AGENDA PACKET
Town of Atherton
City Council
FEBRUARY 05, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
4:00 PM
Council Chambers
80 Fair Oaks Lane
Atherton, CA 94027
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This Agenda may not reflect the actual order of items. The order of items is subject to change based on Council action.
SPECIAL MEETING STUDY SESSION
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.
ACTION ITEMS PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
1. ADOPTION OF AN URGENCY ORDINANCE AND INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 6.04 RELATED TO THE REGULATION OF CHICKENS
Report: MONA EBRAHIMI, CITY ATTORNEY
Recommendation: It is recommended the Council adopt the attached Urgency Ordinance and introduction and first reading by title only of an Ordinance amending Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code relating to chickens.
Description: This is an urgency ordinance to introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 6.04 of the Atherton Municipal Code relating to chickens.
2. CONSIDERATION OF CREATION OF A CHARTER CITY COMMITTEE (EITHER AD HOC OR STANDING); AND, IF CREATED, APPROVAL OF A CHARTER FOR THE COMMITTEE
Report: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
Recommendation:ItisrecommendedthatCouncilconsiderthecreationofCharterCity Meeting Agenda Packet – February 05, 2025
Report: MONA EBRAHIMI, CITY ATTORNEY
Recommendation: It is recommended the Council adopt the attached Urgency Ordinance and introduction and first reading by title only of an Ordinance amending Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code relating to chickens.
Description: This is an urgency ordinance to introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 6.04 of the Atherton Municipal Code relating to chickens.
2. CONSIDERATION OF CREATION OF A CHARTER CITY COMMITTEE (EITHER AD HOC OR STANDING); AND, IF CREATED, APPROVAL OF A CHARTER FOR THE COMMITTEE
Report: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
Recommendation: It is recommended that Council consider the creation of Charter City Committee (either Ad Hoc or Standing); and, if created, approval of a charter for the Committee.
Description: This item will be a Council discussion of creating a Charter City Committee (either Ad Hoc or Standing); and, if created, approval of a charter for the Committee STUDY SESSION DISCUSSION ITEMS
3. RECEIVE AND FILE THE MIDYEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FY 2024/25 Report: ROBERT BARRON III, FINANCE DIRECTOR
Recommendation: It is recommended that Council receive and file the MidYear Budget Review for the General Fund for FY 2024/25
Description: The Council will review, receive and file the MidYear Budget for the General Fund for FY 2024/25
4. DIRECTION AND FEEDBACK REGARDING TRAFFIC STUDIES AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Report: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council review and provide feedback and direction to staff regarding prioritization of traffic improvements.
Description: This will be a Council review and discussion to provide direction to staff regarding the prioritization of traffic improvements throughout Town.
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 hilkffi()ifiifhihiill
Meeting Agenda Packet – February 05, 2025
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 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 – February 05, 2025
Item No. 1
Town of Atherton
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – PUBLIC HEARING
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MONA EBRAHIMI, CITY ATTORNEY
DATE: FEBRUYARY 5, 2025
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF AN URGENCY ORDINANCE AND INTRODUCTION AND
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ATHERTON
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 6.04 RELATED TO THE REGULATION OF
CHICKENS
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the attached Urgency Ordinance and introduction and first reading by title only of an Ordinance amending Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code relating to chickens.
BACKGROUND
In 2016, the City Council of the Town of Atherton amended Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code to enact regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property. The ordinance was enacted.
San Mateo County has historically handled animal control responsibilities for the Town of Atherton and other cities within San Mateo County. In 2023, in an effort to better coordinate with San Mateo County, Chapter 6.04 was deleted and reenacted to create a uniform and orderly administration of the County's animal control program. However, as reenacted, there was an inadvertent omission of any regulation relating to the keeping of chickens on private property. This ordinance would reenact the provision of the code enacted in 2016 relating to the keeping of chickens on private property.
An urgency ordinance is being proposed because unregulated keeping of chickens on private property could result in excessive noise, odors, and health issues to surrounding neighbors. Thus, immediate enactment of the ordinance is necessary to preserve the health and safety.
Animal Control Ordinance
January 30, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
ANALYSIS
Currently, Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code does not provide for regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property. This ordinance would reenact the previous regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property that were enacted in 2016.
POLICY FOCUS
Amendment of the ordinance is a significant issue for the City Council. Having regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property is important to maintain the health and safety of people in the Town of Atherton.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact in approving this ordinance relating to the keeping of chickens on private property.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposal has been determined to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Section 15305, minor alterations in land use limitation.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
1. Protect the health and safety of people in the Town of Atherton by reasonably regulating the keeping of chickens on private property.
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 1,600 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders – to include, but not limited to media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire District, service providers (water, power, and sewer) and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item ____ has or __ has not been before a Town Committee or Commission. ____ Audit/Finance Committee (meets every other month)
____ Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee (meets as needed)
Animal Control Ordinance
January 30, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
____ Civic Center Advisory Committee (meets as needed)
____ Environmental Programs Committee (meets every other month) ____ Park and Recreation Committee (meets each month)
____ Planning Commission (meets each month)
____ Rail Committee (meets every other month)
____ Transportation Committee (meets every other month) ____ Tree Committee (meets each month)
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT 1 – Urgency Ordinance NO. 669
ATTACHMENT 2 – Ordinance NO.671
ATTACHMENT 1
Ordinance No. 669 Page 1 of 4 February 5, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
ORDINANCE NO. 669
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON AMENDING CHAPTER
6.04 OF THE ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE KEEPING OF
CHICKENS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the Town of Atherton formerly had the proposed regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property, but it was inadvertently repealed through the reenactment of Chapter 6.04; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Atherton currently has no regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property, which poses a risk to the health and safety to people within the Town of Atherton; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Atherton currently has residents inquiring about the keeping of chickens on private property; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Town of Atherton's police power, as granted broadly under Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution, the City Council of the Town of Atherton has the authority to enact and enforce ordinances and regulations for the public peace, health and welfare of the Town and its residents and to regulate or prohibit certain land uses; and WHEREAS, this ordinance is an urgency ordinance adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the Town by Government Code Section 36937(b), and is for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety. The facts constituting urgency are:
1. The Town formerly had the proposed ordinance enacted until its inadvertent deletion following the reenactment of Chapter 6.04; and
2. Absent the adoption of this ordinance, there are no regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property, which poses a risk to the health and safety of people within the Town of Atherton;
