TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH
San Mateo County
Sophie Cole, Mayor
Leslie Marden Ragsdale, Vice Mayor OF HILSBOROL
Laurie Davies Adams, Councilmember
Marie Chuang, Councilmember
Christine Krolik, Councilmember
MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
4:30 PM CLOSED SESSION
6:00 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
Meetings of the City Council are held in-person in Council Chambers. As a courtesy and technology permitting, the special meeting was held virtually via Zoom Video Conference.
This meeting included remote participation by Councilmember Marie Chuang under Government Code Section 54953.8.3(c)(4).
CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Chuang (via remote participation), Krolik, Ragsdale, Cole Councilmember Chuang participated in the meeting remotely under Government Code Section 54953.8.3(c)(4) for travel while on official business of the legislative body of another state or local agency. Councilmember Chuang confirmed there were no individuals 18 or older present in the room at her remote location.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) There were no announcements of conflict of interest.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S)
Mayor Cole announced the items for Closed Session:
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
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Town as Defendant - One Potential Case
John Lockton's and David Marquardt's March 5, 2026 email suggesting that the Town will be sued on a new potential two-tiered rate water structure (email available upon request to the City Clerk)
C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S)
There were no speakers.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION IN ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, April 13, 2026
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session in the Administrative Conference Room at 4:33 p.m.
The Closed Session adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
lI. ROLL CALL
Present: Adams, Chuang (via remote participation), Krolik, Ragsdale, Cole Councilmember Chuang participated in the meeting remotely under Government Code Section 54953.8.3(c)(4) for travel while on official business of the legislative body of another state or local agency. Councilmember Chuang confirmed there were no individuals 18 or older present in the room at her remote location.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Diaz reported the City Council convened in Closed Session to consider three items and there was no reportable action under the Brown Act.
V. PRESENTATIONS
Peninsula Clean Energy Update
Marc Hershman, Director of Government Affairs, Peninsula Clean Energy, provided an update and responded to City Council questions.
Connect Bay Area Local Investment Plan
Ana Vasudeo, Government & Community Affairs Manager, SamTrans, provided a presentation, distributed copies of the Local Transit Funding community survey and responded to City Council questions. Mayor Cole encouraged residents to complete the VI. TOWN UPDATE
City Manager Doug Davis provided an update on events and activities in the town.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
David Weinberg expressed appreciation to the City Council for their many hours of volunteering.
Marjory Ruiz Hidalgo, Local Government Affairs Representative, PG&E, announced the new "Report It" App which allows customers to report potential safety issues with a photo and location details and track the issue to resolution.
VIlI. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no announcements of conflict of interest.
IX. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Krolik requested to remove Item 7 and Item 9 from the Consent Calendar.
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, April 13, 2026
Councilmember Krolik expressed appreciation to the Hillsborough Beautification Foundation for Items 13 and 14.
There were no requests from the public to remove an item from the Consent Calendar.
Following discussion of Items 7 and 9, on motion by Councilmember Krolik, seconded by Vice Mayor Ragsdale and unanimous on roll call vote, the Consent Calendar was approved.
1. Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2025, February 9, 2026, February 23, 2026 and March 9, 2026
The City Council meeting minutes of September 8, 2025, February 9, 2026, February 23, 2026 and March 9, 2026 were approved.
2. Monthly Claims: March 1 through March 31, 2026
The monthly claims for March 2026 were approved as submitted.
3. Quarterly Treasurer's Report for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2026 The Treasurer's Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026 was approved as submitted.
4. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Administrative Amendment to Paragraph 2.2 of the Peninsula Clean Energy Joint Powers Agreement Reflecting the Name Change of Peninsula Clean Energy Authority to WestLight Energy The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an administrative amendment to Paragraph 2.2 of the Peninsula Clean Energy Joint Powers Agreement reflecting the name change of Peninsula Clean Energy Authority to WestLight Energy was adopted.
5. Receive March 2026 Legislative Update
The March 2026 Legislative Update was received.
6. Approve Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-05 for the Partners & Advocates for Remarkable Children & Adults (PARCA) Fundraiser Luncheon and Fashion Show Under CEQA Guidelines 15378 and 15301
The Fundraising Event Permit Application 26-05 for the PARCA fundraiser luncheon and fashion show subject to the conditions recommended by staff was approved.
Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with EN Engineering, LLC d.b.a. ENTRUST Solutions Group for a Telecommunications Needs Assessment in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $148,708.00 Assistant City Manager Mandy Brown responded to City Council questions.
Following discussion, this item was approved as part of the vote on the full Consent Calendar.
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with EN Engineering, LLC d.b.a. ENTRUST Solutions Group for a telecommunications needs assessment in a not-to-exceed amount of $148,708.00 contingent on the City Manager and City Attorney finalizing negotiations and approving any revised agreement terms requested by EN Engineering, LLC d.b.a. ENTRUST Solutions Group was adopted.
8. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Agreement between the County of San Mateo and 20 Cities of the County for Continued Provision of Animal Control Services for a Three-Year Term Beginning July 1, 2026
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, April 13, 2026
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement between the County of San Mateo and 20 Cities of the County for continued provision of Animal Control Services for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026 was adopted.
9. Approve and Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Letter in Support for SB 968 (Becker):
Making San Mateo County Community College District Free College Permanent Councilmembers provided comments.
Following discussion, this item was approved as part of the vote on the full Consent Calendar.
The Mayor was approved and authorized to sign a letter in support for SB 968 (Becker):
Making San Mateo County Community College District Free College Permanent.
10. Approve the Annual "Military Equipment" Report and Renew Ordinance No. 785 Regarding a Military Equipment Policy
The Military Equipment Annual Report and renew Ordinance No. 785 regarding a Military Equipment Policy was approved.
11. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Bay Area Tree Specialists, Inc. for Vegetation Management Services in the Amount of $173,438.00, with an Option for the City Manager to Renew for a Third Year in the Amount of $93,819.00, for a Three Year Total of $267,256.00, with a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $26,726.00 if Needed, for a Total Three-Year Not-to- Exceed Amount of $293,982.00, Contingent on the City Manager Finalizing Contract Negotiations to the Satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, Based on a Previously Adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a two-year agreement with Bay Area Tree Specialists, Inc. for vegetation management services in the amount of $173,438.00, with an option for the City Manager to renew for a third year in the amount of $93,819.00, for a three year total of $267,256.00, with a 10% contingency in the amount of $26,726.00 if needed, for a total three-year not-to-exceed amount of $293,982.00, contingent on the City Manager finalizing contract negotiations to the satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, based on a previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted.
12. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Go Native, Inc. for Vegetation Management Services in the Amount of $320,756.00, with an Option for the City Manager to Renew for a Third Year in the Amount of $160,544.00, for a Three Year Total of $481,300.00, with a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $48,130.00 if Needed, for a Total Three-Year Not-to-Exceed Amount of $529,430.00, Contingent on the City Manager finalizing Contract Negotiations to the Satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, Based on a Previously Adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a two-year agreement with Go Native, Inc. for vegetation management services in the amount of $320,756.00, with an option for the City Manager to renew for a third year in the amount of $160,544.00, for a three year total of $481,300.00, with a 10% contingency in the amount of $48, 130.00 if needed, for a total three-year not-to-exceed amount of $529,430.00, contingent on the City Manager finalizing contract negotiations to the satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, based on a previously adopted
13. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Gachina Landscape Management, Inc. for Landscape Services for a Two Year Not-to-Exceed Amount of $153,799.00, with an Option for the City Manager to Renew for a Third Year in the Amount of $80,377.00, for a Three Year Not-to-Exceed Amount of $234,176.00, Including a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $23,418.00 if Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, April 13, 2026
Needed, for a Total Three-Year Not-to-Exceed Amount of $257,594.00, Contingent on the City Manager Finalizing Contract Negotiations to the Satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, Under CEQA Guideline 15301
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a two-year agreement with Gachina Landscape Management, Inc. for landscape services for a two year not-to-exceed amount of $153,798.00, with an option for the City Manager to renew for a third year in the amount of $80,377.00, for a three year not-to-exceed amount of $234,175.00, including a 10% contingency in the amount of $23,418.00 if needed, for a total three-year not-to-exceed amount of $257,593.00, contingent on the City Manager finalizing contract negotiations to the satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, under CEQA Guideline 15301 was adopted.
14. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Bay Pro Landscape Maintenance, Inc. for Landscape Services for a Two Year Not-to-Exceed Amount of $126,589.00, with an Option for the City Manager to Renew for a Third Year in the Amount of $66,157.00, for a Three Year Amount of $192,746.00, Including a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $19,274.00 if Needed, for a Total Three-Year Not-to-Exceed Amount of $212,020.00, Contingent on the City Manager Finalizing Contract Negotiations to the Satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, Under CEQA Guideline 15301
The resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a two-year agreement with Bay Pro Landscape Maintenance, Inc. for landscape services for a two-year not-to-exceed amount of $126,589.00, with an option for the City Manager to renew for a third year in the amount of $66, 157.00, for a three year amount of $192,746.00, including a 10% contingency in the amount of $19,274.00 if needed, for a total three-year not-to-exceed amount of $212,020.00, contingent on the City Manager finalizing contract negotiations to the satisfaction of the City Manager and City Attorney, under CEQA Guideline 15301 was adopted.
15. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 17.52 of the Hillsborough Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17
The ordinance entitled, "An Ordinance Amending Chapter 17.52 of the Hillsborough Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17" was adopted.
X. OLD BUSINESS
16. Accept Water Rate Study and Authorize Implementation of the Recommendation Director of Finance Jan Cooke introduced the item. Rick Simonsen, Senior Vice President, and Gabe Sasser, Project Manager, HF&H Consultants, provided the presentation. Public Works Director Paul Willis and Lutfi Karuf, Partner, Best Best & Krieger, provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
Mayor Cole moved and Councilmember Adams seconded the motion to direct staff to mail the Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Adjustment and increase to Town of Hillsborough 2026-2030 Water Rates using a uniform rate structure and to set the public hearing at no less than 45 days after the notice is mailed.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yes (4): Councilmember Adams, Councilmember Chuang, Vice Mayor Ragsdale, Mayor Cole
No (1): Councilmember Krolik
Minutes - Hillsborough City Council
Monday, April 13, 2026
17. Wildfire Preparedness: Receive Work Plan for Town-wide Home Hardening Program Management Assistant Nicole De Lancie provided the staff report. Director of Building & Planning Tim Anderson and Fire Marshal Patricia Koch provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
On motion by Councilmember Chuang, seconded by Vice Mayor Ragsdale and unanimous on roll call vote, the City Council received the work plan for the town-wide home hardening program.
The City Council recessed at 9:36 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 9:43 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
XI. DISCUSSION
18. Building and Planning Department User Fee Study and Proposed Fee Schedule Management Assistant Nicole De Lancie provided the staff report. Khushboo Ingle, Vice President, Matrix Consulting Group, provided additional information.
Mayor Cole opened public comment. There were no speakers. Mayor Cole closed public comment.
Councilmembers provided comments regarding proposed ADU fee subsidies and potential consideration of not increasing the tree removal fee.
XII. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Adams presented slides and announced the upcoming Earth Day event at Shoreway Environmental Center, recognized the approval of the Telecommunications Needs Assessment agreement, reported on the Underground Utilities Community Meeting, announced the upcoming HBF Celebrate May! event, reported her attendance at a Leadership Council San Mateo County Leadership program session, a meeting of the Ad Hoc Public Education and Outreach Committee on the refresh for outdoor area, a meeting of the SFO Airport/Community Roundtable on behalf of Councilmember Krolik in which Millbrae Vice Mayor Stephen Rainaldi was selected as Chair Woodside Mayor Pro Tem Paul Gould was selected as Vice, Chair, and the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the exploration of an alternate site for the Horizon facility.
Councilmember Krolik reported her attendance at a meeting of the Architecture and Design Review Board and a meeting with Hillsborough School District Board Member An Chen and Larry Raffo regarding the Crocker Middle School construction.
Vice Mayor Ragsdale reported her attendance at a California Association of Youth Commissions e-Bike Panel, announced Peninsula Clean Energy's recognition as Best Place to Work by the San Francisco Business Journal and the Silicon Valley Business Journal, and reported her attendance at a meeting of the BAWSCA Board of Directors, the Sustainable San Mateo County Sustainability Awards and a California Association of Youth Commissions drunk driving education panel.
Mayor Cole reported her attendance at the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the Horizon facility that was proposed on El Camino in which she provided comments in her individual capacity as a physician, and encouraged residents who may have questions about the project to review the video and listen to the comments that were provided.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Cole adjourned the meeting at 10:31 p.m.
Submitted by:
unitation
Lisa Natusch, City Clerk