Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 21, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL – Lewis, Lane, Widmer, Vice Mayor DeGolia, Mayor Holland – Present PRESENTATIONS:
There were two presentations to Council. The first was a Promotional Swearing In of the Police Department's newest Sergeant, Sergeant Casey MacDonald. The second was a presentation from the Town's Housing Partner, HIP Housing.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NONE
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS – City Council Members – NONE
DEPARTMENTAL WRITTEN REPORT
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – No Closed Session was held prior to this Council Meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 – 8)
1. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2025 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,710,431
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 17, 2025 AND JANUARY 14, 2026
3. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK, AUTHORIZATION TO RECORD NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE 2025 CRACK SEAL & SLURRY SEAL PROJECT, PROJECT NUMBER 56092
4. WAIVE THE SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE,
MINUTES
Town of Atherton
City Council
JANUARY 21, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 21, 2026
RETAINING EXISTING MODIFICATIONS; AND RATIFY THE FIRE
REGULATIONS, AS ADOPTED BY THE MENLO PARK FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT
Ordinance 676 adopted during Consent Agenda Motion
5. 2026 COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
6. BUILDING AND LIFE SAFETY SERVICES CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH
INTERWEST CONSULTING GROUP
7. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TJKM
TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS FOR THE TOWN CENTER AREA PARKING
AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS EVALUATION AND MIDDLEFIELD ROAD
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
8. APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SENATE BILL 1383 COMPLIANT
COMPOST PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS AND FIND THE MOU EXEMPT
FROM CEQA
Resolution 26-01 adopted during Consent Agenda Motion to authorize staff to execute Memorandum or Understanding
MOTION BY: Lewis, Second by Widmer to accept the Items on the Consent Agenda with the comments and changes noted
AYES: Lane, Widmer, Lewis, DeGolia, Holland
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
PUBLIC HEARING – (Item 9)
9. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADD CHAPTER
17.57, RELATING TO INCLUSIONARY HOUSING, TO THE ATHERTON
MUNICIPAL CODE AND FIND THE IHO EXEMPT FROM CEQA
Council discussed the various provisions in the Ordinance and its impacts including, but not limited to, application to RM-10 Zoning Districts, application to RM-20/40 Zoning Districts, impacts of SB 79 and SB 1123, impacts of the State's Density Bonus Law, the Nexus Study conducted in 2024, the types of units that could be built in the various zoning districts, incentivizing the construction of affordable units, methodology for calculating the In Lieu Fee, types of In Lieu fee alternatives, waivers/incentives/concessions under the State Density Bonus Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 21, 2026
Law and the affects on the Town's development profile, and various levels of inclusionary percentage requirements.
The Council discussed the merits of applying an inclusionary requirement to the RM-10 Zoning District in the context of alternative development opportunities, including SB 1123 development.
Following discussion, the Council introduced the ordinance for 1st Reading with direction to staff to include an Inclusionary Housing requirement of 14% for the RM-10 Zone, 20% for the RM-20/40 Zone (as required by law), and 20% for all other categories; and set an In Lieu fee structure of $150 per square foot of net residential development for Prototype 1 Multi-Family Apartments, $150 for Prototype 2 Townhome Rentals, and $200 for Prototype 3 For Sale Townhomes
MOTION BY Lane, Second By Lewis to approve the first reading of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 17.57 of the Atherton Municipal Code to include Inclusionary Housing with certain changes as specified by Council.
AYES: Holland, DeGolia, Lane, Lewis
NOES: Widmer
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REGULAR AGENDA (Items 10 – 11)
10. 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 AND
FIND THE RESOLUTION EXEMPT FROM CEQ
Council discussed the possibility of a pilot program for battery operated landscaping equipment at the Park.
Following discussion, the Council directed that staff obtain a detailed cost estimate and impact analysis from the Town's service provider, Brightview, for transitioning handheld equipment to battery operation, develop a broader Park decarbonization option package that could be used to explore grant opportunities, and return to the Council, timely, with a comprehensive report on options for conversion of various equipment.
Following any future action by the Council to implement a program to convert equipment, engage with the Environmental Programs Committee to conduct outreach and engage the community on outcomes and successes.
11. JENNINGS PAVILION AUDIO/VIDEO AND ACOUSTIC UPGRADES — REVIEW
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS, PROVIDE DIRECTION, AND CONSIDER
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – January 21, 2026
APPROVAL FOR SERVICES CONTRACT AND FIND THE CONTRACT EXEMPT
FROM CEQA
Council discussed the possibility of updating the technology in the Jennings Pavilion.
Following discussion, the Council directed that staff move forward with Phase I to focus on improvements related to essential audio, video capture, accessibility and system infrastructure improvements needed to support meetings, presentations, and hybrid use.
The cost of Phase I was noted at approximately $35,000. Staff was directed to return with a future budget amendment, as needed; and follow the Town's procurement policies for pursuit of a selected vendor.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – NONE
ADJOURN
Mayor Holland adjourned the meeting at 9:35 pm.
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Anthony Suber, City Clerk