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Agenda packet

Atherton City Council
January 22, 2025

Document
Agenda packet
Meeting
January 22, 2025
Body
Atherton City Council
Pages
53
Original file
51.5 MB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on atherton.primegov.com. That file is the official record.

AGENDA PACKET
Town of Atherton
City Council
JANUARY 22, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING
3:00 PM
Council Chambers
80 Fair Oaks Lane, Atherton, CA 94027
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Remote Public Comments:

Meeting participants are encouraged to submit
public comments in writing in advance of the
meeting. The following email will be monitored
during the meeting and public comments will be
documented for the record.

Email: [email protected]
This Agenda may not reflect the actual order of items.  The order of items is subject to change based on Council action.

SPECIAL MEETING
ROLL CALL – Hawkins­Manuelian, DeGolia, Widmer, Vice Mayor Holland, Mayor Lewis PUBLIC COMMENT – Public Comments can be emailed directly to [email protected]
As a Special Meeting, Public Comment is limited to items that are on the Agenda. Speakers’ time is limited to three minutes. Speakers may also speak when the item comes up on the Agenda during the meeting.

SPECIAL MEETING ITEMS

1. EL CAMINO REAL STORMWATER AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

PROJECT
Report: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council review and provide direction and feedback regarding conceptual solutions for the El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project.

Description: The Council will have a discussion to provide direction and feedback regarding conceptual solutions for the El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project.

2. UPPER ATHERTON CHANNEL STABILIZATION PROJECT
Report: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council review and provide feedback regarding conceptual repair solutions for the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project.

Description:TheCouncilwillhaveadiscussiontoprovidefeedbackregardingconceptual Meeting Agenda Packet – January 22, 2025

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Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council review and provide direction and feedback regarding conceptual solutions for the El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project.

Description: The Council will have a discussion to provide direction and feedback regarding conceptual solutions for the El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project.

2. UPPER ATHERTON CHANNEL STABILIZATION PROJECT
Report: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council review and provide feedback regarding conceptual repair solutions for the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project.

Description: The Council will have a discussion to provide feedback regarding conceptual repair solutions for the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project.

COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS

ADJOURN
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

If you challenge a Town zoning, planning, or any other decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the Town at, or prior to, the public hearing.  Judicial review of any Town administrative decision may be had only if a petition is filed with the court not later than the 90th day following the date upon which the decision becomes final.  Judicial review of environmental determinations may be subject to a shorter time period.

Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to each item of business referred to on the agenda are available for public inspection by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before each regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 752­0500.  Notification of 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.  (29 CRF

35.104 ADA Title II)
Public Comments:

The Town of Atherton Council and Committee or Commission meetings are a limited public forum, and all public comment must relate to something that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committees. If comments do not relate to the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committee, we will stop the comment and a warning may be provided. If the comment continues to be outside of the subject matter jurisdiction the speaker will be stopped, and we will move on to the next speaker.

Speakers found in violation of this rule of procedure may be removed from the meeting.

Rules of Decorum:

No person participating in a public meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct — including but not limited to applause, whistling, feet stamping, booing or making any loud, threatening, profane, abusive, personal, impertinent or slanderous uttering or comments. No person is allowed to disturb, disrupt, or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the meeting. If any person continues to breach the Meeting Agenda Packet – January 22, 2025

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Committees. If comments do not relate to the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committee, we will stop the comment and a warning may be provided. If the comment continues to be outside of the subject matter jurisdiction the speaker will be stopped, and we will move on to the next speaker.

Speakers found in violation of this rule of procedure may be removed from the meeting.

Rules of Decorum:

No person participating in a public meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct — including but not limited to applause, whistling, feet stamping, booing or making any loud, threatening, profane, abusive, personal, impertinent or slanderous uttering or comments. No person is allowed to disturb, disrupt, or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the meeting. If any person continues to breach the Rules of Decorum in a manner that disturbs, disrupts or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting following an order from the Mayor, or Presiding Officer, to cease the offending conduct, the Mayor, or Presiding Officer, may order that person to leave the meeting.

Meeting Agenda Packet – January 22, 2025

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Item No. 1
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: JANUARY 22, 2025
SUBJECT: EL CAMINO REAL STORMWATER AND DRAINAGE

IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and provide direction and feedback regarding conceptual solutions for the El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project.

BACKGROUND
Existing drainage infrastructure along El Camino Real is limited. Though it includes some drainage inlets, culverts and some storm drain infrastructure, there are limited points of connection to outfalls or downstream conveyances. Parts of the storm drain system were constructed along the El Camino Real by Caltrans in the mid-1940s and outfall directly to the Atherton Channel.

Other portions were either not connected or disconnected from downstream conveyances, creating localized flooding particularly at side street intersections.

The El Camino Real Drainage Improvements Project is intended to identify and design drainage improvements along El Camino Real that reduce flooding at the side street intersections and along the corridor while maintaining the integrity of the most significant regional arterial through the Town of Atherton.

The City Council approved a professional services agreement with Freyer & Laureta, Inc. on June 19, 2024, to develop potential drainage solutions for El Camino Real. It is intended that these solutions be compatible with future improvements to El Camino Real, which are currently being envisioned in the El Camino Real Complete Streets Study, which is currently under development.

ANALYSIS
Freyer & Laureta, Inc. (F&L), has completed its initial data collection and evaluation, including review of the topographical survey collected as part of the El Camino Real Complete Streets Study and has used that information to develop potential solutions to address localized flooding on El

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ECR Drainage Improvements
JANUARY 22, 2025

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Camino Real. Based on existing Caltrans As-builts and topographic survey, there is no existing storm drain system north of Isabella Ave, apart from ditches along El Camino Real and culverts under some of the lateral streets. A proposed storm drain south of Maple Avenue discharging into Atherton Channel was not built due to conflicting utilities. South of the Atherton Channel, there is a storm drain system collecting stormwater through a number of drainage inlets along El Camino Real and discharging into the Atherton Channel. F&L has been developing potential solutions to localized flooding throughout the corridor – from Redwood City to Menlo Park.

The majority of issues lay from the northern Town Limits to the Atherton Channel, located between Isabella Avenue and Alejandra Avenue. The preliminary concepts are focused in this area and splits the collection of stormwater in two segments: 1) Stockbridge Avenue, south to Isabella Avenue, and 2) Stockbridge Avenue, north to the Town Limits north of Selby Lane. The solutions are summarized as follows:
1) Stockbridge Avenue, south to Isabella Avenue:

The natural drainage pattern of this section of El Camino Real in northward, away from the Atherton Channel. The proposal includes the installation of catch basins at each intersection, connected to a 12-inch High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, directed southward towards Isabella Avenue, where it is collected at a de-watering pump station for discharge into the Atherton Channel. There would be intermediary manholes at approximate 300-foot intervals for maintenance access, and potential future connection of bio-treatment and drainage required to support the ECR Complete Streets project. As the natural drainage path is northward, the proposed pipeline would be installed at a progressive grade that would ultimately reach approximately 25 feet in depth.

The design of the dewatering system allows water to draw down localized flooded areas and convey the flows via the pump station into the Atherton Channel. The pump system would include dual pumps for redundancy and adequate pumping capacity. The pumps would be sized to dewater ponded flooding within about 60 minutes from the end of a storm event. The pumps would be connected to a float or other measuring device to prevent discharge when the channel is full, and there would be one-way valves that would prevent flows from the Atherton Channel to enter the system.

It is anticipated that the dewatering line trunk line would be installed in segments via directional boring to avoid existing and future utility work and roadway improvements.

Most work will be conducted in the rightmost southbound travel lane. Additionally, localized re-grading would improve existing areas of flooding that occur mid-block. 2) Stockbridge Avenue, north to Selby Lane and the Town limit with Redwood City:

The F&L team continue to investigate localized flooding and drainage issues along this stretch of the El Camino Real, particularly at Selby Lane. There is an inlet located at the southwest corner of El Camino Real and Selby Lane. A closed-circuit television camera inspection of the inlet and any connected lines is scheduled towards the end of January.

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ECR Drainage Improvements
JANUARY 22, 2025

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Once closed-circuit television cameras explore the underground infrastructure at this intersection, additional solutions in this area will be developed. This could include rehabilitating any underground infrastructure at Selby Lane, tie-ins to existing storm drains, French drain improvements, and improving grading of the shoulder landscaping and more pronounced overland drainage pathways, and drywells.

The conceptual level cost estimate for the proposed improvements, including all soft costs, is approximately $5,100,000. A more refined estimate will be provided once final design documents are drafted.

Staff is soliciting feedback on the proposed design solutions along El Camino Real to address localized flooding along El Camino Real. Upon receipt of comments, the design team will complete its evaluation of the northern segment and finalize the conceptual design. As the current agreement with F&L is phased, a subsequent contract is needed for the development of final plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) documents for construction bidding purposes, permitting coordination and environmental support.

FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.

GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal Area D – Manage Circulation and Improve Safety
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned • Goal Area G – Emergency Preparedness – Be Prepared

POLICY FOCUS
The Council’s General Fund Goals/Mission include preserving and maintaining the public right of way to allow for safe travel, as well as implementing drainage improvement projects that will improve intersection drainage and minimize localized flooding.

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.

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ECR Drainage Improvements
JANUARY 22, 2025

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COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission

ATTACHMENTS

1. ECR Drainage Improvements – Conceptual Design Layout

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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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©2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES (2024) Distribution Airbus DS © 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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© 2024 Microsoft Corporation © 2024 Maxar ©CNES
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Item No. 2
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: JANUARY 22, 2025
SUBJECT: UPPER ATHERTON CHANNEL STABILIZATION PROJECT

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and provide feedback regarding conceptual repair solutions for the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project.

BACKGROUND
The Town’s Townwide Drainage Study Update in 2015 identified a variety of drainage improvements required throughout the Town. The relining of the side slopes and bottom of the deteriorated portions of the channel west of Alameda de las Pulgas were identified as Tier I priority projects. The project outlined in the Drainage Study Update were as follows:

II1 – Reline Channel Slopes, Atherton Channel, Phase I
• Restore the sides of the channel. Assumed that the total channel length of 1000 lineal feel is in need of repair.
• Channel to be repaired excludes sections where other channel improvement projects are identified.
• Extend the life expectancy of the channel.
• This project would be phase I of two phases. Phase I would restore channel areas most needing improvement upstream of Alameda de las Pulgas. Phase II was identified as the segment from Alameda de las Pulgas, downstream to El Camino Real. • To identify specific locations most needing improvements, a condition assessment of the existing channel is recommended prior to design of channel improvements.

JJ1 – Reline Channel Bottom, Atherton Channel, Phase I
• Reline the bottom of the channel where deteriorated and regrade as necessary. Assume that the total channel length of 1000 lineal feel is in need of repair. • Channel areas to be repaired excludes sections where other channel improvement projects are identified.

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Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project
JANUARY 22, 2025

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• This project would be phase I of two phases. Phase I would restore areas most needing improvement upstream of Alameda de las Pulgas. Phase II was identified as the segment from Alameda de las Pulgas, downstream to El Camino Real. • To identify specific locations most needing improvements, a condition assessment of the existing channel is recommended prior to design of channel improvements.

In January of 2023, the creek channel sustained additional damages and erosion due to the history rain events that happened that month.

The City Council approved a professional services agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. on July 14th, 2024, to develop potential channel repair solutions for Atherton Channel west of Alameda de las Pulgas.

ANALYSIS
Tetra Tech has completed its initial site walks and data collection including topographic survey of the channel. The site walks included an assessment of channel construction type, areas where repairs are needed to preserve the channel. They have developed a conceptual design on how to provide needed repairs and additional protections for the channel.

The inspection of Upper Atherton Channel revealed several key issues related to erosion, structural deterioration, and vegetation growth within the channel. These findings are critical to understanding the current state of the channel and will serve as the foundation for developing effective stabilization and mitigation strategies. By addressing these problem areas, the Town of Atherton can prevent further damage to the creek and surrounding infrastructure, while also improving the long-term resilience of the waterway.

The general findings from the inspection are summarized as follows:
• The construction of the channel varies significantly along the length of the evaluation areas and includes the following:
o Natural (soft sides and bottom) and may include vegetation o Natural sides and protected bottom (concrete or rip-rap) and may include vegetation o Protected sides (rip-rap, sacked concrete, shotcrete or concrete) and protected bottom (rip-rap or concrete)
• There were areas of significant deterioration noted and included the following types of damage:
o Erosion of earthen bank material, particularly along outside bends of the creek. o Over-steepened earthen slope banks
o Soft soils on the banks in some locations
o Significant trees and vegetation growing within the channel at many locations. In some places, the trees and roots are providing erosion resistance along the banks. In other locations, trees have caused damage to the channel lining o Deterioration of sacked concrete.

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Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project
JANUARY 22, 2025

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o Spalled, cracked and or damaged concrete lining
o Displaced/eroded rip-rap areas
o Flanking and undermining of concrete invert in some locations. o Erosion along invert causing vertical cuts at toe up to 2 feet deep.

Tetra Tech prepared a preliminary layout plan to provide a visual overview of key findings in the channel as well as the proposed method/options of repair or mitigations. It includes photos of the sample damaged areas and typical details showing the various options of repair and protection.

These repair and protections include items such as the use of rip-rap, log crib walls, brush mattress slope protection, gabion baskets and concrete and secrete linings. The design options are intended to provide the most natural protections possible within available easement areas while still affording protection from future flooding events. The various repair areas are still being defined.

Additional detailed survey information will be collected for certain repair areas to further the design and will include plotting of the channel easements.

Staff is requesting feedback on the proposed design solutions to address existing damage and repairs to the channel. Upon conceptual approval from the Town, Tetra Tech will then conduct additional detailed survey data collection for certain repair areas to further the design and will include plotting of the channel easement. As the design is furthered, Tetra Tech will then initiate coordination with the different regulatory agencies, that have jurisdiction over the channel to obtain the needed approvals and permits required for the project. This process may alter the methods of protection to comply with various regulatory agency requirements and will lead to a complete set of construction documents for a future construction project to implement the design.

Design cost estimates shall be provided at each milestone step along the way, starting with the 30% Conceptual Drawings. Environmental requirements will also be developed in consultation with the regulatory agencies based on the proposed repair scopes.

FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.

GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
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• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned • Goal Area G – Emergency Preparedness – Be Prepared

POLICY FOCUS
The Council’s policy focus should be on the need to maintain public infrastructure as well as implementing drainage improvement projects outlined in the Town’s Drainage Master Plan.

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Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project
JANUARY 22, 2025

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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. Upper Atherton Channel Concept Plan

2. Upper Atherton Channel Photo Log

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