MAY | 2025
5 MONTHLY REPORTS
DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION
NEW FLOORING IN
MAIN HOUSE
18 CONSTRUCTION
TIME LIMIT
Before and After photos of
new flooring in the Main
House
Summary of Properties with
Construction Time Limit
Penalties
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
WORKPLAN REPORT
This section includes the latest Workplan report on projects and programs as connected to the City Council Goals.
Reports from General Administration, City Clerk's Office, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Sustainability Reports from the Finance Department, Key Budget Updates, and Financial Advisories
Reports from the Public Works Department, service requests, capital project updates, and Town field service reports
GENERAL ADMIN REPORT
FINANCE REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
80 FAIR OAKS LANE
ATHERTON, CA 94027
650-752-0504
[email protected]
WWW.CI.ATHERTON.CA.US
A Division of Public Works, reports on Park maintenance and event activities as well as Park Committee updates
PARKS DIVISION REPORT
Reports from the Building and Planning Departments on
permit and construction activity throughout Town.
COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT
03 18
25 26
33 42
29 49
Reports from the Police Department on crime activity, code enforcement, and traffic
50 POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
SUMMER CONCERTS
Goal A
Preserve
Small Town
Character &
Quality of Life
City Council Goals
Each year the City Council meets to discuss Short- and Long-Term Goals for the Town. Each Council Report item includes a reference to the specific Goals that the activity supports. The Council established six (6) Policy-Level Goal Areas for the Town - Goal Areas A through F.
Goal B
Improve Public
Safety &
Emergency
Preparedness
Goal C
Maintain
Conservative Fiscal
Policies &
Financial
Transparency
Goal D
Be Forward
Thinking
Goal E
Maintain &
Improve
Public
Infrastructure
Goal F
Build Community
& Promote
Civic Participation
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 1 of 15 1 2 Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible 3 4 Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
5 6 Ongoing/Delay City Manager's Office/Public Works
7 8
9 Spring 2025 Planning
10 11 Annual Planning/Building
12 13 Fall 2025 Planning
14 15 Ongoing Planning/Building/City Manager's Office
16 17 Fall 2025 Planning/Police Department/Public Works 18 19 Ongoing Planning/Building/City Manager's Office
None Planned
Cultural Arts (Art in Public Spaces Program)
Foundation for "Celebration" art piece is being laid out and will be installed in the next week. The Art Foundation continues its regular art rotation program.
Land Use, Planning & Building
6th Cycle Housing Element
Access Improvements / Town Services
Received December Feedback, Reviewed and Adopted Revisions in February/March 2025 - Resubmitted to HCD. HCD Comments due May 6.
Public Workshops and Engagement
Hosted ADU Workshop via ADU Resource Center, Planning local ADU Workshop focusing on Rentals.
Zoning Enforcement
Planning Commission will undertake a review of the Town's Anima Control Ordinance with a holistic approach to all animals.
ADU Program - Tracking & Registry
Staff is working with HIP Housing to manage a database of active Atherton rentals. Staff is also working to develop a database of home seekers and home providers that could be used internally.
Safety Element
Staff is working toward updates for the Safety Element (General Plan) to bring Element into compliance with State law and address new environmental hazards. The consulting team is preparing the requried Vulnerability Assessment. Staff will be working internally and with the Fire Marshal to review the draft prior to its public release. Public input will be a component of the Safety Element update.
SB9 Program & Tracking
Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas.
Goal Area A Preserve Small Town Character & Quality of Life Quality of Life
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 2 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 20 21 Ongoing Planning
22 23 Ongoing Planning
24 25 June 2025 Planning/Building
26 27 Done Finance
28 29
30 31 Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible 32 33 Ongoing Police Department
34 35 Ongoing Police Department
36 37 Ongoing Police Department
38 39 Ongoing Police Department
Noise Enforcement
None; however, with warmer weather it is anticipated that noise complaints will increase.
Parking Enforcement
The PD is conducting additional enforcement @ Town Center/Neighborhoods/Evaluation of Redcurb Requirements on Maple. After evaluation, a recommendation will return to the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee for review. This may include recommendations for parking restrictions, speed humps, and movement restrictions. Evaluation period will be through April.
Code Enforcement
In partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and Code Enforcement, Admin and Planning staff are working to develop an internal process to manage appeals that result in Administrative Hearings. Code Enforcment will also be recommending updates to the Heritage Tree Ordinance regarding the same.
Burglaries & Crime Prevention
Focusing on HTO Updates - Eucalyptus Trees, Canopy, Redwood Trees; Reviewing State-law changes to ADU Ordinance. These items are on the Commission's docket for review.
Process Improvements
Staff has launched a "Pre-Permit Collaborative Meeting" process for any new development. This is an opportunity for the full project team(s) to meet with staff from Building, Planning, and Public Works to review their project pre-submittal.
Goal Area B Improve Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Law Enforcement
Developing SB9 Public Workshop for Late Spring 2025
Multi-Family Project Planning
There are four RM10 projects that have reached out to the Town for information around zoning restrictions and process. At this time, none have submitted applications.
PFS Multi-Family Solutions
There are no pending projects.
Code Updates
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 3 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 40 41 Annual Police Department
42 43 Annual Police Department
44 45 Ongoing Police Department
46 47 Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
48 49 June 2025 Police Department
50 51 Ongoing Police Department
52 53 Annual Police Department
54 55
56 Ongoing Fire/Police Department
57 PD hosted Active Response/Active Shooter/Perishable Skills Training (All Hands) Annual Program Audits
None
Fire
Evacuation Planning & Studies
Funds added at Mid-Year 2024/25 and staff is working on necessary equipment procurements. Timetable will depend on ordering, delivery and setup schedule. Expectation for upgrade is June 2025.
Departmental Training & Compliance
The Police Department will be hosting an open house in May.
Drone Program Updates
None
K9 Program Updates
None
Directed Enforcement Activities
None
Emergency Response
None
PD Alarm System Monitoring Upgrade
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 4 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 58 Ongoing Planning/Police Department/Fire
59 60
61 Ongoing City Manager's Office/Police Department
62 63 Ongoing Police Department
64 65
66 Fall Police Department
67 68 Ongoing Police Department
69 70 Fall Public Works
71 72 Ongoing Police Department
73 74
75 76 Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible 77 78 Annual All
79 80 Annual Finance
Required Training (ICS/NIMS)
PD working on streamlined training handout for staff and elected officials - most training is online via DHS/FEMA Community Education
PD to host/plan for fall Disaster Drill
Disaster Communications
Disaster Preparedness
Host Annual Community Preparedness Drill
PD to host/plan for fall Disaster Drill
Winter Storm Preparedness Activities
Local Responsibility Area (LRA) - Fire Hazard Zone Updates None. The District included information about Fire Protection Zones in the Spring 2025 Newsletter.
Communications
Prepare and Present Annual Audit
Initiating FY 2025/26 Budget Review; Budget meetings at Study Sessions. Joint Meetings with the Audit and Finance Committee. Budget Adoption Target June 2025.