3. Residents within the Town of Atherton are inquiring about the keeping of chickens on private property.
4. This use, left unregulated, could result in excessive noise, odors, and health issues to the surrounding neighbors.
The City Council of the Town of Atherton does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: Chapter 6.04 of the Atherton Municipal Code is amended by adding Section
6.04.045 to read as follows:
6.04.045 Chicken Regulations.
ATTACHMENT 1
Ordinance No. 669 Page 2 of 4 February 5, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
A. Lot Size Requirements. No legal lot less than 20,000 square feet in area shall be permitted to maintain chickens.
B. Number of Chickens
1. Up to 3 chickens are permitted on lots between 20,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet in area.
2. Up to 10 chickens are permitted on lots greater than 40,000 square feet and 80,000 square feet or less in area.
3. Up to 20 chickens are permitted on lots greater than 80,000 square feet in area.
4. No more than 40 chickens may be permitted on school properties that are 2.0 acres or greater in area for educational purposes.
C. Roosters are prohibited on any property in Town.
D. Chicken Enclosure Requirements
1. A chicken enclosure is defined as an outdoor area inside a fence where chickens are kept and allowed to walk around. A chicken enclosure shall also contain within its allowable buildable area, a chicken coop. A chicken coop is defined as an enclosed building where female chickens are kept which also provides protection from the elements and predators.
2. All chickens must be maintained and kept at all times within the chicken enclosure to ensure against trespass onto neighboring or public property.
3. Not more than one chicken enclosure is allowed per property.
4. The chicken enclosure shall comply with the following development standards:
a. Setbacks and Location. The chicken enclosure shall be located in the main building area. In addition, the chicken enclosure may encroach into the side and rear yard setbacks by not more than fifty percent of the required main building side and rear yard setbacks, or 20’ from side and rear property lines, whichever is greater. The chicken enclosure shall be located a minimum of 8 feet from the main building on the property. b. Height. The chicken enclosure shall not exceed six feet in height. c. Square Footage. The maximum allowable square footage for chicken enclosures, which shall contain a chicken coop as defined by this section, is 120 square feet.
ATTACHMENT 1
Ordinance No. 669 Page 3 of 4 February 5, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
E. Sanitary and Health Requirements
1. All chicken enclosures shall at all times be kept and maintained in a clean, sanitary and sightly condition; any enclosure found to be in an unclean, unsanitary or unsightly condition is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and subject to summary abatement as authorized by law.
2. Any water runoff from the cleaning and maintenance of the chicken enclosure shall be retained on the same property and shall not run onto adjacent properties or the public right of way.
3. All chicken enclosures shall be maintained to be well-ventilated, free from odor, prevent a breeding place for flies, pests or vermin, and secure from predators.
4. Chicken feed shall be stored in a rodent and predator proof container.
5. All permits shall be subject to conditions of current biosecurity practices as listed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to reduce the risk of introducing disease.
F. Permit Requirements
1. Any person wishing to keep chicken(s) on any property within the town shall first obtain a Chicken Permit from the Town Planner or Town Planner’s designee. The Chicken Permit application shall include the property owners of record, legal lot size of the parcel, the number of chickens to be maintained on the property, a site plan with details of the chicken enclosure, including setbacks and height calculations as outlined by this section. The City Manager may revoke a Chicken Permit if the keeping of the chicken(s) constitutes a nuisance. The Chicken Permit is not transferable to successor owners of the property upon which the Chicken Permit is issued.
G. It shall be the duty of the City manager, the Chief of Police and the City Attorney to enforce this chapter. No oversight or dereliction on the part of any official or employee of the town vested with the duty or authority to issue permits or licenses shall legalize, authorize, waive or excuse the violation of any provisions of this chapter.
SECTION 2: Authority. Urgency Ordinance NO. 669 is adopted pursuant to the authority conferred upon the City Council of the Town of Atherton by Government Code Section 36937(b).
SECTION 3: Findings. In adopting this Urgency Ordinance, the City Council finds and determines that each of the recitals and findings contained in Urgency Ordinance NO.669 remain true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference, and that the adoption of this extension is necessary to provide the Town of Atherton with the opportunity to protect the health and
ATTACHMENT 1
Ordinance No. 669 Page 4 of 4 February 5, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
safety of its residents by enacting regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property.
SECTION 4: Severability. The City Council hereby declares it would have passed this Ordinance sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, and section by section, and does hereby declare that any provision in the Ordinance severable and, if for any reason any sentence, paragraph, or section of this Ordinance shall be held invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this Ordinance.
SECTION 5: No Mandatory Duty of Care. This Ordinance is not intended to and shall not be construed or given effect in a manner which imposes upon the Town of Atherton, or any officer of employee thereof, a mandatory duty of care towards persons or property within the Town of Atherton or outside of the Town of Atherton so as to provide a basis of civil liability for damages, except as otherwise imposed by law.
