TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH
San Mateo County
Christine Krolik, Mayor 1600 Floribunda Avenue
Sophie Cole, Vice Mayor Hillsborough, CA 94010
Marie Chuang, Councilmember www.hillsborough.net
Leslie Marden Ragsdale, Councilmember Phone 650-375-7400 Alvin L. Royse, Councilmember
MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
3:00 PM STUDY SESSION
4:30 PM CLOSED SESSION
6:00 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Hillsborough Town Hall and Zoom Video Conference
Meetings of the City Council are held in-person. As a courtesy, and in compliance with applicable state law, staff and members of the public participated in the meeting in person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom Video Conference. Vice Mayor Sophie Cole participated in the meeting via Zoom Video Conference pursuant to the "just cause" provisions of the Brown Act.
STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Krolik called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chuang, Ragsdale, Royse, Cole (via Zoom Video Conference pursuant to the "just cause" provisions of the Brown Act), Krolik
A. STUDY SESSION: GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS
Senior Management Analyst Mandy Brown provided the staff report. City Attorney Christopher Diaz provided additional information.
Mayor Krolik opened public comment.
Aaron Zornes provided comments regarding leaf blower noise in his neighborhood on Saturday mornings for which he has called the Police Department, requested enforcement of the existing code, and spoke in support of banning gas-powered leaf blowers.
Mike Swire spoke in support of banning gas-powered leaf blowers citing noise and environmental concerns.
Peter Borrows, Pullman Road, spoke in support of the discussion and inquired whether violations would be given to the homeowner or gardener.
Jan Stoner provided comments regarding her experience as a homeowner maintaining her own property with a leaf blower, circulated a photo of the size a professional electric unit, expressed concerns regarding the physical requirements to carry electric blowers and the cost to gardeners, and requested a demonstration of electric blowers.
Mayor Krolik closed public comment.
Following discussion, Mayor Krolik summarized City Council consensus for the timeline to adopt a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers by the end of 2023 with enforcement to begin in July 2024; immediate, consistent enforcement of violations; sensitivity to workers during the transition period; continued education; further discussion regarding usage on Saturday; support for the Building & Planning Department potentially looking into requiring outlets in yards for access to electrical, and support for demonstration of use of equipment.
ADJOURN STUDY SESSION
Mayor Krolik adjourned the study session at 4:44 p.m.
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 11, 2023
CLOSED SESSION
ROLL CALL
Present: Chuang, Ragdale, Royse, Cole (via Zoom Video Conference pursuant to the "just cause provisions of the Brown Act), Krolik
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no announcements of conflict of interest.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Town as Defendant - Four Potential Cases (claim forms and legal threat document in agenda packet)
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Town of Hillsborough v. All Persons Interested in the Matter of the Proceedings for Resolution No. 22-83 Adopting Maximum Rates for Water Service Charges San Mateo Superior Court Case No. 23CIV01028
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no speakers.
ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Krolik called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Chuang, Ragsdale, Royse, Cole (via Zoom Video Conference pursuant to the "just cause" provisions of the Brown Act), Krolik
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Hillsborough Youth Commission Chair Rohan Dalal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Christopher Diaz reported regarding Closed Session Item A that the City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to reject the Cory Chen claim for vehicle damage and tender the claim to the Town's contractor based on the Town's agreement with the contractor; that the City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to reject the Radhia/Peyret claim related to a sewer the contractor; and the City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to accept the da Roza claim and pay the amount of $5,630.44. City Attorney Diaz reported direction was given to staff regarding an additional claim in Closed Session Item A and regarding Closed Session Item B.
V. MINUTES: May 8, 2023
On motion by Councilmember Chuang, seconded by Councilmember Ragsdale and unanimous on roll call vote, the minutes of the May 8, 2023 City Council meeting were approved.
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 11, 2023
VI. PROCLAMATIONS
• SEPTEMBER AS RECOVERY HAPPENS MONTH
https://www.vorsmc.org/
Mayor Krolik presented a proclamation in recognition of September as Recovery Happens Month to Bren Winans, Voice of Recovery San Mateo County. Mr. Winans provided comments and announced upcoming events.
• SEPTEMBER AS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
https://sanmateocrisis.org/
24/7 Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350
Councilmember Royse presented a proclamation in recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month to Paul Nichols, member, San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission. Mr. Nichols provided comments.
VIl. PRESENTATION
• COMMUNITY OVERCOMING RELATIONSHIP ABUSE (CORA) SPEAK UP CAMPAIGN Lynn Schuette, Director of Quality and Strategic Initiatives, CORA, provided a presentation regarding CORA's Speak Up Campaign. Norma El Faro, Speak Up Coordinator, provided additional information.
• MAYOR'S APPLAUSE
Mayor Krolik recognized Public Works Department staff with Mayor's Applause for their work maintaining the streets and roadways in the town. Public Works Director Paul Willis provided brief comments.
VIll. PUBLIC COMMENT I
Rohan Dalal, Hillsborough Youth Commission founder and Chair, provided an update from the Commission.
Taso Zografos, West Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, Gramercy-Mounds El Cerrito Neighborhood Association, expressed concerns regarding traffic safety and speed on West Santa Inez Avenue and requested stop signs at Ranelagh Road and near Gramercy. Zografos expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for their work during the winter months.
IX. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councilmember Ragsdale reported that her family no longer owns stock in Comcast.
X. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Cole requested to remove Item 4 from the Consent Calendar.
