Item No. 8
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 16, 2025
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN OPERATING FUNDING REQUEST
FROM ONESHORELINE IN SUPPORT OF MULTIJURISDICTIONAL FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review and consider approval of the request from OneShoreline for an operating fund contribution of $25,000 per year for three fiscal years – FY 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28 ($75,000 total).
BACKGROUND
OneShoreline was formed in 2019 via State Legislation. All 20 San Mateo County cities and towns, along with the County, supported the formation of the Special District, more formally known as the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District.
At the time of formation, each jurisdiction committed to providing three years of start-up operating funds. The Town’s contribution was $25,000 over three years for a total of $75,000 ending in 2022. Contribution amounts varied based on population and are outlined in the attached letter from OneShoreline.
OneShoreline extended their operations through December 2028 through a variety of efficiencies and additional funding sources; but, additional funding is needed to sustain operations.
ANALYSIS
OneShoreline is exploring additional approaches for additional funding, to include potential funding from Proposition 4 (“Climate Bond”). To date, OneShoreline has secured over $30m in funding toward regional projects. However, many of these funding sources require local match funding. To address the local match requirement, OneShoreline is exploring the possibility of a local ballot measure that would provide long-term funding that can be leveraged and matched with outside funding to sustain operations. However, a ballot measure will take time and to continue to meet its obligations, OneShoreline is approaching local agencies for another round of funding commitment consistent with initial start-up funding.
Request for Contribution to OneShoreline
APRIL 16, 2025
The request to the Town is $75,000 over three years beginning in FY 2025/26. A representative from OneShoreline is present for the meeting to provide a presentation on OneShoreline, its projects and the request for funding.
Regional Projects of Interest to the Town
OneShoreline has provided general resource assistance to the Town on flood control matters. In addition, OneShoreline has participated with the Town on the Flood Early Warning System and has installed flood warning and monitoring devices for early warning within the Atherton Channel in Atherton.
Upon formation, the Town participated with OneShoreline on the Bayfront Canal and Atherton Channel Flood Protection and Ecosystem Restoration Project. The Town contributed $1.35m toward this $9.5m project. Other partner agencies included the County of San Mateo, City of Redwood City and City of Menlo Park. Each agency contributed at differing amounts with the City of Redwood City contributing the largest amount.
This project, at the entrance to Bedwell Bayfront Park near the intersection of Highway 84 and Marsh Road protects five mobile home parks, and other housing and businesses from frequent, damaging flooding from runoff from upstream contributing agency watersheds. Local agencies began planning this project over a decade ago, and in January 2020, OneShoreline assumed the role of lead agency. Over the subsequent 15 months, OneShoreline certified the CEQA document, secured federal and state environmental permits, signed a funding agreement for Project construction and long-term maintenance with Redwood City, Menlo Park, San Mateo County, and the Town, and completed land agreements with several of these jurisdictions and a private landowner. Construction of the project began in May 2021.
Construction of this approximately $9.5 million project concluded in January 2022 — on schedule and within the allocated budget. The new underground culvert system is prepared to divert the excess stormwater flows from Bayfront Canal to the managed ponds of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, as designed.
FISCAL IMPACT
For FY 2025/26, the impact would be $25,000. A similar impact would occur in FY 2026/27 and FY 2027/28 to reach the total contribution of $75,000.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area C – Maintain Conservative Fiscal Policies and Financial Transparency • Goal Area D – Be Forward-Thinking
POLICY FOCUS
Request for Contribution to OneShoreline
APRIL 16, 2025
The Council’s policy discussion is a benefit analysis of continued regional participation in OneShoreline.
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. February 25, 2025 Letter from OneShoreline