.
• Procurement: Compliance with recovered organic waste and recycled-content paper procurement mandates.
• Funding Opportunities: Grants and other resources to support SB 1383 implementation.
The call provided valuable insights and established the foundation for an upcoming site visit, which is scheduled for January 22, 2025, with a tentative alternative date of January 23, 2025. During the visit, staff will guide CalRecycle representatives through selected locations that highlight unique, high-performing, or challenging aspects of Atherton’s sustainability efforts.
These engagements aim to strengthen collaboration with CalRecycle, enhance program effectiveness, and ensure continued compliance with state mandates.
Additional updates will be shared following the site visit. b. 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.
3. Electric Leaf Blower Program
The Town of Atherton's Electric Leaf Blower Program continues to perform well as we move through the FY24-25 cycle. At the current rate, we are receiving approximately 8 rebate applications per month. As of January 2025, there are about 46 rebates remaining under the FY24-25 program. Since the distribution of the leaf blower postcard to all Atherton households in June 2024, informing residents of the program's July 1, 2024, effective date, there has been steady interest, with residents often completing their applications shortly after reaching out with questions.
Some residents have expressed concerns about the requirement for electric leaf blowers during the stormy season, and staff is addressing these concerns as they arise.
4. Refuse & Recycling Subcommittee
The Refuse & Recycling Subcommittee has been actively engaged in discussions with GreenWaste Recovery (GWR) regarding the Town's waste management services and franchise agreement. Recent efforts have focused on addressing contractual rate increases while aiming to minimize the financial impact on ratepayers. Looking ahead, the Subcommittee will work with staff and GWR to plan for future rate increases and explore strategies to mitigate ratepayer impacts.
5. Climate Action Plan Dashboard
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
As part of the ongoing efforts to keep our Climate Action Plan (CAP) Dashboard current, Rincon Consultants is in the process of updating our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) data. This update will reflect the most accurate emissions data available and will be incorporated into the CAP Dashboard.
The recent update from Rincon Consultants addresses some gaps in the 2023 GHG inventories, particularly concerning commercial natural gas data. Unfortunately, PG&E was unable to provide commercial natural gas data for the 2023 period. To move forward, Rincon Consultants will use 2021 commercial natural gas data as a proxy for the missing 2023 data. This adjustment will help ensure that the GHG data remains as accurate as possible, though it may slightly overestimate 2023 emissions.
Once the updated data is finalized, it will be used to revise the CAP Dashboard and provide the most up-to-date emissions metrics for the Town. This update will be made available to the public as soon as it is complete.
6. RICAPS Meetings
In 2025, the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Support (RICAPS) program will introduce a few key changes aimed at enhancing collaboration and information sharing among jurisdictions and agencies.
The regular monthly meetings will continue, providing a platform for jurisdiction and agency staff to share updates, announcements, and best practices. These meetings will focus on connecting jurisdictions and hearing from agency partners about available programming and resources. Guest speakers will be invited on occasion to support these discussions.
In addition to the monthly meetings, RICAPS will introduce quarterly in-person convenings. These convenings will feature guest speakers, updates from the implementation groups, and collaborative workshops on key projects. The format of these meetings may evolve throughout the year, but the intent is to foster deeper connectivity and co-learning among jurisdictions to drive effective climate action implementation.
7. Countywide Recycling Committee Meetings
The Countywide Recycling Committee met on December 11, 2024, to discuss various updates and initiatives. The meeting included program updates from the Sustainability Department and Environmental Health, as well as updates from CalRecycle.
Key topics included:
• A presentation on recyclable materials, focusing on wanted and unwanted items. • Updates on new legislation impacting waste management practices. • A discussion on SB 1383 compost application and clean-up campaigns.
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
These discussions aim to enhance collaboration and advance sustainability efforts across the county.
Building Electrification
1. REACH Code Update
The Town of Atherton is finalizing updates to its Electric Readiness Ordinance (REACH Code) to align with the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and enhance local electric-readiness requirements for new construction and major alterations.
