Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – November 19, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL – Lane, DeGolia, Widmer, Vice Mayor Holland (participated remotely), Mayor Lewis – Present
PRESENTATIONS
• Atherton Library Annual Report
Atherton Library Manager Ginny Mies presented the Library annual report.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – NONE
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS – City Council Members – NONE
DEPARTMENTAL WRITTEN REPORT
There were no comments.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 – 4)
1. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR OCTOBER 2025 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,537,584
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 15 AND NOVEMBER 5, 2025
3. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE ATHERTON LIBRARY CHILDREN’S GARDE N PROJECT, PROJECT NUMBER 56109
4. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK AND AUTHORIZATION TO RECORD NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE 2025 SPRING PATCHING AND STREET OVERLAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PROJECT NUMBER 56090
MINUTES
Town of Atherton
City Council
NOVEMBER 19, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – November 19, 2025
MOTION BY: Widmer, Second by Lane to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 – 4.
AYES: Lane, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
PUBLIC HEARING – (Item 5)
5. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.52 "ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS"
CEQA: The project is Categorically Exemption per Section 15305 of the CEQA Guidelines. Section 15305 relates to Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations, as the ordinance amendments would not result in any changes to land use or density. CEQA Guidelines 15268 (Ministerial Projects) and Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(1).
Town Planner Bendix presented several updates to State Law including SB 477, SB1211, AB 1332, AB 2553, AB 462, and SB 543.
Council had a few clarifying questions on definitions and interpretations and discussed trends related to the Town.
MOTION BY: Lane, Second by Widmer to amend Chapter 17.52 “Accessory Dwelling Units” with the purpose of aligning the current standards with state legislation and providing greater clarity during development review.
AYES: Lane, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
REGULAR AGENDA (Items 6 - 10)
6. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE AND PLANNING COMMISSION
City Clerk Suber introduced the item and candidate Alyson Blume for the Environmental Programs Committee and the two (2) candidates to the Planning Commission Steve Seabolt and Peter Carson.
Alyson Blume was present and made a short presentation to the Council.
MOTION BY: DeGolia, Second by Lane to appoint Alyson Blume to the Environmental Programs Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2029.
AYES: Lane, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis
NOES:
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – November 19, 2025
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council discussed the Planning Commission candidates and opted to postpone a vote to allow an opportunity for the candidates to present their backgrounds and interest for serving to Council. The council postponed the vote until December 3, 2025, City Council Special Meeting.
7. APPROVE A SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND CONSTRUCTION OF
THE HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT CEQA: This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures), section 15304 (minor alterations to land), and section 15183 (projects consistent with zoning).
Public Works Director Ovadia presented the item and there was limited Council discussion.
MOTION BY: DeGolia, Second by Widmer to approve the an agreement to supply and construct the playground replacement at Holbrook-Palmer Park with GameTime, in the amount of $1,191,257.25 and authorize change orders up to $125,000; direct the City Attorney to prepare the agreement; and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the Town.
AYES: Lane, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
8. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORING AN HOURLY WAGE RATE INCREASE FOR
PER DIEM DISPATCHERS
Chief McCulley presented the item and addressed the benefit to the police operations and staffing challenges.
Council held a brief discussion and agreed to approve the rate increases.
MOTION BY: Lane, Second by Widmer to adopt the attached Resolution No. 25-20 approving an increase in the hourly wage for Per Diem Police Dispatchers from $59.39 to $65.00 per hour, effective December 1, 2025, to assist with recruitment and retention efforts and to remain competitive with surrounding law enforcement agencies.
AYES: Lane, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – November 19, 2025
9. ATHERTON TRAIN STATION MUSEUM – CALTRAIN SIGN OPTIONS City Manager Rodericks presented the item and reviewed options for Council consideration.
Rodericks noted that CalTrans would need to approve the final versions.
Council collectively preferred option #1.
10. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING 4TH AMENDMENT TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH GREENWASTE RECOVERY, INC.
City Manager Rodericks presented the item and reviewed the contract amendments proposed with GreenWaste Recovery. Rodericks provided details on how the Town would offset rate increases to resident rate payers.
Refuse and Recycling Committee Members (Widmer/DeGolia) along with staff developed the structure to off-set costs.
MOTION BY: Lewis, Second by DeGolia to adopt Resolution No. 25-21 approving a 4th Amendment to the ongoing franchise agreement with Greenwaste Recovery, Inc.
AYES: Lane, DeGolia, Widmer, Holland, Lewis
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – NONE
ADJOURN
Mayor Lewis adjourned the meeting at 7:32 pm.
________________________
Anthony Suber, City Clerk