SECTION 6: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and take effect immediately from and after its passage and approval by at least four-fifths vote of the City Council. Although not required by law, the City Clerk shall cause this ordinance to be published in summary format within 15 days after adoption in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated within the Town of Atherton.
Introduced on the 5 day of February 5, 2025.
Passed and adopted as ordinance of the City Council of the Town of Atherton at a regular meeting thereof held on the ___ day of ________, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ATTEST: CITY CLERK
MAYOR
ATTACHMENT 2
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
ORDINANCE NO. 671
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON AMENDING CHAPTER 6.04 OF THE ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE KEEPING
OF CHICKENS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the Town of Atherton desires to allow its residents to keep chickens on private property pursuant to reasonable regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Atherton has before enacted regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Atherton wishes to reenact those same regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property.
The City Council of the Town of Atherton does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: Chapter 6.04 of the Atherton Municipal Code is amended by adding Section 6.04.045 to read as follows:
6.04.045 Chicken Regulations.
A. Lot Size Requirements. No legal lot less than 20,000 square feet in area shall be permitted to maintain chickens.
B. Number of Chickens
1. Up to 3 chickens are permitted on lots between 20,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet in area.
2. Up to 10 chickens are permitted on lots greater than 40,000 square feet and 80,000 square feet or less in area.
3. Up to 20 chickens are permitted on lots greater than 80,000 square feet in area.
4. No more than 40 chickens may be permitted on school properties that are 2.0 acres or greater in area for educational purposes.
C. Roosters are prohibited on any property in Town.
D. Chicken Enclosure Requirements
1. A chicken enclosure is defined as an outdoor area inside a fence where chickens are kept and allowed to walk around. A chicken enclosure shall also contain within its allowable buildable area, a chicken coop. A chicken coop is defined as an enclosed building where female chickens are kept which also provides protection from the elements and predators.
2. All chickens must be maintained and kept at all times within the chicken Page 11 of 29 Ordinance No. 671 Page 2 of 3February 5, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
enclosure to ensure against trespass onto neighboring or public property.
3. Not more than one chicken enclosure is allowed per property.
4. The chicken enclosure shall comply with the following development standards:
a. Setbacks and Location. The chicken enclosure shall be located in the main building area. In addition, the chicken enclosure may encroach into the side and rear yard setbacks by not more than fifty percent of the required main building side and rear yard setbacks, or 20’ from side and rear property lines, whichever is greater. The chicken enclosure shall be located a minimum of 8 feet from the main building on the property. b. Height. The chicken enclosure shall not exceed six feet in height. c. Square Footage. The maximum allowable square footage for chicken enclosures, which shall contain a chicken coop as defined by this section, is 120 square feet.
E. Sanitary and Health Requirements
1. All chicken enclosures shall at all times be kept and maintained in a clean, sanitary and sightly condition; any enclosure found to be in an unclean, unsanitary or unsightly condition is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and subject to summary abatement as authorized by law.
2. Any water runoff from the cleaning and maintenance of the chicken enclosure shall be retained on the same property and shall not run onto adjacent properties or the public right of way.
3. All chicken enclosures shall be maintained to be well-ventilated, free from odor, prevent a breeding place for flies, pests or vermin, and secure from predators.
4. Chicken feed shall be stored in a rodent and predator proof container.
5. All permits shall be subject to conditions of current biosecurity practices as listed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to reduce the risk of introducing disease.
F. Permit Requirements
1. Any person wishing to keep chicken(s) on any property within the town shall first obtain a Chicken Permit from the Town Planner or Town Planner’s designee. The Chicken Permit application shall include the property owners of record, legal lot size of the parcel, the number of chickens to be maintained on
Ordinance No. 671 Page 3 of 3February 5, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
the property, a site plan with details of the chicken enclosure, including setbacks and height calculations as outlined by this section. The City Manager may revoke a Chicken Permit if the keeping of the chicken(s) constitutes a nuisance. The Chicken Permit is not transferable to successor owners of the property upon which the Chicken Permit is issued.
G. It shall be the duty of the City manager, the Chief of Police and the City Attorney to enforce this chapter. No oversight or dereliction on the part of any official or employee of the town vested with the duty or authority to issue permits or licenses shall legalize, authorize, waive or excuse the violation of any provisions of this chapter.
SECTION 2: Severability. The City Council hereby declares it would have passed this Ordinance sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, and section by section, and does hereby declare that any provision in the Ordinance severable and, if for any reason any sentence, paragraph, or section of this Ordinance shall be held invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be posted in at least three public places according to law and shall take effect and be in force from and after 30 days after its passage and adoption.
Introduced on the 5 day of February, 2025.
Passed and adopted as ordinance of the City Council of the Town of Atherton at a regular meeting thereof held on the ___ day of ________, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ATTEST: CITY CLERK
MAYOR
Item No. 2
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – ACTION ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2025
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF CREATION OF A CHARTER CITY
COMMITTEE (EITHER AD HOC OR STANDING); AND, IF CREATED,
APPROVAL OF A CHARTER FOR THE COMMITTERE
RECOMMENDATION
Consideration of creation of Charter City Committee (either Ad Hoc or Standing); and, if created, approval of a charter for the Committee.
BACKGROUND
At the June 5 Study Session, the City Council discussed the possibility of pursuing a Town Charter. (LINK to June 5 Agenda Packet – Item No. 5). Following discussion, the Council directed that staff return with a recommendation for next steps. At the November 20 Regular Meeting, the Council discussed draft charters, a timeline for pursuit of a charter, and the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining charter city status. (LINK to November 20 Agenda Packet – Item No. 3).