There were no requests from the public to remove an item from the Consent Calendar.
On motion by Councilmember Chuang, seconded by Councilmember Royse and unanimous on roll call vote, Consent Calendar items 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 were approved.
1. MONTHLY CLAIMS: AUGUST 1 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2023 PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The monthly claims for August 1 through August 31, 2023 were approved as submitted.
2. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH IT'S PERSONNEL
CONSULTING FOR AS-NEEDED HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION AND Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 11, 2023
CONSULTING SERVICES NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $260,000 PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with It's Personnel Consulting for as-needed Human Resources Administration and consulting services not-to-exceed amount of $260,000 pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
3. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING EMERGENCY CONTRACT WITH FARALLON COMPANY FOR EMERGENCY RETAINING WALL WORK AT 2095 RALSTON AVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,605.00, FOR TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $243,600.00, ACCEPTING THE PROJECT AS COMPLETE IN THE AMOUNT OF $243,600.00, AND DIRECTING STAFF TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION, PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES 15301 AND 15269
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing emergency contract with Farallon Company for emergency retaining wall work at 2095 Ralston Avenue in the amount of $6,605.00, for total contract amount of $243,600.00, accepting the project as complete in the amount of $243,600.00, and directing staff to file a notice of completion, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15301 and 15269 was adopted.
4. RESOLUTION AWARDING TO AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH D'ARCY & HARTY CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR THE 2023 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION & REPLACEMENT PROJECT 23A IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,046,860.00, WITH A 10% CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $204,686.00, FOR TOTAL COST OF $2,251,546.00 PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE SECTION 15301
Public Works Director Paul Willis responded to Councilmember questions.
On motion by Councilmember Chuang, seconded by Vice Mayor Cole and unanimous on roll call vote, the resolution awarding to and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with D'Arcy & Harty Construction Inc. for the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation & Replacement Project 23A in the amount of $2,046,860.00, with a 10% contingency in the amount of $204,686.00, for total cost of $2,251,546.00 pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section 15301 was adopted.
5. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH HALEY & ALDRICH, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL
GEOTECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE MACADAMIA ACCESS ROAD REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $215,870.00 RESULTING IN A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $284,264.00 PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE 15301
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing agreement with Haley & Aldrich, Inc. for professional geotechnical and engineering design services for the Macadamia Access Road Repair in the amount of $215,870.00 resulting in a total amount of $284,264.00 pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15301 was
6. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE GRANT OF A TEN-FOOT-WIDE PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AT 1217 SOUTHDOWN ROAD PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE 15301 The resolution accepting the grant of a ten-foot-wide public utility easement at 1217 Southdown Road pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15301 was adopted.
XI. PUBLIC HEARING
7. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING COMCAST'S PERMIT APPLICATION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF TWO (2)
BATTERY CABINETS (UTILITY BOX OUTDOOR FIXTURES) AT A LOCATION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY WITHIN THE TRAFFIC ISLAND NEAR 1025 VISTA ROAD Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 11, 2023
AND GRANTING COMCAST'S REQUEST FOR AN EXCEPTION TO POLICY NO. 19- 01 FOR THESE INSTALLATIONS, PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE 15303 Mayor Krolik provided introductory comments. Public Works Director Paul Willis provided the staff report. City Attorney Christoper Diaz and Bennett Givens, Associate, Best Best & Krieger, provided additional information.
Billy Glisson, Area Construction Manager, Comcast, responded to questions regarding the installations.
Mayor Krolik opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Krolik closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
On motion by Councilmember Royse, seconded by Councilmember Ragsdale and unanimous on roll call vote, the resolution approving Comcast's permit application for the installation of two (2) battery cabinets (Utility Box Outdoor Fixtures) at a location in the public right of-way within the traffic island near 1025 Vista Road and granting Comcast's request for an exception to Policy No. 19-01 for these installations, pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15303 was adopted.
XII. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE
City Manager Doug Davis provided an informational update regarding the Town's ADU Dashboard and events and activities in the town.
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT II
There were no speakers.
XIV. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Chuang provided information regarding the upcoming Hillsborough Neighborhood Network Neighborfest event, announced SamTrans began using their first electric bus, and provided information regarding the SamTrans Ride Plus program being piloted in Half Moon Bay and North Fair Oaks in East Palo Alto.
Councilmember Royse reported his attendance at meetings of the SBWMA Finance Committee and SBWMA Legislative Committee and expressed appreciation to Councilmember Ragsdale for her assistance with the formation of the Youth Commission.
Councilmember Ragsdale expressed appreciation to Councilmember Royse and Town staff for their assistance with the formation of the Youth Commission.
Councilmember Royse stated that the recent issue of Hillsborough Living magazine includes an article regarding the Youth Commission.
Councilmember Ragsdale provided an update regarding the Age-Friendly city application process.
Vice Mayor Cole reported her attendance at meetings of the Firewise Board and the Central County Fire Department Board.
Mayor Krolik reported her attendance at the Hillsborough Oaks block party, the APG Citizen of the Year/Community Care Award event and a retirement event for former Mayor Larry May.
Mayor Krolik announced plans for a Eucalyptus Pathway ribbon cutting and suggested the Youth Commission consider a program on preparing students for college as it relates to XV. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Krolik adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. in honor of the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001.
inutes - Hillsborough City Counc
ondav. September 11. 202
Submitted by:
Lisa Natusch, City Clerk