Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 15, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL – Hawkins-Manuelian, Widmer, DeGolia, Vice Mayor Holland, Mayor Lewis – Present
PRESENTATIONS
• Michael Gallagher Introduction
Deputy City Manager / City Clerk Suber introduced Front Desk / Receptionist Gallagher as a new hire.
• Police Department Therapy Dog – Emmy Introduction
Chief McCulley introduced Emmy and Sergeant Fong, swearing in Emmy the Police Departments therapy dog.
• HIP Housing Calendar Presentation
Community Outreach Specialist, Kevin Joyner presented the annual HIP Housing annual calendar.
• Atherton Library Annual Report
Ginny Miles, Library Manager and Nick Hernandez, Librarian presented the report.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NONE
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS – City Council Members Councilmember Hawkins and Vice Mayor Holland both had disclosures.
MINUTES
Town of Atherton
City Council
JANUYAR 15, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 15, 2025
DEPARTMENTAL WRITTEN REPORT
Council Member DeGolia commented on the PCE Member Agency grant discussed within the Administration report.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – by City Attorney Ebrahimi City Attorney Ebrahimi noted that Council met in Closed Session on existing Sanchez litigation, there was no public comment and there was no reportable action.
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 – 7)
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 18, 2024 AND JANUARY 8, 2025
2. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR DECEMBER 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,695,376
3. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PRIMARY GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH THE SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY FOR FUTURE MEASURES A AND W FUNDING
Adopted Resolution No. 25-01
4. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE LLOYDEN PARK SIDEWALK RESTORATION
PROJECT
5. APPROVAL OF REFUND REQUEST – 71 SELBY LANE
6. 2025 COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Pulled by Mayor Lewis for discussion.
7. SECOND READING OF ELECTRIC READINESS ORDINANCE (REACH CODE) TO AMEND SECTION 15.19.030 OF THE ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE Adopted Ordinance No. 670
MOTION by Widmer, Second by Hawkins to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 – 7.
AYES: Hawkins, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 15, 2025
REGULAR AGENDA (Items 8 - 9)
8. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. FOR THE TOWN OF ATHERTON BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN UPDATE, AND DEFERRAL OF THE SELBY LANE
BICYCLE LANES PROJECT
Public Works Director Ovadia made a report and presentation.
Council discussed issues related to Safe Routes to School, bicycle and pedestrian counts, traffic modeling software, community outreach, more frequent review of Master Plans, demographic changes, and forward looking perspective.
Council approved the Professional Services Agreement and deferral of Selby Lanes Project; asked that staff investigate the possibility of traffic monitoring software; ensure that Alta increases community outreach where appropriate, and that local data is collected and used in any analysis.
MOTION: By Lewis, Second by Holland to authorize the City Attorney to prepare and City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Alta Planning + Design, Inc. for the Town of Atherton Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update in the total amount not to exceed $250,000, including contingency. It is further recommended that the City Council defer implementation of the Selby Lane Bicycle Lanes project.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
9. PROVIDE FEEDBACK AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE HOLBROOKPALMER PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT Public Works Director Ovadia presented the item showcasing the conventional playground options and Magical Bridge options.
Council discussed issues related to playground groundcover, playground equipment, seating areas, shade, project timing, fall zones, size, and funding.
Council provide specific direction to staff regarding rubberized groundcover, the inclusion of interactive musical play equipment, addition of shade coverings, addition of a wood swing bench(es), inclusion of sandbox, additional picnic tables, addition of chess/play tables (nonconcrete), inclusion of a willow hut or similar structure, possibility of inclusion of some play structures from the existing play area, fencing, revisions to swing sets and the possibility of additional equipment that can be accommodated based on accommodated based on space and funding.
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 15, 2025
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
ADJOURN
Mayor Lewis adjourned the meeting at 8:25 pm.
________________________
Anthony Suber, City Clerk