Item No. 9
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND GEORGE
RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: CHRISTABEL SORIA MENDOZA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST II
DATE: MARCH 18, 2026
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF ELECTRIC & GAS EQUIPMENT USE AT
HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK
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.
BACKGROUND
In a previous Council discussion, the Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) proposed a resolution requesting the establishment of a pilot program at Holbrook-Palmer Park to evaluate the use of battery-operated gardening and landscaping equipment. The proposed pilot program was intended to compare the environmental, health, operational, and economic impacts of batteryoperated equipment as substitutes for existing gas-powered equipment.
As part of that discussion, staff began coordinating with the Town’s landscape maintenance contractor, BrightView Landscape Services, to better understand the equipment currently used to maintain park facilities and the availability of battery powered alternatives, if needed. Staff requested information regarding the types of equipment used at Town facilities, the feasibility of electric alternatives, and operational considerations such as run time, charging needs, performance, and potential cost implications.
ANALYSIS
BrightView provided an overview of the equipment currently used in their maintenance operations and indicated that their team already owns and operates electric landscaping equipment at the Park for most routine maintenance activities. BrightView outlined the equipment they currently own and utilize when performing landscape maintenance services at Town facilities (Attachment 1).
In addition to contractor owned equipment, BrightView noted that their team and Town maintenance personnel occasionally use certain Town owned tools, including chainsaws and trimming equipment, on an as-needed basis when performing work at the Park. These Town owned tools are currently gas powered (Attachment 1).
Based on this information, staff evaluated opportunities to transition select Town owned tools to electric alternatives. A few pieces of equipment were identified as feasible items for electrification, including a stick edger, chainsaw, and potentially a riding mower. Commercial electric versions of these tools are widely available and commonly used in landscaping operations. However, while many handheld tools have well established electric alternatives, some larger equipment may still present operational limitations depending on the intensity and duration of use.
Transitioning these tools to electric alternatives would support the Town’s sustainability goals by reducing emissions associated with gas powered small equipment while also lowering noise levels in park environments. Electric equipment also reduces the need for fuel storage and handling during routine maintenance operations.
As part of the next phase of evaluation, staff will coordinate directly with vendors to review available electric equipment platforms and identify appropriate models that meet the Town’s operational needs.
CONCLUSION
Building on the earlier EPC discussion regarding a potential pilot program, staff’s coordination with BrightView determined that a formal pilot program is not necessary for contractor operations.
BrightView has indicated that their team already owns and operates electric landscaping equipment and utilizes these tools at Town facilities where feasible. BrightView performs the predominant amount of landscape work at the Park.
As a result, staff’s focus has shifted toward evaluating opportunities to transition select Town owned equipment that is currently used during park maintenance activities on an as needed basis.
Staff recommends transitioning feasible handheld tools to electric alternatives as equipment is replaced or funding becomes available. Utility vehicles, such as the Gator, will be evaluated for transition to electric as grant funds become available (estimated costs $15,000-$20,000). There are different cargo and towing capacities that apply to gas and electric powered Gator’s that need to be considered based on service needs.
This approach allows the Town to support its Climate Action Plan goals while maintaining operational flexibility and minimizing disruption to routine park maintenance activities.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with coordinating with vendors to review available electric equipment platforms. Vendor consultations, equipment specifications, and product demonstrations are typically provided at no cost as part of the procurement evaluation process.
Staff time associated with coordinating these discussions and reviewing equipment options would be absorbed within existing departmental resources.
Future fiscal impacts may occur if the Town elects to purchase electric equipment to replace existing gas-powered tools. The cost will depend on the specific equipment models selected, battery and charging systems required, and the number of units procured. Staff will continue to evaluate potential funding opportunities, including programs offered through Peninsula Clean Energy, that may help offset equipment costs.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal 4 – Be Forward-Thinking
• Goal 5 – Maintain & Improve Public Infrastructure
POLICY FOCUS
Council consideration of transitioning select Town owned landscaping equipment from gas powered to electric alternatives relates to Priority 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.
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. Landscaping Equipment List