Item No. 6
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ANTHONY SUBER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/ CITY CLERK
DATE: DECEMBER 17, 2025
SUBJECT: SENIOR TASK FORCE EVENT REPORT AND REQUEST FOR
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MARKETING MATERIALS AND
SUPPLIES
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council receive a report from the Senior Task Force related to the September 2025 Senior Seminar Council provide direction regarding a request from the Senior Task Force for financial support to market a Senior Seminar that will take place at Woodside Town Hall in March 2026.
BACKGROUND | ANALYSIS
The Senior Task Force (STF) received City Council support to be treated as a Designated Group.
Designated Groups are independent organizations recognized by the Town that provide a clear community benefit. As referenced in the July 2025 report, these groups are not charged rental or usage fees for Town facilities, however, they are responsible for reimbursing the Town for any direct costs associated with their events. The Town does not have any financial obligations or ties to these groups. In cases where the Town collaborates with these groups on community events, support is typically limited to setup and take down assistance, advertising through official Town channels (e.g. website, social media, email), and light refreshments. The groups are invited to promote events and activities to the broader community using Town media that includes the Athertonian, Newsflash alerts, and the Town website. At the July 16, 2025, Council meeting the STF requested financial support for outreach and marketing materials for a Senior Seminar taking place at Holbrook-Palmer Park in September. Council approved the request for marketing materials for an amount not to exceed $2,000.
The September 27, 2025, Senior Seminar was a success with approximately 100 guests in attendance. The STF is developing the next installment of senior-focused community engagement events centered on memory care. This event is being coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions and will take place at the Town of Woodside Town Hall on March 21, 2026. The members of the STF are requesting Council funding to cover the cost of printing and mailing a postcard to market Senior Task Force Report and Financial Request
DECEMBER 17, 2025
the March 2026 event and for light refreshments. The STF are considering hosting a follow up event to the September Senior Workshop in early summer or fall and would request $800 for the cost of refreshments. This would be for a total amount not to exceed $3,600.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Senior Task Force is requesting financial support to cover the cost of mailing a postcard to advertise a Senior Event in March 2026 and the cost of refreshments for two (2) events, for a total cost not to exceed $3,600. If the September Workshop is approved, the additional $800 funding request would be included in the FY 2026/27 Budget.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal F - Build Community & Promote Civic Engagement
POLICY FOCUS
The policy focus for the Council is consideration of financial support for a Designated Group. The Town traditionally partners with Designated Groups to provide support through existing Town channels (e.g. website, social media, email, existing mailings such as Athertonian). Groups are encouraged to use these outreach mechanisms. Providing separate financial support for independent outreach or other uses is outside the scope of traditional Town support for Designated Groups.
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. Senior Task Force Report