The ordinance promotes sustainability by ensuring infrastructure is in place to support future electrification, including provisions for heat pumps, electric water heaters, cooking appliances, pool/spa installations, and fireplaces. Updates also refine requirements for electrical panel upgrades, circuit specifications, and utility room definitions.
Following feedback from the December 18, 2024, City Council meeting, staff revised the ordinance to improve clarity, address concerns, and exceed the upcoming 2025 California Building Code standards in certain areas. The Council unanimously passed the first reading, and the second reading is expected to proceed on consent at the January 2025 meeting.
2. PCE Member Agency Grant
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) 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, a part of PCE’s $11.5 million community reinvestment initiative. This funding can support projects such as EV charging station installations, landscaping equipment electrification, streetlight upgrades, and government facility retrofits. Agencies have 24 months to utilize the funds, with 50% disbursed upfront and 50% upon project completion. Staff have explored expanding EV charging infrastructure at Town facilities and received an initial project quote of $65,000– $80,000 for installing four Level 2 EV chargers at Holbrook-Palmer Park and the Police Department parking lot, with potential PCE incentives reducing the cost to $40,000– $60,000.
However, no further progress has been made on this front, as staff has been awaiting the onboarding of the new Public Works Management Analyst to assist in executing the project. Updates are expected in the coming months.
City Clerk Activities CURRENT and ON THE HORIZON
The Winter edition of the Athertonian is on track for printing and expected to be delivered to homes by January 31, 2025. This edition will cover a variety of topics, including a Save the Date for Earth Day 2025 (Sunday, April 27) along with a call for volunteers, as well as updates on Town initiatives for 2025. It will highlight the upcoming Station Museum opening, pickleball expansion, and police technology upgrades. Additionally, there will be an update on the Housing Element, a
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
recap of holiday events, and a tree-related Q&A in the Dear Sally column. The edition will also feature a sustainability tour with SFOA, the Heritage Association’s piece on "The Beginnings of Holbrook-Palmer Park," and spotlight local groups such as the Friends of the Library, Atherton Arts Foundation, Senior Group, and introduce new hires.
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 December 1 to December 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
Twitter/X 5 new followers, a total of 710
followers
320 impressions (30%
increase from November)
Instagram 20 new followers, a total of
1,610followers
580 accounts reached (20 %
increase from November)
Facebook 9 new followers, total of 599 followers 3.9K reach (20 % increase from November)
NextDoor 15 new members, a total of 5,2671
members, and 2,360 households
claimed
150 impressions (10 %
decrease from October)
Town website subscriber group:
Distribution List Subscribers
Atherton Online 1,648
News Flash (CM & PD) 1,562 & 1,565
Alert Center (CM & PD) 1,359 & 1,489
Calendar (Meetings) 1,574
• Website Analytics:
o December 1 – December 30: 5,900 Users
o Last 7 Days Total Page Views: 17,061
§ Agendas = 689
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
§ Police Department = 442
§ Business Licenses = 442
• YouTube Analytics
o 340 Subscribers (1 new in the last 30 days)
o 1018 Videos
Newsflashes
1. News Flashes
Our focus on public information and social media engagement continues to strengthen connections with residents and the broader public. Recently, we shared updates on the 2024 Sudden Oak Death report, holiday event reminders, and year-end Town Hall closures.
These newsflashes provide residents with timely, formal, and clear communication about ongoing developments, events, and priorities in town.
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.
Through the months, Social Media channels have increased engagement through follows, likes and account interactions. This has influenced staff to revisit the Town’s Social Media Policy in hopes of updating it in 2025.
