Item No. 4
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALTA PLANNING FOR THE
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN UPDATE)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve an amendment to the professional services agreement with Alta Planning in the amount of $50,000 for additional planning and outreach services for the Atherton Active Transportation Plan (Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update).
BACKGROUND
Atherton adopted its first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in November 2014. On July 31, 2024, the Town posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update. The Town received one proposal, from Alta Planning + Design, Inc. (Alta). Alta was the firm responsible for the completion of Atherton’s existing 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. An update of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was budgeted in the Town’s FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program.
At its January 15, 2025, meeting, Council directed Staff to execute a professional services agreement with Alta for a total amount not to exceed $250,000. The contract was executed on January 25, 2025.
Alta has begun work on the Active Transportation Plan project (previously named Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update), including a presence at the Atherton Earth Day Event on April 27, 2025, a public online survey, and assisted with developing a webpage on the Town website (https://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/701/Active-Transportation-Plan). In its approval of the agreement, the City Council expressed a desire for additional community outreach than was included in the initial scope of services. The project budget was increased with the adoption of the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program to allow for increased public outreach.
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
ANALYSIS
The amended scope expands public engagement for the Active Transportation Plan project, including potential additional meetings, illustrated Concept Cut-Sheets, and a revised public review process for the Public Review Draft. Although additional meetings are scoped for, the entire scope of additional meetings may not ultimately prove necessary. Meeting time that is not used will not be invoiced to the Town.
The amendment will provide for additional neighborhood meetings. While the original scope provided for two 3-hour Community Meetings focused on specific neighborhood needs, the amended scope provides for up to six of these meetings. In addition, the amended scope provides for an additional community-wide Public Meeting.
The amended scope also provides for “Concept Cut-Sheets.” These Cut-Sheets will be designed to provide graphic and text information on recommended projects, including summary information on the project, existing and proposed cross-sections, information on potential trade-offs required to implement the project, and planning-level cost estimates. Alta Planning + Design provided a cost proposal in the amount of $50,000, for the additional outreach efforts and concept sheets.
The existing conditions analysis, document review and initial public outreach phase, which included pop-up events, interactive web map, and community survey are complete. The results of this analysis and summary of public received will be presented to the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee at their upcoming meeting on September 30, 2025, for review and input. Following the Committee meeting, staff and the consultant team will initiate the second phase of outreach which will include the opportunity for community input both virtually and in person. This second phase of public input is critical to developing final recommendations for inclusion in the Active Transportation Plan.
The project is still on track to be completed in Summer 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the proposed amendment of $50,000 was included in the adoption of the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program budget.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal A - Preserve Small Town Character & Quality of Life • Goal B - Improve Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
• Goal E - Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
• Goal F - Build Community & Promote Civic Engagement
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
POLICY FOCUS
The Councils policy focus should be on the need to update the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, outlining accomplishments since the adoption of the Town’s initial Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in 2014; conducting public outreach, and identifying and prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian network needs throughout the Town.
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. Alta Planning + Design ATP Amended Scope and Fee Proposal – August 27, 2025