Goal Area C Maintain Conservative Fiscal Policies and Financial Transparency Fiscal Sustainability
Collaborate with ADAPT
Adopt a Balanced Budget
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 5 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 81 82 Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Finance
83 84 Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Finance
85 86 FY 2024/25 City Manager's Office/Finance
87 88 Ongoing City Manager's Office/Finance
89 90 Ongoing Police Department/Finance/City Manager's Office 91 92 Annual City Manager's Office/Finance
93 94
95 Ongoing City Manager's Office/Finance
96 97
98 99 Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible Goal Area D Be Forward Thinking
None
None
Staff is meeting with OpenGOV's engineering team for Story Design and Creation. We are evaluating a premium subscription to OpenGOV to launch this project. The premium subscription service will provide support and design. If there is a change in pricing, it will be included in the FY 2025/26 Budget.
Review Unfunded Actuarial Liability (PERS)
Review Long-Term Debt (Borrowing)
Quarterly Review of PD Overtime by CM/Finance due in March. Based on analysis, OT budget for FY 2025/26 will be included in the Budget at $750k.
Reviewing Rate Adjustments/Discussion of Adjustment TBD - June 2025. Currrently, rate is cut by 50% to 5% (prior 10%).
Communications & Engagement
Council to review incorporation of $3m ADP as part of the CIP Project Allocation Discussion in May.
None
None
Investigate Diversification of Revenues
Review Post Employment Benefits (OPEB)
OpenGOV Portal Updates & Stories
Consider Reduction in Franchise Fee Revenue (Refuse)
Management of Overtime
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 6 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 100
101 Ongoing City Manager's Office
102
103 Fall 2025 City Manager's Office/Building Department 104
105 Ongoing City Manager's Office
106
107 Ongoing City Manager's Office
108
109 Annual City Manager's Office
110
111 Ongoing City Manager's Office/Police Department
112
113 Ongoing City Manager's Office
114
115
116 Ongoing City Manager's Office
117
118 Summer - Annual City Manager's Office
Succession Planning
Internship Program
Leaf Blower Rebate/Gas Leaf Blower Ban
Ongoing. Council to review continuation of rebate program as part of budget review for FY 2025/26 at $12,500.
Edible Food Recovery Program/Food Generator Monitoring
Electrify Fleet
EV Charging to be installed in PD parking lot to support new all electric vehicles Staff Report Integration
Staff is working to integrate CAP finding into staff reports Town Operations
Sustainability & Climate Change
Implementation of Climate Action Plan
EPC to begin review of CAP
Green Building Codes
None. Additional changes coming in the late Fall 2025
SB 1383 Compliance
In compliance
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 7 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 119
120 Ongoing City Manager's Office
121
122 Ongoing City Manager's Office
123
124 Ongoing City Manager's Office
125
126 Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
127
128 June 2025 City Manager's Office/All
129
130 Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
131
132 Fall 2026 City Manager's Office
133
134
Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
135
Internship program will launch in early 2025. Flyers will be developed and posted/connected with local schools and colleges.
Management Analyst Program
Kick-Off meetings held. Individual department migration to began in March 2025 Public Facing Connections (PD, Admin, CD)
Labor Negotiations
Analysts to focus on Social Media (Departmentally); Collaboration around Earth Day event; Collaboration around implementation of Laserfiche (Departmentally) Cyber Security
None
Employee Wellness
Lunch and Learn sessions commence in March
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Document Management (Laserfiche)
Negotiations to begin in Fall 2026. MOU Expires June 2027.
Required Trainings (AB 1234, Sexual Harassment Prevention, Supervisory Training, Brown Act, ETC.
Additional trainings scheduled for early 2025 for staff, elected officials, and appointed committee members. AB 1234 Ethics & AB 1661 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training have been scheduled.
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 8 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 136 June 2025 City Manager's Office
137
138 Ongoing City Manager's Office
139
140
141
142 Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible 143
144 Ongoing Public Works
145
146 Ongoing Public Works
147
148 Ongoing Public Works
149
150 Ongoing Public Works
151
152 Ongoing Public Works
153
154 Ongoing Public Works
Brightview landscaping improvements ongoing.
Public Infrastructure Projects
Facilities - Pavilion
Flooring Project complete. Painting complete. Other facility improvements in review - light fixtures, plate covers, etc.
Flooring Project completed.
Facilities - Carriage House
Administrative Ordinance Updates
Work with Public Works and City Attorney's Office to update the Town's Purchasing Ordinance to be reflective of the Uniform Contracting laws at the State level. Set for May Agenda.
IT Infrastructure
Staff is investigating upgrading the Town phone systems, there may be some cost saving options, with monthly/annual costs and maintenance needs. We have built out some SharePoint sites although we have not promoted the use broadly. This project will be reinitiated in early 2025. The Town Website AI ChatBot will go live once initial prompts have been instituted. In mid 2025, the Town website will transition to “.gov” from our current domain.
Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
Children's Garden reviewed by Council; feedback incorporated and designs are being updated to reflect changes. Project to be bid by June 2025.
Facilities - City Hall
Facilities - Corporation Yard (Park)
Facilities - Library
Facilities - Main House
Goal Area E
None currently underway.
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 9 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 155
156 Ongoing Public Works
157
158 Ongoing Public Works
159
160 Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Public Works
161
162 Spring 2025 City Manager's Office/Public Works
163
164 December 2024 & Spring 2025 Public Works
165
166 Ongoing Public Works
167
168 April 2025 Public Works
169
170 May 2025 Public Works
171
172
Generator Project completed.
AT&T Facilities @ Town Hall
Design vendors working on internal diarama.
Generator Backup Update
ADA Transition Planning
None currently underway.
None currently underway.
Facilities - Corporation Yard (Town Center)
Solar project completed; however, PG&E cutover anticipated now in September 2025 None
Master Plans and Plan Projects
Vault work complete. Brightview finishing landscape surround. AT&T/PG&E to finish connections.
None currently underway.
City Hall Solar Project
EV Charging Stations
Train Station Museum Project
Grant approved for charging stations. Staff to work on implementation.
Public Drainage Facilities
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 10 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 173 Ongoing Public Works
174
175 Ongoing Public Works
176
177 October 2025 Public Works
178
179 Fall 2025 Fall 2025
180
181 Fall 2025 Public Works
182
183 Winter 2025 Public Works
184
185 Otober 2025 Public Works
186
187 Summer 2025 Public Works
188
189 March 2026 Public Works
190
Design team working on finalizing design for roadway improvements; currently at 60% design, and incorporation of the roundabout at Atherton Avenue as directed by Council; draft design of Roundabout anticipated in the next 2 weeks to be shared 1:1 w/Council and then made avaialble for public inspections pending Council approval of bid documents for public bidding. Project is delayed due to Cultural Artifact Review. Staff is working with Caltrans to determine if this will impact grant award.
Completed 2024 paving projects including spring patching, slurry seal, and overlay projects. Implemented cooperative project with Menlo Park on Valparaiso Avenue (slurry and restripe). Input completed projects into the Town’s Pavement Management System. Coordinated 2024 pavement assessments in the field and final report in Winter 2024/25 (PTAP Grant). Initiating street evaluation and selection for 2025 maintenance projects.
Selby Bike Lanes on Hold pending completion of Master Plan Staff is connecting with RWC for possible contract oversight. In the interim, the RFP is being repackaged and released.
Pickleball courts are in full use. Resident input on court management, software, Player Capital use, and conversion of clay court to regular court. Issues will be returned to P&R Committee.
Council approved modifications to design. Design vendor is completing plan redesign.