The top posts for December were from the Police Department Shop with a Cop and related to Accessory Dwelling Units
260 Impressions & 253 Reach 106 Impressions & 103 Reach
City Clerk Monthly Report
January 15, 2025
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 – 6
% of Year Complete – 50%
Budget Revenue % Received
Park Program $ 115,000 $ 35,377 31%
Planning Permits $ 850,300 $ 233,470 27%
Business Licenses $ 290,000 $ 228,398 79%
Police $ 368,861 $ 360,384 98%
Sales Taxes $ 442,400 $ 240,354 54%
Miscellaneous $ 1,150,096 $ 356,876 31%
Public Works $ 659,700 $ 231,871 35%
Franchise Fees $ 1,076,000 $ 150,403 14%
Building Permits $ 2,203,280 $ 1,102,747 50%
Property Taxes $ 15,845,385 $ 9,476,482 60%
Total $ 23,001,022 $ 12,416,363 54%
Budget Expenditures % Received
City Council $ 66,615 $ 10,276 15.4%
Administration $ 1,400,943 $ 694,880 49.6%
City Attorney $ 310,000 $ 94,666 30.5%
Finance $ 882,763 $ 478,682 54.2%
Planning $ 1,426,970 $ 784,985 55.1%
Building $ 1,659,166 $ 833,438 50.2%
Interdepartmental $ 1,172,460 $ 608,149 51.8%
Police $ 10,171,871 $ 5,482,045 53.8%
Public Works $ 3,683,887 $ 1,330,406 36%
Total $ 20,774,676 $ 10,317,527 49.6%
The Public Works Department consists of a Public Works Director, Maintenance Manager, Associate Engineer, Town Arborist, Office Specialist and Management Analyst. 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, and BrightView Landscaping.
Field Public Works Services are provided under contract via MCE. MCE provides four (4) 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 sign and 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 65 3 18
November 24 60 18 6
December 24 60 24 12
January 25
Total 296 65 65
Services Requests
• Banner installation on Middlefield Road at Marsh Road • Mademoiselle Colette Café drain clearing
• Drain cleanout on Maple Avenue
• Holiday Event furniture setup at Town Center
• Historic Town Hall gutter clean out
• Garden Guild event set up at Jennings Pavilion
• Public Art installation in City Hall
• Playschool lighting repair
• Reinforcement of Playschool fence
• Playschool toilet repair
• Holbrook-Palmer Park sandbag station replenishment
• Installation of tree identification placards at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Repair of water foundation at the Main House
• Repair speed feedback sign on James Avenue
• Clean-up of multi stack heat pump area behind library • Sign repairs – various locations
• Installation of speed humps on Selby Lane and Stockbridge Avenue • Toy drive table setup
• Tree down on Emilie Avenue
• Tree trimming various locations (medians and signs)
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
Historic Town Hall Gutter cleaning
Before After
Downed Tree on Emilie Avenue
Café Drain Clearing
Drain Cleaning on Maple Avenue
Main Hourse Water Fountain Repair
Before After
Speed Hump Installation on Selby Lane
Tree Trimming ( Various Locations )
Art Installation at City Hall
PD Toy Drive Table Setup
Holiday Event Furniture Setup 2024
See Click Fix December 2024
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 1 of 9 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 December 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 5 0 1 1 0 0 0
24-Nov 3 1 1 0 0 0 0
24-Dec 1 0 2 1 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 22 6 7 5 4 0 0
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 2 of 9 Types of Rental Activity for December 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 7 0 0 0
24-Nov 5 0 0 0
24-Dec 4 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 42 1 1 0
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 3 of 9 Revenue from Rental Activity for December 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 $2662.00 $0.00 $2662.00
24-Oct $4652.00 $0.00 $4652.00
24-Nov $3617.00 $0.00 $3617.00
24-Dec $6357.00 $0.00 $6357.00
25-Jan
25-Feb
25-Mar
25-Apr
25-May
25-Jun
TOTAL $36,358.00
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 4 of 9 General and Special Services for December 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 December:
• Replace lighting at Jennings Pavillion
• Playschool Fence repair
• Playschool Toilet repairs
• Sandbag Station Refill
• Tree name placard installation
• Playschool Door lighting replacement
• Jennings Pavillion Event setups
• Main House Event set up
• Art Foundation Event Setup
• Repair of water fountain near Main House
New and Future Planned Projects:
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 5 of 9 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 797 342 397 325 0 22 132.5
24-Nov 667 345 415 362 0 6 169
