Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – March 19, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL – Hawkins-Manuelian, Widmer, DeGolia, Vice Mayor Holland, Mayor Lewis – Present
PRESENTATIONS
• Sequoia Healthcare District
Chief Executive Officer Pamela Kurtzman led a presentation and encouraged a partnership with the Town related to programming and outreach.
• Introduction and Swearing in for Management Analyst Alexis Garcia-Dawson and Sergeant Doug Richardson
Chief McCulley introduced and swore in the staff.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NONE
• Resident Commented on the installation of speed humps on Selby and Stockbridge.
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS – City Council Members Council Member Hawkins-Manuelian disclosed communications.
DEPARTMENTAL WRITTEN REPORT
There were no comments.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – by City Attorney Ebrahimi City Attorney Ebrahimi noted that Council met in closed session, there were no public comments and there is no reportable action.
MINUTES
Town of Atherton
City Council
MARCH 19, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – March 19, 2025
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 – 4)
1. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR FEBRUARY 2025 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,429,576
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 19 AND MARCH 5, 2025
3. 2024 GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT
4. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE
ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO RESPOND TO COMMENTS FROM THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD) ON THE 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT AND ZONING CODE UPDATES.
Public Comment:
• John Riddle
Adopted Ordinance No. 673
MOTION BY: Widmer, Second by Holland to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 – 4.
AYES: Hawkins-Manuelian, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
REGULAR AGENDA (Items 5 - 7)
5. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING ATHERTON ARTS FOUNDATION
PROPOSAL FOR MAIN HOUSE
Management Analyst Talavera presented the report to Council seeking feedback on the Atherton Arts Foundation proposal for art on display in the Main House at Holbrook-Palmer Park and revisions to the Park Facilities Use agreement.
Atherton Arts Foundation representatives were present to comment on the item.
Council discussed rotation of the artwork on display, the duration of art on display, donations or art, and min-shows at the Main House. Council expressed support for the project and directed that staff move forward with an agreement with the Art Foundation and the use of the Main House as proposed.
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – March 19, 2025
6. REVIEW AND DIRECTION REGARDING CHAPTER 6.04 – ANIMAL CONTROL City Manager Rodericks presented a report with a brief overview of the history of the item.
Public Comment:
• George Manuelian
• Feed Store Owner
Council discussed concerns related to the number of chickens allowed on a property, surrounding community regulations, other non-domesticated animal keeping, best practices, permit control, and health and safety rules.
Council directed that the Animal Control Ordinance be returned to the Planning Commission and directed the Commission engage in a public process to examine setbacks, number of chickens, permit fees and the requirements for permits, consider the County regulations, and review the ordinance holistically for a review of other animals.
7. REVIEW AND DISCUSS POLICY ISSUES RELATED TO EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
City Manager Rodericks provided a brief report.
Council discussed community concerns related to fire prevention, emergency training, heritage trees and disfavored trees, CERT and ADAPT. The Council expressed support for the current relationships.
Menlo Park Fire Protection District Board Member Gary Bloom made comments.
Public Comment:
• Jerry Leugers
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS – None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
ADJOURN
Mayor Lewis adjourned the meeting at 7:55 pm.
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Anthony Suber, City Clerk