TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH
San Mateo County
Sophie Cole, Mayor Town Hall
Leslie Marden Ragdale, Vice Mayor OF HILLSBOROL 1600 Floribunda Avenue Laurie Davies Adams, Councilmember Hillsborough, CA 94010 Marie Chuang, Councilmember www.hillsborough.net
Christine Krolik, Councilmember
MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
5:00 PM CLOSED SESSION
6:00 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
leetings of the City Council are held in-person in Council Chambers. As a courtesy and technology permitting, the specia meeting was held 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
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM There were no announcements of conflict of interest.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM
Mayor Cole announced the Closed Session item:
A. 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 ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S)
There were no speakers.
ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Chuang, Krolik, Ragsdale, Cole
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Cole welcomed exchange students from Edogawa City, Japan and members of the Hillsborough Youth Commission and thanked them for joining the meeting.
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, March 9, 2026
IV. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Christopher Diaz stated the City Council convened in Closed Session to consider one item, reported that direction was given to staff and the City Council decided not to appeal the matter, and otherwise there was no reportable action under the Brown Act.
V. PRESENTATION
• Update from the Hillsborough Youth Commission
Hillsborough Youth Commission Chair Anya Dalal provided introductory comments.
Members of the Age-Friendly City Subcommittee, Communications Subcommittee, Environmental Awareness Subcommittee, Health and Wellness Subcommittee, and Ad Hoc Committee on Youth Injury Prevention provided updates on their accomplishments during the year and information about upcoming events. Councilmembers provided Councilmember Krolik reported that Burlingame High School students are hosting five exchange students from Edogawa City, Japan through the Rotary Club of Burlingame & Hillsborough and welcomed them to the town and expressed appreciation to their hosts.
VI. TOWN UPDATE
City Manager Doug Davis provided an update on events and activities in the town.
VIl. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
George Lance requested the City Council consider a resolution stating that they will never adopt an antisemitism resolution and stressed the importance of protecting the public's right to free speech.
Kathie Milligan inquired as to when the Town was informed of the proposed residential rehabilitation facility project in San Mateo, provided comments about the size of the project, and expressed concerns regarding lack of notification to Hillsborough residents.
Josh Cooperman provided comments regarding an article in the Palo Alto Daily Post about data collection in the use of Flock Cameras, provided information regarding an upcoming community meeting hosted by Crystal Springs Uplands School regarding a proposed increase in their enrollment and expressed concerns regarding traffic during school pick up, and provided comments regarding the comments made by earlier speaker George Lance.
VIll. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no announcements of conflict of interest.
IX. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Ragsdale requested to remove Item 4 from the Consent Calendar.
On motion by Councilmember Chuang, seconded by Councilmember Krolik and unanimous on roll call vote, Consent Calendar Items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were approved.
1. Monthly Claims: February 1 through February 28, 2026 The monthly claims for February 2026 were approved as submitted.
2. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Three-Year Fee Agreement with Eide Bailly LLP for Audit Services, in an Amount Not to Exceed $279,426.00 Excluding Single Audit Fees
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year fee agreement with Eide Bailly LLP for audit services, in an amount not to exceed $279,426.00 excluding single audit fees was adopted.
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, March 9, 2026
3. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Revised Memorandum of Understanding Between the Town of Hillsborough and the Hillsborough Beautification Foundation
The resolution approving the revised Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Hillsborough and the Hillsborough Beautification Foundation and authorizing the City Manager to execute the revised Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Town was adopted.
4. Receive February 2026 Legislative Update
Vice Mayor Ragsdale suggested edits to a future support letter for AB 2595 (Papan) to recommend an age restriction for Class 2 e-bikes of 15 or 16. Without objection, the City Council agreed with the suggested edits for a future support letter.
On motion by Vice Mayor Ragsdale, seconded by Councilmember Adams and unanimous on voice vote, the February 2026 Legislative Update was received.