24-Dec 642 295 367 322 0 15 125
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 4,428 2,120 2,462 2,249 0 161 735
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 6 of 9 Photographs of Work Performed in December 2024
Main House Water Fountain Repair
Before After
Playschool Toilet Repair
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 7 of 9 Jennings Pavillion Lighting Repair
Playschool Fence Repair
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 8 of 9 Sanbag Station Refill
Playschool Door Lighting Repair
Parks Division Monthly Report –December 2024 Page 9 of 9 Park Tree Placards installed
Submitted by:
Interwest Consulting Group
Community Services
Monthly Report
December 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:
$3,254,891 $165,714,942 $67,738,094
Plan Check Fees Collected: $12,952 $225,412 $201,199
Permit Fees Collected: $58,647 $792,542 $467,063
Other Fees Collected: $20,430 $76,910 $39,872
TOTAL: $92,028 $1,094,863 $708,134
Applications Received: 42 429 380
Residential:
New Single Family Residential Permits
Issued: 0 15 10
New Accessory Structures Issued: 20 129 108
Addition / Alteration Permits Issued: 2 43 64
Reroof / Water Well / Grading Permits
Issued: 10 89 86
Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical
Permits Issued: 18 105 96
Demolition Permits Issued: 0 13 16
Non-Residential:
New Permits Issued: 0 1 0
TOTAL Permits Issued (2) 50 395 380
Inspections Performed: 607 4,229 3,916
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
Dec-24
Staff Level Reviews
Planning Commission Items
Plan Review
TOTAL 20 10 5 50
Planning Projects
December 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
Inspections
This Month
Activity Activity
Fiscal Year to Date
Arborist Activity Summary
December 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
Site Visits
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
Tree Removal Info. / Consu / C.E
Planning Commission met for their regular meeting on December 11, 2024, the following occurred.
• Public Hearing
4A. Review of the 2024 Master Plan Report (MPL24-0001) for Sacred Heart Schools, located at 150 Valparaiso Avenue (APN 070-390-010) and within the Public Facilities and Schools (PFS) zoning district. The Commission voted to accept the report.
4B. Consideration for a Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ24-00010) for an addition to an existing residence at 232 Oak Grove (APN 061-290-010) an approximately 44,682 square foot site within the R1-A zoning district and developed as a single-family dwelling. The Commission voted to APPOVE the tree protection zone exception. 4C. Consideration for a Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ24-00009) for a pool at 88 Linda Vista Avenue (APN 070-161-150) and approximately 44,394 square-foot site within the R1-A zoning district and developed as a singlefamily dwelling. The Commission voted to APPOVE the tree protection zone exception. • Staff Reports
5A. 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule for Approval. The Commission voted to APPROVE the meeting schedule for 2025.
5B. 2024 Summary of Planning Commission Items. The Commission received a report summarizing all of the Planning Commission items considered during 2024. The Commission DIRECTED staff to provide the summary report annually and to continue working with other Town divisions to resolve development review challenges.
The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting is January 22, 2025. 10 5
83 20
Summary of New Single Family Residential Permits Issued by Month 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
5 1 1 0 1
3 0 1 2 1
2 0 2 5 0
1 4 2 3 0
2 0 4 1 3
0 3 3 4 2
Jan. to June Totals 13 8 13 15 7
2 1 3 2 4
5 3 2 2 5
2 4 2 3 2
5 0 3 1 1
1 0 1 3 3
0 2 2 1 3
July to Dec Totals 15 10 13 12 18
28 18 26 27 25
Project
Type
No of
Plan
Checks
Average
Review
Days
Target
**
Overdue
Plan
Checks
92 8 10 0
99 4 5 0
9 2 3 0
0 0 0 0
Total Number of Plan Checks 200
** 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
December 1, 2024 to December 31, 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
36 58 62 90 71 89 76 95
75 65
88 64 42
52 78 65 82 55 50 62 53
105
68 87
35 50
520 509 532 566
514
548 543
522
715 767
950
668
607
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Counts
Plan Checks, Permits, Inspections
PC
Permits
Inspections
$7,844,090
$20,521,301
$12,970,492
$15,725,004
$9,041,275
$4,550,746
$8,500,073
$14,588,655
$49,730,313
$29,398,259
$1,907.582
$10,141,645
$3,254,891
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
Valuation
Summary Graphs
$120,809