Engineering walkthroughs have been completed for the site and the vendor is now working up solutions. Preliminary plan (10%) was reviewed by staff in December 2024/January 2025.
Initial survey data is complete, and preliminary solutions are being developed. Preliminary solutions were presented to the Council for discussion. Council direction narrowed. Staff reviewed video of ECR line into COUNTY.
BIKE/PED - Master Plan Refresh
DRAINAGE - El Camino Real
DRAINAGE - Channel Project
PARK - Playground
PARK - Pickleball Program
PARK - Park Event & Facilities Management Review
ROADS - Alameda Corridor Project
ROADS - Pavement Projects
BIKE/PED - Bicycle Lanes on Selby Lane
Vendor will be at Earth Day to gather input. Phase 1 of the project is the scoping and public engagement. The draft plan refresh will begin its public review in the early Fall.
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 11 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 191 June 2030 Public Works
192
193 Annual Public Works
194
195 Annual Public Works
196
197
198 Ongoing Police Department/Public Works
199
200 June 2025 Police Department/Public Works
201
202 June 2025 Police Department/Public Works
203
204 June 2025 Public Works
205
206 Ongoing Public Works
207
208 Ongoing Police Department/Public Works
Speed Humps
Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
Staff issued proposal packets for informal bids/pricing; once pricing is finalized, staff will reach out to property owners for work and cost sharing. 2 alternatives submitted to Caltrans/SamTrans/C/CAG for next phase.
ROADS - El Camino Real Corridor Project
Directed Enforcement
HAWK Beacon Projects
Town Center Parking and Traffic Flow
None Planned
Maple Avenue speed hump request and discussion of parking concerns will be processed via the TBPSC. Most speed humps have been installed. There has been some negative feedback regarding the need for speed humps. This may percolate up to the Council.
Transportation Committee to discuss the Town Center Parking and Traffic Flow.
Will coordinate inspections of Town bridges in Spring 2025.
ROADS - Sidewalk Inpsection & Repair
Watkins/Station Lane Crosswalk
Transportation Committee to consider report regarding possibility of crosswalk @ Watkins/Station Lane Intersection Signalization
Signalization projects via the PCEP with Caltrain mitigation is presently in the scoping phase ROADS - Annual Bridge Inspection Program
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 12 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 209
210 Ongoing Public Works
211
212 Ongoing Public Works
213
214
215
216 Project/Objective Target Completion (If Applicable) Departments Responsible 217
218 Annual City Manager's Office
219
220 March 2025 City Manager's Office
221
222 Ongoing City Manager's Office
223
224 Monthly City Manager's Office
225
226 Monthly City Manager's Office
227
228 Quarterly City Manager's Office/All
229
230 April 2025 City Manager's Office/Public Works
That's A Wrap Newsletter
Monthly Matters Newsletter
Senior Task Force
Survey feedback ongoing
Task Force reviewing various events for the year and working with staff to advertise/host.
Monthly
None
Park Maintenance
None
Town Cleanliness & Safety
None
Community Survey
Town Hall & Issue Workshops
Community Engagement
Build Community & Promote Civic Participation
Athertonian Newsletter
Goal Area F
Monthly
Spring Athertonian in design phase
How to Engage Brochure (Tri-Fold)
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 13 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 231
232 Monthly City Manager's Office/Public Works
233
234 Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
235
236
237 Ongoing City Manager's Office
238
239 Ongoing City Manager's Office/All
240
241 Ongoing City Manager's Office
242
243 Ongoing City Manager's Office
244
245 Ongoing City Manager's Office
246
247
248 April - Annual City Manager's Office
249
250 April City Manager's Office
251
252 October - Annual Police Department/City Manager's Office 253
254 April - Annual Public Works
Instagram
Earth Day
Ongoing
Ongoing
Easter Egg Hunt
Hosted. Small turnout but learning experience for next year.
Website Communications (News Flashes, etc.)
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Community Events & Activities
Event hosted in April.
Planning to begin in August 2025
X/Formerly Twitter
Arbor Day
Halloween Event
Community Partner Engagement
Town Banner Program
Banners to be replaced in April for Summer Events
NextDoor
Social Media
Town Website
Departments are working to produce a cross-departmental tri-fold print and digital "How to Connect With Us" brochure for the community.
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 14 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 255
256 December - Annual City Manager's Office
257
258 December - Annual City Manager's Office
259
260 May - Annual Police Department
261
262 April - Annual City Manager's Office
263
264 Spring / Fall - Annual Police Department
265
266 Sumner - Annual City Manager's Office
267
268 Sumner - Annual City Manager's Office
269
270 August - Annual Police Department
271
272 November - Annual Police Department
273
274 December - Annual Police Department
275
Planning to begin in April 2025
Planning to begin in October 2025
Public Safety Open House
Volunteer Holiday Party
Planning to begin in October 2025
Event hosted in April.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Coffee with a Cop
ADAPT/RVP Annual Dinner
National Night Out
Summer Movie
Planning to begin in October 2025
Shred-It, Compost, E-Waste & Recycling Event
Summer movie planned.
Planning to begin in June 2025
Planning to begin in October 2025
Event hosted in April.
Safety meeting to be hosted in Fall.
Summer concerts planned and widely sponsored.
Summer Concerts
Community Safety Meeting
Date and Time Printed: 5/2/25 9:46 AM Workplan Updates Page 15 of 15 Workplan Update - 2025
The Workplan Update is based on the City Council's six (6) Adopted Policy Goal Areas. 276 December - Annual Police Department
277
278 December - Annual Police Department
279
280 September - Annual Police Department
281
282 June 2025 Police Department
283
Bicycle Rodeo
Annual Toy Drive
Shop with a Cop
Planning to begin March 2025
Planning to begin in October 2025
Planning to begin in October 2025
E-Bike Safety Workshop
Planning to begin in August 2025
The City Clerk’s Division is a part of the City Manager’s Office and consists of the City Clerk, a Reception/Postal Clerk, and a Management Analyst I/II. These core personnel support the Town’s City Clerk, Human Resources, Sustainability, Risk Management, Information Technology, Event Management, and Town Reception/Postal services. The Town utilizes the services and assistance of various consultants in the performance of the Department’s responsibilities.
HR Systems & Activities
Status of Vacancies:
There are 44 full-time authorized positions within the 2024/25 Budget. Of that total, there are 14 employees within the City Manager’s Office, Finance Department, Building Department, and Public Works Department. Within the Police Department, there are 21 sworn public safety personnel and 9 non-sworn public safety personnel. We have one (1) vacant Police Officer position. Police leadership is actively recruiting and vetting candidates to fill this opening. City Manager Interns will begin in late May/early June. The Town is currently at 98% staffing.
Recruitment & Retention Efforts:
The Town has not experienced any significant challenges with recruiting or retaining staff members. There are no changes needed to policies or recruitment efforts and no identified obstacles.
Employee Wellness Activities:
The Town’s Employee Assistance Program provider will resume the lunch and learn series on June 3rd focusing on Having Difficult Conversations in the Workplace.
Committee & Commissioners are invited as well as Town staff and consultants.
Outreach Events & Activities:
Summer Concerts:
The Town will host three (3) concerts this summer at HolbrookPalmer Park. We are thrilled to welcome Take 2 Dance band and introduce two first timers to Atherton.
• Thursday, June 19 – The Freshmakers -
www.freshmakersband.com
City Clerk Monthly Report
May 21, 2025
• Thursday, July 17 – Take 2 Dance Band - www.take2danceband.com • Thursday, August 21 – Mercy and the Heartbeats - www.mercyandtheheartbeats.com Summer Movies:
The movies begin at sunset (usually starting after 7:30 PM) and are shown in Holbrook-Palmer Park. This year
we will introduce a matinee showing at 4:00 PM in the
Council Chambers.
• Friday, June 27 - Wicked
• Friday, July 25 - The Wizard of Oz) & matinee
showing at 4 PM.
IT Systems & Activities
The Town’s IT systems are operating within acceptable limits. Current IT priorities include:
• IT Special Projects:
o Performed maintenance of park cameras to restore service. o Equipment inventory assessment and ordering backup devices. o Investigated lease agreements with Dell and arranged for robust computers for the Dispatch area.
o Assisting the Police Department with GIS boundary maps and cyber security vendor.
o Cybersecurity (ESET) reboot and cleanup and running additional cyber security penetration testing.
o Assisting the Building and Planning Department with software renewals for file sharing systems.
o Performed routine system and equipment maintenance across all Town departments.
Emergency Management Activities
1. SMC Emergency Managers Association Meetings
The San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management shared the 2025 Summer Weather Preparedness Newsletter and toolkit. These resources are designed to help residents navigate seasonal challenges and build resilience. This edition includes:
• New Resources: Tools to enhance readiness for extreme heat and summer related hazards such as wildfires.
• Insights: Lessons on UV risks and the terminology behind heat warnings. • Kid’s Corner: Planning for summer camp safety.
City Clerk Monthly Report
May 21, 2025
For more resources, visit the website at Prepare | County of San Mateo, CA.
Sustainability Activities
The current sustainability projects and activities are:
1. Waste Reduction
a. Environmental Program Committee
The EPC cancelled the Thursday, May 15 meeting. Staff are preparing for a Special Meeting that will include a review of the Atherton Earth Day and planning EPC initiatives for the remainder of the year.
b. Refuse & Recycling Committee
The Committee did not have a meeting scheduled for May. c. Compost Pile
The compost pile at Holbrook-Palmer Park continues to be a popular and well-used free resource for the community. It is restocked regularly every 2–3 months, or as needed when levels are visibly low.
This program is funded by the SB 1383 Organic Waste Recovery Grant. Since its launch in FY 2022/23, approximately 215 tons of compost have been ordered and distributed to the community!
d. Annual Waste Wise Event – Saturday, April 12, 2025
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, we held the Atherton’s Waste Wise Event at Holbrook Palmer Park.
Residents arrived 30 minutes early and the GreenWaste Recovery Team conducted a safety meeting before officially opening the event. A morning rush led to a brief backup that took about 30 minutes to clear, with three staff members checking in vehicles and processing three cars at a time.
The paper shredding contractor was set up near the Main House, labeled “Paper Shredding,” and remained busy throughout the day. In addition to assisting residents with paper shredding, staff also helped collect and recycle the cardboard boxes used to transport documents, offering an extra level of service and convenience. The E-waste collection site was located at the first parking lot near the entrance, labeled “E-Waste Drop-off.” This area saw heavy activity, and the flatbed truck was filled to capacity.
Several full 96-gallon carts were moved separately by supervisors to ensure all materials were accepted. The compost giveaway site, labeled “Compost Giveaway,” was located near the Corp Yard and operated smoothly. The loose compost had been delivered in advance, and residents were able to load the material independently. The layout and setup followed the same format as the previous year.
City Clerk Monthly Report
May 21, 2025
The weather was beautiful, the event ran safely and efficiently, and the steady stream of residents remained positive and grateful throughout the day. A total of 254 customers participated, with none being turned away.
Final Stats:
• Car Count = 254
• Electronic Waste = 2.4 tons
• Paper Shredding = 3.75 tons
• Organic Compost = 30 cubic yards
e. RICAPS Meeting
Staff attended participated in the April RICAPS meeting, which included a presentation from Peninsula Clean Energy, update on municipal decarbonization program offerings, heat pump updates from BayREN, and a film screening update for Climate Action Plan practitioners.
f. Countywide Recycling Committee Meetings
There was no Countywide meeting in April.
2. Electrification
a. E-Leaf Blower Program
The Town’s Electric Leaf Blower Rebate Program continues to perform well as we move through the FY 2024/25 cycle. As of April 2025, approximately 24 rebates remain available under the current program year.
b. Reach Code Updates
Staff are planning to provide an update presentation to the EPC at the next meeting.
SVCE and PCE are convening local elected officials and City Managers for dinner and an information session on the opportunities and challenges for local agencies as we approach local adoption, The event is the evening of May 29th and will include a detailed discussion of reach codes being considered for the 2025 calendar year.
c. PCE Member Agency Grant
The Town of Atherton has been awarded $181,946 from Peninsula Clean Energy’s (PCE) Member Agency Energy Grants. This funding will support two key sustainability projects aimed at enhancing municipal operations and promoting community-wide electrification efforts. First, the Town will purchase an electric lift to eliminate the need for fossil fuel-powered rentals, reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Second, the Town will install four Level 2 EV chargers at Holbrook-Palmer Park and two at the Police Department parking lot, supporting both public EV infrastructure and the Town’s transition to an electric vehicle fleet. These installations will be future-ready, designed to accommodate expanding demand.
City Clerk Monthly Report
May 21, 2025
Staff have started the process to receive the funding, preparing purchase orders to acquire the lift and starting the project management for the work at HolbrookPalmer Park and Town Center. The EV installation will include technical support provided by PCE.
3. Climate Action Plan Dashboard
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Dashboard current, staff are working with Kim Lundgren Associates (KLA) to incorporate the finalized
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data for the Town into the CAP Dashboard.
Staff are currently reviewing a revised contract with
dashboard vender KLA to continue to receive their support in developing content and updating the dashboard with data from RINCON. The CAP Dashboard was updated to reflect the most current emissions metrics for the Town, providing the public with the latest available data ADU Match Program
HIP Housing has launched Fund-A-Family. They are soliciting donations that can be contributed to the new Lois Almen Evertt Scholarship, which helps families become housing independent. To learn more click here.
City Clerk Activities CURRENT and ON THE HORIZON
Athertonian
The Spring 2025 edition of the Athertonian has been delivered to homes early this month and the digital version is available here.
There are currently 2 active Public Records Act Requests to which staff have responded. There are currently 4 open General Liability Claims.
Public Information Stats & Analytics
Town staff have been sharing timely information about the Housing Element, community events and meetings, programs, emergency preparedness information, and news on social media.
Residents, community members, and other public agencies have viewed and interacted with the town from April 1 to April 30. Impressions refer to the number of reactions, views, comments, shares, and reposts of Town-generated content.
City Clerk Monthly Report
May 21, 2025
Platform Number of followers Impressions or Accounts
Reached
Twitter/X 0 new followers, a total of 624
followers
72 impressions (-86.5%
decrease from April)
Instagram 33 new followers, a total of 1,700
followers
3k impressions (56%
increase from April)
Facebook 4 new followers, total of 609 followers 743 impressions (-12.7 % increase from April)
NextDoor 10 new members, a total of 5,698
members, and 2,445 households
claimed
200 impressions (50 %
increase from April)
The Cross Channel Report is a cumulative report of social media performance across X, Instagram, and Facebook for the Town. One key metric staff is working to increase is our general social media activity.
While engagement has plateaued in the past few months, there has been a steady increase in followers across these platforms, helping to expand the Town's online presence and reach. In this reporting period we had 19 posts, which represents an 11% decrease month over month.
Town website subscriber group:
Distribution List Subscribers
Atherton Online 1,658
News Flash (CM & PD) 1,565 & 1,578
Alert Center (CM & PD) 1,369 & 1,497
Calendar (Meetings) 1,581
• Website Analytics:
o April 1 – April 30: 10k Users
o Last 7 Days Total Page Views: 2.4k
§ General Search = 120
§ Building Department = 119
§ Fees and Rentals = 107
• YouTube Analytics
o 365 Subscribers (1 new in the last 30 days)
City Clerk Monthly Report
May 21, 2025
o 1062 Videos
Newsflashes
1. NewsFlashes
Our focus on public information and social media engagement continues to strengthen connections with residents and the broader public. Recently, we shared information related to the annual alarm permit notices from Chief McCulley and reminder notices about the annual Waste Wise Event.
2. Social Media
Our social media posts complement the newsflashes by presenting similar information but in a more casual, engaging tone. These posts reach a broader public audience and utilize vibrant event flyers, supporting images, and eye-catching graphics to capture attention.
The top posts for April were:
46 Impressions 180 Impressions
The Finance Department consists of a Finance Director, Accountant and Junior Accountant. These core personnel provide the bulk of the Town’s accounting and payroll support. The Department utilizes the services of outside auditors, property tax analysts, and investment advisors in support of their efforts.
Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Revenues and Expenditures
Year to Date
Months Complete – 10
% of Year Complete – 83%
Budget Revenue % Received
Park Program $ 115,000 $ 62,980 55%
Planning Permits $ 850,300 $ 389,133 46%
Business Licenses $ 290,000 $ 263,496 91%
Police $ 368,861 $ 649,716 176%
Sales Taxes $ 442,400 $ 355,468 80%
Miscellaneous $ 1,150,096 $ 1,365,827 119%
Public Works $ 659,700 $ 389,493 59%
Franchise Fees $ 1,076,000 $ 935,980 87%
Building Permits $ 2,203,280 $ 1,807,060 82%
Property Taxes $ 15,845,385 $ 16,875,472 107%
Total $ 23,001,022 $ 23,094,625 101%
Budget Expenditures % Received
City Council $ 66,615 $ 30,396 45.6%
Administration $ 1,430,943 $ 1,076,065 75.1%
City Attorney $ 310,000 $ 168,041 54.2%
Finance $ 882,763 $ 734,863 83.2%
Planning $ 1,426,970 $ 1,126,322 78.9%
Building $ 1,735,066 $ 1,235,719 71.2%
Interdepartmental $ 1,172,460 $ 924,929 78.8%
Police $ 10,464,871 $ 8,448,477 80.7%
Public Works $ 3,713,887 $ 2,065,048 55.6%
Total $ 21,203,575 $ 15,809,860 74.5%
The Public Works Department consists of a Public Works Director, Maintenance Manager, Associate Engineer, Town Arborist, Office Specialist and Management Analyst (new). These core personnel are supplemented by various contract service personnel and service vendors that operate on a Task Order basis. These include but are not limited to MCE, West Coast Arborists, Contract Sweeping Services, CalWest Lighting, Tony’s Clean Team, Interwest Group, and BrightView Landscaping.
Field Public Works Services are provided under contract via MCE. MCE provides four (4) personnel to perform general Town maintenance support including, but not limited to, vegetation trimming for sight distance and sign clearance, Park restroom oversight, meeting setup/takedown support, sign replacement, minor asphalt/DG repairs, street sign and marker replacements, basic maintenance for Town-maintained trees/plantings along roadways, Town event support, minor drainage projects and maintenance, basic building support services and minor roadway maintenance (pothole repairs). MCE personnel generally work from 7 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday; but, these same personnel provide emergency call-out services for after hours and on weekends.
Landscape maintenance services at Holbrook-Palmer Park and at the Town Center/Library complex are provided by BrightView Landscaping (BrightView). BrightView is also responsible for emptying Town-owned garbage cans at the park and Town Center.
Street Sweeping
Street Sweeping is a contract service via Contract Sweeping Services.
Month Curb Miles Weight (tons) Cubic Yards
July 24 36 4 12
August 24 37 6 12
September 24 38 10 5
October 24 65 3 18
November 24 60 18 6
December 24 60 24 12
January 25 38 12 6
February 25 39 6 12
March 25 41 6 12
April 25 38 6 12
May 25
June 25
Total 452 95 107
Services Requests
• Responded to downed tree branch on Heritage Court
• Responded to downed tree branch at Library Deck
• Installation of banners on Middlefield Road at Marsh Road • Set up and support for Waste Wise Event at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Set up support for Easter Egg Hunt Event at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Set up and support for Earth Day Event at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Set up, support and tree planting for Arbor Day Event at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Painting of Jennings Pavillion at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Installed new flooring at Main House at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Replaced restroom signs at Little League Stands in Holbrook-Palmer Park • Repaired decomposed granite pathways in various areas at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Cleaned graffiti at handball court at Holbrook-Palmer Park • Repaired bench at North Meadow picnic area at Holbrook-Palmer Park • “Do Not Enter Bike Lane” sign installed on Middlefield Road at Holbrook Lane • “Caution Children Walking to School” sign installed on Isabella Ave at Elena Ave • Trimmed vegetation along Station Lane from Maple Avenue to Watkins Avenue • Refreshed Stop sign markings at Station Lane/Maple Avenue Intersection • Responded to downed tree on James Avenue
• Tree trimming around signage in various locations
• Installed “Drains to Bay” inlet markers in various locations • Replaced sand at Holbrook-Palmer Park children’s playground General Maintenance and Special Services
• Weekly litter removal Along ECR, schools (Fridays 2 staff, 2 hours). • Remove Litter on Marsh Road, Middlefield Road & Alameda de las Pulgas. • Park General Duties: Garbage Cans, Town wide & ECR litter, ECR landscape & Corp yard clean-up, vehicle/tool maintenance.
• Fire extinguishers (checked/re-charged)
• Park General daily duties – mowing, empty garbage/recycling, restroom oversight, fire extinguishers (checked/re-charged), playground inspections, elevator inspections, open/close buildings, meeting room set-ups/tear downs.
Photographs of Work Performed
Earth Day Event at Holbrook-Palmer Park
Arbor Day Tree Planting
Painting of Jennings Pavillion at Holbrook-Palmer Park
Before After
Tree Branch Heritage Court
Tree Branch at Library Deck
New Flooring at Main House at Holbrook-Palmer Park
Before After
Stop Maerking Refresh at Station Lane/Maple Avenue
Banners on Middlefield Road at Marsh Road
Sand Replacement at Childrens Playground at Holbrook-Palmer Park Before After
See Click Fix March 2025
Public Works Maintenance
Budget versus Expenditures Thru April 2025
Short
Code
Accounting Code Description Budget Actual %
A01 101-53-52031-053 Streets $400,000 $328,403 82.1%
A02 101-57-52031-057 Parks (Grounds & Fac) $325,000 $315,010 96.9 % A03 101-59-52031-059 Other Facilities $175,000 $75,756 43.3% A04 213-30-52031-000 Library $20,000 $36,286 181.4%
A05 101-58-52031-000 Tennis $10,000 $8,569 85.7%
E06 101-58-52030-058 Event Services $10,000 $4,487 47.1% Total $940,000 $768,739 81.8%
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
Streets Parks Other Fac Library Tennis Events
Public Works Budget to Expenditures
Budget Actual
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 1 of 9
The Public Works Director oversees general Park maintenance and activities. The Park has several contract service personnel and vendors that manage various activities at the park.
