Mandatory Sinking Fund Redemption. The Term Bonds maturing on August 1, 20[__] and August 1, 20[__] (the “Term Bonds”) are subject to redemption prior to their stated maturity date, without a redemption premium, in part by lot, from mandatory sinking fund payments on each August 1, on and after August 1, 20[__], in the principal amounts as set forth in the following tables:
$[_____________] Term Bond Due August 1, 20[__]
Payment Date
(August 1)
Payment
Amount
(Maturity)
$[_____________] Term Bond Due August 1, 20[__]
Payment Date
(August 1)
Payment
Amount
(Maturity)
If some but not all of the Term Bonds have been optionally redeemed, the aggregate principal amount of Term Bonds to be subject to Mandatory Sinking Fund Redemption in each year will be reduced on a pro rata basis in integral multiples of $5,000, as designated in written notice filed by the Issuer with the Paying Agent.
Page J-2.202
152493290v2 A-1
EXHIBIT A
$[________________]
CITY OF MENLO PARK
2022 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
(2001 Election)
ISSUE PRICE CERTIFICATE
The undersigned, on behalf of BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) hereby certifies as set forth below with respect to the sale and issuance of the above-captioned obligations (the “Bonds”).
1. Sale of the Bonds. As of the date of this certificate, for each Maturity of the Bonds, the first price at which at least 10% of such Maturity of the Bonds was sold to the Public is the respective price listed in Schedule A.
2. Pricing Wire or Equivalent Communication. A copy of the pricing wire or equivalent communication for the Bonds is attached to this certificate as Schedule B.
3. Defined Terms.
(a) Issuer means City of Menlo Park.
(b) Maturity means Bonds with the same credit and payment terms. Bonds with different maturity dates, or Bonds with the same maturity date but different stated interest rates, are treated as separate maturities.
(c) Public means any person (including an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, or corporation) other than an Underwriter or a related party to an Underwriter. The term “related party” for purposes of this certificate means any two or more persons who have greater than 50 percent common ownership, directly or indirectly. (d) Underwriter means (i) any person that agrees pursuant to a written contract with the Issuer (or with the lead underwriter to form an underwriting syndicate) to participate in the initial sale of the Bonds to the Public, and (ii) any person that agrees pursuant to a written contract directly or indirectly with a person described in clause (i) of this paragraph to participate in the initial sale of the Bonds to the Public (including a member of a selling group or a party to a retail distribution agreement participating in the initial sale of the Bonds to the Public).
The representations set forth in this certificate are limited to factual matters only. Nothing in this certificate represents BofAS’ interpretation of any laws, including specifically Sections 103 and 148 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. The undersigned understands that the foregoing information will be relied upon by the Issuer with respect to certain of the representations set forth in the Tax Certificate and with respect to compliance with the federal income tax rules affecting the Bonds, and by Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation in connection with rendering its opinion that the interest on the Bonds is excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes, the preparation of Internal Page J-2.203
152493290v2 A-2
Revenue Service Form 8038-G, and other federal income tax advice it may give to the Issuer from time to time relating to the Bonds. The certifications contained herein are not necessarily based on personal knowledge of the undersigned but may instead be based on either inquiry deemed adequate by the undersigned or institutional knowledge (or both) regarding the matters set forth herein.
BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
By: ______________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Dated: [___________], 2022
Page J-2.204
152493290v2 A-3
SCHEDULE A
SALE PRICES OF THE BONDS
$[___________]
CITY OF MENLO PARK
2022 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
(2001 Election)
Maturity Date
(August 1)
Principal
Amount
Interest
Rate Yield Price
$[_________] [_____]% Term Bond due August 1, 20[__]; Yield: [___]% Price: [____]C $[_________] [_____]% Term Bond due August 1, 20[__]; Yield: [___]% Price: [____]C ________________
C Priced to first par optional call date of August 1, 20[__].
Page J-2.205
152493290v2 B-1
SCHEDULE B
PRICING WIRE OR EQUIVALENT COMMUNICATION
(Attached)
Page J-2.206
Use of Bond Proceeds
Bond proceeds will be used for renovating and expanding the City’s parks and recreation facilities as approved by voters. Acquisition and construction of a portion of all or a portion of the following parks and recreation facilities are anticipated, though any or all of the projects, except Menlo Park Community Campus which is under construction, may not be completed, or different projects may be undertaken at direction of the City Council:
1. Menlo Park Community Campus. The City expects to use approximately $8.8 million of Bond proceeds to finance construction of a new community center, library, youth center, senior center and pool facility at 100 Terminal Avenue in conjunction with Meta (formerly Facebook, Inc.) The improvements are expected to be completed in calendar year 2023.
2. Willow Oaks Park. The City expects to use approximately $3.1 million of Bond proceeds to fund acquisition and construction of a new restroom and dog park improvements, upgrade a play structure and convert a basketball court to a pickle ball court. The Bonds are expected to fund 100% of this project. This project is expected to be complete by the end of calendar year 2023.
3. Playground Update of Burgess Park. The City expects to use approximately $725,414 of Bond proceeds to finance a play structure update at Burgess Park. The City expects this project to be complete in calendar year 2023.
4. Bedwell Bayfront Park Entrance Improvements. The City expects to use approximately $950,000 of Bond proceeds to finance entrance beautification and bicycle/pedestrian access improvements. This project is in design and expected to be complete in calendar year 2024.
5. Menlo Children’s Center. The City expects to use approximately $724,586 of Bond proceeds to finance renovation of an existing building, remove a wall, and create kitchen, storage and reception space. The City expects this project to be completed as part of the City’s Parks and Recreation master plan by calendar year 2026. 2022 Bond Proceeds Amount
CPB001 Menlo Park Community Center 8,800,000
CPP011 Willow Oaks Park Improvements 3,100,000
CPP007 Park Playground Equipment 725,414
CPP003 Bedwell Bayfront Park Entrance 950,000
CPP008 Master Plan: Menlo Children's Center 724,586
Total 14,300,000
ATTACHMENT J Page J-2.207
2022 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
AND 2022 GENERAL OBLIGATION
REFUNDING BONDS (2001 ELECTION)
Adopt a resolution approving the issuance of 2022 General Obligation Refunding Bonds and related documents and actions to refund outstanding 2012 General Obligation Refunding Bonds – Will result in debt service savings and lower property tax payments in the City related to the 2012 General Obligation Refunding Bonds
– Amend the Resolution to add a new sentence at the end of the first paragraph of Section 3: “The Refunding Bonds may be sold as federally tax-exempt bonds or federally taxable bonds.
Adopt a resolution approving the issuance of 2022 General Obligation Bonds and related documents and actions
– Will provide funds to finance parks and recreation facilities in furtherance of Measure T
RECOMMENDATION
2 Measure T authorized the issuance of $38 million in General Obligation Bonds to renovate and expand the City’s parks and recreation facilities
– Highest tax rate required to service all bonds shall not exceed $14 per $100,000 in assessed value
2002 Bonds; 2012 Refunding Bonds
– $13,245,000 issued in 2002
– 2012 Bonds refunded 2002 Bonds
2009 Bonds; 2019 Refunding Bonds
– $10,440,000 issued in 2009
– 2019 Bonds refunded 2009 Bonds
City has $14,315,000 of remaining new money bonding capacity under Measure T
MEASURE T GENERAL OBLIGATION
BONDS
3 Capital One, owner of the 2012 Refunding Bonds, has agreed to accelerate refunding of the 2012 Refunding Bonds
– Offered to purchase 2022 General Obligation Refunding Bonds to refund 2012 Refunding Bonds at a lower interest rate and at a premium (old rate of 3.75% vs. new rate of 2.715%)
– Approximately $358,000 in NPV savings, or 6% of refunded par – Savings are net of all professional fees
Resolution approves
– Paying Agent Agreement
– Irrevocable Refunding Instructions
– Financing Team
2022 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING
BONDS
4 Issue remaining authorization of $14,315,000 to finance construction, acquisition, and improvement of parks and recreation facilities
– Menlo Park Community Camps, Willow Oaks Park, Burgess Park Recommended bond structure
– Final maturity in 2039 (17 years) to match final maturity of outstanding bonds – Level debt service to lower the overall interest expense – Estimated True Interest Cost of 3.35% and total payment through maturity of $22.15 million
Estimated tax rates 2023-2039
– Average: $6.69 per $100K AV
– Min: $5.13 per $100K AV
– Max: $8.58 per $100K AV
2022 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
5 Resolution approves financing team
– Urban Futures, Inc. as Municipal Advisor
– Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation as Bond and Disclosure Counsel – The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Paying Agent – BofA Securities as Underwriter (through approval of Bond Purchase Agreement) Resolution approves following documents
– Paying Agent Agreement
– Costs of Issuance Custody Agreement
– Project Fund Custody Agreement
– Bond Purchase Agreement
– Preliminary Official Statement
– Continuing Disclosure Certificate
2022 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
6 April 14: Rating agency presentation and close refunding April 20: Receive rating
April 21: Post Preliminary Official Statement
Week of April 25: Bond Pricing
Week of May 9: Close bond transaction and deliver project funds *Preliminary, subject to change
NEXT STEPS*
7 THANK YOU
Community Development
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 4/12/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-068-CC
Regular Business: Discussion on and direction to staff regarding potential residential zoning changes
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide further direction to staff regarding residential density changes throughout the City.
Policy Issues
Pursuant to previous direction from the City Council December 8, 2021, this agenda item provides the City Council the opportunity to further direct staff regarding decreasing residential density in the R-MU (Residential Mixed-Use) zoning district in the Bayfront Area of District 1, and increasing density elsewhere (in Districts, 2, 3, 4 and 5) in the City. The City Council may direct staff to initiate the process of implementing zoning changes to reduce the allowed density in the R-MU zoning district and increase density elsewhere in the City. The implications of such zoning changes in light of the Housing Crisis Act’s no-net-loss provisions are discussed below.
Background
On December 8, 2021, the City Council directed City staff to research and analyze the process to effectuate a downzoning in the Bayfront Area of District 1 and corresponding upzoning consistent with SB 330 requirements, and its effect to planning for new housing in the Housing Element period (3-1-1, City Councilmembers Combs dissenting and Mueller abstaining.) In 2016, the City Council established the R-MU zoning district and rezoned 31 parcels as part of the ConnectMenlo General Plan Update. The goal was to create a live/work/play environment in the Bayfront Area, and to provide opportunities for the addition of residential uses and/or mixed use developments in an area that had historically been light manufacturing, warehousing, office, and research and development.
The permitted residential densities range from a minimum of 20 dwelling units per acre (du/ac) to 30 du/ac at the base level and up to 100 du/ac with the provision of providing a community amenity at the bonus level. Since the adoption of the General Plan Update, four projects in the R-MU district have been approved and two additional projects are pending. These developments are summarized below in Table 1 and the sites are shown on a map in Attachment A.
AGENDA ITEM J-3 Page J-3.1
Staff Report #: 22-068-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Table 1: Approved and pending projects in the R-MU zoning district Lot Size
(acres)*
Number of
units
Density (dwelling
units per acre) Status
111 Independence Drive 0.92 105 114.1* Approved
Menlo Portal 3.2 335 104.7* Approved
Menlo Uptown 4.83 483 100 Approved
Menlo Flats 1.38 158 114.5* Approved
123 Independence Dr.
(Sobrato) 8.15 432 53 Pending
Willow Village 17.45 1730 99.1 Pending
Total 35.93 3243
*Utilized density bonus provisions to increase density above 100 du/ac Staff has identified nine (9) remaining parcels in the Bayfront which are zoned R-MU and eligible for bonus level development. These sites currently do not have a pending application or approved project consistent with the R-MU zoning standards. Similar to the other R-MU parcels in the Bayfront Area, these parcels have a base maximum density of 30 dwelling units per acre (du/ac) and are eligible for a bonus level density of 100 du/ac, subject to the provision of community amenities.1 These 9 parcels are summarized below in Table 2 and identified on a map in Attachment B.
Table 2: Remaining R-MU zoned properties
Approximate lot
size (acres)
Maximum residential
units at the base density
(30 du/ac)
Maximum residential units at the
bonus density (100 du/ac)
3695 Haven Ave. 0.67 20 67
3750 Haven Ave. 2.34 70 234
120 Constitution Dr. 1.04 31 104
150 Constitution Dr. 1.03 30 103
160 Constitution Dr. 1.44 43 144
190 Constitution Dr. 0.69 20 69
1215 Chrysler Dr. 0.69 20 69
101 Jefferson Dr. 1.53 45 153
155 Jefferson Dr. 1.38 41 138
Total 10.81 320 1081
1 See MPMC § 16.45.060 - .070
Page J-3.2
Staff Report #: 22-068-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Analysis
The Housing Crisis Act of 2019, often referred to as SB 330, prohibits a city from approving a zoning change that reduces the theoretical capacity for developing residential uses (also known as “downzoning”), unless additional residentially-zoned parcels are concurrently provided elsewhere in the city (“upzoning”) that equal or exceed the amount of residential development capacity removed from the downzoned parcels.2 Replacing the downzoned parcels with upzoned parcels is required to ensure that there is “no net loss” of housing development capacity in the City.
When downzoning is initiated by the City, the upzoning must occur at the same meeting as the downzoning in order to be considered “concurrent.”3 Therefore, any reduction in residential density may only occur if, at the same City Council meeting where such reduction is approved, the City Council also approves an increase in residential density of other identified parcels across the City.
The City could implement the rezoning through the following procedures: (1) the City could amend the land use element of the ConnectMenlo General Plan and make corresponding changes to the map and text of the Zoning Code to reduce density in the R-MU District and increase density elsewhere in the City; the land use element and Zoning Code amendments would require standalone environmental review (which may be able to tier from the ConnectMenlo EIR); or in the alternative, (2) the City could approve the General Plan and Zoning Code changes as a part of its Housing Element update; the zoning changes would then be analyzed in the Housing Element EIR (which to a large extent will tier from the ConnectMenlo EIR.) Until the zoning changes become effective, applicants for housing development projects can submit preliminary applications to vest the current zoning standards (of 100 du/ac in the R-MU), regardless of any future changes.
The City Council may provide direction regarding which procedure to utilize in order to implement the zoning changes. However, for a number of reasons, staff recommends that if the City Council pursues the rezoning, it does so as a part of the Housing Element Update. First, staff anticipates that many of the upzoned parcels outside of the Bayfront Area will also be parcels identified in the City’s sixth Cycle RHNA; therefore, much of the analysis regarding the development potential of replacement housing sites will mirror the analysis being conducted regarding eligible housing sites for the City’s RHNA. Additionally, if approved along with the Housing Element update, the rezoning can be analyzed in the Housing Element EIR thus negating the need for standalone environmental review. Finally, staff anticipates that it has limited resources to pursue rezoning in advance of the Housing Element update, especially given the State mandated deadlines, and could more easily allocate resources to the zoning changes if they are coupled with Housing Element work.
Adequacy of replacement sites
Replacement housing sites would likely need to meet certain requirements to ensure that housing production on those sites is not only possible, but feasible. When a no net loss issue arises in the context of a housing element update, the replacement housing sites may need to satisfy the same standards as those that are used for identifying “land suitable for residential development” in a city’s housing element sites inventory. These standards are:
• Have infrastructure available or planned to support a housing development. • Be available to be developed in the planning period. For non-vacant sites, this means that the City must produce substantial evidence that the existing use is not an impediment to additional residential development.
2 See Gov. Code § 66300(i)
3 See Gov. Code § 66300(i)(2)(a.)
Page J-3.3
Staff Report #: 22-068-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org • Be appropriately sized (larger than half an acre and smaller than 10 acres) to accommodate lower income housing.
• For sites accommodating lower income households, have appropriate zoning as demonstrated by analysis, or by meeting prescribed densities.
• Identify the number of units (capacity) that can be realistically accommodated on the site.4 While these standards are not explicitly identified in the Housing Crisis Act context, identifying replacement housing sites that meet these standards can help ensure that housing production on those sites is feasible.
The City’s Housing Element consultant, M-Group, is analyzing the development potential of replacement housing sites to provide the City with additional information about how much upzoning would be required and where it could occur to replace the residential development capacity currently possible on the 9 Bayfront sites.
If the City Council wishes to pursue zoning changes in the R-MU district, the City Council may provide direction to the city manager and city attorney on the preferred procedure (i.e., stand-alone or concurrent with the Housing Element) and to work with staff to evaluate the feasibility for downzoning in the Bayfront Area and concurrent upzoning in other areas of the City. The City Council should provide direction on the desired downzoning density to determine the net capacity that would need to be accommodated elsewhere in the City.
Impact on City Resources
Staff and city attorney time spent on the downzoning/upzoning process would not be cost recoverable. The M-Group has indicated that they would be willing to evaluate the downzoning/upzoning as part of their Housing Element contract at no additional cost. Depending on the direction and scope of work, additional funding may be needed to augment the environmental consultant’s scope and budget. Staff would return to the City Council at a future meeting to review any amendments.
Environmental Review
The City Council’s direction is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §§ 15378 and 15061(b)(3) as it will not result in any direct or indirect physical change in the environment. If the City Council directs staff to pursue downzoning in the Bayfront Area and upzoning in other parts of the City, the rezonings would be subject to additional environmental review, as discussed in greater detail above.
Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. The City also sent a letter to the property owners of the nine remaining R-MU parcels to provide information regarding the City Council’s discussion of potential changes to the residential density in the R-MU district.
Attachments
A. Map of approved and pending projects in the R-MU zoning district B. Map of remaining R-MU zoned properties
4 Government Code Section 65583.2.
Page J-3.4
Staff Report #: 22-068-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Report prepared by:
Deanna Chow, Assistant Community Development Director
Report reviewed by:
Justin Murphy, Interim City Manager
Nira Doherty, City Attorney
Page J-3.5
Legend
Projects
R-MU Parcels
Other Parcels
City Limits
0 0.13 0.25 0.5
Miles
CITY OF MENLO PARK
R-MU Projects
1 2
3 4
5 6
Highway 101
Bayfront Expressway
MarshRoadConstitutionDrive
Jefferson Drive
Willow Road
Chilco Street
ATTACHMENT A Page J-3.6
Legend
Remaining R-MU Parcels
Other Parcels
City Limits
0 0.13 0.25 0.5
Miles
CITY OF MENLO PARK
Remaining R-MU Zoned Parcels
1 2
3 4
5 6
Highway 101
7 8
9 Bayfront Expressway
MarshRoadConstitutionDrive
Jefferson Drive
Willow Road
Chilco Street
ATTACHMENT B Page J-3.7
City Manager's Office
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 4/12/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-069-CC
Informational Item: City Council agenda topics: April – May 10, 2022 Recommendation
The purpose of this informational item is to provide the City Council and members of the public access to the anticipated agenda items that will be presented to the City Council. The mayor and city manager set the City Council agenda so there is no action required of the City Council as a result of this informational item.
Policy Issues
In accordance with the City Council procedures manual, the mayor and city manager set the agenda for City Council meetings.
Analysis
In an effort to provide greater access to the City Council’s future agenda items, staff has compiled a listing of anticipated agenda items, Attachment A, through May 10, 2022. The topics are arranged by department to help identify the work group most impacted by the agenda item.
Specific dates are not provided in the attachment due to a number of factors that influence the City Council agenda preparation process. In their agenda management, the mayor and city manager strive to compile an agenda that is most responsive to the City Council’s adopted priorities and work plan while also balancing the business needs of the organization. Certain agenda items, such as appeals or State mandated reporting, must be scheduled by a certain date to ensure compliance. In addition, the meeting agendas are managed to allow the greatest opportunity for public input while also allowing the meeting to conclude around 11 p.m. Every effort is made to avoid scheduling two matters that may be contentious to allow the City Council sufficient time to fully discuss the matter before the City Council.
Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Attachments
A. City Council agenda topics: April – May 10, 2022
Report prepared by:
Judi A. Herren, City Clerk
AGENDA ITEM K-1 Page K-1.1
Through May 10, 2022
Tentative City Council Agenda
# Title Department Item type City Council action
1 FY 2022-23 Budget Principles ASD Regular Decide2 Master Fee Schedule ASD Regular Approve3 Personnel activity report as of March 2022 ASD Informational Receive and file4 Closed Session: Labor CAO Closed Session6 Review of Draft Housing Element CDD Regular Direction to staff7 Willow Village Community Amenities Review (early release) CDD Study Session Direction to staff8 Adopt Community Amenity Implementing Regulations and Updated Amenities List CMO Regular Adopt resolution9 Adopt Resolution to continue conducting the City’s Council and advisory body meetings remotely due to health and safety concerns for the public CMO Consent Adopt resolution 10 Advisory body appointments CMO Advisory body reports Decide11 Consider matching Peninsula Clean Energy’s electric vehicle charging incentive for existing multiunit properties in Menlo Park to support Climate Action Plan strategy goal no. 3 – increase access to electric vehicle charging CMO Regular Approve
12 MPMC 2.04.220 (identifies the district map adopted by Ordinance No. 1044 and specify that district boundaries are adopted by IRC through resolution) CMO Regular Adopt resolution13 Planning Commission interviews CMO Regular No action14 Special events ordinance-first read CMO Public Hearing Decide15 Special events ordinance-second read/adopt CMO Consent Adopt ordinance16 Study Session Reach Codes 2.0 CMO Study Session Direction to staff17 Parkline Study Session CSD Study Session No action18 Community access to Belle Haven School field LCS Informational Receive and file 19 Community gatherings and observances timeline and update LCS Informational No action 20 MPCC operational plan milestones LCS Study Session Direction to staff 21 Introduce ordinance in compliance with AB 481 (use of law enforcement equipment) PD Regular Decide 22 Adopt Resolution No. X approving the 2021 amended water supply agreement with the City and County of San Francisco; and Adopt Resolution No. X approving a minimum purchase transfer from the City of Mountain View to the City of East Palo Alto PW Consent Adopt resolution
23 Approve concept design for Willow Oaks and Burgess Park improvements PW Regular Approve 24 Automated water meter reading project agreement PW Consent Approve 25 Ravenswood resurfacing and bike lane pilot update PW Consent Direction to staff 26 Sharon Rd sidewalks bid award PW Consent Approve
ASD-Administrative Services
CMO- City Manager's Office
CDD-Community Development
LCS-Library and Community Services
PD-Police
PW-Public Works
ATTACHMENT A
Page K-1.2
Library and Community Services
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 4/12/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-070-CC
Informational Item: Menlo Park Community Campus draft operation plan milestones
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council review this informational report about Menlo Park Community Campus (MPCC) draft operation plan milestones (Attachment A.) No City Council action is required at this time.
Policy Issues
City Council sets policy and goals and provides direction to staff regarding municipal projects and services to the Menlo Park community. City Council has established the MPCC project as one of the City’s top priorities.
Background
On December 16, 2019, Facebook (now Meta) submitted its proposal for exploring the funding and development of a new multigenerational facility to incorporate the former Onetta Harris Community Center, Menlo Park Senior Center, Belle Haven Youth Center (childcare), Belle Haven Pool and branch library.
On January 12, 2021, the City Council approved the architectural control, use permit, funding and improvements agreement for the MPCC project located at 100-110 Terminal Avenue. The City Council requested further review of several design elements of the proposed pool area. Those items were discussed January 26, 2021, and February 1, 2021. The City Council approved the pool design elements February 1, 2021.
City Council created the MPCC subcommittee, comprised of Mayor Nash and City Councilmember Taylor, to work with City staff and the community on the MPCC project.
Analysis
Construction of the MPCC project began in June 2021, ushering in an exciting new phase of the project.
The concrete foundation was poured in March and final pieces of the steel framing is are being installed.
With the new center construction projected to be completed in mid-2023, attention now turns to planning and preparing for opening day. To this end, staff worked with the MPCC subcommittee to develop an initial working draft of the key steps and milestones necessary for a successful opening and start of operations in the new center. (Attachment A)
The working draft is merely a starting point and is subject to change, discussion and further refinement. This AGENDA ITEM K-2 Page K-2.1
Staff Report #: 22-070-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org early look at the overall arc of the operations plan process is intended to provide an informative and helpful tool.
Guiding principles
Staff worked with the MPCC subcommittee to identify existing City Council policy statements that are relevant to the operations and programming of the new center. As the planning and preparation for the new center opening day proceeds, these City Council policy statements are examples that can help provide guidance for the prioritization and delivery of services in the new center.
The construction and grand opening of a new community campus in Belle Haven is a long-held dream for the community many years in the making. Multiple community discussions and neighborhood voices have helped to establish a clear vision for the new center and bring it to reality. It is a vision of a multigenerational community center that is responsive to and serves the needs of Belle Haven neighborhood residents; a public service and community space that serves and is inclusive of all Menlo Park residents especially neighborhood residents; a new milestone and landmark that moves Menlo Park toward justice and fairness for all residents.
In recognition of this important groundwork and history, the City Council has adopted relevant policy statements that provide guiding principles and priorities for the new facility. These policies prioritize access, inclusion, belonging, justice, and fairness for all Menlo Park residents, from all neighborhoods of the City, for City services and decision-making that affects residents’ lives.
The City Council in April 2021 adopted the following statement as part of the City of Menlo Park Cost Recovery Policy:
“The City of Menlo Park provides services and infrastructure that contribute to quality-of-life for all Menlo Park residents. In so doing, the City strives to balance the resources and requirements of each area of the city in an equitable manner for all residents, in all neighborhoods of the City. The City of Menlo Park prioritizes social justice in decisions that affect residents’ lives: the fair, just and equitable management of all institutions serving the public directly or by contract; the fair, just and equitable distribution of public services and implementation of public policy; and the commitment to promote fairness, justice, and equity in the formation of public policy.”
The City Council in October 2019 approved the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, which includes the following statements in its Guiding Goals:
“Menlo Park has a high-quality system of parks and recreation facilities. The City’s parks, facilities, and events bring the community together as ‘One Menlo Park.’ As the City grows and evolves it must ensure that these parks and facilities meet the needs of all members of the Menlo Park community. The system should provide equitably distributed active and passive recreation opportunities which engage users, and which are accessible to residents of all ages and abilities, throughout the City.” “Each new park or facility, or significant renovation of an existing park or facility should contribute to satisfying the recreational needs of the neighborhood that it serves, and be integrated into a system that serves the entire community. Each improvement should complement the mix of uses in the neighborhood and in the City as a whole.”
“Neighborhood Serving: Strive to distribute parks, facilities, amenities, and programs to serve residents of all Menlo Park neighborhoods. In considering renovation or new construction of parks and facilities, prioritize approaches that balance community benefits with potential neighborhood impacts.” Page K-2.2
Staff Report #: 22-070-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org “Universal Design: Continue to address physical and programmatic barriers to participation for individuals with disabilities. Where feasible, incorporate Universal Design in the development and renovation of parks and facilities, to reduce barriers that limit use by persons of all ages, and physical, perceptual and cognitive abilities. Develop environments and programs for a range of groups with varying abilities and mental cognitive abilities, which are fully inclusive.” Next steps
The MPCC subcommittee has convened a working group of Menlo Park residents to review and discuss the draft milestones and provide input.
The Library Commission March 21 and the Parks and Recreation Commission March 23 received informational reports in their agenda packets containing the draft milestones. Follow-up Commission discussions of the draft milestones are tentatively scheduled for their April and May meetings.
The City Council is receiving this informational report on the draft milestones April 12. A follow-up City Council discussion of the draft milestones is tentatively targeted for May.
Impact on City Resources
There is no new impact on City resources because of this informational item. Staff estimates the value of Meta’s contribution toward the MPCC project completion at approximately $40 million. The City’s share of the project includes commitments at both a base level and project enhancements totaling approximately $15.75 million from various funding sources authorized by the City Council project approvals January 12, 2021, and February 1, 2021.
Environmental Review
On January 12, 2021, the City Council found the MPCC project categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15302 Replacement of Existing Facilities.
The project has substantially the same purpose and capacity as the existing facilities, and this exemption allows for reasonable increases in square footage to accommodate replacement facilities. On January 21, 2021, staff filed a notice of exemption with the San Mateo County clerk.
Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Attachments
A. MPCC draft operation plan milestones
Report prepared by:
Sean Reinhart, Library and Community Services Director
Page K-2.3
** DRAFT **
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
OPERATIONS PLAN – ESTIMATED MILESTONES
Work-in-progress
* All dates are tentative and subject to change
(CC) = City Council direction / action
WINTER 2022
• Aquatics – City Council direction (CC)
• Belle Haven Branch Library – MOU renewal (CC)
SPRING 2022
• Aquatics - community survey
• New registration management platform approval – ITMP (CC) • Proposed FY 2022-23 operating budget (CC)
• Belle Haven School field – community access pilot project (CC) • Furnishing and equipment – selection begins
• Operations plan
o Staffing plan development
• Programming plan
o Fitness center, gymnasium, movement studio
o Library spaces
o Teen space, makerspace
• City Council policy updates
o Athletic field use policy (CC)
o Commemorative park amenity guidelines (CC)
SUMMER 2022
• Aquatics –study session analysis, RFP development (CC) • Adopted FY 2022-23 operating budget (CC)
• Master fee schedule (CC)
• Facility naming process initiated (CC)
• New registration management platform implementation
• Topping out ceremony
• Major donors / community fundraising campaign begins
• Furnishing and equipment – selection completed
• Operations plan
o Library materials – opening day collection
o Athletic, fitness equipment
o Volunteers, external partners
• Programming plan
o Senior programs
o Dining hall / facility rentals
o Public meetings
• Departmental policy updates
o Facility rental / meeting room policy
o Library collection development policy
• City Council policy updates
o Cooling Center activation policy (CC)
o Cost recovery policy (CC)
o Naming and/or changing the name of facilities (CC)
AUTUMN 2022
• Aquatics – RFP issued (CC)
• Aquatics – operator selected (CC)
ATTACHMENT A Page K-2.4
**DRAFT – FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY **
• Facility naming – City Council approval (CC)
• Furnishing and equipment – procurement begins
• Operations plan
o Volunteers, external partners
o Staffing
o Athletic field
• Programming plan
o Art installation / community gallery
o Afterschool center
o Adult literacy / ESL
• Departmental policy updates
o Exhibits and displays policy
o Volunteer policy
o Facility use guidelines- visitor behavior policy
WINTER 2023
• FY 2022-23 budget Mid-year review and adjustments (CC) • Staffing adjustments (CC)
• Kelly Park field and track renovation plan and timeline (CC) • Aquatics operator start-up / transition begins
o Program and hours of operation
o Staffing
o Licenses and agreements
o Operating budget
• Operations plan
o Security
o Emergency procedures
o Disaster response / shelter
o Energy conservation and use
SPRING 2023
• Proposed FY 2023-24 operating budget (CC)
• Prep for Grand Opening (CC)
• TCO / Certificate of Occupancy issued
• Prep for move-out / decommissioning
o Youth Center portables
o Belle Haven Branch Library
o Senior Center interim location at ARC
• Furniture and equipment installation begins
• Library opening day collection delivered
• Operations startup
o Staff training
o Licenses and agreements
o Program and hours of operation
• Programming startup
o Registration opens
SUMMER 2023
• Adopted FY 2023-24 operating budget (CC)
• Grand opening (CC)
• Start of operations
• Vacate Belle Haven Branch Library
• Deinstall Youth Center portables
Page K-2.5
Library and Community Services
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 4/12/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-071-CC
Informational Item: Gymnastics program reactivation capacity and timeline update
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council review this informational report in advance of the fiscal year 2022-23 operating budget development process. Staff is preparing a service level enhancement request to reactivate the gymnastics program and is planning to present the request to City Council for consideration in the context of the upcoming fiscal year 2022-23 operating budget deliberations. No action is requested from City Council in relation to this informational report at this time.
Policy Issues
City Council sets policy and goals and provides direction to staff regarding municipal services to the Menlo Park community; and allocates resources to support and maintain city facilities and operations and provide services to residents.
Background
City-owned facilities were closed to indoor public access March 12, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This precaution was necessary to protect public health by minimizing opportunities for congregation, both by the public and employees. Due to the infeasibility of safely delivering gymnastics services during the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council suspended the gymnastics program operations and eliminated all gymnastics staff positions in the fiscal year 2020-21 operating budget.
City Council September 21, 2021, reviewed a proposal to reactivate the gymnastics program (Attachment A.) City Council considered the cost of reactivation, the organization’s capacity for reopening, the spread of COVID-19 variants on the community, the potential risks and liability presented by COVID-19 exposure or transmission, and the status of COVID-19 vaccination efforts. After thorough deliberation, the City Council deferred action on a potential gymnastics program reactivation until a later date to be determined, noting in particular a spread of COVID-19 variants and the lack of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine for young children at that time.
Analysis
Capacity and timeline update
The proposal in Attachment A was reviewed by City Council September 21, 2021, and recommended a minimum lead time of two months to prepare the gymnastics facility and staff before reopening, then carefully reactivating gymnastic program operations in phases over the subsequent four months. This timeline was ambitious but feasible because the long-time gymnastics program coordinator had remained AGENDA ITEM K-3 Page K-3.1
Staff Report #: 22-071-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org an employee of the City in an alternate capacity and was available to rapidly organize and lead the reactivation effort had City Council so authorized at that time.
In December 2021 that key employee retired from the City organization which resulted in a critical loss of institutional knowledge, capacity and readiness to rapidly reactive the gymnastics program. As a result of this staffing change, compounded by capacity limitations across the organization and other major initiatives such as the aquatics program request for proposals and Menlo Park Community Campus project operations planning, staff estimates that up to three additional months of lead time would be needed to recruit, onboard and prepare a new gymnastics program coordinator, extending the overall reactivation timeline by three additional months for a total of five months from the point in time that the City Council were to provide direction to reactivate.
Impact on City Resources
There is no City Council action requested in relation to this informational item at this time, and no new impact on City resources as a result of this informational item at this time. The September 21, 2021 proposal in Attachment A recommended that City Council authorize 5.75 full-time equivalents (FTE) regular benefited positions and related operating expenditures to reactivate the gymnastics program for a proposed total $767,000 in annual expenditures offset by a proposed total $450,000 in estimated annual revenues in fiscal year 2021-22. Staff is updating this service level enhancement request for fiscal year 2022-23 to reflect the timeline changes noted elsewhere in this report and is planning to present the updated request for City Council consideration in the context of the upcoming fiscal year 2022-23 operating budget deliberations.
Environmental Review
This action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §§ 15378 and 15061(b)(3) as it will not result in any direct or indirect physical change in the environment
Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Attachments
A. Hyperlink – Staff report #21-182-CC Authorize the city manager to reactivate the gymnastics program September 21, 2021: beta.menlopark.org/files/sharedassets/public/agendas-and-minutes/citycouncil/2021-meetings/agendas/20210921-city-council-agenda-packet.pdf Report prepared by:
Sean S. Reinhart, Library and Community Services Director Page K-3.2