$233,830
$127,197
$187,126
$121,195
$99,535
$145,756
$210,803
$385,239
$172,902
$321,439
$96,730
$81,773
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000
Fees
$76,910
$225,412
$792,542
$1,094,864
$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 3 1 2 12 26
Pemitted ADU 5 3 4 1 3 2 18 3 12 3 8 1 1 28 46
Finaled ADU 1 1 4 0 2 0 8 3 2 1 0 0 0 6 14
Entitled JADU 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 4
Pemitted JADU 2 1 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 2 7
Finaled JADU 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Entitled SFR 2 3 3 2 1 2 13 3 3 2 2 1 2 13 26
Permitted SFR 3 2 1 0 13 2 5 5 1 0 15 28
Finaled SFR 3 0 3 1 9 2 0 0 0 0 2 11
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Entitled ADU 53 35 26
Pemitted ADU 25 44 46
Finaled ADU 17 24 14
Entitled JADU 10 9 4
Pemitted JADU 5 8 7
Finaled JADU 0 2 1
Entitled SFR 20 17 26
Permitted SFR 26 18 28
Finaled SFR 17 29 11
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 $250,000 6/1/2025 90 Almendral Ave 4/14/2021 4/14/2024 8/31/2024 $250,000 7/1/2025 Total Penalties Deposited: $500,000
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 $828,000.00
2023 $559,000.00
2024 $780,000.00
Total to Date $3,648,000.00
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
Active Construction Time Limit Penalties
December 1, 2024 to December 31, 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 Management Analyst I/II, 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 December 2024
During this reporting period, there were 53 investigations. Of that total, 27 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, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, assault/battery on school grounds, DUI, and criminal threats.
Of the 2,428 total police incidents for the month, 1,690 were officer-initiated incidents. These incidents resulted in 386 citations being issued for vehicle code and other violations. Officers initiated 1,400 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 303 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 13 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 had one traffic complaint for the month of December. The location was Selby Ln at the intersection of Austin Ave. regarding vehicles not stopping at the stop sign during the hours of 6AM and 7Am. From 12/20/2024 to 12/27/2024 officers spent approximately two hours of enforcement in the area. During this time a total of four motorists were contacted for not stopping at the stop sign.
Bicycle Traffic Stops
There were 5 bicycle related calls initiated during December. 3 calls were for improper lighting and 2 for stop sign violations. These calls resulted in 1 warning citation and 4 verbal warnings.
Criminal Activity and Suspicious Circumstances
The Department responded to 112 locations (some locations multiple times) for property crimes (20), person crimes (8), and incidents of suspicious circumstances (86).
Municipal Code Violations
The Department responded to approximately 40 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 80 incidents during this reporting period, 76 of which were security checks, foot patrols by officers, and closing/opening the park. The other incidents were for an ordinance violation, dogs off leash, suspicious circumstance, and a welfare check.
Premise Watch
Officers completed 1,097 House/Vacation checks during the reporting period.
School Incidents
Officers responded to 152 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:
• During the month of December, three fights occurred on a school campus. • On 12/06, a non-student was located on school campus, was advised of trespassing laws, and escorted off campus.
• On 12/16, a battery occurred on a school campus.
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 7 1:43 <4 minutes
Medium 359 5:45 <6 minutes
Low 207 5:01 <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
November 2024 5:50
October 2024 5:20
September 2024 4:50
August 2024 5:50
July 2024 6:00
June 2024 3:50
Total Training Hours for the Reporting Period: 96 HOURS
NAME TRAINING/HOURS DATES
Abarca Critical Inc. Resp./8 hours Dec. 2
Andruha Crisis Neg. Competition/8 hours Dec. 7
Abarca CTO Course/40 hours Dec. 9 – 13
Larsen Executive Development/40 hours Dec. 9 - 13
The table below depicts the amount of officer-initiated activity and the number of traffic citations issued for the past six months:
MONTH OFFICER INITIATED ACTIVITY CITATIONS
December 1,690 386
November 1,411 310
October 1,306 643
September 1,579 734
August 1,735 632
July 1,634 639
Code Enforcement Activity Report
Summary: