TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH
San Mateo County
Sophie Cole, Mayor
Leslie Marden Ragsdale, Vice Mayor
Laurie Davies Adams, Councilmember
Marie Chuang, Councilmember
Christine Krolik, Councilmember
MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
5:00 PM CLOSED SESSION
6:00 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Hillsborough Town Hall
1600 Floribunda Avenue
Hillsborough, CA 94010
www.hillsborough.net
Phone 650-375-7400
Meetings of the City Council are held in-person at Town Hall. 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.
CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Chuang, Krolik, Ragsdale, Cole
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S)
There were no speakers.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) There were no announcements of conflict of interest.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INITIATION OF LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Town as Plaintiff- One Potential Case •
ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Chuang, Krolik, Ragsdale, Cole
111. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Christopher Diaz reported that City Council met in Closed Session and there was no reportable action.
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 8, 2025
V. RECOGNITION
• RETHINKWASTE TRASH TO ART CONTEST - INDIVIDUAL 3RD GRADE WINNER Mayor Cole introduced the item. Councilmember Adams, RethinkWaste Board Member, presented a certificate of recognition to South School Student, Reef, for his art piece, "The Trash Express." Reef provided brief comments about his art piece.
VI. PROCLAMATIONS
• SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
Mayor Cole read the proclamation and presented it to San Mateo Behavioral Health Commission Youth Action Board Member Jane Felton and Behavioral Health Commissioner Freida Edgette. Board Member Felton and Commissioner Edgette provided comments.
• CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Councilmember Kralik read the proclamation and presented it to Battle Osteosarcoma co-founder Christina Ip-Toma and members of the organization. Ms. Ip-Toma provided comments and announced an upcoming Hillsborough Battles Osteo 5K. • NATIONAL COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) WEEK, SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2025
Councilmember Chuang read the proclamation and presented it to CERT Volunteer Coordinator Kaz Chiao. Volunteer Coordinator Chiao provided comments.
VII. PRESENTATION
• HILLSBOROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK (HNN) PROGRAM UPDATE HNN Leadership Team Members Lisa Edwards and Mike Chuang provided an update on the HNN program and responded to Councilmember questions.
VIII. TOWN UPDATE
City Manager Doug Davis provided an update on events and activities in the town.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Dennis Moore expressed concerns regarding home burglaries in the town and requested the City Council direct staff to prepare an action plan to be reported at the next City Council meeting. Moore requested that anyone interested in running for City Council contact him.
Aaron Zornes expressed concerns regarding burglaries in west Hillsborough and offered to meet with Councilmembers to discuss the data he has gathered.
X. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councilmember Kralik announced she would recuse herself from participation in Item 12 as her home is within 500 feet of 2455 Summit Drive and 2419 Oakdale Road.
XI. CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no requests from the City Council or from a member of the public to remove an item from the Consent Calendar.
On motion by Councilmember Kralik, seconded by Councilmember Chuang and unanimous on voice vote, the Consent Calendar was approved.
1. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 11, 2025 Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 8, 2025
The City Council meeting minutes of August 11, 2025 were approved.
2. MONTHLY CLAIMS: AUGUST 1 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2025
The monthly claims for August 2025 were approved as submitted.
3. RECEIVE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The August Legislative Update was received.
4. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH CSG CONSULTANTS, INC.
FOR AS-NEEDED GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000.00, FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $600,000.00, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. for as-needed general engineering services in the amount of $200,000.00, for a total budget of $600,000.00, under CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
5. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH CSG CONSULTANTS, INC.
FOR AS-NEEDED PROJECT MANAGEMENT & MUNICIPAL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $800,000.00, FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $2,400,000.00, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. for as-needed project management and municipal services in the amount of $800,000.00, for a total budget of $2,400,000.00, under CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
6. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH EKI ENVIRONMENT & WATER, INC. FOR AS-NEEDED GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000.00, FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $750,000.00, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with EKI Environment & Water, Inc. for as-needed general engineering services in the amount of $250,000.00, for a total budget of $750,000.00, under CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
7. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH FREYER & LAURETA, INC.
FOR AS-NEEDED GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,000.00, FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $180,000.00, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with Freyer & Laureta, Inc. for as-needed general engineering services in the amount of $90,000.00, for a total budget of $180,000.00, under CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH NINYO & MOORE GEOTECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CONSULTANTS FOR ASNEEDED GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,000.00, FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $270,000.00, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 8, 2025
Page4
Consultants for as-needed geotechnical engineering & material testing services in the amount of $90,000.00, for a total budget of $270,000.00, under CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
9. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH PAKPOUR CONSUL TING GROUP, INC. FOR AS-NEEDED GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000.00, FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $600,000.00, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with Pakpour Consulting Group, Inc. for as-needed general engineering services in the amount of $200,000.00, for a total budget of $600,000.00, under CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
10. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH R.E.Y. ENGINEERS, INC.
FOR AS-NEEDED SURVEYING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000.00, FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $45,000.00, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15378
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with R.E.Y. Engineers, Inc. for as-needed surveying services in the amount of $15,000.00, for a total budget of $45,000.00, under CEQA Guideline 15378 was adopted.
11. RESOLUTION AWARDING TO AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH CASEY CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE SHADY LANE STORM DRAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $668,414.00, WITH A 20% CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $133,682.80, FOR TOTAL COST OF $822,096.80, UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15301
The resolution awarding to and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Casey Construction, Inc. for the Shady Lane Storm Drain Replacement Project in the amount of $668,414.00, with a 20% contingency of $133,682.80 if needed, for a total cost of $822,096.80 under CEQA Guideline 15301 was adopted.
XII. PUBLIC HEARING
12. RESOLUTION APPROVING A REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 2455 SUMMIT DRIVE UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15303 AND
RESOLUTION APPROVING A REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT
APPLICATION FOR 2419 OAKDALE ROAD UNDER CEQA GUIDELINE 15303 At 7:16 p.m., Councilmember Krolik recused herself and left the room based on her announcement of conflict of interest under Item X.
Associate Engineer Doug Belcik provided the staff report.
Mayor Cole opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 p.m.
On motion by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Vice Mayor Ragsdale and unanimous on voice vote with Councilmember Krolik recused, the resolution approving the Revocable Encroachment Permit Application for 2455 Summit Drive and the resolution approving the Revocable Encroachment Permit Application for 2419 Oakdale Road were adopted.
At 7:24 p.m., Councilmember Krolik returned to the room and took her seat at the dais.
XIII. OLD BUSINESS
13. 40 BA YWOOD AVENUE PROPERTY DONATION - RESPONSE FROM TRUSTEE Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 8, 2025
City Manager Doug Davis introduced the item. Assistant City Attorney Mark Hudak provided the staff report. City Attorney Christopher Diaz provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
Council member Kralik read into the record a letter that she and Mayor Cole sent to Ms.
Lassahn today regarding intentions for use of the property.
Following discussion, City Manager Davis summarized City Council direction to staff to return to the Town's originally proposed agreement with clarification that it is the Town's intention to be open to the public but that when and how is to be determined by the Town; that the City Manager and Assistant City Attorney be given some leeway regarding negotiation of the reasonable fees required to complete the transfer of the property; and to return to the City Council in 30 days with an update.
Mayor Cole reopened public comment.
Anne Lassahn stated she would like to continue the conversation and thanked the City Council for their time.
Mayor Cole closed public comment.
14. ACCEPT SOLID WASTE RATE STUDY AND AUTHORIZE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Finance Director Jan Cooke introduced the item. Rick Simonson, Senior Vice President, HF&H, provided the report. Joe La Mariana, Executive Director, RethinkWaste, provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment.
Paul Regan inquired about the rationale behind the cost of an extra organics cart staying consistent over the next five years.
Senior Vice President Simonson provided a response.
Joe La Mariana, Executive Director, RethinkWaste, expressed appreciation to Town staff.
Mayor Cole closed public comment.
On motion by Councilmember Chuang, seconded by Councilmember Adams and unanimous on voice vote, the recommendation for adjustments and increases to the solid waste rates effective for January 2026 through 2030 were adopted, the Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Adjustment and Increases to Town of Hillsborough 2026 through 2030 Solid Waste Rates was directed to be mailed by staff, and the public hearing date was set to be held at the Monday, November 10, 2025 City Council meeting.