Park Event Services are typically provided via contract. With the departure of Catered Too, temporary personnel have been contracted to manage all park events and rental services, to include rental of fields, buildings, and picnic areas until a permanent vendor is contracted. MCE provides facility support on a Task Order basis.
BrightView Landscaping provides landscape maintenance services for the park. Player Capital provides management and general maintenance of the six Tennis Courts.
There are three (3) structures available for event rental at the park – the Carriage House, the Main House, and the Pavilion. Outdoor venues may also be rented, and these include the Event Garden, Water Tower Green and North Meadow. Picnic areas in the park may be reserved for small group day rental. Menlo Atherton Little League manages and maintains the Willie Mays Ball Field.
Facility Rentals for April 25
Month North
Meadow
Children’s
Picnic
Area
Jennings
Pavilion
Main Carriage
House w/
NM
Field D Other House
23-Dec 0 2 1 1 0 0 0
24-Jan 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
24-Feb 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24-Mar 3 4 1 1 0 0 2
24-Apr 4 2 0 0 0 0 0
24-May 3 7 2 4 1 0 0
24-Jun 6 9 0 2 2 0 0
FY 23-24 28 37 7 12 9 0 6
24-Jul 4 2 0 0 0 0 0
24-Aug 6 2 3 3 4 0 0
24-Sep 3 1 0 0 0 0 0
24-Oct 5 0 1 1 0 0 0
24-Nov 3 1 1 0 0 0 0
24-Dec 1 0 2 1 0 0 0
25-Jan 1 1 0 0 1 0 0
25-Feb 0 2 0 1 0 0 0
25-Mar 0 2 1 1 0 0 0
25-Apr 3 2 2 0 0 0 1
25-May 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Jun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FY 24-25 26 13 10 7 5 0 1
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 2 of 9
Types of Rental Activity for April 25
Month Social Gathering Wedding Corporate
Gathering Other
23-Dec 4 0 0 0
24-Jan 2 0 0 0
24-Feb 0 0 0 0
24-Mar 10 0 0 4
24-Apr 3 0 0 3
24-May 14 0 1 2
24-Jun 15 0 4 0
FY 23-24 81 0 6 15
24-Jul 6 0 0 0
24-Aug 16 1 1 0
24-Sep 4 0 0 0
24-Oct 7 0 0 0
24-Nov 5 0 0 0
24-Dec 4 0 0 0
25-Jan 3 0 0 0
25-Feb 3 0 0 0
25-Mar 5 0 0 0
25-Apr 7 0 0 1
25-May 0 0 0 0
25-Jun 0 0 0 0
Total 60 1 1 1
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 3 of 9
Revenue from Rental Activity for March 2025
Month Revenue Fees 10% Catering Fee Revenue to Town
23-Dec $2,500.00 $1,413.84 $3,913.84
24-Jan $850.00 $0.00 $850.00
24-Feb $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
24-Mar $9,100.00 $0.00 $9,100.00
24-Apr $1,375.00 $0.00 $1,375.00
24-May $12,275.00 $0.00 $12,275.00
24-Jun $8,650.00 $0.00 $8,650.00
FY 23-24 Total $59,695.18
24-Jul $1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00
24-Aug $18,160.00 $0.00 $18,160.00
24-Sep $2662.00 $0.00 $2662.00
24-Oct $4652.00 $0.00 $4652.00
24-Nov $3617.00 $0.00 $3617.00
24-Dec $9417.00 $0.00 $9417.00
25-Jan $987.00 $0.00 $987.00
25-Feb $2,560.00 $0.00 $2,560.00
25-Mar $2,285.00 $0.00 $2,285.00
25-Apr $8,210.00 $0.00 $8,210.00
25-May
25-Jun
TOTAL $53,460.00
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 4 of 9
General and Special Services for April 2025
• Pick up litter/trash.
• Remove trash bags.
• Blow/Pick Up Tree Leaves & Debris
• Inspect and Maintain Restrooms
• Inspect and Maintain Playgrounds
• Inspect and Maintain Main House Elevator
• Control undesirable weeds throughout property.
• Cut back and remove tree brush and dead vegetation.
• Apply seasonal fertilizers to turf and plants.
• Inspect and maintain landscape irrigation.
• Inspect and maintain landscape irrigation well and filter system. • Monitor potable water usage daily.
• Water non-established trees throughout the park (scheduled) • Blow tennis courts 2x per week, as required.
For April 25:
• Art Room Flooring Installation
• Main House Upstairs flooring installation
• Earth Dat Event
• Jennings Pavillion interior Painting
• “DG” Repair throughout the park pathways
• Gilmore house valve repair
• Toddler playground sand replacement
• Main house Interior door repairs
• North Meadow Bench Repair
• Playground bathroom repairs
• Tennis Valve repair
• Earth Day banner Install
• Playground Bathroom Power Washing
• Jennings Pavillion Kitchen painting
• Easter egg hunt set up
• Kick plates installed in Jennings Pavillion
• Playschool Faucet replacement
• Playschool insect traps set
• Handball court Graffiti removal
New and Future Planned Projects:
Baseball Stands Painting – May 2nd through May 15th
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 5 of 9
Tennis Court Usage/Reservations
Player Capital Tennis (PCT) manages court operations.
Month
PC
Court
Hours
# of
Students
Private
Lessons
Key
Holder
Hours
Clay
Court
Hours
Pickleball
Court
Hours
23-Dec 672 309 397 349 6 N/A
24-Jan 631 325 377 335 4 8
24-Feb 542 297 323 299 6 15.5
24-Mar 653 337 441 393 5 24
24-Apr 677 344 462 422 11 52.5
24-May 724 365 472 433 8 84.5
24-Jun 741 371 496 425 42 124
FY-23-
24 8,052 3,889 5,306 4,465 126 308.5
24-Jul 812 415 443 465 64 75
24-Aug 705 408 433 380 39 117.5
24-Sep 805 315 407 395 15 116
24-Oct 797 342 397 325 22 132.5
24-Nov 667 345 415 362 6 169
24-Dec 642 295 367 322 15 125
25-Jan 597 299 351 321 9 167
25-Feb 660 301 433 395 12 188
25-Mar 676 294 408 323 19.5 187.5
25-Apr 693 335 452 365 18 195.5
25-May 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Jun 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 7,054 3,349 4,106 3,738 219.5 1,293
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 6 of 9
Photographs of Work Performed in April 2025
Jennings Pavillion Interior Painting
Before After
Jennings Pavillion Kitchen Touchups
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 7 of 9
North Meadow Bench Repair
Handball Court Graffiti Removal
Toddler Playground sand removal and replacement
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 8 of 9
Playschool Faucet replacement
“DG” Repair throughout the Park
Earth Day Evernt
Parks Division Monthly Report –April 2025 Page 9 of 9
Art room Flooring Installation
MH Upstairs Flooring Installation
Submitted by:
Interwest Consulting Group
Community Services
Monthly Report
April 2025
Town of Atherton
Building Department
80 Fair Oaks Ln.
Atherton, California 94027
Phone: (650) 752-0560
Town of Atherton
Building Safety Inspections
Construction and Permit Summary
Based on Fiscal Year - Year to Date
Fiscal Year for Budgetary Comparisons
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2024-25 2023-24
Total Construction Valuation1:
$26,029,377 $225,277,297 $116,954,891
Plan Check Fees Collected: $39,995 $406,905 $269,185
Permit Fees Collected: $115,283 $1,240,708 $801,766
Other Fees Collected: $27,010 $130,935 $56,922
TOTAL: $182,287 $1,778,548 $1,127,873
Applications Received: 34 716 661
Residential:
New Single Family Residential Permits
Issued: 6 23 21
New Accessory Structures Issued: 14 192 168
Addition / Alteration Permits Issued: 23 95 105
Reroof / Water Well / Grading Permits
Issued: 22 154 146
Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical
Permits Issued: 12 172 188
Demolition Permits Issued: 6 21 23
Non-Residential:
New Permits Issued: 0 4 0
TOTAL Permits Issued (2) 83 661 651
Inspections Performed: 736 7,217 5,967
Footnotes:
1Valuation: For permitted projects during this period.
2 The total permits issued for each Fiscal Year reflect totals through the corresponding month
PLAN CHECK
INSPECTIONS
REVENUE
PERMITS
Apr-25
Staff Level Reviews
Planning Commission Items
Plan Review
TOTAL 84
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
Tree Removal Info. / Consu / C.E
Planning Commission met for their regular meeting on April 23, 2025, the following occurred.
Planning Commission Updates:
1. For Wednesday night's PC meeting, four Commissioners participated in-person (Chair Lane, Leugers, Levison, and Tonelli). V. Chair Polito was absent due to a prior conflict.
2. There was no general public comment.
Public Hearing
1. Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ25-00002) to accommodate a new detached garage and pool equipment building at 99 Edwards Lane (APN 070211550). This is a straightforward request to reduce the TPZ to 6x for two Coast Live Oaks and was approved by the Planning Commission, consistent with staff's recommendation. The decision was unanimous. There was no public comment.
2. Request for Heritage Tree Removal (HTR25-002) of five (5) Coast Live Oak Heritage trees to construct full site development of a one-story single-family residence with a basement and various accessory buildings at 170 Atherton Avenue (APN 070070280). This project requests removal of four Coast Live Oaks and relocation of one Coast Live Oaks. Relocation is tantamount to a removal and was processed as the 5th removal. Staff recommended approval of 4 removals and denial of the 1 relocation/removal, given concerns over the success of a relocation. Staff recommended that if the Commission approve all 5 removals, to include a condition that would apply penalties if the relocated tree died within 5 years. The Commission discussed the relocation with staff and the applicant and then voted unanimously to approve removal of all 5 trees, without the penalty condition. The Commission indicated that they would support the removal of the 5th tree, without relocation and that attempting to successfully relocate the tree is at the discretion of the applicant and they would not be penalized for failure. There was no public comment.
Staff Reports
Town Planner Brittany Bendix reported on three topics:
23 2
132
27 15 13 34
Planning Projects
April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Inspections
This Month
Activity Activity
Fiscal Year to Date
Arborist Activity Summary
April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Site Visits
Summary of New Single Family Residential Permits Issued by Month 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
1 5 1 1 0 1
0 3 0 1 2 1
1 2 0 2 5 0
2 1 4 2 3 0
2 0 4 1 3
0 3 3 4 2
Jan. to June Totals 4 13 8 13 15 7
2 1 3 2 4
5 3 2 2 5
2 4 2 3 2
5 0 3 1 1
1 0 1 3 3
0 2 2 1 3
July to Dec Totals 15 10 13 12 18
4 28 18 26 27 25
Project
Type
No of
Plan
Checks
Average
Review
Days
Target
**
Overdue
Plan
Checks
130 10 10 0
170 5 5 0
3 3 3 0
3 3 0 0
Total Number of Plan Checks 306 0
** Target: in working days
Major Plan Check: New Houses, New Accessory Structures, New non-Residential Minor Plan Check: Small Additions, Reroof, Alterations, Misc.
Town of Atherton
Building Inspection & Plan Check
Month
January
November
July
August
September
October
February
March
April
May
JuneMinor
Plan Check
Cycles
1st Review
Subsequent Rev.
1st Review
Subsequent Rev.
December
Total New SFD
Permits:
Plan Check Performance
March 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025
Major
Plan Check
Summary Graphs
71 89 76 95 75 65 88 64
42 88 88 77 71
55 50 62 53
105
68 87
35 50 68 66 49
83 514 548 543 522
715
767
950
668 607
795
694
763 736
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Counts
Plan Checks, Permits, Inspections
PC
Permits
Inspections
$9,041,275 $4,550,746$8,500,073
$14,588,655
$49,730,313
$29,398,259
$33,871,412
$10,141,645
$3,254,891
$14,933,367
$14,933,367
$10,390,844
$26,029,377
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
Valuation
Summary Graphs
$121,195
$99,535
$95,197
$83,774
$98,958
$187,509
$321,439
$210,803 $81,773
$132,953
$150,074
$97,730
$182,287
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000
Fees
$130,935
$406,905
$1,240,707
$1,778,547
$132,080
$530,400
$1,528,800
$2,191,280
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
Other Plan Check Fees Permit Fees Total
YTD vs. Budgeted
FYTD 24-25
Budgeted 23-24
Town of Atherton
Summary of ADU's - JADU's - SFR,
Entitled, Permitted, Finaled
February 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023 February 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023 Feb March April June Total July Aug Oct Nov Dec Total Totals Entitled ADU 2 3 2 10 10
Pemitted ADU 3 1 3 4 11 11
Finaled ADU 3 6 3 2 14 14
Entitled JADU 2 3 0 5 5
Pemitted JADU 0 1 2 4 4
Finaled JADU 1 0 0 1 1
Entitled SFR 1 0 2 1 3 3
Permitted SFR 0 1 2 3 3
Finaled SFR 5 1 3 10 10
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Totals
Entitled ADU 53 35 26 114
Pemitted ADU 25 44 46 115
Finaled ADU 17 24 14 55
Entitled JADU 10 9 4 23
Pemitted JADU 5 8 0 13
Finaled JADU 0 2 7 9
Entitled SFR 20 17 26 63
Permitted SFR 26 18 28 72
Finaled SFR 17 29 11 57
1 Jan
3 0
1 1
0 May Sept
Project Address Issue Date CTL Deadline Adjusted CTL ** Penalties Pd. Est. Completion 202 Atherton Ave 3/29/2021 3/29/2024 8/15/2024 $250,000 6/1/2025 90 Almendral Ave 4/14/2021 4/14/2024 8/31/2024 $250,000 2/28/2025 Total Penalties Deposited: $500,000
NOTE: Penalties do not become revenue to the Town until all appeals have been exhausted. * Under new modified ordinance. Additional Penalty fees due ** Covid-19 CTL adjustments due to shutdown.
