Item No. 3
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2026
SUBJECT: APPROVE SCOPE AND BUDGET AMENDMENT OF
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TJKM
TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS FOR THE MIDDLEFIELD
ROAD TRAFFIC ANALYSIS AND WATKINS AVENUE
PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve a scope and budget amendment of professional services agreement with TJKM Transportation Consultants (TJKM) for Traffic Operations Analyses and Timing Plans for the proposed traffic signals on Middlefield Road at Watkins Avenue and at Fair Oaks Lane / Palmer Avenue and to provide design services for improvements to the Watkins Avenue walkway, in the total amount not to exceed $84,600.
BACKGROUND
The City Council approved a professional services agreement with TJKM Transportation Consultants to conduct studies at the City Council Meeting on January 21, 2026. Included in the studies was an evaluation of potential traffic controls on Middlefield Road at the Watkins Avenue and Fair Oaks Lane / Palmer Avenue intersections.
Staff and TJKM presented results of the initial evaluation at the Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee Meeting on May 26, 2026, and subsequently at the City Council Meeting on June 17, 2026. The initial evaluation included collection of traffic data and warrant analyses for improvements including traffic signals, pedestrian hybrid beacons (HAWK) and a rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) at each location to enhance pedestrian safety and improve mobility of all modes (vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian). Both intersections met three traffic signal warrants: eight-hour volume, four-hour volume and peak hour volume. However, the warrants for a HAWK and RRFB were not met at either location. The Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee recommended a corridor-level study modeling the installation of signals, first at Watkins Avenue and then adding in Fair Oaks Lane / Palmer Avenue, with a five-year TJKM Traffic Studies
OCTOBER 21, 2026
projection accounting for development along Middlefield. Council supported that recommendation and expressed consensus to proceed and prioritize the Watkins Avenue signal.
Based on the feedback, TJKM provided a scope and budget amendment for the additional efforts requested at the meetings.
Separately, the Council adopted Capital Improvement Program Projects for walkway and fencing improvements along Watkins Avenue from the Caltrain Crossing to Middlefield Road. Though a conceptual level analysis was completed and presented to the City Council, the preparation of project design and construction documents was not initiated at the time. In consideration of the current projects in the vicinity being evaluated and under design by TJKM, staff solicited a proposal for design services for the Watkins Avenue Walkway and Fencing projects.
ANALYSIS
Middlefield Road Intersection Evaluations
As noted above, both Watkins Avenue and Fair Oaks Lane / Palmer Avenue intersections at Middlefield Road met warrants for the installation of traffic signals. Before moving forward with design of the traffic signals, the Council (and Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee) requested an analysis of the impacts of installing the signals. The current scope of services with TJKM included developing signal timing plans for the proposed traffic signals at the Middlefield/Watkins and Middlefield/Fair Oaks/Palmer intersections, and signal timing coordination along five (5) intersections using Synchro software. No in-person meetings were included.
The revised effort, included in TJKM’s proposal, expands the analysis to include seven (7) intersections from Ringwood Avenue to Fair Oaks Lane / Palmer Avenue (Ringwood, Ravenswood, Oak Grove, Encinal, Watkins, Marsh, and Fair Oaks / Palmer). TJKM will develop optimized signal-timing plans at study intersections along the Middlefield corridor for the weekday a.m., school p.m., and p.m. peak periods. Also added are two in-person meetings. The revised task effort and budget amendment in an amount of $14,400 is requested. The intent is to show the sequential impact of adding the signals before moving forward with project design. Separately, TJKM also provided a proposal for the design of a traffic signal at Watkins Avenue in the amount of $58,450. Staff is not asking for approval of the design services portion at this time.
Watkins Avenue Walkway and Fencing Improvements
TJKM provided a proposal for conducting a topographic survey and preparing engineering design and construction documents for the improvement of the walkway along the south side of Watkins Avenue from the Caltrain Tracks to Middlefield Road, including for the reshaping/replacement of the existing damaged AC dike and replacement of the existing fencing to match the new fence installed at the entry to Holbrook-Palmer Park. The proposal for these services is $70,200.
Staff is recommending approval for scope and budget amendment at this time, for an additional total approval of $84,600 for both the Middlefield Road signal analysis and the Watkins Avenue Walkway design.
TJKM Traffic Studies
OCTOBER 21, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
The total fiscal impact of this proposed amendment is $84,600. Funda are allocated and available in the Capital Improvement Project accounts for 1) Evaluation of Traffic Control Devices at Middlefield Road/Watkins Avenue and Middlefield Road/Fair Oaks Lane project ($14,400), and 2) Watkins Avenue Pedestrian and Fencing Improvements projects ($70,200).
Approval of design services for the Middlefield Road / Watkins Avenue intersection ($58,450) is not requested at this time.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
• Goal E - Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
POLICY FOCUS
The policy focus for the Council is continuation of evaluation of the potential traffic signals on Middlefield Road at Watkins Avenue and at Fair Oaks Lane/Palmer Avenue, and to initiate project design of improvements to the walkway and fencing along Watkins Avenue.
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. TJKM Proposal – Middlefield Road Signal Evaluation Augmentation
2. TJKM Proposal – Design of a new traffic signal at Middlefield Rd/Watkins Avenue
3. TJKM Proposal – Design of walkway and fencing improvements along Watkins Avenue – Caltrain tracks to Middlefield Road
TJKM Traffic Studies
OCTOBER 21, 2026