Council recessed at 8:59 p.m.
Council reconvened at 9:06 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
15. DESIGNATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE(S) TO THE 2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO OCTOBER 8-10, 2025
City Clerk Lisa Natusch provided the staff report.
On motion made by Councilmember Kralik, seconded by Councilmember Chuang and unanimous on voice vote, Mayor Cole was designated as the voting delegate and Vice Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 8, 2025
Mayor Ragsdale and Councilmember Adams were designated as alternate voting delegates to the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference.
XV. DISCUSSION
16. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL REVISIONS TO HILLSBOROUGH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.52 RELATED TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs) Assistant Director of Building & Planning Liz Ruess provided the staff report. Building & Planning Director Tim Anderson provided additional information.
Following discussion, without objection, Assistant Director Ruess summarized City Council support for revisions to Chapter 17.52 of the Hillsborough Municipal Code:
eliminate the notice of limited remaining development capacity requirement; eliminate the notice of application as the notice of construction will be modified to be sent by staff, rather than the applicant, at building permit issuance, and staff will work with the Citizens Communication Advisory Committee and the City Attorney's Office to ensure the notice language is clear that it is a courtesy notice and that it provides contact information for any construction-related questions.
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
17. UPDATE FROM THE CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE FOR THE TOWN HALL
COMPLEX PROJECT
Assistant Director of Building & Planning Liz Ruess provided an update from the City Council Subcommittee for the Town Hall Complex Project and next steps. City Attorney Christopher Diaz provided additional information.
XVI. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Council member Chuang expressed appreciation to staff for their support of visits by two Taiwanese Little League teams including the Little League World Series Champions.
Councilmember Chuang reported SamTrans is celebrating Transit Month with a "Ride Like a Leader" campaign and encouraged staff and Council to take public transit and post about it on social media to spread the word. Councilmember Chuang provided comments regarding the Resilient Emergency Alert Communications and Training (REACT) Act, a bill introduced to strengthen emergency alert systems, and reported her attendance representing Hillsborough Neighborhood Network at welcome back events at each of the four Hillsborough schools.
Council member Kralik reported her attendance at a meeting of the Architecture and Design Review Board, the San Mateo County Council of Cities meeting hosted by the City of Belmont, the Hillsborough City School District Back to School Breakfast, a meeting of the City Council Subcommittee for the Town Hall Complex Project, the Alarm Monitoring Showcase hosted by the Police Department, and the Peninsula Round Table in which County Executive Mike Callagy was the speaker.
Councilmember Adams provided a presentation and reported her attendance at the Public Works Department potluck lunch, expressed appreciation for the third quarter newsletter article regarding waste diversion, reported her attendance at a meeting of the City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the Tobin Clark Site for interviews of vendors for project management of the Tobin Clark development project, announced an upcoming Telecommunications Study Session, reported her research into undergrounding utilities as identified in the City Council goals, and reported a visit to the Mendocino County Arboretum.
Vice Mayor Ragsdale provided a presentation and reported her attendance at a meeting of the Hillsborough Youth Commission, the Hillsborough City School District Back to School Breakfast, the San Mateo County Council of Cities meeting hosted by the City of Belmont, and Women's Equality Day at the San Mateo County Supervisors Meeting. Vice Mayor Ragsdale reported her attendance at a CalCities legislative webinar, a meeting with Mayor Cole and Hillsborough City School District Board President Oliff and Superintendent De Arce, a recycling webinar, a webinar regarding e-bikes, a reception hosted by Sustainable San Mateo Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, September 8, 2025
County, and meetings of the Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors, BAWSCA Board of Directors, Citizens Communication Advisory Committee, City Council Subcommittee on the Town Hall Complex Project, and the City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Commercial Activity Regulations.
Mayor Cole reported her attendance at the Hillsborough City School District Back to School Breakfast and a meeting of the Firewise Board and reminded the community about the upcoming Study Session regarding fire resistant construction and defensible space requirements.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Cole adjourned the meeting at 10:31 p.m.
Submitted by:
@~10
Lisa Natusch, City Clerk