The Council directed that staff return with a proposed charter that would be followed should the Council opt to create a Charter City Committee.
ANALYSIS
Drafting of a Charter
Pursuant to Government Code Section 34450 et seq., a Charter may only be adopted, amended or repealed by majority voter approval. A charter can be drafted by a “charter commission” (elected by the voters), a charter committee (appointed by the City Council), or by the City Council itself.
When drafted by a charter committee of a City Council or the City Council itself, the Council decides whether to submit the draft charter to the electorate. If a charter commission drafts the charter, the commission is entitled to submit the charter to the voters with or without Council approval.
Charter City Discussion
February 5, 2025
Timeline
With an elected commission, there is an extended timeline for adoption. This is due to the election of members of the commission itself in addition to the election for the charter. This would place the timing for the elected commission on the November 2026 ballot and the charter itself, assuming the work is completed, on the November 2028 ballot. Elections cannot take place at special elections.
For a charter drafted by the Council (either through a Council Subcommittee or by the Council itself), it must be submitted to the electorate for approval. The earliest this could take place would be November 2026. There are numerous timelines prescribed in State law for process. The City Council cannot vote to place a charter on the ballot until 21 days. After it holds at least two public hearings on the matter, with each hearing preceded by 21 days’ notice and the second public hearing at least 30 days after the first. Typically, this timeline prescribes that the final version of any charter must be prepared no later than the June preceding the November election (June 2026).
Advantages and Disadvantages
While many historic advantages have been eroded over time by State law, the list below still provides advantage to local charter cities:
• The Town would be able to exercise greater local control over municipal affairs, as allowed by the State.
• As to municipal elections, the City Council could prescribe longer or shorter filing periods, longer or shorter notices of elections, different nominating procedures, different terms of office, district elections, different procedures for voting by mail or other election procedures. • The Town would be able to charge different fees or compensation than that which is prescribed in State law, coupled with the constitutional authority to regulate the granting of franchises.
• Public works contracting procedures on Town-financed projects could be made more flexible, as could procedures with respect to bond financing. • Ordinance adoption processes could be modified.
• A charter city can override statutory limitations placed upon the levy of a business tax and allows for more options with respect to property transfer taxes. • A charter city has some additional flexibility, but not unlimited flexibility, with respect to planning and land use.
While there are no actual legal disadvantages with charter city status, the Council should take the following under consideration:
• There is time, effort and expense required to draft a charter and hold the election. • A local charter will not be a barrier to matters determined by the State to be “of statewide concern” as has recently been the case with the numerous housing laws recently promulgated by the State.
Charter City Discussion
February 5, 2025
• The transition from operation as a “general law” city to a “charter city” may require some adjustment in other processes and procedures. Ultimately, there may be additional tests and reviews for conformity to a Town Charter that did not exist prior to adoption of a charter. • The simple or complex nature of any adopted charter may result in situations where matters are debated as to whether they are municipal concerns (i.e. local charter) or of statewide concern. This could give rise to legal debate and conflict when seeking resolution.
Forming an Ad Hoc or Standing Committee
Staff recommends that the Council consider discussion as an Ad Hoc or Standing Committee. An Ad Hoc Committee would be a Subcommittee of the Council working with staff and/or consultants. Members of the public would not be involved in discussion or meetings of an Ad Hoc Committee without transitioning the meeting to a Standing Committee. A Standing Committee is a Brown Act compliant Committee with public meetings (agendas, minutes regularly scheduled meetings). At a minimum, the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk would be involved at the staff level.
If the Council desires to move forward with a Standing Committee, appointments could be made at this meeting along with direction regarding a Committee charter. Staff would recommend the following for Council’s consideration:
Direct the charter of the Committee as follows:
• Committee shall work with staff to create a draft charter for the Council’s future consideration with a target of November 2026 presentation to the electorate. • Staff liaisons to the Committee shall include the City Manger, City Attorney and City Clerk. • If the Committee is appointed as a Standing Committee, work of the Committee shall be conducted at regularly noticed public meetings.
• Committee work shall be reported out to the City Council at regular intervals.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time. Establishment of a Standing Committee will commit staff time and resources to support the work of the Committee.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
Item No. 3
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT BARRON III, FINANCE DIRECTOR
DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2025
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE THE MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FY 2024/25
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the Mid-Year Budget Review for the General Fund for FY 2024/25.
BACKGROUND
The FY 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Report provides the Council with information about the status of the Town’s financial condition at the half-way point in the Fiscal Year. The Report highlights, at a high level, the current year expenditures, year-end estimates, and identifies any significant issues which may impact the upcoming budget. If staff is recommending adjustments, they will be incorporated into a Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Resolution that returns to the Council at the February Regular Meeting.
The FY 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Report projects total revenues of $26.3m. This is an increase of $817,000 over the anticipated revenue in the Adopted Budget of $25.5m. This is primarily due to increases in Property Taxes, ERAF, charges for services, and other revenues.
The FY 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Report projects expenditures at $21.2m. This is an increase of $183,900. After the initial adopted budget of $20.7m, the Council added an additional $5,000 for Earth Day and accepted donations of $240k for Police Department health wellness program and perishable skills training. These are all increases over the Adopted Budget of $21.01m. The increase of $183,900 is primarily due to one-time expenditures for operations and maintenance needs.
In summary, this is a net positive change (revenues over expenditures) of $634,000 resulting in a projected Year End Fund balance of $12.40m (inclusive of reserves).