Year Amount Forfieted
2015 thru 2018 $511,200.00
2019 $307,200.00
2020 $329,600.00
2021 $333,000.00
2022 $828,000.00
2023 $559,000.00
2024 $780,000.00
2025
Total to Date $3,648,000.00
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
Active Construction Time Limit Penalties
April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Forfieted Construction Time Limit Penalties
The Atherton Police Department consists of 31 personnel, sworn and non-sworn. Of the sworn personnel, there is a Police Chief, a Commander, five (5) Sergeants, and fourteen (14) Officers.
Non-sworn personnel consist of an Executive Assistant/Training Manager, a Communications Supervisor, two (2) Code Enforcement Officers, a Community Services Officer, and five (5) Dispatchers.
These personnel provide 24-hour police patrol, dispatch, traffic enforcement, school resource, crime investigation, crime prevention and other law enforcement services to the community.
Personnel typically work a 12-hour shift schedule (4-on/3-off) with a priority staffing level of three (3) sworn personnel at all times.
Graphics and data provided in this report can be found via CitizenRIMS. CitizenRIMS is an active, online database of calls for service to the Atherton Police Department available via the Town’s website. The database provides information on active and historic calls for service, criminal activity and statistics, missing persons, stolen vehicles, arrests, and crime bulletins. Through CitizenRIMS residents can also sign up for Security Camera Registration and Vacation Home Checks.
Visit CitizenRIMS using the preceding link or this QR Code >>>>>>>>>
Overall Activity for the Month of April 2025
During this reporting period, there were 58 investigations. Of that total, 39 offenders were cited, arrested, referred to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, or referred to the San Mateo County Juvenile District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Offenses included driving with a suspended license, misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, DUI, restricted driver operating a vehicle without an interlock device, battery, vandalism, being under the influence of a controlled substance, false vehicle registration tabs, hit and run, robbery, obtain money by false pretenses, elder abuse, conspiracy, and reckless driving.
Of the 2,095 total police incidents for the month, 1,370 were officer-initiated incidents. These incidents resulted in 743 citations being issued for vehicle code and other violations. Officers initiated 957 other types of incidents that included investigating suspicious vehicles, traffic collisions, citizen flag downs, home checks, code enforcement and construction checks, follow-up investigations, pedestrian stops, traffic enforcement details, medical calls, and welfare checks.
Traffic Incidents
Overall, there were 426 traffic incident locations, some with multiple stops, for the reporting period. The map below indicates the locations of the incidents for this reporting period.
Traffic Collisions
There were 16 collision locations during this reporting period. The map below indicates the locations of the incidents for the reporting period.
Traffic Complaints
The Atherton Police Department did not receive any traffic complaints for the month of April.
Bicycle Traffic Stops
There were 11 bicycle related calls initiated during April. These calls were for improper lighting, red light violation, stop sign violation, mechanicle issue, and riding the wrong way, which resulted in three written warnings and eight verbal warnings.
Criminal Activity and Suspicious Circumstances
The Department responded to 100 locations (some locations multiple times) for property crimes (14), person crimes (9), and incidents of suspicious circumstances (82).
Municipal Code Violations
The Department responded to approximately 33 incidents/calls for service regarding municipal code violations. Those incidents included but were not limited to construction work hour violations, construction parking violations, right-of-way encroachments and obstructions, nonpermitted work on private/public property, overgrown/non-maintained vegetation, mobile food vendors, free speech/real estate/construction signs, animal nuisances, zoning questions/violations, unmaintained properties, fire damaged structures, neighbor disputes, and heritage tree concerns.
Holbrook Palmer Park
Holbrook Palmer Park had 106 incidents during this reporting period, 94 of which were security checks, foot patrols by officers, and closing/opening the park. The other incidents were for ordinance violations, found property, citizen assists, suspicious vehicles, area checks, a traffic collision, and events at the park.
Premise Watch
Officers completed 527 House/Vacation checks during the reporting period.
School Incidents
Officers responded to 244 school incidents during the reporting period. These incidents were mostly officer-initiated security checks and adapt a school visits.
Incidents of note from this reporting period:
• On 04/03, the SRO investigated a possible theft of a cellphone and discovered the cellphone was lost and not stolen. The cellphone was located and returned to the owner. • On 04/04, wheels and tires were stolen from a vehicle parked on a school campus. • On 04/14, the SRO investigated a battery at a bus stop involving students. Report sent to the Juvenile District Attorney for prosecution.
• On 04/14, the SRO investigated a robbery/battery between students. Report sent to the Juvenile District Attorney for prosecution.
• On 04/30, the SRO investigated a missing person report and located the missing person at school.
The current reporting period is highlighted in the table below. All other columns represent the months preceding and prior year.
Response Times
In general, there are 3 types of Calls for Service from the Police Department. In order of priority:
High, Medium, and Low.
High Priority calls are in-progress events where persons or high-value property are in immediate danger and requires a multiple officer response. This is a lights and siren response to a crime in progress, injury collision, or medical emergency.
Medium Priority calls are in-progress events without immediate danger to persons or property.
Multiple officers may be necessary for these calls. These calls take precedence over all other calls for service and require an immediate police response (non-lights and siren), but the incident may not be in progress. The most common medium priority calls are burglary, robbery, sexual assault, and residential burglary alarm activations. The latter is the most frequent call in Atherton.
Low Priority calls are other calls for service. Events that may no longer be in-progress, so immediate response is not as urgent. Normally requires a single officer. Officers may or may not be immediately dispatched to these calls. Low priority calls are dogs off leash the Park, parking violations, construction noise or activity, and follow-up police reports.
During the Reporting Period there were:
Priority Level Number of Calls Average Response Time Goal High 1 3:07 <4 minutes
Medium 316 4:50 <6 minutes
Low 249 2:44 <8 minutes
Response times are calculated from the time the call is dispatched until the time the officer arrives on the scene. The table below depicts the Department’s Medium Priority response times for the past 6 months.
MONTH YEAR RESPONSE
TIME
March 2025 6:31
February 2025 4:31
January 2025 5:33
December 2024 5:45
November 2024 5:50
October 2024 5:20
Total Training Hours for the Reporting Period: 184 HOURS
NAME TRAINING/HOURS DATES
Sworn Staff (23) Active Attacker/8 hours April 22 or 24 The table below depicts the amount of officer-initiated activity and the number of traffic citations issued for the past six months:
Noise Ordinance Violations
Month Total
Reports Construction SingleFamily School Other In Violation Unable to
Locate
Jan 5 0 2 0 3 1 1
Feb 5 0 4 0 1 0 2
Mar 7 1 3 0 3 1 1
Apr 8 0 7 0 1 1 0
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
MONTH OFFICER INITIATED ACTIVITY CITATIONS
April 1,370 743
March 1,472 714
February 1,091 336
January 1,137 489
December 1,690 386
November 1,411 310
Drone Use
Month Total Deployments Suspicious
Person/Veh Traffic Collision Alarm Training/Test Other
Jan 12 1 0 3 7 1
Feb 23 3 1 3 15 1
Mar 21 4 0 6 9 2
Apr 20 2 1 5 8 4
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Code Enforcement Activity Report
Summary: