AGENDA
Town of Atherton
City Council
MARCH 18, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
80 Fair Oaks Lane
Atherton, CA 94027
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This Agenda may not reflect the actual order of items. The order of items is subject to change based on Council action. The public may participate and provide public comments in person or via Zoom Meeting. Please be advised that when all Council Members are attending the meeting in person, the teleconferencing option is provided as a courtesy to the public. If, for any reason, there are technical difficulties, the City Council meeting will continue in person, provided there is a quorum at the meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL – Lane, Widmer, Lewis, Vice Mayor DeGolia, Mayor Holland
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Public Comments can be emailed directly to [email protected]
This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Council on any matter not on the Agenda that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. State law prohibits the Council from acting on items not listed on the Agenda except by special action of the City Council under specified circumstances. Comments for items on the agenda is limited to three (3) minutes and comments for items not on the agenda is limited to one (1) minute. The Mayor may, at the Mayor's discretion, restrict or grant additional speaker time based on such considerations as agenda length, number of speakers, complexity of the item, or looming threat of loss of quorum.
Please refer to the footnote at the end of the posted agenda for additional notice regardingpubliccomments
Meeting Agenda
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PUBLIC COMMENTS – Public Comments can be emailed directly to [email protected]
This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Council on any matter not on the Agenda that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. State law prohibits the Council from acting on items not listed on the Agenda except by special action of the City Council under specified circumstances. Comments for items on the agenda is limited to three (3) minutes and comments for items not on the agenda is limited to one (1) minute. The Mayor may, at the Mayor's discretion, restrict or grant additional speaker time based on such considerations as agenda length, number of speakers, complexity of the item, or looming threat of loss of quorum.
Please refer to the footnote at the end of the posted agenda for additional notice regarding public comments.
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS – City Council Members should disclose any communications they have had on the agenda items at this time.
DEPARTMENTAL WRITTEN REPORTS
Discussion: The Departmental Reports include written reports from the Town’s various Departments.
Staff is present to answer any questions the Council may have on the multiple topics noted in the written reports. The Council may ask questions and discuss any of the various items.
Link to Departmental Reports
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – by City Attorney Ebrahimi CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 – 6)
1. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR FEBRUARY 2026 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,834,917
Report: ROBERT BARRON III, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR Recommendation: It is recommended that Council approve the monthly bills and claims for February 2026 in the amount of $1,834,917
Description: This is a routine item concerning the review and approval by Council of bills and claims from the Finance Department for the month of February 2026.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 18, AND MARCH 4, 2026 Report: ANTHONY SUBER, CITY CLERK/DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
Recommendation: It is recommended that Council approve minutes for the February 18, and March 4, City Council Meetings
Description: This is a routine item regarding the approval of official minutes for the Council Meeting held on February 18, the Joint Study Session with the Audit & Finance Committee on March 4, and the Joint Study Session with the Park & Recreation Committee on March 4.
3. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADD CHAPTER
17.59 AND AMEND CHAPTER 17.60 OF THE ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ADDRESS POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER SENATE BILL 79; THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PER SECTION 15061(b)(3) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES.
Report: BRITTANY BENDIX, CONSULTING TOWN PLANNER
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance to add Chapter 17.59 “Regulations and Objective Standards for Development Projects Sought Pursuant to Government Code Section 65912.157 (SB 79)” and to amend Chapter 17.60 “Definitions” in the Atherton Municipal Code with the purpose of establishing development standards in response to the stateenabled massing and density of Senate Bill 79.
Meeting Agenda
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3. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADD CHAPTER
17.59 AND AMEND CHAPTER 17.60 OF THE ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ADDRESS POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER SENATE BILL 79; THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PER SECTION 15061(b)(3) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES.
Report: BRITTANY BENDIX, CONSULTING TOWN PLANNER
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance to add Chapter 17.59 “Regulations and Objective Standards for Development Projects Sought Pursuant to Government Code Section 65912.157 (SB 79)” and to amend Chapter 17.60 “Definitions” in the Atherton Municipal Code with the purpose of establishing development standards in response to the stateenabled massing and density of Senate Bill 79.
Description: This item concerns the second reading and adoption of an Ordinance that would set design standards for any buildings constructed in Atherton under Senate Bill 79.
4. 2025 GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Report: BRITTANY BENDIX, CONSULTING TOWN PLANNER
Recommendation: Review and accept the 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR) and authorize its transmittal to the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Californian Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) via Council update, pursuant to Section 65400 of the California Government Code.
Description: This item concerns a routine annual report to Council regarding the General Plan and Housing Element implementation housing report and seeking Council approval to transmit that report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
5. DECLARE AS SURPLUS ONE MARKED POLICE VEHICLE
Report: STEVE MCCULLEY, CHIEF OF POLICE
Recommendation: It is recommended that Council declare one (1) 2018 Ford Explorer marked police vehicle as surplus and authorize the sale via auction and declare one (1) 2019 BMWmarked police motorcycle as surplus and authorize the sale via auction.
Description: This item concerns the routine cycling of a police vehicle out of service as it is no longer of a condition that is proper for a police vehicle seeing regular use. If approved the vehicle will be sold at auction per standard procedure.
6. ACCEPTANCE OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025
Report: ROBERT BARRON III, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR Recommendation: Accept the Treasurer’s Report for the Second Quarter Ended December 31, 2025
Description: This is a routine item to keep Council up to date on the cash and investment position of the Town. This report is for the Second Quarter of the 2025/206 Fiscal Year, ending December 31, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARING (Items 7 – 8)
7. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR AN INCLUSIONARY HOUSING FEE AND FIND THIS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PER SECTION 15061
Report: BRITTANY BENDIX, CONSULTING TOWN PLANNER
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution to establish an inclusionary housing fee consistent with the Town’s Inclusionary Housing program and the certified Atherton 20232031 Housing Element.
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position of the Town. This report is for the Second Quarter of the 2025/206 Fiscal Year, ending December 31, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARING (Items 7 – 8)
7. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR AN INCLUSIONARY HOUSING FEE AND FIND THIS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PER SECTION 15061
Report: BRITTANY BENDIX, CONSULTING TOWN PLANNER
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution to establish an inclusionary housing fee consistent with the Town’s Inclusionary Housing program and the certified Atherton 20232031 Housing Element.
Description: This item concerns a potential resolution to formalize inlieu fees related to the potential construction of inclusionary housing. These fees would be in line with the other criteria created as part of the Town’s Inclusionary Housing program.
8. WAIVE THE FIRST READING AND INTRODUCE BY TITLE ONLY, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE ATHERTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE HOLIDAYS DURING WHICH CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION
AND CONSTRUCTIONRELATED ACTIVITY IS PROHIBITED; THIS PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA PER SECTION 15061(b)(3)
Report: FRED LUSTENBERGER, CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL
Recommendation: It is recommended that Council waive the first reading and introduce by title only, an ordinance to amend Title 15 of the Atherton Municipal Code to update holidays during which certain construction and constructionrelated activity is prohibited.
Description: This item concerns the introduction, by title only, of an Ordinance designed to reconcile differences in practices of the Town and what is stated in Chapter 15 of the Atherton Municipal Code.
REGULAR AGENDA (Items 9 – 10)
9. CITY COUNCIL REVIEW AND CONCUR WITH STAFF PROPOSAL TO TRANSITION SELECT TOWNOWNED LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT FROM GAS POWERED TO ELECTRIC ALTERNATIVES; THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PER SECTION 15061 OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES.
Report: CHRISTABEL SORIA MENDOZA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST II Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council review and concur with staff’s proposal to transition select Town owned landscaping equipment from gas powered to electric alternatives, where feasible.
Description: This item provides an overview of landscaping equipment currently used to maintain HolbrookPalmer Park and evaluates opportunities to transition select Townowned tools from gaspowered to electric alternatives. Staff coordinated with the Town’s landscape maintenance contractor, BrightView Landscape Services, and determined that their crews already utilize electric equipment for many routine maintenance activities. Staff is seeking City Council review and concurrence with the proposed approach to transition feasible Townowned equipment to electric alternatives over time as equipment is replaced or funding becomes available.
10. REVIEW PROPOSED ALARM PERMIT COMPLIANCE AND FALSE ALARM PENALTY COLLECTION POLICIES AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Report: STEVE MCCULLEY, CHIEF OF POLICE
Recommendation: Staff recommend that the City Council review the information contained in this report and provide feedback regarding staff’s recommended administrative policies regarding alarm permit compliance and false alarm penalty collection policies.
Description: This item concerns a report requested by Council regarding alarm systems Meeting Agenda
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their crews already utilize electric equipment for many routine maintenance activities. Staff is seeking City Council review and concurrence with the proposed approach to transition feasible Townowned equipment to electric alternatives over time as equipment is replaced or funding becomes available.
10. REVIEW PROPOSED ALARM PERMIT COMPLIANCE AND FALSE ALARM PENALTY COLLECTION POLICIES AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Report: STEVE MCCULLEY, CHIEF OF POLICE
Recommendation: Staff recommend that the City Council review the information contained in this report and provide feedback regarding staff’s recommended administrative policies regarding alarm permit compliance and false alarm penalty collection policies.
Description: This item concerns a report requested by Council regarding alarm systems administered by Atherton PD and the data surrounding false alarm responses and the associated false alarm citations.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURN
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
If you challenge a Town zoning, planning, or any other decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the Town at, or prior to, the public hearing. Judicial review of any Town administrative decision may be had only if a petition is filed with the court not later than the 90th day following the date upon which the decision becomes final. Judicial review of environmental determinations may be subject to a shorter period.
Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to each item of business referred to on the agenda are available for public inspection by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before each regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 7520500. Notification of 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (29 CRF
35.104 ADA Title II)
Public Comments:
The Town of Atherton Council and Committee or Commission meetings are a limited public forum, and all public comment must relate to something that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committees. If comments do not relate to the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committee, we will stop the comment and a warning may be provided. If the comment continues to be outside of the subject matter jurisdiction the speaker will be stopped, and we will move on to the next speaker.
Speakers found in violation of this rule of procedure may be removed from the meeting.
Rules of Decorum:
No person participating in a public meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct — including bliidlhilifibikildhif
Meeting Agenda
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Public Comments:
The Town of Atherton Council and Committee or Commission meetings are a limited public forum, and all public comment must relate to something that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committees. If comments do not relate to the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committee, we will stop the comment and a warning may be provided. If the comment continues to be outside of the subject matter jurisdiction the speaker will be stopped, and we will move on to the next speaker.
Speakers found in violation of this rule of procedure may be removed from the meeting.
Rules of Decorum:
No person participating in a public meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct — including but not limited to applause, whistling, feet stamping, booing or making any loud, threatening, profane, abusive, personal, impertinent or slanderous uttering or comments. No person is allowed to disturb, disrupt, or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the meeting. If any person continues to breach the Rules of Decorum in a manner that disturbs, disrupts or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting following an order from the Mayor, or Presiding Officer, to cease the offending conduct, the Mayor, or Presiding Officer, may order that person to leave the meeting.
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