Item No. 10
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: CHRISTABEL SORIA MENDOZA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST I
DATE: JANUARY 21, 2026
SUBJECT: REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO
ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM AT HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK TO
EVALUATE THE USE OF BATTERY-OPERATED GARDENING AND
LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council review and consider the Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) proposed resolution requesting the establishment of a pilot program at Holbrook-Palmer Park to evaluate the use of battery-operated gardening and landscaping equipment and provide direction to staff regarding next steps.
BACKGROUND
The EPC has proposed a resolution for a trial program at Holbrook-Palmer Park to compare and evaluate the environmental, health, operational, and economic impacts of using battery operated gardening and landscaping equipment as substitutes for, or supplements to, existing gas-powered equipment.
The proposal attempts to align with the Climate Action Plan and request a trial to reduce noise and air pollution, including the successful townwide transition away from gas leaf blowers. HolbrookPalmer Park has been identified by the EPC as an appropriate location for a trial due to its size, landscape diversity, and range of maintenance activities.
ANALYSIS
The proposed resolution requests that the Town evaluate the performance of battery-operated gardening and landscaping equipment across multiple areas, including pollution reduction, noise levels, plant health, visual appearance, and potential cost effectiveness. A pilot program could provide information on operational feasibility under real world conditions prior to any consideration of broader implementation. Staff notes that such an effort may result in additional costs and require increased staff time and resources to manage, monitor, and evaluate the trial.
The resolution also calls for EPC involvement in identifying appropriate equipment and applications, opportunities for residents to observe elements of the trial, and for the Council to establish a suitable trial at the park to evaluate technical, environmental, and economic impacts.
Staff notes that implementation would require evaluation of available equipment with the Town landscaping contractor and identification of short- and long-term budget impacts. Council direction would be needed to define the scope, duration, budget parameters, roles, and reporting framework for any trial program.
Public Works has contacted BrightView to gather information on current gas-powered equipment used at the Town Center, the availability of battery powered alternatives, prior experience with similar transitions, and any operational considerations. Preliminary feedback indicates potential constraints related to equipment run time, work hours, staff oversight and tracking, and possible additional costs associated with deploying electric equipment. These factors have not yet been fully evaluated, including appropriate trial duration, performance metrics, or cost implications, and would require further analysis prior to implementation.
CONCLUSION
The proposed resolution requests Council consideration of a trial program to evaluate the use of battery-operated gardening and landscaping equipment at Holbrook-Palmer Park. Review of the resolution allows the Council to consider the scope, objectives, and level of Town involvement contemplated by the EPC, as well as to provide direction to staff regarding whether and how to proceed with further evaluation.
POLICY FOCUS
Council consideration of the proposed EPC resolution relates to Priority Area 5, Climate Action and Sustainability, which includes implementation of the Town Climate Action Plan and efforts to reduce emissions and noise associated with Town operations. The resolution requests evaluation of battery-operated gardening and landscaping equipment as part of these broader objectives.
The proposal also relates to Priority Area 3, Fiscal Viability and Budget. Any direction to implement a trial program or pursue broader adoption could result in future expenses associated with equipment procurement, contract extensions, infrastructure, maintenance, staff time, and daily operations. These potential costs would need to be evaluated in the context of existing and planned projects, competing work plan priorities, and future budget demands. Any future pilot program would require assessment of cost effectiveness, operational impacts, and potential budget implications to ensure alignment with the Town commitment to conservative fiscal policies and financial transparency.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with Council review and consideration of the proposed resolution. Should the Council direct staff to develop and implement a trial program, future costs
would be required. The scope and amount of any such funding are currently unknown and would depend on the scale, duration, potential equipment selection, staffing requirements, and evaluation framework established by the Council.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal 3 – Maintain Conservative Fiscal Policies and Financial Transparency • Goal 4 – Be Forward Thinking
• Goal 5 – Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
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.
ATTACHMENTS
1. EPC Proposed Resolution