FYI 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 5, 2025
FINDINGS | ANALYSIS
FY 2024/2025 Mid-Year Revenue Summary
FY 2024/2025
Adopted Budget
FY 2024/2025
Year End Estimate
FY2024/25 YearEnd Variance% Change
Revenues
Property Taxes $15,804,585 $16,084,471 $279,886 1.7%
ERAF $2,500,000 $2,771,578 $271,578 10.8%
Sales Taxes $442,400 $517,400 $75,000 17%
Franchise Fees $1,076,000 $1,111,000 $35,000 3.3%
Intergovernmental $40,800 $46,767 $5,967 1.4%
Business License $290,000 $290,000 $0 0%
Planning $850,300 $550,300 ($300,000) (35.2%)
Building $2,191,280 $2,341,280 $150,000 6.8%
Police $368,861 $535,361 $166,500 4.5%
DPW $816,700 $816,700 $0 0%
Park Program $115,000 $85,000 ($30,000) (26%)
Miscellaneous $1,005,096 $1,168,786 $163,690 16.28%
Total Revenue $25,501,022 $26,318,644 $817,622 3.20%
From the preceding table, the FY 2024/25 Budget projected total property tax revenue at $15,804,585 and anticipated revenue is $16,084,471 reflecting an increase of $279,886. Property Tax in lieu of VLF for FY 2024/25 is consistent with the adopted budget projections. Staff budgeted VLF In Lieu in anticipation of the State projected shortfall for FY 2024/25. The revenue projection for VLF In Lieu in the Adopted Budget for FY 2024/25 is $1,433,225. This includes a backfill of FY 2022/23’s shortfall of $424,698. The remaining amount of $1,008,527 is for FY 2024/25 VLF. Based on the FY2024/25 Update from San Mateo County, we received $504,147 in December 2024 and will receive $504,147 in April 2025 for a total amount of $1,008,295.
There is still a remaining VLF shortfall of $1,455,425 made up of a FY23/24 shortfall of $704,985 and a FY24/25 shortfall of $750,440.
The Town’s ERAF Revenue for FY 2024/25 is $2,771,578. This is an increase of $271,578 over the budget of $2,500,000. In FY 2023/24 the Town received $2,633,605 in ERAF. The Town treats ERAF as one-time revenue and uses it for long-term debt reduction and CIP. The Council reviews its allocation each year.
Planning Department revenues show a decrease at mid-year of $300,000. This is indicative of a slowdown in application for future construction permits. Building Department Revenue reflects an increase of $150,000 to total of $2.3m. Police Department Revenue reflects an increase of $166,500 due to continued donations received for health and wellness programs and various training. Park Program activity is projecting a decrease in revenue due to the slowdown in Park
FYI 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 5, 2025
rental facility reservations. This is a direct reflection on the continuing vacancy of a Park Event Manager. There is an increase in Miscellaneous Revenue of $163,600 at Mid-Year. This is due to the receipt of mitigation funds from the Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project for the planting and maintenance of trees in other areas of the Town. These are one-time revenues. All other Town revenues remain static.
FY 2024/2025 Mid-Year Expenditure Summary
FY 2024/2025
Adopted Budget
FY 2024/2025 Year
End Estimate
FY2023/24 YearEnd Variance% Change
Expenditures
City Council $66,615 $66,615 $0 0%
Administration $1,405,943 $1,430,943 $25,000 1.7%
City Attorney $310,000 $310,000 $0 0%
Finance $882,763 $882,763 $0 0%
Planning $1,426,970 $1,426,970 $0 0%
Building $1,659,166 $1,735,066 $75,900 4.57%
Interdepartmental $1,172,460 $1,172,460 $0 0%
Police $10,411,871 $10,464,871 $53,000 0.5%
Public Works $3,683,887 $3,713,887 $30,000 0.8%
Total $21,019,675 $21,203,575 $183,900 0.87%
There are several adjustments needed to the Operating Budget. These adjustments total $183,900.
Phase II of the Laserfiche Document Imaging implementation will begin in earnest in the Spring within Administration. A budget amendment to move to Phase II is included. Laserfiche is being implemented in a phased approach. Phase I included a comprehensive review of the Town records management program. This includes review and potential revisions to the records retention plan and policies; as well as a department-by-department review of how records are managed, stored, scanned, saved, and documented. Phase 2 includes a design of a workflow for each department to ensure retention is built in into each document type, meta-data and workflow. This requires additional appropriations of $25,000.
The Building Contract is a revenue-based contract such that when there is an increase in revenue, there is a corresponding increase in contractual costs. The projected increase in revenue requires an additional expenditure adjustment of $75,900.
The Police Department budget reflects additional appropriations for overtime and for an alarm monitoring system upgrade. The Department was able to use funds from regular budgeted salaries for additional overtime as the Department is not fully staffed; however, it maintains a budget for approved staffing levels. The Department additional overtime request of (+$13,000) applies in large part to backfill to maintain the 2 +1 staffing model for each shift. Backfill is mainly attributed to filling in for sick time, required training, and other related absences such as vacation.
FYI 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 5, 2025
There are additional appropriations needed (+$40,000) for the alarm monitoring system upgrade.
The Department requires total additional appropriations of $53,000. The Police Command staff review the Overtime Budget and use with the City Manager and Finance Director throughout the year.
The Town continues without a Park Event Service Manager and previously engaged a part-time temporary employee to manage events at the Park in the first half of the year. The arrangement was not sustainable given the limited number of hours available or guaranteed (approximately 15- 20). The Public Works Department is currently revisiting the possibility of a part-time temporary employee to manage events at the park. An RFP was released last year for Event Management services at the Park with no success of proposals received. This activity requires an additional appropriation of $30,000.
There are no other adjustments required within the FY 2024/25 Budget. Below is a table that reflects the Budget Fund Balance Summary.
FY 2024/2025
Adopted Budget
FY 2024/2025
Year End Estimate
FY2024/25 YearEnd Variance
Excess (Deficiency) Revenues
over Expenditures
$4,481,347 $5,115,069
Transfers out:
COP Debt Service ($861,871) ($861,871)
CIP Future Projects ($4,450,000) ($4,450,000)
Net Change Fund Balance ($830,524) ($196,802) $633,722
Beginning Fund Balance $12,597,357 $12,597,357
FY 2024/25 Estimate Ending
Fund Balance
$11,766,833 $12,400,555
FY 2024/25 Projected Year End Balance $12,400,555
15% Emergency Reserve Requirement ($3,180,536)
15% Contingency Reserve Requirement ($3,180,536)
FY 2024/25 Projected Unallocated Fund Balance $6,039,483 The FY 2024/25 beginning total Fund Balance was $12,597,357 (inclusive of the mandatory reserves). At the conclusion of FY 2024/25, after transfers out for Debt Service, the abovereflected departmental adjustments, and the transfer of funds to CIP future projects, the end of year fund balance projection is $12,400,555 (this includes all mandatory reserves).
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
The Mid-Year Budget Report is an opportunity to make adjustments and operations corrections based on unanticipated changes and the goals and priorities of the City Council. If there are projects or priorities that the Council wishes to address at mid-year, this is the opportunity to do
FYI 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 5, 2025
so. The Mid-Year Budget Report encompasses all changes to the budget thus far in the Fiscal Year. Staff will bring back a Budget Amendment Resolution to the February Regular Meeting to reflect the noted adjustments.
FISCAL IMPACT
Discussed above, the overall fiscal impact on the General Fund due to Mid-Year adjustments is a General Fund Net expenditure increase of $183,900 (.87%) against a General Fund (plus ERAF) revenue increase of $817,622 (3.2%).
GOAL ALIGNMENT
Goal A- Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
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 District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Item No. 4
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: FEBRUARY 5, 2025
SUBJECT: DIRECTION AND FEEDBACK REGARDING TRAFFIC STUDIES
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and provide feedback and direction to staff regarding prioritization of traffic improvements.
BACKGROUND
Over the last several years, a variety of traffic studies were completed to assist the Town in outlining areas where traffic flows can be improved and cut-through traffic reduced in various locations. These studies include:
• Alameda de las Pulgas Corridor Traffic Study – AMG 2019 • Local Traffic Flow – Long Range Planning Solutions Study – TJKM 2019 • El Camino Real/Selby Lane Traffic Analysis – Mark Thomas 2017 • Neighborhood Traffic Management Action Plan
• Local Roadway Safety Plan (draft 2024)
As background for discussion of this item, the Council was provided with copies of the above reports in late 2024 for review. Because these studies are extensive and detailed, the studies are not included again as attachments to this Report. The purpose of this item is a high-level policy discussion to confirm priorities. Full discussion of this item was postponed from several meetings in the past due to prioritization of other items of discussion. The item is being returned to the Council for any final comment and direction.
Each of the studies included recommendations for improvements and the Town, with the approval of the City Council, has initiated various Capital Improvement Projects using the priorities and direction provided by these studies. However, a refresh of Council consideration and confirmation of priorities would be helpful as staff moves forward with projects that improve mobility and safety along Town roadways.
Traffic Studies Feedback and Direction
February 5, 2025
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2 In addition to the above studies, the Town has been working with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority in evaluating complete streets options for El Camino Real to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle facilities on this important route, and has approved an agreement with Alta Planning + Design to update the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
These efforts will also be used in outlining priorities for improvements to our roadway network.
The Town also completed a traffic impact study associated with its proposed Housing Element which identified impacts and potential improvements.
Executive Summary Request
The City Council, through the Capital Improvement Program prioritized and approved various traffic and safety improvements throughout the Town. Projects require multiple years to move through identification of funding, conceptual design, outreach, redesign, plans and specifications, bidding, and construction. As a result, prioritization can shift. The following recommendations are made to streamline discussion and assist in prioritization of projects:
• Complete ongoing projects such as the ADLP Corridor Traffic and Safety Improvements, and the El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure Study. • Update the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, developed in 2014. The update of the master plan will assist in guiding and prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian projects desired by the Town and its residents. Implementation of Bicycle and Pedestrian facilities on Atherton Avenue and on Selby Lane were deferred by the Council pending completion of the Plan update. Projects currently in progress on these roadways are not required to address any frontage improvements associated with the 2014 Master Plan priorities.
• Continue implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Neighborhood Traffic Management Action Plan (these projects can include consideration of speed humps, striping, turn restrictions, and other traffic control measures). • Complete evaluation of the intersection of Dinkelspiel Lane and Watkins for potential pedestrian crossing.
• Fund the next phase (design and environmental review) of the El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure project following completion of the planning study. • Evaluation of traffic signals on Middlefield Road at Watkins Avenue and at Fair Oaks Lane, concurrently review other potential traffic safety improvements along the Middlefield Road corridor.
• Work with Caltrain on the required mitigation measures associated with the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project which include signalization of the El Camino Real / Watkins Avenue intersection and the Middlefield Road / Glenwood Avenue Intersection.
With the adoption of the Local Roadway Safety Plan, the City Council requested that the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee provide feedback on potential speed limit speed limit reductions along safety corridors and in school zones. Consideration of speed
Traffic Studies Feedback and Direction
February 5, 2025
9 1
2 limit reductions along safety corridors and school zones will return to the City Council for consideration following review and recommendation by the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee.
Council feedback, direction and confirmation of the preceding traffic and safety improvement priorities will assist staff in development of programmatic funding outlooks and budgets, evaluation of grant funding opportunities for project implementation, and responses to residents regarding traffic and safety concerns.
ANALYSIS
The following are summaries of the major findings and recommendations of the various reports.
Alameda de las Pulgas Corridor Traffic Study – AMG 2019 • Intersection of ADLP and Woodside Road – Update signal timing and provide traffic signal coordination between Woodside Road and Hull Avenue. (Outside of Town Limits – Caltrans signal)
• Intersection of ADLP and Hull Avenue – Provide traffic signal coordination between Woodside Road and Hull Avenue and reconstruct all the corner ramps to meet current ADA standards. (Outside of Town Limits – SM County signal)
o San Mateo County upgraded ramps in association with their street slurry seal project
o The Town can request San Mateo County evaluate and adjust signal timing in a coordinated manner with the completion of the Alameda de las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project
• Intersection of ADLP and Stockbridge Avenue – Installation of a roundabout or a traffic signal is expected to reduce traffic delay at the intersection. However, due to restricted right of way, it was recommended to install a traffic signal. (Shared intersection between Town and SM County)
o Town has included installation of a pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flashing beacon to improve pedestrian visibility and mobility in the FY 23-24 Capital Improvement Program. The project design is approximately 95% complete and has been submitted to San Mateo County for review. The Town will be working with San Mateo County to secure a contractor once the design has been approved. • Intersection of ADLP and Atherton Avenue – Installation a roundabout or a traffic signal at this intersection is expected to improve traffic operations and intersection LOS from existing conditions. However, due to restricted right of way and the potential need for property acquisition to install a roundabout, installation of a signal was deemed more feasible.
o The scope of the Alameda de Las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements Project, which is currently in design, includes the reconfiguration to install a roundabout at this intersection.
• Intersection of ADLP and Camino Al Lago – Installation of a traffic signal at this intersection and remove the existing mid-block crosswalk and signal on ADLP
Traffic Studies Feedback and Direction
February 5, 2025
9 1
2 approximately 150 feet south of this intersection; and, reconfigure the intersection to shorten the crossing distances. (Shared intersection between Town and SM County; mid-block crossing SM County) –
o The signalization of this intersection, along with the removal of the mid-block pedestrian activated signal, is included in the scope of the Alameda de Las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements Project, which is currently in design. • Intersection of ADLP and Valparaiso Avenue – Installation of protected left-turn phases for the ADLP approaches at this intersection (Outside of Town Limits – SM County signal)
Local Traffic Flow/ Long Range Planning Solutions Study – TJKM 2019 Alameda de Las Pulgas:
• Left-turn restrictions from ADPL to Stockbridge Avenue and to Polhemus Avenue –restrict during the am peak (Stockbridge Avenue intersection is shared with SM County). o Review of the potential restriction of turning movements has been deferred pending completion of eth Alameda delas Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project. • Signalization of the ADPL/Atherton Avenue intersection; Square-out the intersection by removing existing pork-chop and adding an exclusive right-turn lane making it safer for all modes of transportation; Provide protected left-turn phasing along Alameda De Las Pulgas with westbound right-turn overlap for Atherton Avenue.
o As noted above, the reconfiguration of this intersection is included in the scope of the Alameda de Las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements Project, which is currently in design.
• Meter traffic along the corridor upon signalization
o This option would be considered in the implementation of the Alameda de las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project and coordinated with San Mateo County
Valparaiso Avenue:
• The intersections of Valparaiso Avenue/Emilie Avenue and Valparaiso Avenue/Elena Avenue operate at LOS F during all study peak periods. Though these intersections meet peak hour signal warrants, to operate at acceptable level of service, exclusive left-turn lanes have to be provided along with the signalization at the intersections which would require ROW take. Due to ROW constraints this would not be a viable option at this time. TJKM also indicated that a one-way circulation loop between Elena Avenue and Emilie Avenue may improve operations. As Valparaiso is shared jurisdictionally with Menlo Park, coordination with Menlo Park would be needed.
o The Town has completed the restriping of Valparaiso Avenue to include buffering of the bike lanes as part of a cooperative project with the City of Menlo Park for the slurry seal and restriping of the roadway. No action has been taken regarding evaluation of roadway widening, signalization or implementation of a one-way traffic loop.
Middlefield Road:
• Signalization of Middlefield Road/Fair Oaks Lane and Middlefield Road/Watkins Avenue intersections
o This item has not yet been programmed.
Traffic Studies Feedback and Direction
February 5, 2025
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2 • Improve signal timings along Middlefield Road by updating the coordination plans through the corridor.
o Retiming and coordination of the signals along Middlefield Road from Marsh Road to Ringwood Avenue was completed through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Program for Arterial System Synchronization (PASS). • Provide Northbound Left-Turn restrictions from Middlefield Road onto Glenwood Avenue during the a.m. peak period.
o This item has not been implemented.
• Meter the traffic along the corridor at controlling intersections like Middlefield Road/Fair Oaks Lane, Middlefield Road/Marsh Road and Middlefield Road/Oak Grove Avenue. o Signal timing along the corridor has been updated. Metering traffic north of Marsh Road would require upstream signalization, which has not been programmed. • The study also made recommendations on street classification with proposed guidelines to support walking, biking, and transit usage along various streets o Certain street classifications were included in the adoption of the Circulation Element of the General Plan.
El Camino Real/Selby Lane Traffic Analysis – Mark Thomas 2017 • The study determined that most accidents, during the study period, could be attributed to vehicular turning movements. Based upon the review of the accident history, it was advised that controlling and regulating the movement of vehicles by installation of a traffic signal or physically limiting the number of movements by utilizing raised medians would improve the safety and operations of the Selby Lane/ECR intersection. Although, at the time, Caltrans preferred the traffic signal alternative since they believe it’s a better solution for reducing vehicular collisions and provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and bicycles, based on outreach at the time, the non-signalized alternative was considered less controversial for the Selby Lane neighborhood.
o Funding for improvements to this intersection was included in the Town‘s One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) application for the Selby Lane Bike Lanes Project. Grant funding for the project was not approved. The current El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure Study is evaluation the El Camino Real from north of Selby Lane to Valparaiso Avenue and will include recommendations on how to improve safety of all roadway users along the corridor.
Neighborhood Traffic Management Action Plan
• Recommended replacement of various signs to increase visibility – Completed • Restriping school crossings and installation of advance (shark tooth) yield lines – Completed
• Recommended changes to centerline striping on Atherton Avenue and Stockbridge Avenue – Completed
• Recommended installation of speed humps in various locations to reduce speeding and cutthrough traffic
Traffic Studies Feedback and Direction
February 5, 2025
9 1
2 o Predominantly completed – Staff has recently installed remaining speed humps identified in the short-term actions. Additional pavement markings will be installed to enhance visibility of humps on specific streets. Staff has received a petition for the installation of speed humps from residents of Maple Avenue, which is has been reviewed and approved by the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee. Installation is anticipated in the coming month. • Recommended installation of turn restrictions in various locations o These have not yet been implemented.
• Improvement of the Fair Oaks Lane/Station Lane/LLoyden Drive intersection – Construction is substantially complete
• Traffic and safety improvements along the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor – Included in the Alameda de Las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements Project. • Bike lane improvements on Selby Lane, Atherton Avenue, Valparaiso Avenue (enhancement), Stockbridge Avenue, and Marsh Road
o Bike lane improvements on Valparaiso Avenue were completed as part of the cooperative project with the City of Menlo Park.
o Selby Lane Bicycle Lane Improvements, which was under design, has been placed on hold pending the update of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Evaluation of options of other bikeways will be included in the refresh of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
o Bike lane improvements on Atherton Avenue were placed on hold pending update of the Plan.
• Installation of a traffic signal at the Middlefield Road/Fair Oaks Lane intersection o This item has not yet been programmed
• Working with schools and school districts to implement rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at mid-block crossings via safe routes to schools or other funding programs o Pending coordination and funding.
Local Roadway Safety Plan
The Local Roadway Safety Plan is intended to assist the Town in promoting a culture of roadway safety in Atherton’s departments, educational institutions, and residents, with a goal of reducing fatal and severe injury crashes to zero by 2050.
The Plan identified a High Injury Network (HIN) for the Town, including Motor Vehicle, Pedestrian and Bicyclist, including the following streets:
• El Camino Real (State Highway)
• Alameda de las Pulgas (bicycle)
• Middlefield Road (vehicle)
• Marsh Road (vehicle)
• Oak Grove Road (bicycle and pedestrian)
The Plan identified intersections for priority consideration, including the following streets:
Traffic Studies Feedback and Direction
February 5, 2025
9 1
2 • El Camino Real (State Highway)
• Valparaiso Avenue (shared with Menlo Park)
• Middlefield Road
• Alameda de las Pulgas
• Oak Grove Avenue
The City Council adopted the Town’s Local Roadway Safety Plan on November 16, 2024, including the designation of “safety corridor” streets that would allow for speed limit reductions along those corridors per CVC 22358.7.
El Camino Real
The Town recently completed it’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review of it’s proposed Housing Element update. As part of the CEQA evaluation, the Town conducted a traffic analysis associated with the proposed changes. The study indicated that the added trips would not cause an adverse impact, as defined by the Town, at any of the signalized study intersections. The study did however identify issues at four unsignalized study intersections, including two on El Camino Real.
• Selby Lane - Selby Lane was estimated to experience long delays equivalent to LOS F under the study scenarios. The peak-hour volume signal warrant analysis indicated that peak-hour volumes at the intersection would meet the peak-hour volume warrant under all scenarios, both with and without the project traffic.
• Alejandra Avenue - During the AM peak hour, Alejandra Avenue at El Camino Real was estimated to experience long delays equivalent to LOS E under the study scenarios. The added project trips would increase the delay for this approach. The peak-hour volume signal warrant analysis indicates that peak-hour volumes at the intersection would not meet the peak-hour volume warrant under any scenario, with or without the project traffic, therefore signalization was not recommended.
As noted above, the Town is conducting a Complete Streets Gap Closure study for the El Camino Real corridor from north of Selby Lane to Valparaiso Avenue, in coordination with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, the County of San Mateo, the City of Meno Park, Redwood City and Caltrans. This study will identity alternatives to improve safety and mobility of all users of the roadway. The evaluation will include key intersections and potential crossing improvements and/or signalization needs. It is important to note that the corridor is a State highway, under the jurisdiction of Caltrans and any improvements to El Camino Real must be coordinated and approved by Caltrans.
Funding for required design, environmental reviews and implementation would be sought after plan development and selection of a preferred alternative. Due to costs and complexities, it is anticipated that the Town would seek outside funds for the project as grant opportunities arise.
FISCAL IMPACT
Traffic Studies Feedback and Direction
February 5, 2025
9 1
2 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
POLICY FOCUS
The Council’s policy focus should be on input and prioritization of traffic and safety improvements.
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
None