5. Approval of Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-01 for the Hillsborough Schools Foundation 2026 Fun Run Under CEQA Guidelines 15378 and 15301 Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-01 for the Hillsborough Schools Foundation 2026 Fun Run subject to the conditions recommended by staff was approved.
6. Approval of Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-02 for the SolMateo Signature Kitchen Tour Event Under CEQA Guidelines 15378 and 15301 Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-02 for the SolMateo Signature Kitchen Tour event subject to the conditions recommended by staff was approved Approval of Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-03 for the Hillsborough Beautification Foundation Celebrate May! Event Under CEQA Guidelines 15378 and 15301
Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-03 for the Hillsborough Beautification Foundation Celebrate May! event subject to the conditions recommended by staff was approved.
8. Resolution Accepting as Complete the Contract with APB General Engineering for the Chateau Drive Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation & Replacement Project in the Amount of $664,296.00 Under CEQA Guideline 15301
The resolution accepting as complete the contract with Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc. for the Darrell Water Tank Replacement Project, the final amount of which is $7,187,653.69 and authorizing staff to file a Notice of Completion for the project and release withheld retention in accordance with state prompt payment laws was adopted.
9. Resolution Accepting as Complete the Contract with Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc. for the Darrell Water Tank Replacement Project in the Amount of $7,187,653.69 Pursuant to a Previously Adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration The resolution accepting as complete the contract with APB General Engineering for the Chateau Drive Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation and Replacement Project, the final amount of which is $664,296.00 and authorizing staff to file a Notice of Completion for the project and release withheld retention in accordance with state prompt payment laws was adopted.
10. Resolution Awarding to and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with SoCal Pacific Construction Corporation for the Skyfarm 3 Tank No. 2 Interior Recoating Project in the Amount of $350,000.00, with a 20% Contingency in the Amount of $70,000.00, for a Total Cost of $420,000.00, Under CEQA Guideline 15301 Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, March 9, 2026
The resolution awarding to and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with SoCal Pacific Construction Corporation DBA National Coating and Lining for the Skyfarm 3 Tank No. 3 Interior Recoating Project in the amount of $350,000.00, with a 20% contingency of $70,000.00 if needed, for a total cost of $420,000.00 under CEQA Guideline 15301 was adopted.
X. OLD BUSINESS
11. Accept Sewer Rate Study and Authorize Implementation of the Recommendation Assistant Finance Director Rich Santiago introduced the item. Gabe Sasser, Project Manager, HF&H Consultants, provided the report. Lutfi Kharuf, Partner, Best Best & Krieger provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment.
Josh Cooperman inquired regarding inflation rate assumptions factored into the rates.
Assistant Finance Director Santiago and Project Manager Sasser provided a response.
Mayor Cole closed public comment.
On motion by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Krolik and unanimous on roll call vote, the recommendations for sewer increases and changes as outlined in the HF&H Sewer Rate Study Report were accepted, and staff was directed to mail the Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Adjustment and increase to Town of Hillsborough 2026-2030 Sewer Rates and set the public hearing at no less than 45 days after the notice is mailed, incorporating procedures as set forth in Government Code section 537591.
12. Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 17.52 of the Hillsborough Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17
Assistant Director of Building & Planning Liz Ruess provided the staff report. City Attorney Christopher Diaz and Todd Leishman, Partner, Best Best & Krieger, provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
On motion by Councilmember Krolik, seconded by Councilmember Chuang and unanimous on roll call vote, an ordinance entitled "Ordinance of the City Council of the Town of Hillsborough Amending Chapter 17.52 of the Hillsborough Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA Under Public Resources Code §21080.17" was introduced with further reading waived.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
13. Acceptance of the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) Assistant Director of Building & Planning Liz Ruess introduced the item.
At 7:44 p.m., City Clerk Lisa Natusch requested a recess due to technical issues.
The meeting resumed at 7:58 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Assistant Director of Building & Planning Liz Ruess provided the staff report and noted a typographical error in the chart in Attachment 4. Assistant Director Ruess stated the correct number of total units for 2024 is 44, not 43, which was accurately reflected in the Annual Progress Report accepted by the City Council in 2025 and submitted to HCD.
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, March 9, 2026
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
On motion by Councilmember Chuang, seconded by Councilmember Adams and unanimous on voice vote, the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report was accepted.
XII. DISCUSSION
14. Preliminary Discussion Regarding Crystal Springs Uplands School Proposed Enrollment Increase
Assistant Director of Building & Planning Liz Ruess provided the staff report. Kelly Sortino, Head of School, Crystal Springs Uplands School, provided additional information and a presentation.
Mayor Cole opened public comment.
Grant Baker inquired about the percentage of enrolled students at the Uplands campus that are Hillsborough residents.
Head of School Sortino referred to her presentation and provided a response.
Mayor Cole closed public comment.
Following discussion, Mayor Cole summarized City Council feedback regarding key issues and scope considerations for environmental review including traffic, shuttle services, circulation, parking, noise, the presence of new student drivers, and the need to manage neighborhood parking.
15. Discussion of Proposed Changes to Home-Based Business Regulations Assistant City Attorney Mark Hudak provided the staff report. City Clerk Natusch provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
Following City Council discussion, Assistant City Attorney Hudak summarized the items for further discussion by the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Commercial Activity Regulations:
whether there are certain classifications of businesses which should not be allowed in the town, whether we are comfortable having customers or clients coming to residences, and the minimum threshold and possible maximum gross receipt tax.
XIII. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Adams presented slides and announced an upcoming Earth Day at Shoreway Environmental Center, reported that vendor selection is in process for a Telecommunications Request for Proposals, and an initial analysis in complete from an engineering firm for undergrounding utilities, and announced the upcoming Celebrate May! event and Leadership Council San Mateo County Leadership program session, and Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the Tobin Clark Site continues to meet and stated that February and March are a good time to remove Scotch broom and shared a video of the ease of removal.
Councilmember Chuang reported her attendance at a meeting of the SamTrans Board of Directors and a meeting of the OneShoreline Board of Directors and highlighted women in transportation. Councilmember Chuang reported her attendance at the San Mateo Council of Cities meeting in San Carlos in which childcare programs were discussed and reported the recent CERT training graduation and upcoming CERT training in Mandarin Chinese.
Councilmember Krolik stated that Memorial Day Parade planning is underway, expressed appreciation to staff for their support in welcoming exchange students from Edogawa City, Japan with the Rotary Club of Burlingame & Hillsborough, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Adams for attending the upcoming April SFO Airport/Community Roundtable Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, March 9, 2026
meeting on her behalf, and invited her Council colleagues to participate in the Hillsborough Schools Foundation Fun Run with her.
Vice Mayor Ragsdale presented slides and reported her attendance at a meeting of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Commercial Activity Regulations and a County of San Mateo Local Officials Briefing regarding the Vehicle License Fee, expressed appreciation to staff and to the Kroliks for hosting the Volunteer Appreciation Event at their home and provided comments regarding required SB 827 training. Vice Mayor Ragsdale reported her attendance at a meeting of the Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors in which she was appointed Vice Chair, a Peninsula Clean Energy Community Feedback Forum regarding Battery Backup, a meeting of the BAWSCA Board Policy Committee and a meeting of the commute.org Board of Directors in which a longtime employee was recognized. Vice Mayor Ragsdale reported Mayor Cole was appointed Chair of the Hillsborough Recreation Commission.
Mayor Cole expressed appreciation to the Kroliks for hosting the Volunteer Appreciation Event at their home and announced that former Mayor Kitty Mullooly and former Mayor Paul Regan were presented keys to the Town in recognition of their dedicated service to the town.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Cole adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m. in honor of the memory of Dena Gunning.
Submitted by:
Miss Nation
Lisa Natusch, City Clerk