City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Date: 9/13/2022
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom.us/join – ID# 831 3316 9409
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, COVID-19, EMERGENCY ADVISORY NOTICE
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According to City Council policy, all meetings of the City Council are to end by midnight unless there is a super majority vote taken by 11:00 p.m. to extend the meeting and identify the items to be considered after 11:00 p.m.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
September 13, 2022
Regular Session (Zoom.us/join – ID# 831 3316 9409)
A. Call To Order
B. Roll Call
C. Agenda Review
D. Public Comment
Under “Public Comment,” the public may address the City Council on any subject not listed on the agenda. Each speaker may address the City Council once under public comment for a limit of three minutes. Please clearly state your name and address or political jurisdiction in which you live. The City Council cannot act on items not listed on the agenda and, therefore, the City Council cannot respond to non-agenda issues brought up under public comment other than to provide general information.
E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Proclamation: Supporting the reopening of the Mack E. Mickelson therapeutic pool (Attachment) E2. Proclamation: Recognizing September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month (Attachment) F. Study Session
F1. Menlo Park Community Campus project updates including recreation and community programs survey results (Staff Report #22-172-CC) (Presentation) G. Consent Calendar
G1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for July 26 and August 23, 2022 (Attachment) G2. Adopt a resolution to continue conducting the City’s Council and advisory body meetings remotely due to health and safety concerns for the public and to authorize the use of hybrid meetings (Staff Report #22-171-CC)
G3. Authorize the city manager to sign the public improvement agreement for the Menlo Portal project located at 115 Independence Drive and 104 and 110 Constitution Drive (Staff Report #22-168-CC) H. Public Hearing
H1. Adopt a resolution to abandon a public utility easement at 248 Oakhurst Place (Staff Report #22-173-CC) (Presentation)
I. Regular Business
I1. Provide direction on preferred Middle Avenue conceptual design and adopt a resolution to install no parking zones on Middle Avenue, install an all-way stop at Middle Avenue and San Mateo Drive, and authorize a temporary closure of Blake Street at Middle Avenue (Staff Report #22-174-CC) (Presentation)
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
September 13, 2022
I2. Waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance repealing and replacing Menlo Park Municipal Code Section 2.04.190 relating to filling City Council vacancies and adopt a resolution establishing the process for appointment of candidates to City Council seats to fill vacancies (Staff Report #22-170-CC)
I3. Adopt a resolution to approve amendments to the salary schedule as of September 25, 2022 (Staff Report #22-169-CC)
J. Informational Items
J1. City Council agenda topics: September – October 18, 2022 (Staff Report #22-175-CC) K. City Manager's Report
L. City Councilmember Reports
M. Adjournment
At every regular meeting of the City Council, in addition to the public comment period where the public shall have the right to address the City Council on any matters of public interest not listed on the agenda, members of the public have the right to directly address the Council on any item listed on the agenda at a time designated by the chair, either before or during the City Council’s consideration of the item.
At every special meeting of the City Council, members of the public have the right to directly address the City Council on any item listed on the agenda at a time designated by the chair, either before or during consideration of the item.
For appeal hearings, appellant and applicant shall each have 10 minutes for presentations.
If you challenge any of the items listed on this agenda in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Menlo Park at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Any writing that is distributed to a majority of the City Council by any person in connection with an agenda item is a public record (subject to any exemption under the Public Records Act) and is available by request by emailing the city clerk at [email protected]. Persons with disabilities, who require auxiliary aids or services in attending or participating in City Council meetings, may call the City Clerk’s Office at 650-330-6620.
Agendas are posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a) or Section 54956. Members of the public can view electronic agendas and staff reports by accessing the City website at menlopark.org/agenda and can receive email notification of agenda and staff report postings by subscribing to the “Notify Me” service at menlopark.org/notifyme.
Agendas and staff reports may also be obtained by contacting City Clerk at 650-330-6620. (Posted: 9/8/2022) Supporting the Reopening of the
Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and
Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool
WHEREAS, the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool is an Americans with Disabilities Act- -accessible warm water therapy pool operated by Sutter Health and located at the Mills Health Center, in San Mateo, California; and
WHEREAS, the Mickelson Therapy Pool was constructed over 25 year ago using charitable contributions from residents of San Mateo County to serve as a centerpiece of an arthritis center created by Mills Peninsula; and WHEREAS, the Mickelson Therapy Pool has been used for over 25 years by thousands of residents of San Mateo County who suffer from a broad range of health issues, including permanent disabilities, debilitating injuries, autoimmune disorders, and mobility impairments, to rehabilitate those health issues and mitigate physical decline; and
WHEREAS, Mickelson Therapy Pool has historically provided both preventative and interventionist therapies to residents of San Mateo County suffering from health issues; and WHEREAS, there is also an apparent and growing need for the services provided by the Mickelson Therapy Pool, due to San Mateo County’s rapidly increasing number of elderly residents who are highly likely to suffer from health issues requiring a warm water therapy pool; and
WHEREAS, Mickelson Therapy Pool is the only pool of its kind in San Mateo County, and there are no comparable warm water therapy pools that can adequately accommodate the residents of San Mateo County who previously relied upon Mickelson Therapy Pool and who are now suffering from acute and chronic physical pain and mental anguish without it; and
WHEREAS, in spite of the critical need for the facility, in June 2021, Sutter Health announced that it would permanently close the Mickelson Therapy Pool to independent use by patrons and closing Mickelson removes a valuable healthcare resource for people to assist them in daily activities; and WHEREAS, over 4,300 patients, caregivers, and community members have signed a petition to reopen the Mickelson Therapy Pool in order to increase the health, independence, and dignity of residents who rely upon it; and WHEREAS, Sutter Health, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities receive significant financial benefits from their operations in San Mateo County and this City Council is aware that warm water therapy pools in the region are able to operate profitably and safely, including under COVID-19 protocols; and WHEREAS, in light of the foregoing, this City Council believes that Sutter Health should be called upon to reopen the Mickelson Therapy Pool and to maintain the same open access hours that were in place prior to January 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that I, Betsy Nash, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park recognizes that promptly reopening the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool for community use with the same open access hours that it had prior to January of 2020 would preserve and improve the health of residents in San Mateo County who have historically relied upon it or who could benefit from warm water therapy to maintain their health, independence, and dignity and this City Council calls upon Sutter Health to reopen the Mickelson Therapy Pool and to maintain the same open access hours that were in place prior to January 2020.
Betsy Nash, Mayor
September 13, 2022
AGENDA ITEM E-1 Page E-1.1
Recognizing September as
Suicide Prevention Month
WHEREAS, Menlo Park will join the county, state and country in honoring Suicide Prevention Month (September), National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) to spread the message that suicide can be prevented; and
WHEREAS, San Mateo County will join the country and state in honoring Suicide Prevention Month (September), National Suicide Prevention Week (September 5-11) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) to spread the message that suicide can be prevented; a
WHEREAS, in 2021, 54 people died by suicide (34% decrease from 82 in 2020) in San Mateo County; and
WHEREAS: in 2020, 12,297 contacts were received by the San Mateo County StarVista Crisis Hotline. In July 2022, the StarVista Crisis Hotline received a 10% increase compared to July 2021, likely due to the debut of the 988 number on July 16.; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park residents are urged to play a role in supporting each other and preventing suicide by knowing the signs of suicide, finding the words to communicate and reaching out to local 24/7 resources, including our local San Mateo County StarVista Crisis Hotline (650-579-0350) or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 or 1-800-273- TALK); and
WHEREAS, residents can also play a role in suicide prevention by supporting local Suicide Prevention Month events, advocacy days and communication campaign. Across the city, county and state, the 2022 September Suicide Prevention Month theme is “Take Action for Suicide Prevention – Thriving at All Ages”; and WHEREAS, beyond September, Menlo Park has joined the San Mateo County Mayors Mental Health Initiative where mayors across the 20 cities in San Mateo County have come together with the mission of promoting awareness of and access to mental health resources in their communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Betsy Nash,
Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, State of California, hereby designates September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month and calls upon everyone in our community to find their role in suicide prevention.
Betsy Nash, Mayor
September 13, 2022
AGENDA ITEM E-2 Page E-2.1
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: 9/13/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-172-CC
Study Session: Menlo Park Community Campus project updates including recreation and community programs
survey results
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council review this report containing updates about the Menlo Park Community Campus (MPCC) project, including the results of a survey of Menlo Park residents’ needs and desires for recreation and community programs. Staff seeks feedback and direction from City Council about the findings of the resident survey to help inform and shape the planning for operations and programming in the MPCC.
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 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 center to incorporate the former Onetta Harris Community Center, Menlo Park Senior Center, Belle Haven Youth Center (child care), Belle Haven Pool and branch library.
On January 12, 2021, City Council approved the architectural control, use permit, funding and improvements agreement for the MPCC project located at 100-110 Terminal Avenue. 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. City Council approved the pool design elements February 1, 2021.
Construction of the MPCC project began in November 2021. The project’s concrete foundation was completed in March 2022 and the steel framing was completed in April 2022.
City Council created the MPCC subcommittee to work with City staff and the community on the MPCC project. The MPCC Subcommittee is currently comprised of Mayor Nash and City Councilmember Taylor.
The MPCC subcommittee convened a working group of Menlo Park residents to support and advise the subcommittee’s work.
On May 24, 2022, City Council reviewed an informational report containing MPCC project updates and a draft survey of Menlo Park residents’ needs and interests related to recreation and community programming in the MPCC.
On August 23, 2022, City Council reviewed aquatics-related excerpts from the above-noted survey.
AGENDA ITEM F-1 Page F-1.1
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Staff Report #: 22-172-CC
Analysis
The MPCC project is entering an exciting new phase. The long-held dream of a new community campus in Belle Haven is visibly taking shape as the construction progresses and an inspiring new landmark rises at 100 Terminal Avenue. Planning for the programming and operations of the new campus is proceeding apace with robust community involvement and input. With the project moving into a particularly active phase of development, staff anticipates providing updates to the MPCC Subcommittee and City Council on a regular basis going forward.
Resident survey – recreation and community programs
City Council February 8, 2022, directed staff to conduct an analysis of the city’s aquatics program needs at Burgess Pool and the future MPCC aquatics center, including a survey of Menlo Park residents. The MPCC Subcommittee, currently comprised of Mayor Nash and City Councilmember Taylor, subsequently expressed interest in leveraging the opportunity of a resident survey to also gain insight into residents’ needs and interests related to recreation and community programming in the MPCC.
Staff prepared a resident survey to gain insight in all these areas, with input from the MPCC Subcommittee and its working group of Belle Haven residents, the Library Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Staff transmitted the survey questions to City Council for review May 24. The survey opened June 13 and was distributed to Menlo Park residents in electronic and paper formats, in English and Spanish. The survey had over 900 respondents by the time the survey closed August 10.
The complete survey results are attached to this report. (Attachment A).
Several of the questions asked survey respondents to rate items as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Responses of "not at all important" were assigned a numeric value of 1; "somewhat important" were assigned a value of 2; and "very important" were assigned a value of 3. The charts in Attachment A show these weighted average ratings for each item. Higher ratings indicate that survey respondents overall assigned higher relative importance to those items. Items that were rated with high average relative importance (2.35 or higher) are summarized in the following Table 1:
Table 1: High average relative importance (2.35 or higher) Survey rating Item
2.78 Wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) in the library
2.74 Quiet places to read and study
2.67 Books in paper format
2.67 Storytimes for young children
2.67 [Athletic] Programs are focused on the needs of Menlo Park residents
2.65 Swimming pools are open year-round
2.64 Swimming pools are open seven days per week
2.63 Swimming pools are focused on the needs of Menlo Park residents
2.62 Neighborhood / family access to athletic fields for casual use and play Page F-1.2
Staff Report #: 22-172-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
2.59 [Community] Programs/ classes are focused on the needs of Menlo Park residents
2.59 Books that are the newest and most popular bestsellers
2.59 Swimming lessons for children
2.56 Children access to athletic fields for casual / drop-in play
2.55 Teens have space to socialize, read and study after school and weekends
2.55 Books that offer a wide range of different viewpoints including views I don't agree with
2.55 Books that reflect the cultures, needs and interests of local / neighborhood residents
2.54 Open swim / community swim time in big pool
2.52 Swimming pools have free or discounted fees for Menlo Park residents
2.52 Books in electronic / digital formats (e-books, e-audiobooks)
2.51 Homework help for children and teens after school
2.5 [Athletic] Programs are free or have discounted fees for Menlo Park residents
2.45 Adult lap swimming
2.45 [Community] Programs/ classes are free or have discounted fees for Menlo Park residents
2.43 English as Second Language (ESL) resources
2.42 Adult literacy tutoring to help adults learn how to read / improve reading skills
2.42 Job skills / job readiness / job seeker resources and training
2.39 Books that are classics that I read in school / as a child
2.36 Food distribution, food insecurity advice and support
2.35 Health care navigation and support
2.35 Music / performing arts
2.35 Health and wellness / yoga / meditation
Lower ratings indicate that survey respondents assigned lower relative importance to those items. Items that were rated with low average relative importance (1.90 or lower) are summarized in the following Table 2:
Page F-1.3
Staff Report #: 22-172-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Table 2: Low average relative importance (1.90 or lower) Survey rating Item
1.75 Football/ rugby – organized youth/adult league
1.83 Money management, personal budgeting
1.84 Swimming pools attract participants from outside Menlo Park who are charged higher fees
1.85 Competitive swimming / sports have priority to use the pools for training and competitions
1.86 Lacrosse – organized youth league
1.87 Martial arts
1.88 [Athletic] Programs attract participants from outside Menlo Park who are charged higher fees
1.88 [Community] Programs/ classes attract participants from outside Menlo Park who are charged higher fees
Informed by the resident survey results and consistent with previous direction received from City Council related to MPCC programming, staff will continue to work with stakeholders including the MPCC Subcommittee and working group, Library Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission to incorporate the following considerations into the MPCC program planning. Staff seeks City Council’s feedback and direction on these considerations as well as any other elements that City Council desires to incorporate into the program planning process. The following considerations are numbered for convenience only, and are in no particular order or priority:
1. Prioritize the program elements that survey respondents rated with the highest relative importance.
2. Include programs and classes that are not currently offered on a regular basis, but were rated with high importance by survey respondents. For example:
Homework help for children and teens after school
Job skills / job readiness / job seeker resources and training Food insecurity advice and support
Health care navigation and support
3. Prioritize programs and classes that are free or have discounted fees for Menlo Park residents.
4. Deprioritize programs that primarily attract participants from outside Menlo Park, and/or that survey respondents rated with low relative importance
5. Prioritize casual and drop-in play opportunities for children and families, especially Menlo Park residents
6. Aquatics program considerations will be addressed in the context of the upcoming aquatics operator request for proposals (RFP) process.
Staff will incorporate City Council’s feedback and direction into the planning process and will present preliminary MPCC staffing and program options to City Council tentatively in January/February 2023.
MPCC environmental sustainability features
The MPCC project is being designed to LEED Platinum standards for environmental sustainability – the highest available designation. The Library Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission on June 22 convened a joint study session to receive updates about the MPCC project and invite public input. Among the items reviewed at the June 22 joint study session was a presentation by project architects Hart Howerton about the MPCC project’s many environmental sustainability features (Attachment B).
Page F-1.4
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Staff Report #: 22-172-CC
MPCC furnishing layouts
The MPCC subcommittee and working group requested additional visual aids that show the proposed furnishings in layout. City staff worked with the architects to develop several “dollhouse” visualizations that show the proposed furnishings to scale in a “3-D” format that is visually engaging and, hopefully, clearer and more evocative than the standard two-dimensional diagrammatic view (Attachment C).
Construction tours
Residents and other interested parties are invited to participate in neighborhood-oriented tours of the MPCC construction site. The intent of the tours is to provide Menlo Park residents, especially from the Belle Haven neighborhood, the opportunity to observe and experience the project while it is under construction. Tours have been scheduled at various stages of the project construction. The first tour took place on August 19 and was well-attended by neighborhood residents. All tours take place on afternoons after construction work has ended for the day.
• Friday, October 21 – This tour will feature the interior stairs and passageways and a walkthrough of the structure
• Friday, January 6 – Tour of the swimming pools and splash pad under construction, in addition to a walkthrough of the main structure
• Friday, March 10 – Focus on the gymnasium and other major interior rooms, in addition to a walkthrough of the structure
Tour participants must be 18 years of age or older. Advance registration and liability waiver are required.
The MPCC project is an active construction site with uneven surfaces and other potential hazards. Sturdy footwear is required. Personal protective equipment (hard hats, hi-visibility vests) will be provided.
MPCC project timeline
The MPCC project construction began in November 2021 and the construction work is proceeding at a brisk pace. Currently, unprecedented supply chain issues are prevalent throughout the construction industry, and continue to impact the timely availability of critically important infrastructure, equipment and materials. There are potential supply chain delays with critical electrical infrastructure equipment, and the team is exploring all available options to avoid these potential delays. In the event that this electrical infrastructure equipment needed for the MPCC project are delayed due to supply chain issues, the project’s completion timeline will shift by several months to late 2023 or early 2024.
Beechwood School temporary entrance change and Kelly Park access As part of the ongoing construction for the MPCC project, the Beechwood School parking lot will be under construction from late August to December 2022. The construction activity involves trenching and underground utility work. Access to Kelly Park will still be available by pedestrian walk path. Cars entering and exiting Kelly Park will have limited parking spaces at the field and are asked to carpool, use public transit or bike to help ease traffic congestion. During construction, access to Beechwood School will be shifted to an alternate entrance at 243 Terminal Avenue. To help reduce traffic impacts during school dropoff/pick up times, the City created a temporary school loading zone on the north side of Terminal Avenue, between Plumas Avenue and Modoc Avenue.
Parking management plan
Staff has begun to develop a parking management plan and options for City Council to consider related to the MPCC parking areas. Parking considerations could include time limited parking to ensure parking is used by visitors, designating certain parking spaces during certain times of day, and potentially restricting overnight parking. Other considerations could tentatively include: quantity and location of bicycle parking, pedestrian routes, and other factors that pertain to the management of the parking area. Key elements of the planning process include: review relevant past parking studies and data; conduct public outreach to Page F-1.5
Staff Report #: 22-172-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org gather community input; develop a draft plan for review by the Complete Streets Commission; then present a final draft plan to City Council review and approval targeted in January/February 2023.
Pool heat pumps and exception to noise ordinance
To meet City Council’s goals of sustainable design and construction for the MPCC project, no fossil fuels will be consumed in the operation of the building. To heat the two new pools, the project plans call for five air source heat pumps (ASHPs), which will be in operation when heating the pool, year round. Several studies were undertaken to carefully select the most efficient and capable equipment, while minimizing the amount of noise created. Electrical heating equipment generates more noise than natural gas boilers. As a result, there will be times when the electric-powered ASHPs are running and exceed the Menlo Park noise ordinance. The project team evaluated several noise mitigation strategies, including:
• Aftermarket attenuators (dampeners) attached to the ASHPs to lower the output would not work sufficiently to lower the sound levels
• Sound walls installed surrounding the ASHPs. The proximity of the ASHPs to the property line on the south (and clearance required by the ASHPs for air circulation), the gymnasium to the north, and required fire access clearance required on the East and West do not make it possible to install effective sound barriers anywhere on site.
• Other solutions such as relocating pumps to the pool house area increased the sound limits at the residential property lines, making alternates infeasible.
Based on the above findings, the project team determined that it is infeasible to mitigate the noise to levels that comply with the noise ordinance. Staff is preparing to seek an exception to the noise ordinance at the Planning Commission tentatively in October 2022.
Upcoming City Council items
Items relevant to the MPCC project are tentatively scheduled for City Council review and/or approval in the coming months.
• September/October – Authorize staff to issue a RFP for an aquatics operator at Burgess Pool and the new MPCC Pool
• November/December – Provide direction for updating City Council Policy CC-86-0001, “Naming and/or changing the name of facilities” (1986)
• December/January – Award of contract and budget authorization for procurement of furnishings and nonfixed equipment for the MPCC • January/February – Preliminary options for parking management plan • January/February – Preliminary considerations for MPCC staffing and operations Impact on City Resources
Staff estimates the value of Meta’s contribution toward the MPCC project completion at approximately $40 million. The City’s share of the project construction 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. The ongoing cost impacts of operating the new center will be established over the next several months as part of the MPCC operational planning process. As part of the new center opening, it is anticipated that existing services that are currently housed in interim locations will be relocated to the new center; some services that were suspended or reduced during the MPCC construction and/or due to pandemic impacts would likely be restored to preconstruction/pre-pandemic levels; and some service level enhancements could be necessary or desired in order to operate the center in the manner and capacity envisioned by the City Council and the community.
Page F-1.6
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Staff Report #: 22-172-CC
The intent is to engage the community over the next several months through the MPCC operational planning process to identify what is desired regarding the center’s programs and operations, which can then inform projected operating costs for the City Council to make budgeting decisions during fiscal year 2022-23.
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. In addition, the City sent electronic notices via Nextdoor, Facebook and directly to project email and text update subscribers from the project page (Attachment D).
Attachments
A. Resident survey – recreation and community programs
B. Sustainability presentation
C. Furniture layouts
D. Hyperlink – project page: https://menlopark.org/communitycampus Report prepared by:
Sean Reinhart, Library and Community Services Director
Page F-1.7
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
ATTACHMENT A Page F-1.8
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.9
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.10
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Page F-1.11
This chart shows average relative importance as rated by survey respondents. Respondents had the option to rate each item as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Items rated "not important" are assigned a value of 1; "somewhat important" a value of 2; and "very important" a value of 3. The chart shows the average value of all ratings for each item. Higher average ratings indicate higher relative importance to the survey respondents. 787 respondents
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.12
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
This chart shows average relative importance as rated by survey respondents. Respondents had the option to rate each item as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Items rated "not important" are assigned a value of 1; "somewhat important" a value of 2; and "very important" a value of 3. The chart shows the average value of all ratings for each item. Higher average ratings indicate higher relative importance to the survey respondents. 768 respondents
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Page F-1.13
1 Would love to have more pickleball courts available in Menlo Park. Ideally at Nealon Park, where there is a critical mass of players already using the courts.
2 It is 3 to us to have more pickleball courts in Nealon Park, they are almost always full while the tennis courts are underutilized and could be made into temporary pickleball courts while retaining one for tennis. Pickleball creates a great sense of community but also is good for our mental well being. Check out Mitchell Park in Palo Alto. Thank you. 3 My wife and I play pickleball practically everyday since August 2021 at Nealon Park. We need more pickleball courts at Nealon.
Shared pickleball courts on tennis courts 3 and 4. When the tennis players leave the pickleball nets can be placed on the tennis courts. It is possible to make 4, 6 or 8 pickileball courts on tennis courts 3 and 4. Thank you for supporting pickleball in Menlo Park.
4 We need more access to a pool for regular swimming lessons and open swim. Burgess is not handling their scheduling system well. I'm hoping Onetta Harris will be better when it reopens. Getting gymnastics back would be great too. 5 WE need more pickleball courts.
6 We desperately need more pickleball courts at Nealon Park 7 We need more pickleball courts. We need to priority today ver tennis at all times, better if permanent.
Pickleball UNLIKE tennis is an open community and shouldn’t be places piecemeal around the city. We need a central location or two as there many discourage players who either find the courts empty due to a lack of community or over crowded courts and being turned away.
8 Pickelball has been in creasing in popularity, but Menlo Park has not kept up with enough courts to meet this demand. Tennis courts usage has been on the decline, so some tennis courts should be changed to dual usage for both tennis and pickelball.
There is a tremendous amount of illegal private tennis lesson at Nealon Park. I like to see enforcement policy to ban private tennis lessons.
9 Menlo Park should offer pickleball classes for all age groups. To accommodate the explosive growth of interest in pickleball we need to increase the capacity of pickleball courts in our city, both in the very near term (e.g. converting more tennis courts for both pickleball and tennis usage) and long-term (e.g. more permanent dedicated pickleball courts). Pickleball is a very social sports that promotes the sense of community and a wonderful way for our residents physical and mental well being. ; Menlo Park should offer pickleball classes for all age groups. To accommodate the explosive growth of interest in pickleball we need to increase the capacity of pickleball courts in our city, both in the very near term (e.g. converting more tennis courts for both pickleball and tennis usage) and long-term (e.g. more permanent dedicated pickleball courts). Pickleball is a very social sports that promotes the sense of community and a wonderful way for our residents physical and mental well being. For the immediate term I believe converting 2 tennis courts in Nealon Park for dual use of pickleball and tennis is a low-cost and effective way to address the pickleball community’s need immediately.
10 Classes for kids and activities as well as sports for kids 7-10 11 Please bring gymnastics back. We have missed the classes and being able to do birthday parties there. 12 Classes for children, art, swimming, math, science etc 13 More pickleball courts!
14 Pickleball classes
15 Menlo Park gretly needs more pickleball facilities. Once more courts are available, there will be the potential for pickleball clinics which may be free or fee based.
16 All the ones listed above are great.
17 We need many more pickleball courts. The pickleball community continues to grow and attract people of all ages. Menlo Park needs to support this growing and active community now, by creating more shared tennis-pickleball courts, and in the future, by developing plans to expand more permanent pickleball courts in addition to the town's tennis courts. 18 More pickleball courts spread throughout the city.
19 Recreation classes need to include more variety. There are many dance, martial arts, and gymnastics classes, but the variety is lacking. For example, the only "art" classes now are sewing.
The city has also repeatedly failed to program any classes for individuals with special needs or disabilities or insist that contracted instructors accommodate residents with disabilities. Instead of very specific classes, like drawing or sewing, what about a class that could accommodate a variety of abilities like Mixed Media, collage, non-representational art? Dance classes are very specific to type and age, what about a dance for all class that had a wider age and ability range so more could benefit? The community has identified the need for teen programming for many years but has yet to program for it. If teens don't have positive outlets, they will find not so positive ones.
20 Expanded pickleball courts such as at Nealon Park, not necessarily dedicated to pickleball but another tennis court with the dual stripng
21 Menlo Park residence really should have priority over venues and timeslots. Also, it needs to be VERY affordable. Not just “affordable” considering we’re in the area of Atherton and many parts of Menlo Park. If you want Menlo Park residents, in particular Belle Haven residents, two be excited about using facilities and the services, you need to incentivize them. ; Being a Belle Haven resident, I realize I just can’t afford things the way other people in the area can. Going to yoga classes was very affordable at the Onetta Harris community center. Also my sons went to karate there as well. Unfortunately the teacher passed away. And they could not find anybody else. I’m not sure if teachers get paid the same no matter which location they work at. I wanted my kids to do gymnastics but really can’t afford the gymnastics at Arrillaga. 22 Would love access to swimming lessons and activities for young kids with affordable fees. 23 Gardening to feed the family ;) , raising bees and chickens 24 Adult King Fu, Kempo or defensive martial arts, gardening, home maintenance/ remodel classes, learn another language, solicit opportunities for local residents to offer classes based around their skills / hobbies Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.14
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes. 25 Having access to child care if a caregivers would like to enroll to community center classes but unable to due to childcare issues Priority to those who reside in Belle Haven
Affordable community center classes
26 Pool; gymnastics; sensory play; dance classes; Zumba for adults; 27 - Annual family membership to Burgess and other MP pools is needed - Do not use tennis courts as pickleball courts
28 Nursing rooms for nursing/lactating mothers.
Infant care classes.
Updated track and field.
29 Life skills for teens (handling finances, job interviews, education opportunities). Cooking. 30 More off leash dog access particularly on weekends.
31 Pool use more hours during the year.
32 2 additional mixed-use pickleball / tennis courts at Nealon, more dedicated pickleball courts in the future (across MP) 33 Open the gymnastics classes for children.
34 Just want to have weight/physical excercising classes with discounts to residents 35 Pickleball is hugely popular and growing sport. We need more courts now. Conversion of two more tennis courts at Nealon to 8 pickleball courts (which can be used for tennis or pickleball) is necessary and makes great sense for our community. 36 The pool is critically important for older adults who cannot manage the dry land exercises. However, the pool has been taken over by athletes to the exclusion of ordinary families and seniors. 37 I very much enjoyed and benefitted from Aquatic Wellness for senior citizens. Feel it is 3 to offer this service to seniors as water exercises is the most beneficial and least apt to cause injury than any other programs for Seniors. 38 water wellness programs for elderly and disabled people are important 39 I used to participate (as a Palo Alto resident) in the excellent aqua wellness program at Burgess Pool, but it has not been offered in the same format, at the same times, nor as often, since the Covid shutdown. I swim occasionally and appreciate the warm pool, but have had to find a private aqua wellness program, which is much more expensive and further away. 40 I really appreciate the option to attend meetings in the library or Rec Ctr rooms where community organizations are presenting -- such as SFBBO (about local birdwatching) or topics that offer ways to more enjoy where I/we live. I am extremely disappointed at the Burgess Pool's dropping their very successful aquawellness programming in favor of more cardio-focused aqua-exercise or PT, 1:1 type of aqua exercise that are much more expensive and not as valuable to overall whole body conditioning/wellness. 41 Please, open back gymnastics. This is only one gymnastics in Menlo Park/Palo Alto/Stanford area. The classes were so convenient (there were classes for different age kids at the same time).
Coaches were super friendly and absolutely kind to kids. Kids loved environment and a huge and bright room. Please, bring it back, now the closest gymnastics for kids is in 25 min drive one way and it is packed.
Thank you!
42 Please let us swim in the burgess pool. I cannot afford the private pools and burgess is always too busy with the team sheeper group
43 Please reopen arillaga gymnasium and restart gymnastics! 44 Please reopen gymnastics- such a wonderful program and we can’t find anything else like it 45 Menlo Park’s library is a disappointment compared to other cities (eg palo alto). It would be great to see an investment into a better one
Local music and art classes for toddlers are great, but often full. I’d love to see more. I’d also love to see swim classes for infants/toddlers in menlo park
Lastly, it would be interesting to have local block parties to meet neighbors. 46 We would really love for the gymnastics program to be restarted. 47 Aerobic exercise classes after 4 or 5 pm Monday through Friday 48 - Open swim time for families on weekends
- Group swim lessons vs. private lessons
- Open access to lap swimming in the Performance pool (early morning and evening) so that people who work during the day and can't afford Masters can continue to swim
- Limiting rental to other organizations at least until 2023 when the new MPCC opens - Reasonable pricing so all Menlo Park residents can swim - Menlo Park should take back ownership of the pool and end the arrangement it has with its for-profit contractor that has been crowding out public access in favor of private programming. 49 We used classes and programs heavily when the kids were younger. Now that they’re tweens/teens there doesn’t seem to be as much for them. Would be nice to have a free hangout space to rival downtown and Menlo Church. Some place for them to go now that quarantine is over.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.15
50 Free swimming lessons for Menlo Park residents. More open swim time for families. Reasonable pricing for swimming so families can afford to swim. Eliminate the programs we do not want. Consider public safety programs aimed at educating the community.
For example, run programs on how to make (inexpensive) indoor air filters or how to use a fire extinguisher. I also do not see programs aimed at the residents living in Belle Haven. For example, start a "family time" where there is something for the whole family with entertainment for kids, enjoyable couple time for parents and even a simple dinner. I also think that MP should end it's public-private partnership with a for-profit pool operator who puts his paying students ahead of residents. 51 Having lived here almost a full year I’m not up to speed at all what the City offers in terms of programming. Would love to know more and excited to learn more to be more involved in the community for my family and kiddos. Would love to be added to an email list if one exists. Also has there been thought given to incorporating any sort of announcements (kid related) into the school newsletters?
52 Larger library budget for acquisition of both hardback and e-books. 53 City programs and classes should reflect the needs of the diversity that exists in the City of Menlo Park (more than just Dance). 54 We have two little ones and would love to see the gymnastics center open again as well as more swim and affordss as me athletic programs for their age group.
55 The dog park at Nealon is a fabulous community resource. How can it be improved or hours extended to encourage fewer offleash dogs elsewhere? 56 We’re interested in children’s theater & gymnastic programs + table tennis or tai-chi for seniors 57 Aqua wellness/aqua therapy classes for seniors without class space reduced for children and lap swimmers plus taught by knowledgeable experts in that specific field.
58 My family and I really love Menlo Park and feel very safe in it, but there are a lot of things to be done, a free gym or athletic center for the community, outdoor events and celebrations for the whole community, gatherings, bbq, 4th of July is coming up so there should be something for everyone in Menlo Park to gather and celebrate 59 The gymnastics program should reopen.
60 My children participated for many years in the gymnastics program, and we were incredibly grateful for it. The instructors were generally very good, and my children thoroughly enjoyed the classes beginning with mommy and me classes and ending with competitive team participation. The gymnastics program, in my opinion, is a highly valuable program offered by the city. 61 BRING BACK GYMNASTICS FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS. It’s crazy to me that Menlo Park has yet to bring back this program and found a way to adapt during the pandemic. We have instead used more community resources from Palo Alto.
Much more impressed with their community resources.
62 Please begin hosting summer concert and activities again! 63 There is a park on willow oaks that has 3 tennis courts it will be great if one of them is converted to 2 pickleball courts. That will engage more people to come
64 Please bring back gymnastics! HUGE gaping hole in Menlo Park right now!! :( 65 Please open the gym for the kids! It’s world class facility and it’s just sitting there unused. What a waste. There’s no reason why it’s not open when everything else is open.
66 The aquatic exercise classes, taught by Sheralee Beebe, are valuable to people who have disabilities or whose advanced age makes other kinds of exercise impractical. I attended the classes at Burgess pool for two years before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
The program in Menlo Park is still not available for me, so I go to aqua fitness classes in the Palo Alto YMCA. 67 Bring back gymnastics!
68 More outdoor programs eg. Storytime at the library can be in the courtyard instead of indoors. Outdoor dance/martial art classes etc.
69 Tennis courts have been impacted by pickleball. Any expanson of pickleball courts should not be at the expense of tennis. 70 I worry that when my 7 yo is a tween/teen he will have nowhere to go and hang out with friends if he’s not on a sports team or wants to hang at the skatepark. Why not take some of the vacant space on Santa Cruz Ave and turn it in to a STEAM hangout for kids with a juice bar, music space etc…like a modern teen center. Older kids could work there and be paid too. There could also be an area for bike repair. So many kids bike to Hillview. Kids need constructive places to gather. And what about programs for kids that take them outside the city on a hike, whitewater rafting, fishing etc.. 71 I’d like to understand what outside groups are using the fitness facilities (Ariaga gym, pool) so that I can use the facilities through their programming if the city programming doesn’t fit my schedule. A good example is the early morning fitness at the gym. I don’t see that listed on the class list but I see all sorts of groups when I run past the gym in the morning. 72 Warm water (92+ degrees) aquatic therapy pools, handicap accessible. 73 I was an avid attendee to the former Aqua Wellness Program for years. We had an excellent teacher who kept us moving forward even though we were aging! The present programs are geared to the younger population with focus on intense cardo movements.
The new program led by a physical therapist has its place, but should NOT be considered a replacement for Aqua Wellness. If we need that intense of a program we would be attending, but we are not severe yet nor can we afford it on a fixed income. 74 We are in need of additional pickleball courts at Nealon. The pickleball courts are packed while the tennis courts are empty 75 Sharee was very helpful to me when I needed aquatic rehab. 76 Create more pickleball courts to establish a community feel for Menlo Park. Allow more hours for pickleball (as opposed to tennis) to allow for pickleball programs and classes/clinics.
77 It would be nice to have facilities for cooking classes at the recreation center. Running, biking, hiking groups would be nice. And maybe other group activities - like surfing, paddle boarding, rafting 78 Everyone in my family cannot wait for the kids gymnastics program to restart.
I would utilize Spanish classes and think it would benefit a lot of community members (or if not a class, then a meet up with people to talk in English/Spanish and be mutually beneficial)
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.16
79 - Arrangement for Belle Haven families to have access to swimming during the 3-year closure of their neighborhood pool. - Open swim time for families on weekends
- Group swim lessons vs. private lessons
- Open access to lap swimming in the Performance pool (early morning and evening) so that people who work during the day and can't afford Masters can continue to swim
- Limiting rental to other organizations at least until 2023 when the new MPCC opens - Reasonable pricing so all Menlo Park residents can swim - Menlo Park should take back ownership of the pool and end the arrangement it has with its for-profit contractor that has been crowding out public access in favor of private programming. 80 Two public run swimming pools at more affordable rates for residents as we used to have 81 Don't let third-party providers run the programs primarily for their benefit; focus on serving Menlo Park residents. Fee differentials for residents and non-residents should be substantial (like, double for non-residents) 82 I'd love to see a ceramics class where you can use a pottery wheel. There aren't many around here, whereas you can often find other programming, like music, at other places.
83 3 that Tim Sheeper/Menlo Swim continues into the future managing the swimming pool and it’s programs. He and his staff do an outstanding job not only on maintenance but providing a variety of programs servicing all ages and skill levels 84 More fitness classes, more arts and crafts
85 Pool exercises in water shallow enough to touch shoulders for walking and stationary exercises. More senior exercises.
86 To include nearby East Palo Alto residents
87 Upon moving here I was surprised by how few classes are offered via parks and rec, and how few community events there are.
There should be a wide variety of classes for kids, adults and seniors. These classes can be run by different community organizations, companies and individuals. San Carlos and Redwood City have a much wider variety of classes than Menlo Park -- as well as wonderful community events -- and would be good cities to emulate.
Please also bring back musical performances and other arts performances. 88 Being a family with small children, we would be excited for programs geared towards families & children. 89 I’d love to see the entire gymnastics program for kids open up again. It’s a huge bummer we don’t have it in Menlo and residents need to travel to RWC or Sunnyvale to get them.
90 Appreciate all fitness classes for adults; also tech classes. I'd like to see classes on using iPhone for photography and video - for beginners.
91 would like a well-thought out informed strategy for pickle ball courts, which are used by people from as far away as San Jose. 92 make pool more accessible to the whole community-private lessons are given preference when this is a community pool; get the gymnastics program back. this was a very valuable program for our kids and I talk with many parents who want it for their kids 93 We NEED more pickleball courts. I don't know how many years have to go by to get something done. The courts we have now are always busy and the nets are falling apart. Please add more courts, the tennis courts are rarely used.; I am filling out this survey because the community needs more pickleball courts. thank you.; Nealon Park has only four courts and the tennis courts right next to the pickle ball courts are, most of the time, unused. 94 More Pickleball courts! Nealon Courts have had the most positive neighborhood impact of anything we’ve experienced yet! 95 Increase Pickleball
Courts!
96 Pickleball becoming very popular. Courts are important. 97 Permanent Pickleball courts are needed.
98 Dedicated pickleball courts and more dual tennis/pickleball courts, especially at Nealon Park 99 My passion is pickleball. Earlier this year I used to play it 1x or 2x a wk at Nealon Park but I got discouraged by the crowds there.
We need more pickleball courts in Menlo Park. Thank you!! 100 I love the way pickle ball brings together people of all ages. If we could have more pickle ball courts that would be great. 101 I believe pickleball is the fastest growing sport, it’s quick to learn, inclusive and very social. Each city should have courts. 102 would like more pickleball courts
103
Low burgess but dressing and shower frailties for women are way too small for all the users. Actually need deprecate pool for lessons, summer camps and classes, the pool gets so much more use than any other piece of the open park area, baseball fields etc.
More pickle ball courts
Class times are geared to working people as they are scheduled in the early morning, lunch and evening, nothing for seniors mid morning or afternoon. We don’t want evening classes.
What about a servie that matches seniors to volunteering to assist with classes, camps etc, not just the senior center. 104 Guitar classes!
105 There is an increase of older people to play sports such as pickleball. We need more courts available. Thank you 106 Pickleball classes for all ages
107
I would like to see more Pickleball Courts. The Tennis Courts are often empty, but people are waiting to use the four Pickleball Courts in Nealon Park. The nets in the Pickleball Courts at Kelly Park are in need of repair or replacement. 108
We need more permanent pickleball courts. I play 4 to 5 times a week and am forced to go to neighboring courts as Menlo Park does not have enough.
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.17
109 I'd love pickleball classes
110 Keep the name of Onetta Harris for Belle Haven new Center on Terminal 111
regular in-person teens socializing programs, inclusive programs (especially of people with disabilities), lower-cost recreation programs for toddlers, children, and teens in Menlo Park, sibling discounts 112 Pickleball classes.
113
Bring back the gymnastics program for young kids. I've heard great things and my daughter has been waiting to try it.
Green spaces are important, especially with shade.
114 Swimming/improvement lessons for adults.
115 You're doing a great job - thank you.
116 I’d love to see more big community gatherings. Movie nights, music in the park, art festivals downtown, maker spaces at the library. 117 There is a need for an open gyms at both community centers with equipment for exercise & low fees for usage. 118 Expand and improve pickleball courts.
119
This past school year, i wished that there were more swimming lesson options during after school hours. Now, i understand the swim team that meets at Burgess has a lengthy waitlist? If there were an option to expand via staff (if it isn’t a facility capacity issue), that could be worth attention! We have also been waiting, along with many other kids’ families, for the excellent gymnastics program to come back! Thanks!
120 Would liie to see the grassy areas open during the summer and fall months. At this time they are fenced off for reseeding. 121 Art studio classes
122 Cafe at the library
123
I would love to see the gymnastics for toddlers to come back. We’ve never been able to use this resource and I heard it was amazing
124
Remember that the parks belong to the residents of Menlo Park and not just organized soccer groups. The parks seem to be surrounded by orange mesh most of the year for restoration. Local residents who like to play in the park, visit with neighbors, walk their dogs, etc., can't use the parks most of the year.
As for community classes, there are many low income residents who can't afford to take classes. Making the classes more affordable would be great. Also, don't forget about the adults and seniors. Seems most classes are geared towards children.
Remember the tax payers.
125
Downtown fairs and events are always wonderful. Would be great if there were movies in the park (like in Redwood City) and more summer activities for families and all ages.
126 We want gymnastics back, kids enjoy that pre pandemic, now when everything is open it still has been closed. That’s frustrating. 127 I’d like a makers space with tools
128 More events at the libraries or rec centers for babies/toddlers. 129 Continue providing services and get services that were closed due to COVID back up and running like the gymnasium. 130 Continue to support Menlo Swim and Sport programs
131
I can’t speak to how important these classes are. They all seem to be important. Are people taking them? I’m sure that will be evaluated.
132 Please add more options for pickleball use. It is a wonderful way to bring all facets of the community together. 133
The city should endeavor to enable and seek out local Menlo Park contractors for resident programs. The city should work in conjunction with the school district, to organize a competitive sports environment for kids in school by hosting city championships in various disciplines as well as hosting city events events for adults. Too much favor is given to outside contractors from other cities who are not invested in our local community.
134 More Pickleball courts and activities and communication, like Foster City and Palo Alto do. 135 Please reopen the gymnastics center
136 pickleball classes
137 I would like to request the permanent conversion of courts #3 and #4 to pickleball in addition to court #5 being kept for dual usage 138
I hope we can have group swimming lessons for children again. We can’t afford privates. And can we please reopen the gym (gymnastics programs)? That was a treasure. The loss of swimming lessons and gymnastics because of covid has very much impacted our family and other parents in our community. Covid restrictions seem to have made the public space less accessible in general to families who are not wealthy enough to hire private teachers for everything. Please re-open if possible. Thank you!! 139 new in the area so i say the library is the perfect place to meet new people and know more about the area 140
Pickleball classes for new players. Many of us got introduction to pickleball from the Palo Alto City classes. Also, Intermediate classes for pickleball.
141
I have older kids that no longer live at home. I have never been impressed with Menlo Park’s programs. We’ve typically driven around (when kids were younger) to do other programs outside of Menlo Park. I have recently started playing Pickle Ball at Nealon Park. Would LOVE to see some more tennis courts get converted as the PB courts more busy than Tennis. 142 We hope to have a big pickleball court . So people do not need to go to Palo Alto playing everyday 143 Love to have more pickleball court space
144 We need more pickleball courts vs tennis courts. One of the fastest growing sports in America and certainly on the penisula. 145 More pickleball courts. They are full many hours a day! High school students thought senior citizens! 146 More pickle ball courts
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.18
147 More pickle ball courts
148 More pickle ball courts
149 summer programs that are reasonably priced for kids, e.g., coding, gymnastics, swimming, acting. 150 Tener clases de inglés y que nos ofrezcan cuidado de niños al momento de asistir a clases 151
Exercise classes, physical fitness, gardening, discussion groups keep me thriving. Any possibility of a community garden in Menlo Park? It may interest folks who may wish to expand gardening opportunities beyond small patio container options. Thank you for the nice maintenance of the duck pond and park in Sharon Heights - it's my go to place for walking and relaxation. 152
Como cuidar el medio ambiente, usar material reciclado para otras actividades y minimizar la cantidad de plásticos en el planeta, como mantener limpia la ciudad, hacer campañas de limpieza por lo menos cada 3 ó 4 meses al año. 153
We enjoy live music at Fremont Park. PLEASE consider a complete, weekly schedule of music in the future. The pandemic has clearly impacted city events, but the live music draws residents of all ages and brings the community together in a safe way. This is the best way for us to get outside and enjoy the downtown restaurants. Thank you. 154 More community events. Look at Los Altos. They do an amazing job!!! 155
I've lived in four different neighborhoods of Menlo Park over the past 40 years. When my daughter was young, she enjoyed the dance and gymnastics programs for children. I participated in excercise programs for many years until an injury made it difficult. I love MP library and am often frustrated by the variable hours of operation- especially when the library was no longer open after my morning exercise class. I walk daily and find the lack of sidewalks not only frustrating but downright dangerous. The bumpy yellow patches at intersections may help some, but are a trip hazard for others of us. I wish we had more unpaved walking paths which are much easier than concrete on aging joints.
156
I walk the dirt path by the RR tracks on Alma almost daily because walking on concrete is dangerous for my feet prone to plantar fasciitis. I wish we had dirt walking paths where the trains didn't blow past. But it is lovely walk under the trees by the RR tracks.
Off-topic: I saw a lady with grandson feeding the ducks -- right by the DO NOT FEED DUCKS sign. She couldn't read English but was very happy to learn what the sign says. You need that sign in several languages if you really want the ducks treated right. 157 Please re-open the gymnastics center or rent it out to those who can provide classes. 158
Pickleball classes
Cooking classes or demonstrations
159 Please open the gym. Also should prioritize Menlo park residents need and benefit first. 160 Please make the swimming classes more affordable for children who live in Menlo Park. 161 Please reopen gymnastics
162
Improve Access to Pickleball . more courts.. more hours.. and please cut the lock on the gate at the Pickleball court. It is a fire hazard / earthquake hazard to LOCK people in with only one way out. Be smart about this.
163 Would like to have ballet/dance/gymnastics classes for toddler or young children. 164 Please continue to invest in the Belle Haven community. 165 More dedicated pickleball courts
166 Release more pickle ball courts in Menlo Park
167 need a bench to sit on between games at Nealon Park Pickleball courts. 168 Community gardens. Outdoor festivals.
169
-Provide culturally relevant activities and programming. -Offer comprehensive services to the Belle Haven area.
-Provide free/affordable service/programming to low-income residents. 170
Teens have very little to do in MP or the surrounding area. They tend to like to hang out in the evening and there is just nothing for them. In addition, Menlo Park is one city, not East and West, so ensuring equity of services is paramount. 171 More pickleball courts!
172 suggest to add more pickleball courts at Nealon park 173
More pickleball courts. How many pickleball courts can fit on a soccer field? Pickleball uses far less land, doesn't need water, pesticide, herbicide (although could be more green-friendly), used by ALL ages including families. 174
I think all of these are extremely important for the community and would be inclined to pay for/attend if available. ; I'd love to see free swim lessons for communities who need them.
175 Open the gymnasium which has been closed for 2+ years and run it at the same high level as the Burgess pool. 176
Please do not consider closing pool or changing current management. Many people know what the pool was like before Sheeper was running it. Swimming pools and programs are vital to a healthy community. Integrity will triumph. 177
We need to make MPO a more vibrant community - current programs except for those at Burgess are not good enough. And Why is the Arrillaga Gym still closed?? oi kids cannot get access to gymnastics 178 More availability for community use of pool
179 Parents of young kids (2-5) need local options for gymnastics, soccer, and ballet. 180 pok'
181 Different martial arts, flag football, hi-5 sports programs, more swimming lessons 182
We have been waiting for the Gymnastics program to start up again. The only other gymnastics program in the area (in redwood city) is very full with long waitlists. It's so convenient to have gymnastics through Menlo Park and it's unfortunate that it hasn't opened back up yet.
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.19
183
It seems like compared to neighboring cities, Menlo Park classes, services and events have not come back or take much longer, even outdoor options, which has been disappointing. I have a 5 year old and after living here for a decade, it now seems like he may age out of the ability to take advantage of the gymnastics offerings, which also have not come back. Local parent and neighbor Facebook groups complain about this often.
184
We would highly appreciate an inclusion program that can support inclusion of children with special needs in the Menlo Park after school and camp programs (similarly to the assistance they get at school) 185 Kids gymnastics
186
I'd like to suggest that the City Council, if they have not yet, survey other municipalities in San Mateo County, and see how other aquatics programs serve the needs of the community. My guess is that "the squeaky wheels are getting grease" in the current situation at Burgess. Residents who are happy with the programming are not so likely to let you know as those who have complaints. I was an aquatics professional for 30 years. I have done the work that Tim Scheeper is doing and I can tell you that there are few programs in the country that provide such diverse programming and give opportunity to so many people. It's not an easy job and certainly more difficult when the support of the municipality is not behind you. I strongly urge the city council to look on the bright side of what is being offered to the community. Having been the professional who was squeezed out of space by those "squeaky wheels" myself, I can comment that it is likely those people who are complaining will probably not attend often anyway and those who are being disenfranchised will lose their opportunity. The pool would sit empty is my guess. Water is a precious resource. Better to have the pool occupied and scheduled for activity rather than giving those who MIGHT show up more opportunity. The team at Burgess knows how to maximize the space and time. Even those squeaky wheels have time allowed for their use though they may not choose to go when the time is available. I would love it if my swim practice was at 10AM. I retired now and it would be my best choice. But I go when the time is scheduled for the programing I participate in. Seniors, families and disabled should do the same. That way everyone has equal opportunity.; Team Scheeper is doing a Jam up job!! 187 Dance classes, chuldren's arts and sport classes, music concerts 188 We have been desperately waiting for kids programs and gymnastics to come back 189
More space in children's sports activities, they're always waitlisted. More slots in swim classes, we've been trying to get in for over a year. Maker space for other creative training.
190 Options for mothers to get together with young babies or kids! 191 We would love to see gymnastics reopen and the pool continue to be use for recreation, camps, and swim teams. 192 First aid for all ages
193 It's time to count unincorporated Menlo residents as residents. It is the biggest factor in my family avoiding classes and the pool. 194
The gymnastics program at Burgess hasn’t been running since Covid began and it’s time to bring it back. The facility is sitting empty, when hundreds of local children should be using it. It is ridiculous that the gymnastics program hasn’t been reinstated. 195
These programs need to be restored to pre covid levels it is really a problem, when nothing is done for over a year or more once county restrictions were lifted.
196 Outside Zumba. Park exercise where you can show up. I’ve done this in other communities. Group to meet people. 197
more variety classes for adults (non-seniors) that isn't just dancing (art classes would be amazing!), and a real gym where residents can freely use weights, equipment, etc.
198
Love the new pickleball courts at the Nealon Park, amazing addition for our family. Please keep them! Would like to see more soccer fields for youth soccer and would like a better /larger swimming pool for families. It is dominated by lessons and crowded, would be great to have a larger one or more options to swim in Menlo Park. 199 walking clubs
200
We need the pool to stay open :)
I'm also not sure if the survey is asking how important things are *to me* (and my family) or how important I think they are to the general community. Those are two different answers for many of the questions. For instance, below on the swimming question - my kids are out of swim lessons so they are not important *to me* but are 3 to the Menlo Park community and I support them. I'm filling out the survey assuming that the questions are asking how important things are to the wider MP community, not just to my personal wants/experiences.
For our family, there are enough private groups offering things like singing lessons and soccer and martial arts that we haven't looked to the city to meet those needs.
We took years of lessons at Burgess and now have two kids in swim team there and I reguarlarly swim laps. 201 Need more wellness and arts programs for seniors and teenagers. 202 Develop a park at SGI! Lots of people walk more now post- pandemic, and many got dogs. 203
Pickleball is blowing up. This should absolutely be included in the Flood Park renovation!! Gymnastics at Burgess needs to be scaled way way up once it reopens. There is so much pent up demand for our little ones that have never had a chance to do it with COVID’s impact. We can’t even get ON a waitlist, local classes are SO full. Did I mention pickleball yet????? :) 204
I regularly attended adult gymnastics and Circus Aerials years ago, and would like to see this return. It would be great to see Menlo Park consider adding a disc golf course to one of its vacant green spaces. 205 It would be nice to bring back the gymnastic program. It was such an amazing program for the kids. 206 None
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.20
207
Tim Sheeper has dramatically benefited Burgess and the entire MP swim program and community. All ages, all levels of athleticism. He took it from an under used program that was failing economically to a profitable Program so heavily used that people complain that they are comparatively under served. The problem now is too much success and popularity and the call for more services. Tim’s success should be supplemented rather than punished. 208
I use the burgess Park Pool and have for many years. My children participated in swim lessons, swim team and swim camp there. I value the Burgess Park Pool as an important aquatic resource on the peninsula. The Burgess Park pool is exceptionally well run with a wide range of programming for youth through seniors. The pool area is clean and safe, the staff is friendly and well trained, the availability of lap lanes is good. Many people depend on this resource for health, fitness and children's water safety 209 I would like to see more computer skills classes.
210
We raised our kids taking swimming lessons from age five, Menlo Maverick’s, swim team, Camp Menlo summer camp, aerial silks, fun free swimming, lap swimming, and masters swimming for the past 12 years. 211
I formerly lived in Menlo Park for over ten years and then joined the Menlo Masters Program. I have swum with Menlo Masters for over 13 years and dearly love the program and want it desperately to continue. 212
All programs are essential to keeping Menlo Park an outstanding community . Reduced fees for residents is critical. Non profit organizations that can increase access to programs for underserved communities of Menlo Park should continue to be utilized. 213
The circus program at the gymnastics center is the most important and the one that is most important to our family and the most unique to Menlo (aka attracts people from the outside). 214 More pickle all courts, please. Also, a dog park for smaller dogs. 215
We need gymnastics open for our kids, Burgess playground it looking a little shabby lately, the library hours need to be extend to open earlier, more classes for toddlers
216
Guided walks, gatherings where people can work on crafts together (not teaching, just doing), a way to link language learners together (i.e. I am learning Spanish with Duolingo, but would like to meet someone my age to chat with and improve my understanding and fluency)
217 PLEASE PLEASE We would LOVE to see the Arriaga Gymnastics class for toddlers/childrens come back. 218
We need a beautiful dog park. With grass and large expanses to run and play. The Willows dog park is subpar. If the field next to the school were available the community would come out far more than they do now. I would venture that more than half of the non-dpg households have gotten a dog in the last two years. This needs to be vastly improved. 219
I don't participate in many community programs anymore but I do think they are 3 for the community. I would also like to see more mixed age programs, for instance Dungeons and Dragons, for seniors/adults/teens, and not just offering programs to the age group we conventionally associate with that activity. I also think the community will benefit from interacting with all ages and not conforming to agist stereotypes.
220
recreational gymnastics, working (repaired) playgrounds, classes for special needs, classes, support and open space for home schoolers.
221 please bring back softball, widen basketball appeal 222
There are dozens of new residents in BH and we all meet while walking dogs and our dogs want and need and deserve a good dog park to play in!!!
223
My fear is that people of color may not feel welcome because our community has changed so much. There must be a way to help long term residence to feel that it is still our community. 224 Classes for all, students, seniors, adults, families, children of all ages 225 Free classes for residents
226
Belle Haven--Senior $ management classes, low income housing education, pet laws + county licensing opportunities brought to community, golf
227 Beginning hula and Hawaiian huna healing (ho’oponopono) 228 Bring back the gymnastics program, PLEASE! It was awesome and the kids all loved it. Even my 8 year old keeps asking for it. 229 It is very sad that playing tennis is so expensive in our city. 230
Kids love soccer
Toddler/young kid tennis
231 More community-building events, like Redwood City does 232 Love to have more cooking classes like cheese making! (Cheese making will be a huge hit at Menlo Park) 233
I would appreciate more Pickleball courts. It's both social and exercising in one. It's so easy on the body, playing on smaller courts using a wiffle ball - Very good for the soul. Everyone should do it, but there are so few courts. 234 More pickelball courts
235 Please install more permanent pickle ball courts! Thank you for being willing to get community feedback 236 more pickleball courts are needed as the demanded continues to rise! 237 Creative classes for seniors
238 More pickleball courts
239 Would like to see more pickleball courts available
240 Beginning pickleball should be taught. Clad would fill quickly. Also intermediate PB 241 More pickleball courts, please!
242
More pickelball courts it’s good for all ages and it brings the community together. It is a growing sport. It benefits health. We are a member of the Palo Alto pickelball club which has over 700 members. Othe communities are having more pickelball courts. The courts could be used for tennis as well as pickelball. There are people that play both. Thank you 243 Pickleball. Needs more courts. It fits all ages. Community builder. Terrific future Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.21
244 Add more pickleball courts. Give lessons for residents/non-residents. 245 More pickleball courts, please.
246 I play pickleball everyday
247 Contract the pool and gymnastics- do not run in house 248 More senior programs in the afternoon.
249 Sewing (beyond beginner), toddler gym
250 More dog parks and pickleball courts!
251 no idea
252
We need more pickleball courts please. They are used by so many all the time and bring together 6yr olds to 86yr olds 😁 it is good clean fun which brings so much joy to so many
253 It would be great to have more robust Pickleball offerings! 254 More pickleball courts!
255 It would nice to have Spanish speaking lessons available in Menlo Park. 256 I would like some pickle ball courts on the west side of MENLO Park, Closer to my neighborhood. 257 more flat areas
258 Culture exchange. Mental Health. Family relationship building. Arts & Music. STEAM. 259 I know Palo Alto has priority for MP residents when enrolling in classes hopefully MP can implement something similar. 260 We need to get the pool with more activities for kids and after school sports. 261
I don't hear much for free courses or at least pay for a class such as art, dance, or any other that is given on weekends. Also would be helpful to have on hand a magazine with all activities. 262 More recreational facilities for classes on dancing, pottery, art & crafts 263 Please bring back all the dance and sport activities for children 264 Table tennis, badminton, dance classes
265 Belle Haven needs same access and perks as the West Side MP. S 266
-Blinking lights at crosswalks!
-More local art! If not murals, an opportune place for people to show-case! -A better wide-spread newsletter. It's hard for Belle Haven residents to know about events. 267 Thai Chi for seniors
268 Que nos den clases a los adultos. Gracias
269 community college campus
270
Have more activities for kids, After School Programs. Wood shop, music classes, basketball, etc. Need supervision. Have the suggestion what they like and want to do.
271 More daytime dance classes for adults such as Zumba, hip hop, jazzercise etc. 272 My husband works at Bay Club so we are fortunate to have our fitness + some community needs met there. 273 toddler gymnastics classes
274 It would be great to have a free fitness center.
275
We should honor the diversity in our community by having community gatherings in the community center for all; We should use this new center for everyone in our community instead of allowing outsiders to rent or use or fields for sports Bellhaven residence should have priority
276 I would like to see a variety of equity & inclusive involvement of Black people and programs throughout Menlo Park. 277
Please make the charge to use the swimming pools very low for residents. I don't use the pools because the fees are to high.
Lessons for the kids in Belle Haven should be free! It saves lives. 278 Gardening, growing vegetables, fruits, etc
279 I was not fully fully aware of availability and other details of classes 280 More green space, outdoor play, gymnasiums, pools
281
Still don't feel that safe w/ covid doing indoor clases - outdoor yoga? zoom classes? more language and art offering, how about a menlo service orientation class?
282
Aqua swim programs
core classes
283
maybe community cookouts/bbq to meet residents. Community garage sales. More free or discounted things to bring the community together.
284
It's 3 to offer similar classes that are held at West Menlo Park. It's also important that rates remain similar to Onetta Harris prices.
Affordable for the community that live in Eastern MP.
285 Plaza should be nice. Shopping outlets. Malls
286 I’d love to have pickleball courts in the parks!
287
Maintain green areas and mature trees, particularly natural spaces (of which MP has very little), don't replace them with built environment, including hard surfaces or plastic coverings. 288 food preservation classes, local history/culture, welding and metal crafts, and acting/theater 289 hindi class for children, kid's soccer program, kids swimming classes 290 very excited for new kelly park construction to be finished! maybe a little more information at track about what's to come! 291
I’D LOVE TO LEARN AND PLAY PICKLEBALL! WHAT I HEAR IS THERE ARE VERY FEW COURTS AND THEY ARE VERY BUSY. ALSO, I’D LIKE TO FIND INSTRUCTION . MANY PEOPLE I TALK TO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING AND PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY.
292 Pottery open studio please
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.22
293 estate planning education
294 It is 3. You did a good job for the city community programs and classes. It is 3 to me. 295 English classes
296 English classes
297 cheaper housing for seniors
298
We only recently moved to Menlo Park from San Mateo. San Mateo had a great parks and rec program for taking classes for the kids. Would love to have recreation soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis and swimming opportunities available for the kids (5.5 and 8 years old). The kids go to school in a different town, and would be a great way for them to meet other kids in the community. 299 affordable classes for youth/adults. More times for working parents 300
Terapia de arte
Clases de natacion para adultos
classes de yerrios
301 N/A
302 No es buena idea que trabajen o ayuden mimberos de la misma familia 303
Que tengamos lases para las personas, que no sabemos leer, y unas clases para las personas de la tercera edad que no sabemos escribir y que respete.
304
I would like to see more library program for teens, especially ones focused on arts, crafts, etc. Also, please start offering classes for teens from Academy of Design: https://www.academyofdesignsf.com/. 305 When will the gymnastics for kids restart? This was great! 306
Please do even more to support tweens/teens with free or heavily subsidized activities they can do on Fri/Sat evenings. Board game night, D&D night, etc. I am willing to help with this so please reach out to me if you want help! 307
Due to covid, I think things have to be offered online. A lot of people that are older are also still working so it would be great to have classes outside of typical work hours.
308 Para mi todo lo que ensenan me gusta los ninos aprenden un poco de todo cada dia 309 no tengo comentarios
310
Currently just have lack of information about community events. Belmont mails out notices or packet explaining offerings for the season.
311
Would love to have more info on these programs more accessible to the community. It would be nice to get a letter/email sent w/ all upcoming activities/classes for the month/year!
312
Exercise classes for after work hours. Many classes are during the day when I'm at work. Would love to participate if there were evening and weekend scheduled classes.
313 Create useful programs that are needed for young children and adults. 314 Having educational for the youth & teens. Job skill programs & training 315
Would love to see a rec center with a heated pool for elderly to do walking. And as much free for those of us living < the poverty line.
316 Offer digital classes, certifications would also be great to use towards resume 317 Children's & teens activities would be great for the community. Senior also but most may not be able to get there 318
I would love for there to be programs to create social spaces for parents with young children. For new parents especially this can be a nice way to build community with other folks in a similar life stage. Seattle, Washington has a program like this and it is very highly regarded. Perhaps Menlo Park can facilitate these social connections? It wouldn’t require many city resources to implement, except for some administrative support.
319 Programs for small kids (under 2)
320 More civic centerswith affordable prices for the commy.
Q7. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city community programs and classes.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.23
This chart shows average relative importance as rated by survey respondents. Respondents had the option to rate each item as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Items rated "not important" are assigned a value of 1; "somewhat important" a value of 2; and "very important" a value of 3. The chart shows the average value of all ratings for each item. Higher average ratings indicate higher relative importance to the survey respondents. 748 respondents
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.24
This chart shows average relative importance as rated by survey respondents. Respondents had the option to rate each item as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Items rated "not important" are assigned a value of 1; "somewhat important" a value of 2; and "very important" a value of 3. The chart shows the average value of all ratings for each item. Higher average ratings indicate higher relative importance to the survey respondents. 707 respondents
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.25
1 As stated above, the new scheduling system is awful at Burgess. It is almost impossible to get a swim lesson and even if you get one that's usually it. There's no consistency unless you have the ability to sit at your computer and wait for when they open on the dot. It's not equitable to those that can't do that, don't have help with scheduling, work full time away from a computer, etc.
2 Longer hours open lap swimming before or after work
3 More open times for Menlo Park residents
4 Longer hours and open year round with better hours for working families, reduced fees for teachers 5 More beginner swimming lessons for kids
6 More open swimming
7 Yes! We would definitely use the pool more if adaptive swimming was available. There is a huge need for it in the community with years long waiting lists that aren't moving because there aren't facilities available. Water exercise classes for adults and seniors would also be great.
8 My family trying to do lessons for a short period of time. Each time we came, the instructor was different so I had to keep explaining to them my child’s skills and because there were multiple kids in the class, the instructor really barely got to know my child and I felt like it was a waste of time 9 0-3 infant and toddler classes
10 Good and clean locker rooms. Warm pools
11 - family membership (monthly or annual) is needed
- open swim for children 7 days a week for multiple hours, year round, not just summer - baby pool open 7 days a week, year round
12 Tim Sheeper has done an amazing job in the past managing the Menlo Park community pools and I truly hope Menlo Swim and Sport will continue to operate the pools offering a wide array of programs to a diverse number of people. 13 No
14 Current programming is excellent, accommodating a wide range of users in equitable fashion. 15 More swimming master’s programs.
16 Several. The pool has become a profit center for Team Sheeper to the exclusion of the community needs. There should not be teams such as PASA (Palo Alto Stanford Assn.) using the community pool. This activity belongs at Stanford, School pools or Country Clubs, not Burgess. Sheralee Beebee's senior exercise classes were very popular and even oversubscribed, yet Sheeper cancelled them for personal animus and replaced with a so called physical therapy class that charges double the cost. There is altogether too much emphasis on elite athletes who come from other areas, some far from MP and who are charged substantially less (hour by hour/lap availability) than the community activities. Also, the baby pool is under utilized and infants (often screaming) are "taught" on the steps of the warm pool, blocking access for disabled people. There are no ADA doors. There have also been incidents where kids have pooped in the pool causing everyone to get out. The locker rooms are also often blocked by strollers because people do not use the family locker rooms. There is an Aqua Fit program but that is not something that older or disabled people can participate in. Ideally the baby pool should be reconfigured and reconstructed to be used exclusively for small kids so that they could be safer, watched more closely, so that there would not be so many accidents. Also there are problems with maintenance that seem to be caused by lack of appropriate attention. To have the warm pool closed for 8 weeks is astonishing. In addition there have been numerous short closures owing to various malfunctions. Apparently this is also the case with Rinconada, also "managed" by Sheeper. Sheeper's entire focus seems to be on the masters program and Team Sheeper expansion and not on the Menlo Park community's needs.
17 I feel all of the above uses of the pool are important. careful scheduling should be able to accommodate all. Weekends should have plenty of hours for family swim, toddler splash pool. Saturday mornings, programs for kids racing, learning to swim, socialize with friends. Reserve weekdays before 3 for adults. 18 water wellness classes similar to those taught before covid 19 Need more open lanes for lap swimming in instructional pool. Currently there is only 1 open lane during the afternoons during the week, which is the only time I can come to the pool. 20 If Burgess were to offer the same aquafit and aqua wellness programs as in the past, I would love to participate again.
It worked quite well in the past.
21 Bring back wellness exercise classes at 9 and 10 am
22 Aquafit taught by Sheralee Beebe
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.26
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 23 Questions above are difficult to answer as I believe that no single 'demographic/audience' (e.g., competitive vs. children vs. families vs. senior wellness) should have 'priority'. My extreme disappointment is in the current Sheeper management approach, he has completely ignored the needs of older people who benefit greatly from whole body/aquawellness exercise (e.g., Ms. Beebe was teaching very successfully for the 3 years I attended 3days/wk).
There are few alternatives locally for such exercise and, personally, my own health and mobility have suffered greatly from lack of options I enjoyed with Ms. Beebe's classes. I would plead for getting rid of Sheeper in favor of better programming orchestrated for families and also young and older. Now there seems to be a favoring of competitive swimming even to the point of having Stanford affiliated competitive swimmers being allowed swim time over the needs of Menlo residents. THAT is NOT what I'm paying taxes for. 24 - Open swim time for families on weekends
- Group swim lessons
- Open access to lap swimming in the Performance pool (early morning and evening) so that people who work during the day and can't afford Masters can continue to swim
- Limiting rental to other organizations at least until 2023 when the new MPCC opens - Reasonable pricing so all Menlo Park residents can attend - Menlo Park should take back ownership of the pool and end the arrangement it has with its for-profit contractor that has been crowding out public access in favor of private programming. 25 If the pool had lap swimming available for drop in residents, I would be thrilled! 26 More open swim
27 Better swim lessons- we have done the group lessons and the coaches just play around most of the time and don’t teach
28 See above - lessons for infants/toddlers are main interest 29 We would love to see more private swim lesson times offered. We’re really struggling to book swim lessons and to find space on a swim team.
30 - Open swim time for families on weekends
- Group swim lessons vs. private lessons
- Open access to lap swimming in the Performance pool (early morning and evening) so that people who work during the day and can't afford Masters can continue to swim
- Limiting rental to other organizations at least until 2023 when the new MPCC opens - Reasonable pricing so all Menlo Park residents can swim - Menlo Park should take back ownership of the pool and end the arrangement it has with its for-profit contractor that has been crowding out public access in favor of private programming. 31 More family friendly, more affordable, more access outside of work hours 32 I love swimming and live near the pool but never go because of the fees and difficulty getting lane time. It seems like it’s always occupied with something that has little to do with Menlo Park families swimming. Please consider taking the pools back from whatever contractor runs it and opening up to Menlo Park families. In contrast, we use the library three times a week and the basketball arena for school basketball teams. ; Longer hours. Less Masters swim. Fewer individual classes and more group classes. More “slow/beginner” lanes. Cheaper rates for city residents. Especially while other pool is closed.
33 More open swim times throughout the year. Family memberships! 34 More swimming space for families with young kids.
35 Same as above - offer physical therapy/aqua therapy classes for seniors that are taught by trained aqua therapy instructors without sacrificing the space in the pool for the classes. Would prefer deep water aqua therapy classes so children learning to swim could be in shallow area that we would walk through to reach deep water. Need to change direction of area pool dividers to create a big deep water area across the end of the pool. 36 Less expensive; Better advertising to encourage people to use the facility and make them aware of the various ways they can do so.
37 Ensure that the wading pool is open so that adults are not bringing toddlers into the instructional pool. There have been three incidents involving toddlers that I have observed because of this lack of wading pool availability. 38 Our family used to take full advantage of the open swim time, especially during the weekends. Several years ago, however, the pool started restricting the number of people able to swim at a given time, and we would show up only to have to wait in line for an indeterminate amount of time. We pretty much gave up going to the pool after being told to wait in line too often. But when the weather is hot, and I drive by the pool, I am disappointed that swimming there no longer feels like a bankable option.
39 No. The pools have the best programming and hours of operation in the Bay Area. 40 I love the water wellness program taught and supervised by the physical therapist All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.27
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 41 More open swim / splash pad availability, and a season pass pricing option for families ($28 every single time is prohibitive)
42 Bring back Sheralee Beebe to teach aquacise classes. 43 More open swim time!
44 Longer hours for family swim (Open earlier so small kids can use it since they nap in the middle of the day). Longer season for the baby pool, not just a couple of months in the summer. 45 Public swimming availability seems severely limited, especially on hot days... 46 The chlorine level is extremely high at Burgess.
47 I know lifeguards are hard to come by and that’s limiting hours and activities that are available. I think it’s important for the community to understand that and not just complain about the lack of hours. 48 I’m a disabled 49 year old. I recently had to join a private pool instead of swimming at Burgess 3-4 times a week because of lane availability. I’m only able to use the warm pool because I cannot manage the ladders. I had been at Burgess pool on several occasions when it was designated lap swimming time and have either been asked to leave my lane for a lesson (of course they will throw me out when lessons cost $76 per half hour!) or they have allowed families and children to occupy the lanes (when it wasn’t free swim). The facility isn’t ADA compliant (slippery locker room floors and difficult to open doors). I’m glad I could move to a private pool but am concerned about the community members who can only swim for exercise and have extremely limited times and resources to do so. The community is not prioritized- Tim Sheeper is profiting off of this pool. It’s ridiculous to pay $76 for a 30 minute lesson also! When I learned to swim in SF, it was free to the public. Public swimming pools shouldn’t cater to the wealthy elite. You are doing a disservice to a lot of the community.
49 Warmer water, some hours dedicated to handicapped / seniors 50 At the present time there is No Aqua Wellness Program. A program designed for seniors with a focus on balance. coordination, posture and over all movement and flexibility. Seniors benefit from the program pre and post surgery- of knee and hip replacements.
51 The locker rooms at Burgess are in serious need of upgrade both in terms of space and quality 52 Probably not. We are fortunate to have a pool at home. 53 We use them a lot already, but wish they splash area for little kids was open more during the year. 54 - Open swim time for families on weekends
- Group swim lessons vs. private lessons
- Open access to lap swimming in the Performance pool (early morning and evening) so that people who work during the day and can't afford Masters can continue to swim
- Limiting rental to other organizations at least until 2023 when the new MPCC opens - Reasonable pricing so all Menlo Park residents can swim - Menlo Park should take back ownership of the pool and end the arrangement it has with its for-profit contractor that has been crowding out public access in favor of private programming. 55 Programs need to be administered and run by the city, not outsourced to a for-profit group that doesn’t share the broader community’s needs
56 More time for residents, less focus on non-residents. Current fee differential for resident/non-resident is trivial. There is no City oversight of the program is run (its all for Sheeper's benefit, not for Menlo Park's). 57 I use the performance pool often for laps and I really appreciate how accessible, clean, pleasant and available it is. It is always being used but it is rarely super crowded--I almost never have to wait for a lane/half-lane, lifeguards are always attentive and moving around, and friendly. This is a menlo park amenity that I really appreciate. 58 The aquatics programs that are now available have a huge variety of opportunities. These opportunities already cover the full range of what an aquatic program should offer. There is a really fair balanced offering currently of aquatic programs. I would not change a thing nor the current managers of the aquatic program as they have been doing an outstanding job
59 Yes. Having a shallow (4-5 feet deep) part of pool to exercise (no need for instructor.) Let residents sign up first, then out-of-towners as needed to fulfill numbers.; I don't swim laps anymore because I got kicked too often. Limit numbers in lanes.
Extend hours of use. Build an olympic-sized pool!!! Keep fees smaller for MP residents and more for out of towners.
60 The pool staff seem to do a great job. Balancing the needs of the community is tough, but it seems that Burgess has a good balance.
61 I just need to learn more about the programs.
62 more community-wide access
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.28
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 63 Too many people in the pool -- lanes are often full with 2+ people sharing which is difficult with many skill levels. Focus on incorporated Menlo Park residents who pay taxes to support the pool. There are too many programs and teams using the majority of pool lanes, especially after school and after work when residents want to swim. 64 I don’t use them often now, but I did when my kids were young. I think they should be affordable and accessible for all MP residents.
65 Tell us us the annual operating costs in these surveys 66 Changing rooms are an embarrassment. Overcrowded so showers and spinner frequently breakdown. Many people won’t go inside, or can’t fit so they come an go from home. 1 family changing room, which is used by disabled persons with aides as well, is way to inadequate. Another pool is required for the number of participants. This is one case that i you build it they will come.; Expand and modernize changing rooms Add extra teaching/camp pools. Noise level & waves make classes and teaching in the same pool near impossible.
Have city staff responsible for oversight visit every day. There is a lack of communication between departments so that repairs take months. I went to the city offices and spoke to two épatements about a necessary repair in the dressing room. Although pool staff said they conveyed the need city staff didn’t follow=thru. The pool seems a low priority for city staff.
Ensure there is always a user representative that is on the recreation committee The pool management is excellent so retain them.
67 Make them (pools, swimming lesson, lap swimming, etc) less expensive so that more people can take advantage of pool usage. Esp in the Belle Haven neighborhood.
68 Cheaper prices - $9 from $6 is a steep price increase for lap swim. The triathalon club is also incredibly expensive.
Swim lessons are also very very expensive.
69 More aquacise classes offered in the evening
70 More open hour for families, more swim classes for children, priority for MP residents 71 More swim classes for kids and more open hour swim.
72 I would like to see more family and open swim time.
73 Group classes for children at lower cost (can't afford private lessons), especially in non-summer seasons; accessible options for swimming teen with disability
74 Ability to reserve/rent an area of the pool for private lessons with an instructor that we pick 75 Laps available for any swimmer at all times pool is open. Should not have to join MAster program to swim in early am 76 More available times for individuals with some disabilities. Warm pool restrictions so that regular lap swimmers do not take up the available lanes when bigger pool is fully occupied. Warm pool accessibility needs to increase for adults with individuals with disabilities during the daytime (esp mornings ) summer time. Currently, swimming lessons for kids have priority.
77 See comment above about timing availability!
78 I thin k Tim Sheeper has done a great job balancing aquatic programs and managing the pool facilities 79 It’s been very hard to get swimming lessons, even when you are able to book one, not having continuous progress (monthly/quarterly) lessons doesn’t help kids to actually learn how to swim 80 More options for kids classes
81 Having more coaches and times spots to choose. I haven’t sign my kids because you don’t have enough people. 82 No
83 All of these programs are important. Group swim lessons are more important than private swim lessons.
Youth competition, masters swimming important. Lap swimmers can have more people per lane to make the best use of our limited pool resources. Should be plenty of open swim on weekends.
I’m a longtime resident and have been happy with how Menlo Swim has been managed. 84 Please please keep masters swimming through team sheeper as it currently is. Tim does an amazing job 85 The swimming programs at Burgess have been an important part of my mental and physical well-being. The pool is well-run, clean, professional and a highlight of living in Menlo Park. They cater to a wide variety of individuals and groups. Nothing is perfect, and sure, there are times when I wish I had my own lane or something, but the quality of the pool and it’s programs is better than any other that I have seen from visiting others around the area. I can’t fathom that the city would contemplate wrenching away such a well-run pool from its residents.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.29
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 86 My entire family (2 adults and 2 kids) have been regular users of the aquatics programs for years, including drop in casual, Childrens swim lessons, Childrens competitive swimming including the summer league, bday parties, masters swim team, and adult lap swimming. The existing program is top notch and serves the needs of Menlo Park residents very well. It also provides jobs for local young adults and kids. During the pandemic, they kept programs going and provided an invaluable outdoor activity resource available to our community although it was extremely challenging to do so. The current management of the aquatic programs and pools is excellent. 87 No; None
88 no
89 I think the aquatics programs are great. I swim Menlo Masters, I play women’s maters water polo, our kids did swim team at Burgess, lots if local kids get good jobs and experience at Burgess. I think Tim Sheeper and staff have done an amazing job utilizing the pool for everyone.
90 Please do not change anything. We have a great aquatics pool operation. 91 The free swim option for locals are limited and unwelcoming 92 mmm no
93 The City's aquatic programs are already great and I use them often. Please don't make any changes to the current operator or operations.
94 More swim lesson availability and consistency.
95 I don't use the pool, can't tolerate the chlorine for long periods.. 96 No; No.; No. No. No. this survey will not allow me to continue. Is it designed by swimming people? Please let me finish the survey.
97 The pool times can be set for different priorities during different times of the day and different days of the week to accommodate different groups. It's not possible to have lap swimming at the same time as children and families playing in the pool.
98 Whoever runs the pool, please keep it open and available for the Menlo Park residents 99 Mote classes for children, more open swimming opportunities for families 100 More affordable swimming lessons for children.
101
The teamsheeper service that is used to sign up for lessons is very inefficient and not user friendly-- I always have trouble with it and have had to reset my password multiple times. Also we are begging for swim lessons as is every other family we know. We've never been able to get them, only a few privates. I feel like people are elbowing each other in the face to get to the lessons first by signing up right at 12:00, and everything is gone within 3 minutes. It's a terrible system and perpetuates inequity for those that cannot drop everything and sign up midday. Water safety is a necessity for everyone, we should better be able to meet the needs of more families. 102 I am a lap swimmer who would like to be able to swim after work 4-6. I would love some lanes open then. 103 I think it’s important to figure out a way for all the users to have some time. 104 Proximity
105
Is there a summer pass for families? What kinds of programs are there for teens who might be interested in teams but are not ready to compete?
106
I will likely use Burgess if Tim Sheeper is in charge of the facility. If the city takes over and shuts down Menlo Masters, I will likely use another facility bc there probably will no longer be a team and I'm a competitive swimmer. I occasionally lap swim but I use Burgess, far and beyond, primarily for the Menlo Masters swim team. 107 Three rather than two masters swim sessions on weekday mornings. 108
Keep the pool open
As many hours as possible looking
Forward to the new Belle Haven pool
109
The Burgess pool has programs for all ages and needs. I am really impressed with how it is always full of swimmers and families, and how it was the first facility to be opened during the pandemic. I would not like to see any changes in the programs.
110
Integrity will triumph. Mr Sheeper is a man of integrity. He balances his passion and priority for community involvement with viable business needs & ethics. Menlo Park is fortunate to have such a person at the helm of this aquatics facility.
He deserves more value & recognition for all his behind the scenes time, initiative and problem solving than what he gets.
111
Menlo Swim and sport is the best aquatics program Menlo Park ever had. I have lived in Menlo Park since 2004 and the pool hours were very unreliable before Menlo Swim and Sport started running it.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.30
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 112
The Menlo Park Swimming pool programs have been a benchmark not only for the bay area but for California for years, they serve the elderly, disabled, kids and competitive athletes in more ways than any other pool in the surrounding counties ; Every time i want to go there are open lanes and it is super easy to get in and out. I do not see the need for change; Every time i want to go there are plenty of lanes available, i do not see the need for change. MP pools are one of the few that operate 24x7 from 6 am to 9 pm every day. 113 Competitive activities belong elsewhere, not in a community pool. They should not take priority over community needs 114 Aqua Fitness and Wellness the way it used to be pre-pandamic 115
Any kind of infant/baby/toddler swim lessons on weekends. Everyone I know either gives money to La Petit Baleen or private clubs for this. It’s a missed revenue opportunity. 116 More lessons, charges less
117 Swimming pool should be closed and heated
118
Our main focus is swim lessons for children. Group lessons are all booked and private lessons are much too expensive.
119
More family swimming time during the week and weekend.
More group swimming classes for children
120
My experience of offering time for families and social time is that there will be minimal use. And when this is offered, there is more maintenance and upkeep required simply due to the nature of activity offered. 121
Longer hours in the evenings in the summer. We frequently want to go swimming after 6:00 p.m. more space for swim lessons, been trying for a year to get in. More family locker rooms so we can all shower and dress at the same time together.
122 Love the pool! Please keep it here!
123
Lounge chairs or more space for sitting would be nice. We just come for swim practice and leave. An open swim area or time (without lane lines) would be nice for just enjoying the pool. 124 Include unincorporated Menlo residents as residents 125
I would use them a lot less or not at all if the current pool management is changed and the city takes over the management of the aquatics program.
126
Tim Sheeper has a well run organization throughout my multi year membership and I was especially grateful during the pandemic. Burgess pool and staff have positive health benefits for the community. 127 dog pool maybe?? (dedicated small one), or dogs come on closing days 128 More lap and family swimming options and better rates for residents - ie closer to free or highly subsidized. 129
I used the kiddie pool and the large pool when I had small children. Once the pool became “private “ we never felt welcome again and have never returned. My older daughter took swim lessons at Burgess pool but once Sheeper moved in we went to SCRA. Both my children learned to swim at SCRA. I was and still am livid that Menlo Park build this beautiful new pool for Sheeper. Why can’t the City run the pool they did before? 130 community open house - introduce aquatic programs to citizens 131
We use the pool close to daily during the summer, and 3+ times a week during the school year. We are heavy users, nothing could make us use the pool more. I look forward to the Belle Haven pool being complete - it is closer to our home.
Re: Therapy Swimming and Adaptive Swimming. I've never heard of a need for those - is that something the community is asking for?
132
In the past there was some limitations on time slots open to general swimming use before the pandemic so would like to see that during summer more hours open to the general public use rather than competitive program use. 133 Aquatics fitness drop in classes on weekends for adults 134
I’d like to note that Tim Sheeper has been running an excellent aquatic program that juggles the needs of many people who use the pool. It is amazing. I’ve never seen the pool empty. It would be a shame to try to fix something that isn’t broken.
135 More time and more lanes open for open family swim
136 Increase the number of slots for swimming lessons so that more kids can learn how to swim. 137
More pool facilities to meet the size of our collective community needs. Burgess is great, but gets incredibly crowded.
We have outgrown that one facility and need more space for families. 138 More lap swim times/lanes
139 More open swim hours.
140 Devote half the instructional pool for play .
141 Clearly defined hours for different activities such as fun, open siwm vs lap swim All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.31
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 142
I swim 5 times a week with masters-incredible program. Disaster if we lose Tim Sheeper. Before Tim took over, there was no swimming community. City staff scribbled a workout on the white board ( when city ran it) , and went to sit in office.
143
Tim Sheeper has done a tremendous job running the Burgess pool. I remember back when the city ran the old pool and the hours of lap swim availability and swim programs has gone from unsatisfactory to outstanding under Tim's leadership.
144 The current situation is ideal for my needs.
145
Tim Sheeper and his team have developed one of the most impactful, participatory, an succcessful swimming programs ij the entire state. He and the team are a credit to the community. 146 The hours are currently very extended.
147
Having the city invest in the pool and keep locker rooms in better shape. Also continuing the excellent array of a supportive aquatic community of all ages and abilities as Menlo Swim & Sport does now. 148 More lap swimming hours and more lanes open at the same time 149 Less focus on competitive swimming including Masters 150 Current program is fine for me, but I would hate to see a reduction of hours for lap swimming or Masters. 151 More lanes! Bigger pools.
152 No. The programs over the past 12 years have served our family of four from 5 yr olds to 16 yr olds 153 Lower the water polo fees
154
I swim nearly every day at the pool. It will be very very sad if the Master's swimming is discontinued. There is a very large group of people from Menlo Park and surrounding who are a part of this group and desperately want it to continue. I honestly don't think there is another person who could do a better job of this than Tim Sheeper; he is fair, honest, devoted, frugal. Please, please let him continue to give hundreds of us to be led by his skilled and thoughtul lead.; I am there nearly every day. I think Tim has managed the masters program, the lap swimming, elderly program, and swimming for the children really marvelously.
155 Swimming lessons for children should be accessible and affordable ,sliding scale for all Menlo Park residents . 156 no
157
if it is free and open to the menlo park residents; more accessable. it's so hard to book classes for my kids-have not been able to get one since March. They can't swim yet.
158 adult swimming lessons, water exercises
159 more and longer flexible hours; more and flexible hours 160 Open swim I'm the mornings during summer break and other school breaks throughout the uear 161 More access to lap swimmers. Means more hours of availability… 162
I was very excited when the new pools at the Arrillaga Center were opened but then found to my dismay that there was almost no recreational swim time available and what was available was in inconvenient little 30-45 minute slots in the late evening sessions; almost all the pool time was for scheduled narrow-use activities, heavy on the sports programs.
I had pretty much given it up, but then saw there was a dispute with the current, and soon to expire, program provider and saw some hope. They need to go, in my opinion, and the contract given to someone who understands what a community pool, that it is not just a pool for them to run their sports programs. 163 focus on residents!
164 less fee for open swim for residents
165 cost and expense, changing times of open swim, offer MPCSD pool access, include 8ped 166 Staff should reflect the community, otherwise it feels that we are being pushed out and not important. Inclusion is vital. 167 Longer hours, year round as weather permits.
168 No
169
Offer cheaper prices to seniors. Have a pool with higher temp for seniors + disabled that can not tolerate the cold pools. Water therapy for autistic people?
170 More group lessons for kids!
171
I'm a frequent user. It's important that the pools are heavily used by regular users. Otherwise, the expense of keeping the pools open and the costs to users will be too high. 172 lower fees for seniors/more laps(?) for seniors
173 Longer hours
174 I appreciate that folks inside and outside MP can use the pools and it’s totally fair that non residents are charged more. 175 Need more bike racks.
176 More for seniors
177 Non/competitive lap swimming for teens
178 Baby pool all week in summer. Lower fee or year pass for family swim All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.32
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 179 cleaner bathrooms
180 More children lessons with qualified teachers
181 Warmer water!
182 open swim opens at 5:00am to 6:30pm
183 If it is less crowded
184 baby swimming classes with flexible hours and fees
185 Have more times on weekends and later hours during week. 186 Accessibility to older/disabled people. Treating Belle Haven Pool equal to Burgess. 187 open more hours
188 Pool should be open year round to everyone
189 Reduced fee/free for residents w/ increased hours of operations for families. 190 Just waiting for new Belle Haven Pool
191 Bell Haven doesn't have a pool or free programs for our teens. 192 A Menlo Park resident should not be charged - ever! 193 PT in swimming
194 Price and location
195 More printed information mailed to residents
196 No not really
197 n/a
198 Current swim programs for free private lessons.
199
Reduce fees. For heavens sake, if a wealthy supported community can't afford to let its residents use these facilities for free or for $2, what community can?
200 splash pad < lane swimming
201 I've never used the pool because open swim times were so limited - need more adult only hours 202
We would use them more often if they were available. They book very fast & not all of the time frames work for full time working parents working more than one job.
203 Free/family swim last longer on weekends during the summer. 204
SHADE, aquatic safety classes, level in between kid and swim team, low chlorine, onetta harris open AFTER business hours during weekdays/all day weekend
205
Before renovation, the lap swim in Belle Haven was $10/visit. This is too expensive for the people in Belle Haven who have lower incomes than the rest of MP residents. It needs to be cheaper and this will help it be more inclusive. These types of policies and barriers are the systemic inequalities that have led to less Black and Brown people who know how to swim. Needs to be discounted for Belle Haven residents to help fight these systems. 206
ask me after belle haven pool opens; Good luck with all that :) water aerobics in conjunction with senior center at onetta harris? ccmp?
207 all the above activities are important and could be divided with equal fines [sic] on a schedule 208 n/a
209 If there were classes for kids learning to swim on Saturdays/Sundays or in the afternoons 4-6pm during school days. 210 easier access to kids classes; they are always waitlisted! 211 splash play section for toddlers
212 N/A
213 Que alla piscinas para terapias cerca
214
I would like to sign up for children's swimming lessons of limited duration, say one or two week's worth of classes or private lessons, not an ongoing commitment I have to cancel later. 215
My family has used the Burgess pools for years, and it was one of the big reasons we moved to Menlo Park. I do see the challenge of balancing the use of the pools for training and open swim, but we are blessed to have two pools at Burgess to balance things out. I unfortunately think we need more pools than we already have, and hopefully opening Belle Haven will help alleviate the strain. I do think that people from out of town should pay significantly more than they do for these services - consider upping non resident fees. I also wish that there was more of a "community" feel to the pool. Say food truck night, or movie night or something like that to get people to come together and connect in a friendly way, similar to the way Ladera Recreation Pool is run. 216 no tengo cambios
217 awareness of offerings
218
It would just be nice to have all info @ our fingertips! Did not even know we had a recreational area that offered these amenities!
219 Would like evening hours during the week and weekends for learning to swim for adults. 220 Have the pool (longer hours) for the residents of Menlo Park, not just for the polo teams.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.33
Q10. Are there any changes to the city aquatics and swimming programs that would make you use them more often? 221 Smaller classes or affordable private classes option 222 Maybe a day only for the seniors. Some might be intimidated by youngsters 223 Pools in Menlo Park should be for Menlo Park residents only; however a resident should be entitled to bring guests. 224
We love the pool! The baby pool area is wonderful. But the biggest thing that keeps us from going to the pool is the cost. It would be great if fees were reduced for residents or for parents with young children. 225 A lower cost for pool use
226 Priority on lessons, masters club, and swim team
227
I'd love more availability of swimming lessons (esp private lessons) for kids and the confidence to schedule them with more consistency (at the moment right now it's a giant scrum whenever lessons become available and swimming is something you need to learn consistently not in fits and starts). The situation is so inconsistent we've considered joining a private club just to be able to get consistent swimming lessons for the kids even though we love the instructors at Burgess.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.34
1 More pools
2 Additional times for swimming lessons and open year round 3 More exercise & swim lessons. If at all possible to also allow lap swimming 4 Accessible entry/exit, adaptive swimming, adult water exercise classes 5 My husband works at a pool so we usually just go there. But it would be really nice to go to a pool in our own neighborhood. But I just found it too expensive and figured it wasn’t worth it. 6 Lower the fees for families to swim
7 Teaching scuba
8 Cheap group lessons for kids; open play time with lifeguards 9 - family membership (monthly or annual) is needed
- open swim for children 7 days a week for multiple hours, year round, not just summer - baby pool open 7 days a week, year round
10 I love how Burgess has a warmer pool for lessons and a colder pool for serious lap swimmers. It allows for a more diverse range of aquatic programs.
11 So grateful for the pools!
12 More master’s swim programs.
13 It is not functional to have the pool operation overseen by a Librarian. He knows nothing of the pool operation.
The Parks and Rec. committee appear to care less, and both defer to the City council as being the ones that are call the shots, so they do nothing. This is not just about seniors either: many kids are not athletic but do like to splash around in the pool, with or without their parents. In times past families would come and sit on the grass and just enjoy the pool. I don't think that has happened since Sheeper took over. Sheralee's program or something similar needs to be in place for elderly or disabled people. There needs to be better supervision of the programs, perhaps by the Parks and Rec. Committee, but NOT by Sean Rineheart who could care less and responds that any overview is the responsibility of the Council. There also needs to be some kind of auditing since the whole operation is run purely it would seem for profit for Sheeper, not for community benefit 14 Need water wellness program/classes similar to what there was before covid 15 (Please see above.) I am mainly interested in the aquatics program. 16 Bring back regular aqua wellness exercise for seniors three times per week 17 - Open swim time for families on weekends
- Group swim lessons
- Open access to lap swimming in the Performance pool (early morning and evening) so that people who work during the day and can't afford Masters can continue to swim - Limiting rental to other organizations at least until 2023 when the new MPCC opens - Reasonable pricing so all Menlo Park residents can attend - Menlo Park should take back ownership of the pool and end the arrangement it has with its for-profit contractor that has been crowding out public access in favor of private programming. 18 Residents come first - this is a PUBLIC pool
19 I'd like to see increased access, eg, open swim time for families on the weekends, open access to lap swimming, limiting rental to private parties, holding group swim lessons rather than private 20 Longer hours. Less Masters swim. Fewer individual classes and more group classes. More “slow/beginner” lanes.
Cheaper rates for city residents. Especially while other pool is closed. 21 We need affordable family membership options to attend open swim times. 22 There is a huge need for older residents of Menlo Psrk & surrounding areas to have year-round warm water and deep water aquatic therapy to strengthen our legs, core, gluts, and improve cardio. But classes need to be taught by experts who can best help us.. not just swimmers or exercise teachers. The need is growing as more of us in the area grow older and are living in our homes. The city needs to give us the SAME amount support that it gives children and adults (who are not seniors) AND dogs!!
Q11. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city aquatics and swimming programs All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.35
Q11. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city aquatics and swimming programs 23 In the name of EQUITY, please invest in the children if District 1. The city council seems to be very lax in this regard.; The current MSS contractee places profits over stewardship and does not have safety of its guards and pool client as a priority. I was a Cal OSHA Safety Inspector for nine years. Without the Belle Haven pool there seems to be no emphasis on providing the children of District 1 aquatics access. The Belle Haven pool project is already well behind schedule with no urgency to improve the timeline. Why is it that EVERY maintenance project at Burgess runs well beyond the intended deadline? The recent Burgess chemical changeover is a perfect example - a one month project took four months. The Burgess instructional pull pump is another. It was know that the pump was failing several months before it failed. I know because I informed a lead lifeguard and two MODs of it failing due to the noise it was emitting six weeks before it failed. "They wanted to see how long they could go before having to replace it." "We new three months before the failure." Why did it take 8 weeks to replace it? "We have to go China." - NO, there were domestic suppliers at a little higher cost but not overly so. I checked. "There are supply chain problems." - YES and that is why you expedite shipping (with an added cost). "We have to get a contractor." - YES of course, really?. So WHY did a two-week project take eight weeks? What are the cost overrun impacts on City budgeting and why is there no priority to execute maintenance completely, accurately and on time. As a 41-year facilities engineer and manager at Stanford I can assert that the city maintenance of the pool is SUBSTANDARD and would never have been tolerated in my Stanford department. It is costing our residents more that it should. The restrooms have not been maintained in a healthy manner and my five complaints and those of others have been met with "We have tried but the city will not do anything about it." This is shameful. Several women have told me that they have developed foot fungus from the women's restroom.
If the condition of the men's restroom is any indicator then, I believe them. It took 10 months to replace a shower head in men's restroom. On three occasions, I have removed hair piles from both men's restrooms shower drain troughs (and reported to the MOD). Health and safety inspections appear to be telegraphed so that few or no potential areas of improvement are identified. I strongly suggest that the city NOT take over the pool and that a NEW pool program provider be contracted. I strong suggest that health, safety and maintenance inspections be taken seriously for the good of the facility and the safety of the residents.
How many MSS rescue incidents have taken place in 2021 and 2022. How many required 911? Have any rescues resulted in hospitalization? How often have in-service lifeguard training sessions been conducted in 2022 where the guards actually practice in-water rescues? Does MSS provide post-event counseling for guards who have been involved in rescue events? Saving the life of a drowning swimmer is an impactful event for the lifeguards.
24 Allow lap swim with children
25 More group classes for children
26 We have a pool shortage. We need another community pool option in MP and more swim instructors at the existing pool. It’s impossible to get lessons at all, and with any sort of regularity. What about a snack bar at the pool as a means of revenue and community building?
27 Stop prioritizing Tim Sheeper profiting off of a public resource. His programs should be eliminated or cut down.
The pool should ensure disabled community members have equal access and time to use the accessible pool.
The elimination of the former Aqua Wellness class was devastating to most of the 40+ members who used that program. The current program is no where as inclusive and popular as the previous Aqua Wellness classes run by Sheralee Beebe.
You should partner with one of the disabled community members to ensure needs are met because the current staff are clueless.
I don’t have children but see how unfair the pricing of swim lessons are. Only wealthy community members can afford the prices Sheeper sets. And this obviously impacts the priorities of pool management when they deny patrons the use of the pool in order to make profits off their unreasonably priced lessons.
The swim teams out of Palo Alto should not be using Menlo Park pools when space is at a commodity for Menlo Park residents.
28 Please consider growing needs of aging / disabled population 29 Consider enlarging the Kiddie Pool to attract more infants and toddlers. Reinstate a real Aqua Wellness Program that meets the needs of seniors. We do not need to jump around raising our cardo rate. We need strength training, balance, posture awareness, and muscle toning. 30 The locker rooms at Burgess are in serious need of upgrade both in terms of space and quality All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.36
Q11. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city aquatics and swimming programs 31 I wish there was more access to the performance pool to people outside of the Masters program 32 - Open swim time for families on weekends
- Group swim lessons vs. private lessons
- Open access to lap swimming in the Performance pool (early morning and evening) so that people who work during the day and can't afford Masters can continue to swim - Limiting rental to other organizations at least until 2023 when the new MPCC opens - Reasonable pricing so all Menlo Park residents can swim - Menlo Park should take back ownership of the pool and end the arrangement it has with its for-profit contractor that has been crowding out public access in favor of private programming. 33 City run programs at two pools offering a full range of activities including lessons, open swim, lap swim, exercise classes, play pool. Use for competition only after all other needs meet. 34 keep it simple. keep it focused on serving residents. 35 The focus should be on servicing the community. Too many decisions are prioritized so that Team Sheeper can charge more money. If they can squeeze in charged class or program they do The city should be more involved in the programs and fee changes. After the pool opened following the Covid shut down Team Sheeper announced there were no refunds because the rates to swim had been increased so much (this was even though they did not hesitate to lay every one off. Was the city consulted on this, if they were did they seek input from anyone else.
36 Swim teams are great, but should not be prioritized over more casual use by residents of all ages, including beginning lessons
37 My only suggestion is not to change the current aquatic program nor change the current aquatic program managers. They do an outstanding job and offer a full range of aquatic programs, it could not be done any better 38 There’s more demand for swim team than availability
39 Keep up the good work! In a year where other communities don't have enough lifeguards and have had to cut back on hours and programming, the Burgess pool team is doing a fantastic job. One of the best surprises about moving to Menlo! Please don't change anything.
40 Please do not ruin the wonderful pool programs and services we now enjoy. No one group is unfairly advantaged and all are welcome. We have a year round program that is unique on the peninsula. We are so lucky. Tim Sheeper has done an amazing job running the pool in a professional manner that benefits all users. Too bad you took away the Belle Haven pool....
41 Better safety -- often too few life guards and some of them seem distracted. Performance pool should be set to a cooler temperature. Pools are over-subscribed. There should be more difference in resident/non-resident fees so residents pay less and also to discourage non-resident use. 42 Balance budget
43 See above.
Mandate a pool user rep sits of recreation commmittee
44 Swim lessons, esp for young people (beginner level). It would be cool if there was a feeder into a competitive swimming program for kids who are interested (doesn't necessarily have to exist at the Menlo Park pools). 45 Needs to be cheaper for residents.
46 Keep it simple and accessible to Belle Haven residents 47 Group swimming lessons every day for two weeks for beginning swimmers 48 Learn to swim programs should have highest priority, since they can save lives. Next highest priority should be recreational swimming and recreational pool exercise. Lowest priority should be competitive swimming. 49 Ideally, more swimming lessons available during after school hours; expanded capacity for childrens’ year-round swim team.
50 I think there should be discounted rates for people who need it for family swim and exercise classes and lap swimming.
51 Hire more people.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.37
Q11. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city aquatics and swimming programs 52 Group swim lessons over private ones. Competitive swimming and masters serve more people per lane than lap swim. Lap swim is important and also important lap swim lanes serve more than 1-2 people per lane to make best use of our resources.; I’m happy with how the pool has been managed. I know this has stirred controversy but we should be doing more, not less, of this. It’s well run and available. I remember when it was publicly run and it wasn’t as available to residents. The org running it is doing a great job and communicates well - I am on the emails so get updates on changes to schedules, etc.
53 If there are some residents who feel like the fees are too high for the pool, perhaps some funds could be allocated to help low-income residents or fundraising for nonprofits encouraged. It is difficult in a city like this to make sure all needs are met, so focus on the fact that many are happy with how they are run instead of just listening to those who simply complain the loudest.
54 N/A
55 none
56 Please encourage our existing pool operator to continue doing what they are doing. 57 nn
58 The best thing Menlo Park has done was get Tim Sheeper to provide the programming and management of Burgess and Belle Haven pools. Please do not force him out or scare him away due to the complaints of a few malcontents and town grumps.
59 None - since I don't use the program.
60 Programas de natación con costos accesibles para niños y adultos, especialmente para residentes de Menlo Park.
61 I usually avoid the pools because of the expense, crowding and most importantly because I have very sensitive skin and cannot tolerate most pool disinfectants. I used to be an avid swimmer and have neighbors who rely on the various swim programs the City provides, so I'm very much in favor of the City running swim programs for all ages and abilities.
62 It would be nice to have more options for beginner swimmers. 63 Offer more swim lessons please
64 -Programs need to be for low-income residents.
65 I'm on the Menlo Masters team, moved from Sunnyvale to Menlo Park specifically to swim on this team, that's how much this team means to me.
66 Burgess Pool is awesome. Well-run, serves a wide community, lots of hours, great activities for all ages and abilities.
67 Keep the masters swim team & youth
Sports
68 I am impressed with how the Burgess pool is so well run, but I was deeply concerned when I read an article about changing management/programs. My family and I use the pool at least 5 days per week. My 7-years-old does the Bridge program, I do the lap and master swim and I am using the pool to teach my 5-year-old how to swim.
Burgess is the only pool that I have seen that always has lanes reserved for free swimming, no matter what time you go, and has enough programs to attend to all ages and needs. Instead of discussing changing how Burgess is managed, shouldn't the city be discussing how and when to open the gymnasium? 69 Please keep the Menlo Park Pool to the standard it has been created to become. 70 I really hope that Tim Sheeper will be able to continue overseeing the Menlo Park pools. I appreciate all the work and thought that went into keeping the pools open and running during the pandemic. In general, he is on top of maintenance and ensures the pool keeps running. I joined the Menlo Masters swim team 9 months ago as a fairly new swimmer. Since then I have been swimming four to five times a week. I was fairly new to swimming when I joined. The swimming community whose glue is Tim Sheeper has been the thing that has gotten me through this year. It would be such a shame to see that come to an end. 71 No business owner can operate with a 1 year contract and retain employees. If Menlo Park City employees only had a 1 year contract, they would all resign and go work for another city. Please treat Menlo Swim and Sport as you would treat City employees and offer Menlo Swim and Sport a 3-5 year contract. I will not vote for these council members again if they let the pool shutdown by having unreasonable, unrealistic negotiation tactics.
Other cities envy the aquatics program we have and this is one of the many great things going on in Menlo Park right now.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.38
Q11. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city aquatics and swimming programs 72 Please keep them as is, I heard ridiculous comms ts by the major threatening to close the pool or have the city manage them !!! my kids learned to swim here.. I lap swim there and have been a swimmer for all my life- not even in Florida we have the quality of pool program s and management we have here in Menlo Park; MP is already a Mecca for swimming - I know the council is considering changing current management but tis is really a bad idea - if you look at the data MP has more lanes open, more programas available and more access than an y other pool in most of California.
73 Too much effort on profit, not enough on resident needs. Youth competitive teams belong in high schools and country clubs. Triathlon etc. belong in the ocean.
74 priority to seniors and disabled to get into and out of the pool and classes for their needs 75 I love having lap swim available for all hours and Masters swim at convenient times. It also important to me that my teenagers are able to swim laps during regular lap swim times. 76 I would like to KNOW that the City Council and the Mayor herself have researched all other aquatics facilities owned by municipalities in San Mateo County to see how well this facility has been run since Scheeper took over.
If this was done, it would be a well known fact that we are not rivaled in this county in terms of the opportunities offered.; Let Tim Scheeper and his team of professionals make these suggestions and LISTEN TO THEM.
Believe me, they know.
77 More affordable swim classes for kids, it’s way too expensive for an average family. More options for group classes.
78 Please keep Menlo masters
79 Please keep children's swim teams and summer camp!!
80 I believe the current aquatics programs are well run and represent the needs of a cross section of the aquatics community. One of the problems has been the closure of the Belle Haven pool for remodeling, which has impacted the utilization of the Burgess Pool. The current contractor of the aquatics program responds to the needs of the pool users. The variety of programs for the elderly, kids and teen swimming programs has been a good mix. Lack of city response to the maintenance issue in the instructional pool for over two months resulted in the elderly jassercize classes and programs to be restricted to the lower temp pool. ; I believe the current aquatics programs are well run and represent the needs of a cross section of the aquatics community. One of the problems has been the closure of the Belle Haven pool for remodeling, which has impacted the utilization of the Burgess Pool. The current contract...See More
81 Keep Burgess operational! The city needs to support a well run program. 82 Would love to see a state of the art year round swim complex that is highly subsidized for residents. 83 Have the city run the pool. This is a City recreation amenity not for outsiders. I am not sure but I think the city had a swim team at one time.
84 More senior exercise program availability in the pool 85 During the summer months, provide more space in the performance pool for open swim in the afternoons. 86 It is so costly to go to Burgess for a family swim. Menlo Park residents should get free or heavily discounted passes to swim.
87 Love the swim programs! Wish the summer swim team is year round and not as intensive as solo 88 Adult swim
89 Keep Tim Sheeper , his vision and creativity are unmatched. He has created a vibrant, friendly, welcoming community for all levels of swimmer. Emotional lifeline for many , through pandemic and beyond. 90 For those of you who were around prior to 2006, the old Menlo Park pool had limited hours and was too costly for the city to run. Tim Sheeper took over running the new pools and greatly reduced the costs to manage the pool for the city. This was done by bringing in more diverse groups to use the pool - more bodies lowers costs for all. I think it is important to note that a community pool must be shared amongst many different user groups as it is today. There is a vocal group of seniors who want to swim in their own lane and complain about all the various swim programs we are fortunate to have in the city of MP. This kind of access is not practical in a public pool setting and would reduce access to all and greatly increase the cost for the city, the pool operator and users. Let things continue as they are. They aren't broken.
91 MP is known to have the best public swimming program in the Bay Area, and I'm proud and grateful to benefit from it.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.39
Q11. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city aquatics and swimming programs 92 Tim Sheeper has done a remarkable job of accommodating all of the needs mentioned above. Our biggest problem is that the space is too small for the rapidly growing demand for aquatics.
Before a final decision please do your homework considering the rapid growth of the popularity of swimming.
There was data about these trends when the decision to build a 25 yd instead of a 50 meter pool. When presenting that trend at the time 2 council members told me they wished they had that data when they first made the pool size decision. My astonishment was that they had not done that homework before they made a decision.
Please don’t make the same mistake here.
Before making a decision about Sheeper and the aquatics program please look closely at the community demand.
If meets the needs ofa large population. Younger people are more exposed and they take that exposure and the benefit of aquatics as they age. ; See above
93 Keep the Sheeper team in charge.
94 Continued maintenance of the pool and infrastructure. Some showers are leaky, wasting water. There was a significant issue with the instructional pool this spring which closed the pool for weeks. Monitoring equipment and replacing things on a schedule is important for extending the life of the pool. 95 Menlo Park's locker room facilities are run down and in very much need of a modern update. The programs themselves are amazing and my children have enjoyed all levels of participation from lessons to camps and play in the water on hot days. I have enjoyed a superb and inspiring aquatic community of all ages and abilities in Menlo Park and grateful that it's a city who have kept their community pool going while my city and others have closed only for summer use. I do hope expanding use to all is what is being considered and that Menlo Swim and Sport is lauded for their ability to build back after Covid closed the pool as well as the long term impact of pool care and facilities not being invested in leaving one pool down for two plus months. ; I also am grateful for the amazing work the lifeguards & coaches do to train and keep the community safe sound the pool. I got to see first hand a rescue happen during a swim meet and the lifeguards and coaches were amazing and responsive and saved the girl's life! I absolutely want my kids trained in lifeguarding by this team currently running Burgess. 96 Continue to offer the high quality programs offered that support adult fitness through swimming, especially for older adults.
97 Have Sheeper manage all the pools & programs.
98 Team swimming from youth to old age brings life and vibrancy to the pool. It also creates demand for all family member to learn to swim. A greater number of individuals can gain benefit from organized, team, aquatics than any other program - team swimming is the highest density program the city can offer. If the city’s goal is to serve the greatest number of community members, then team swimming for all age groups should be the highest priority. 99 I honestly don't think it can be better run. If this is discontinued much like the gym that the Arrilaga's donated, it will truly be a great loss. I don't think the council realizes they have been given a gift from Tim Sheeper. 100
Tim Sheeper has been instrumental in utilizing BBAF funding to provide access to children who have little access to aquatic activities and aquatic training. Some of these participants are now working at Menlo Park and other local pools. It’s wonderful to see.
101 Continue Menlo Masters swimming program
102 I think I about covered it above. I think there needs to be more open swim/mixed use time. A lot more. 103 I loved to see a year round aquatics program--open swim, lap, lessons for adults, children, seniors etc. 104 Open longer hours--7 days/wk
105 I like the pools to be run the way they are currently. I'm very satisfied. No changes please. 106
Please have kids love soccer, this is such a great program to have for the community. All other neighbor cities have this program!
Please keep the kid tennis as much as possible, this is also a great program! Compared to Palo Alto, Menlo Park has so few kid friendly programs(kids below 5) 107 The pool is extremely important as well as swimming lessons. Please keep this open 108 None
109 shrug
110 the swimming pool should be larger
111 Open swim area needs to be larger
112 Have reasonable prices for the community of Belle Haven/Menlo Park. 113 Clear guidelines/series of classes for infants & toddlers All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.40
Q11. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city aquatics and swimming programs 114 A gym YMCA or swimming pool
115 Teach the kids to swim!
116 more instructors for PT therapy
117 n/a
118 To have transportation to and from programs
119 Low fee ($2.00/class, visit) for resident adult, Free lessons for resident kids. 120 heated pool
121
I think swimming & lifesaving/CPR lessons for kids, in particular, are 3. Every kid should learn how to swim. Also, I was surprised that 3rd parties were managing scheduling pools. Felt dodgy & like a sweetheart deal. Audits? 122 more adult swim hours
123 Offer more swim classes for students that have no swimming experience. 124 Free/family swim last longer on weekends during the summer. 125 children's swim classes
126 Free and discounted swim lessons and club teams, especially in Belle Haven. 127 not swimmer or sports person
128 n/a
129 n/a
130 n/a
131 Indoor or at least warm water. A clean locker room/changing area for kids/families 132 esta bien
133 N/A
134 Todo lo que pusieron esta muy bien
135
Que tengasmos mas piscinas para personas que nececiten terapias especiales tanto para tercera edad como general
136
Please offer children's swimming lessons that have a fixed duration with a single teacher, such as every day for one or two weeks. I don't want an ongoing commitment. I would rather sign up for a series of 4 or 8 lessons with the same teacher and pay for it all up front. I don't want ongoing charges. 137
Please keep them as they are. They are WAY better than when the city ran the pool. Current program is tried & true & FABULOUS
138 Would love to get a summer pass to use the lap pool and exercise. 139
It would be nice to have beginner adult swimming classes in my neighborhood "Bellhaven". But evening or weekend schedules.
140
*Space times open for family time
*Times available for swim lessons
*Most import - keep pool accessible to the community
*"@times it felt the community never had access"
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.41
This chart shows average relative importance as rated by survey respondents. Respondents had the option to rate each item as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Items rated "not important" are assigned a value of 1; "somewhat important" a value of 2; and "very important" a value of 3. The chart shows the average value of all ratings for each item. Higher average ratings indicate higher relative importance to the survey respondents. 679 respondents
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.42
This chart shows average relative importance as rated by survey respondents. Respondents had the option to rate each item as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Items rated "not important" are assigned a value of 1; "somewhat important" a value of 2; and "very important" a value of 3. The chart shows the average value of all ratings for each item. Higher average ratings indicate higher relative importance to the survey respondents. 657 respondents
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.43
1 More pickleball courts, particularly at Nealon Park. In short-term, please convert two more tennis courts into 6-8 temporary pickleball courts. Longer term, please create permanent pickleball courts in Menlo Park, ideally at Nealon (and/or Burgess). Pickleball is an excellent, space-efficient, social, multi-age, multi-skill, community-building sport. It is best to have courts together in one location to facilitate community and drop-in play. 2 Re-line more tennis courts for pickleball use.
3 pickleball needs better facilities - 1) more courts at Nealon - the hub of the existing community 2) better nets 3) dedicated courts or at least courts that are painted primarily for pickleball with tennis lines for secondary use 4 I would like to see 4-6 pickleball courts in a single area in Menlo Park. This will allow pball players to just show up when they want to play and find others of the same skill area to play with. In this way, a pickleball community will be created a la what is currently happening at Mitchell Park in Palo Alto where there are 15 pickleball courts at one site. The Palo Alto Pickleball club has >700 members
5 We need more pickleball courts!! ; More pickleball courts are needed- we have to wait for courts at Nealon all the time now. Four are not enough. Thank you .
6 Again we need to build a community for pickleball. Visit the courts in Palo Alto vs Menlo and note the amount of people playing. We need more and Permian to courts in a central location. 7 Menlo Park should offer pickleball classes for all age groups. To accommodate the explosive growth of interest in pickleball we need to increase the capacity of pickleball courts in our city, both in the very near term (e.g. converting more tennis courts for both pickleball and tennis usage) and long-term (e.g. more permanent dedicated pickleball courts). Pickleball is a very social sports that promotes the sense of community and a wonderful way for our residents physical and mental well being. For the immediate term I believe converting 2 tennis courts in Nealon Park for dual use of pickleball and tennis is a low-cost and effective way to address the pickleball community’s need immediately. 8 Ensure that there are sports for children age 7 and older. 9 There's a huge community of pickleball players who are not being well served at the temporary courts at Nealon. There needs to be 2 tennis courts set aside to share so 8 pickleball courts can be available -- something that is needed and demonstrated by the large number of pickleball players each day. The courts need to be grouped, not spread around the city like tennis courts. The community that has been created and continues to thrive & grow needs a central place since one can show up solo to play anytime (unlike tennis). Day after day it's clear that there are far more pickleball players than tennis players there -- it's time to come up with a better solution. Please think about the community and make sensible decisions.
10 We desperately need additional pickleball court capacity, preferably at Nealon Park which has become the defacto hub of the pickleball community.
11 Short term conversion of 2 tennis courts to 6-8 dual use pickleball courts at Nealon Park Long term more and permanent pickleball courts at Nealon Park and possibly something at Burgess. 12 More pickleball courts.
13 There should be enough variety that kids have opportunities for participating in non-organized sporting activities or on a team and some variety for adults. Access to space and opportunities to play sports on a casual basis, like going to shoot baskets or use a reasonable sized grassy area to play informal soccer. 14 My husband has really enjoyed playing softball for the recreation league and my sons have been playing Little League.
Sports is 3 to our family.
15 Keep it reasonable
16 - tennis courts should not be used for pickleball or other multi-use activities. They were built and designed as tennis courts and should remain.
- tennis court access should continue to require an annual key 17 2 additional mixed-use pickleball/tennis courts, dedicated pickleball courts in the future (across MP) 18 Open gymnastics classes
19 I much prefer true grass fields rather than turf.
20 Do not know much about city needs except as regards the pool. 21 Gymnastics programs for pre-competitive and fun.
22 Due to COVID, so much program opportunities were lost. It will take time to get programs up and running AND IT MUST BE A PRIORITY for the spiritual (yes, sports have a spiritual component) and cultural benefit of Menlo Park. ALSO, focus on the needs of Belle Haven to engage youth AND adults in recreational activities.; Soccer, dance, baseball, basketball, softball, gymnastics, pickle ball and flag football at appropriately sustainable levels would provide yeararound opportunity for health and multi-cultural involvement of the entire Menlo Park community. 23 Let’s add more pickleball
24 Please open the gym!! It’s world class facility, but it’s just sitting there closed. What a waste. There’s no excuse when everything is open. Privatize it if you cannot find the staff.
Q14. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city athletic programs. [#154889] All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.44
Q14. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city athletic programs. [#154889] 25 There are changing trends in sports engagement from when my kids played (swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball) and I respect that but would hope to continue to support as much as there is interest in. I do believe we should support the school league needs (both my kids also coached younger teams) and inevitable community leagues require support of neighboring community teams for tournaments.
26 Equal fees all users
27 There is a huge demand for more pickleball courts at Nealon. We need more temporary courts as the four that have been designated are often full with a line while the tennis courts adjacent sit empty. It is really important to increase the number of courts at Nealon due to the social nature of the game; in other words, if you added more courts elsewhere in Menlo Park, that wouldn't necessarily help alleviate demand at Nealon as I think most players will continue to come to Nealon to be assured of having a wide range of players (and levels of players) to enjoy pickleball with. 28 Would love more pickleball courts
29 Pickleball is the fastest growing sport, encourages drop-in and family play. Menlo Park is not keeping up with the growth of this sport like some communities. We need more and dedicated Pickleball courts. 30 Convert more tennis courts for pickle ball use.
31 More pickleball courts to support the burgeoning number of Menlo Park pickleball players. 32 Pickleball is a fast growing sport and should be better supported in Menlo/Nealon Park. There have been previous meetings with residents and many suggestions for improvements. 33 Definitely need more pickleball courts throughout Menlo Park. Nelson Park could easily double from 4 to 8 courts.
Perhaps even 12.
34 Focus on the needs for Menlo Park, and needs of the common resident 35 Please bring back gymnastics there is a need for it! 36 As mentioned above, I’d love to see the gymnastics classes of all kids open up again for kids. This is a huge loss for our city and residents.
37 We need more pickleball courts. The courts are extremely crowded and generally there is a wait to use the courts.
Tennis courts near Nealon park are lightly used.
38 Need more Pickleball courts. It would be great to have a Pickleball only facility. 39 Need more accessible basketball courts, pickleball courts and drop in fields. Lack of open recreation fields which do not require kids to pay to be in league
40 MORE PICKLEBALL COURTS PLEASE!!!
41 Focus on Menlo Park residents.
42 Dedicate the current Nealon Park Tennis courts #3 and #4 to 8+ permanent Pickleball courts. Leave tennis court #5 as mixed Tennis/Pickleball, if courts #3 and #4 are dedicated to Pickleball, but in the meantime, dedicate court #5 to Pickleball until courts #3 and #4 can be converted.
43 We need more Pickleball courts in Menlo Park. Ideally there would be six or more dedicated courts at Burgess (Like they have at Mitchell Park). In the meantime, the city could add a lot more temporary courts at Willow Oaks Park, Burgess and Nealon. What makes Pickle Ball so special is how it brings community together and we can easily pick up a game.
So the ideal situation would be a number (6, 8 or 10?) of DEDICATED Pickleball courts in the middle of the town - accessible to all, with a bathroom nearby.
44 need to have PERMANENT pickle ball courts, not just temporary ones set up on tennis courts. creates conflict between PB players and tennis players.
45 Dedicated pickleball courts and more dual pickleball/tennis courts 46 More pickleball capacity - more converted courts in Nealon Park, additional capacity in other parks 47 Physical fitness is really important, so thank you for supporting sports programs for children & adults. For me, my priority is pickleball.
48 More pickleball courts
Nealon Park or Willow Road
Dedicated or shared with tennis
49 Dedicated pickleball courts and develop a program within Menlo Park similar to Palo Alto and so many other citirs 50 Need more timely feedback from users. For example I have never had a survey from Menlo Park in the 7 years I have been using the pool until this survey. Why not send it to all participants at the end of every session or class throughout the recreation programs? The library has been remodeled twice during which time no major improvements or expansion has been made to the pool. Why? How did Cubberly in PA know to move to 21 pickle ball courts while Menlo Park just envelope 2 courts last year? It seems the sports programs are heavily male oriented. If one had better pool facilities then a more diverse program could be offered such as synronized swimming as an example. 51 please NO MORE PICKLE BALL COURTS
52 Convert more tennis courts to dual use pickleball courts All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.45
Q14. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city athletic programs. [#154889] 53 More pickleball courts as this sport is growing so fast and there’s not enough space to accommodate for all age groups that are playing. Please convert two more tennis courts at Nealon into dual use courts, into 8 pickleball courts to allow 32 pickleball players to use the same space that 4 tennis players use. 54 Have more pickleball courts. I have noticed that many times of the year the tennis courts are not being used. Could you please convert more tennis courts to pickleball courts? 55 I previously mentioned the need for more Pickleball Courts. Mitchell Park in Palo Alto has more than a dozen Pickleball Courts, and their popularity continues to rise.
56 I request that you create permanent Pickleball courts in Nealon Park and convert two tennis courts in the park to Pickleball courts. I play Pickleball there frequently, at different times of the day, and there are always tennis courts available, but not always Pickleball courts available.
57 Pickleball groups!
58 KEEP REVELANT TO COMMUNITES CLOSET THAT WILL USE THE CENTER AND INCLUSIVE 59 Local adult leagues (soccer, volleyball) would be great for my husband 60 More pickleball courts. Critical need. Fast growing sport and fun 61 Menlo Park School rec facilities should be made available for residents use when school hours are over. Atheltic tracks for example.
62 Make facilities available for drop-in or casual use should be highest priority. Next priority should be classes. Lowest priority should be competitive leagues
63 If local schools have league play for baseball, soccer, etc then these programs have less priority for the city to provide. 64 For older adults
65 Remember to leave time/space for casual play/use on all fields. Often people want a place to just toss a frisbee, toss a football, or do summersaults. When I walk past the park it's so nice to see everyone enjoying it, not just organized soccer teams. Give the parks back to the people.
66 2 additional courts at Nealon Park need to be converted to dual pickleball/tennis usage. 67 Convert more tennis courts into pickleball courts
68 Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport and 2 additional tennis courts in Nealon Park should be converted to dual use for tennis and pickleball.
69 I'd love to see more pickleball courts, as well as organized play for Menlo park residents. It's a great way to build community within Menlo park.
70 Two tennis courts to be converted to dedicated pickleball courts 71 tennis courts in Nealon Park should be converted to dual use for tennis and pickleball. Would be nice to have them be Pickleball only but we can start with dual. but pickleball is definitely way more popular. we are there all the time. and there are so many of us and we are there all the time
72 PLEASE bring back the gymnastic program for kids.
73 More Pickleball courts
74 I would like to see at least 2 tennis courts in Nealon Park be converted to exclusive use for pickleball. Failing that, perhaps dual use for tennis and pickleball.
75 Pickleball is exploding around the whole Bay Area. The courts at Nealon Park should be made permanent and expanded to at least 8 lit courts. Because of the drop-in social nature of pickleball it is best to concentrate the courts in 1 or 2 areas rather than distribute them like Tennis courts.
76 It would be great if two more tennis courts in Nealon Park could be converted to dual use for tennis and pickleball. 77 There are so many Pickleball players playing at Nealon Park, that very often the 4 temporary courts located in tennis court #5 are full (16 people playing) and there are people waiting to play next. At the same time, courts #3 and #4 are empty or have at most 2 people playing. I would suggest converting tennis courts #3 and #4 into 6-8 permanent Pickleball courts (no sharing with tennis) and keep the temporary Pickleball courts in tennis court #5 shared with tennis, bt with priority to Pickleball if there are more than 8 Pickleball players waiting to play in courts #3 and #4. Courts #1 and #2 would still be dedicated to tennis and court #5 could also be used for tennis if courts #1 and #2 are full. 78 Over the years my kids have used participated in organized soccer, basketball and tennis programs and we have been very pleased with them
79 If the city's parks and recreation department can focus on opening up facilities rather than keeping facilities locked, then maybe we can start moving forward toward providing the tax payer a place to recreate. Allow local entities (clubs) to run your tennis and pickle ball, soccer, volleyball, and basketball leagues and socials instead of locking the courts. 80 Re-opening the gymnastics center and adding open practice time hours 81 need pickleball classes & more courts; n/a
82 Love to see
More pickleball courts added or dual
Tennis courts made available
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.46
Q14. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city athletic programs. [#154889] 83 Again, offering pickleball classes for residents is a great way to introduce people to the game. 84 Pickleball courts!!! There is a current high demand and a super fast growing population. Kids through older adults.
Amazing community experience. It MUST remain free for use! 85 More pickle ball courts are needed. They are full every time I go to play and the sport is gaining in popularity. 86 No suggestions other than survey responses.
87 Menlo Park's adult sport leagues are a whole lot of fun. I loved playing adult volleyball years ago, I don't recall us ever competing, but we did get coaching to improve our game. It was casual enough to include anyone willing to try, but serious enough that the games were well played. I hope the City continues providing sports opportunities that allow anyone to try out.
88 Expand pickleball program
89 Please continue to invest in the Belle Haven community. 90 Juggling time
91 I would like see more Pickleball permanent courts by Flood Park. 92 Pickleball
93 Stability, predictability with respect to facilities operations. I am willing to pay to participate. 94 It would be great if the gymnastics facility is reopened soon and is run as well as the Burgess pool. 95 continue to have professionals manage them
96 They should be based on fun, health & safety. Youth competitive programs belong in schools where there are more facilities and which are better funded. Semi professional athletes should NOT take up community facilities, especially to the exclusion of other members of the community. Too much emphasis at least with respect to the pool is placed on profit. Perhaps this is so with gymnastics and tennis and this is intimidating for ordinary people 97 We would like the gymnastics program to return. It was a place that we could always meet many of the kids at Menlo Park. It would also be nice if in addition to gymnastics there was another strong program or 2 I which residents are likely to meet their neighbors.
Also would be nice to have more adult classes at various hours of the day (including everythings for working parents) 98 Hire professionals to make these decisions and let the residents deal with those decisions. Stop listening to the squeaky wheels and gather information on existing programs that are successful! 99 I'd love to see athletic competitions that splits the sexes. My daughter adores basketball but gets ignored in a coed team because it's usually all boys and this is so disappointing to her. Boys and girls play sports very differently and in the elementary ages separating them helps the experience a lot. My son who is 5 would prefer not to play with girls because his exuberance sometimes scares them.
100
I think they need to be restored to pre covid levels and service. City management has been derlict in the negligence of the recreation center and the restoration of programs.
101 I do not utilize these programs.
102 reservations for some tennis courts so that they're accessible for everyone and not just children/students 103
I put only organized sports as 2 because I feel these should be City leagues. With Menlo Park as the organizer. It is ok to have sponsors but the leagues are part of the city. Not AYSO, etc. 104 pickle ball lessons
105
Multiple questions have dealt with non-MP residents. I think non-MP residents should be charged a higher fee.
But is the goal to purposefully entice them to come? To pay the higher fee? If the question is "Should non-MP residents be charged more?" then "yes". 106 I no longer have children that would use the athletic programs therefore suggest more senior programs if available 107 Please reopen the dog park on the baseball field!
108 Please include badminton
109 We need a permanent dog park in Menlo Park and the west side of El Camino. 110
Pickleball added every opportunity. It’s an incredibly accessible and fun sport. Let’s get courts included in the Flood Park renovation. Nelson park was a great start but mainly benefits just West Menlo in closer proximity. 111 Please bring back gymnastics. Please expand more pickleball courts. 112 None; Allow dogs off leash on fields during certain hours in the evening 113
While the sports resources should prioritize Menlo Residents, people from the surrounding community create enough demand to support programs like Swim teams, Masters and Sr. AquaFit. The pool brings people to Menlo Park and people in turn spend time in Menlo park shopping and eating out. I do more business in Menlo as a result of swimming several times a week
114 I would like to see the gym open again and Boot Camp reinstated. 115 Be grateful for the management you currently have!! It will never be better and a total loss if discontinued. 116 Softball for adults, gymnastics for kids
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.47
Q14. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city athletic programs. [#154889] 117 The pickleball courts at Nealon are increasingly crowded. More pickleball courts would be appreciated. 118 PLEASE PLEASE We would LOVE to see the Arriaga Gymnastics class for toddlers/childrens come back. 119 Adult gymnastics is important for our household!
120 focus on residents!
121 It is so important that their is inclusion for all races and ages. 122 Pilates?
123 More pickleball courts
124 students sponsored for lead athletic capabilities
125 Keep up all sports, it is so important for health as well as social well being 126 More Pickelball courts
127
We need pickleball courts as the Palo Alto pickleball courts pre over crowded; We need pickleball courts as the Palo Alto courts are over crowded
128
Pickleball is getting so popular in the bay area. Need more courts in different cities that are open 7 days a week to lessen the burden at existing pickleball courts.
129 Significantly more dedicated pickleball courts needed! 130 More pickleball courts. Fast growing sport. Lots of fun. 131 More pickelball courts. Good for all ages. Please come and join. Good for your health 132
Pickkeball league. And ladder.
Pickleball pot luck. And fun days
133
I play pickleball three times a week and I enjoy the social, exercise and competition with others. It's a great sport and we need more pickleball courts in areas like Menlo Park and surroundings areas as well since the sport is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.
134
Additional multi court facility for pickleball, or fully expanding dedicated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park would go a long way in relieving stress on an already maxed out community gem! 135 More pickleball courts please. The tennis courts stand empty so many hours per day 136 pickleball is very popular now, please have more courts, so residents can join any level games 137 More Senior programs
138 ?
139
I have played in the past at Kelly Park Pickleball Courts, and now play a couple of times a month with Menlo Park residents at Nealon. Nice courts and facilities at Nealon, but at times they are overly crowded. It would be nice to have a few extra courts to allow for all who want to play and also those who want to drill. 140 More robust pickleball offerings benefit not just Menlo Park residents, but the surrounding areas. 141 We need more pickleball courts
142 I think larger fields would be better
143 Playground at Sharon Park needs to be bigger.
144 Basketball classes for kids
145 Would be helpful to have a magazine every month or app to show what activities are playing and the cost, time, date. 146
Belle Haven needs recreational programs focused on the needs of Belle Haven residents, not of outsiders who rent the only facilities we can get to and keep us from using them 147 Basketball gym in belle haven
148
-more easy access to facilities
-more water bottle fountains
149 Supervision at All times maybe 2 1/2 hrs. If At All Possible 150 No fees should be charged for Atherton residents
151 We should provide priority of the user to Bellhaven residence 152 more advertisement of adult leagues
153 I hope priority will be given to athletic programs that are from eastern MP first. West MP has nice facilities already. 154 kid's soccer
155 over 40 & over 50 sports leagues. how about clinics to train officials 156 n/a
157 n/a
158 n/a
159
Having noncompetitive programs that focus on kids learning to play different sports and team culture. Having these youth programs be available for starting on weekdays no earlier than 3:45pm and to be completed by 7pm the latest.
Having multiple weekend options. Having rec sports for kids <10 years old 160 muy inportante
161 N/A
162 Esta muy bien todo me gusta mucho
163 I like the girl's volleyball program in particular. Please continue that.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.48
Q14. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city athletic programs. [#154889] 164 Have Menlo Park have their own baseball, soccer, etc, competitive teams. 165
Look. People in the community need programs for community. There's plenty of community that will benefit from a lot of programs like the Midwest. We need more for our community All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.49
This chart shows average relative importance as rated by survey respondents. Respondents had the option to rate each item as either "not at all important," "somewhat important," or "very important." Items rated "not important" are assigned a value of 1; "somewhat important" a value of 2; and "very important" a value of 3. The chart shows the average value of all ratings for each item. Higher average ratings indicate higher relative importance to the survey respondents. 641 respondents
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.50
1 If wifi isn't already available throughout all areas of burgess park, in my opinion it should be. I'd like to see an increased focus on providing access to digital assets. It is important to have a few devices (computers/tablets) available for checkout to residents for free but it would be interesting to do the math on the feasibility of a rental program. I would also love to see Stanford and Facebook (in particular but not exclusively) be required to provide access to libraries, computing resources and instruction as part of their development requirements. 2 These questions are confusing. Some of these services are important for residents like job readiness or food distribution but these are already provided by other community services organizations. Letting 3rd party providers use the library as a location to provide these services makes sense but the city does not need to hire staff to provide them. That would be duplicating other organizations that already have these resources. 3 I homeschool my family and we go to libraries. But the Belle Haven library is where we’ve been going previously. Mostly.
But I don’t feel like it’s a city library. It is a school library. Make sure that the new library is welcoming for all and open regularly. I really like the city of Palo Alto library at Mitchell park. It has a nice kid section and is up-to-date with tech. 4 Homework support
5 - the library should not be the location of social services (while 3 including services for learning to read/write, ESL, food, homelessness). These should be provided elsewhere. The library should be what it is intended for; a place for books, reading, and children. Children’s learning to read, access to books, safety, and exposure to positive individuals and role models at the library should be prioritized.
6 Not sure what the resources are that can address all of these issues. They all seem important. Certainly furnishing books, homework help, adult literacy, ESL, preschool book time are all important,. One would have to know a lot about other agencies meeting these needs to answer this question.
7 outdoor benches, spaces to gather outdoors near library. also community meeting rooms available. appreciate being able to donate books knowing it will benefit community/library services! 8 More resources for infant/toddlers- ie better facilities, better books, more interaction, etc 9 I feel that many of the services suggested under library are 3, however am not sure the library is the best venue for providing access.
10 We love the library and appreciate all it does. E-books, books, and quiet space are particularly important!; We love the library and everything it does. Don’t change a thing — they’re doing great work! 11 Larger library budget for hardback books, e-books, and purchase of CDs or streaming services 12 Leverage our resources to help support the growth & well being of our residents 13 I am answering that these activities are not important to me personally. I am 81 and childless. 14 Make the library a place that has many shelves of books again, widening the range of books for people of all ages to browse, use them for reference, etc. - a public commitment and encouragement for people to read and learn to read. This should include books on all the help topics listed above, as well as reference librarians who can help people find and use these books.
15 Food distribution, Health Care & Homelessness issues-housing referrals & support- These are all areas I was not aware were handled in our Library. I would think they would be handled in the City Hall. They are issues for sure- even here in Menlo Park, but I think they should be handled where there is more privacy for the individuals- they deserve respect just as much as any other person.
16 Please reinstate Project Read. Thank you for reinstating Conversation Club. 17 I have found it difficult to reserve e-books given long wait times. Given the popularity of kindle and similar devices, it would be great to put an emphasis on expanding access to borrowed e-books. 18 More after school youth programs, tutoring and study skills 19 Increase the offers of audio books (especially new ones) 20 More complete collections of current fiction. Less “let’s promote these 20 titles” to virtue signal just how woke we are.
Get over yourselves, you’re a library, you shouldn’t be carrying an agenda. 21 I used them constantly with my children when they were growing up. They are vital!! 22 Rodent abatement & awareness
23 The ideological bent of the books is very far left. This does not respect the diversity of our area. Also, there are practically no non-fiction popular ebooks related to business or technology. I have tried dozens of titles and they are literally never there. This is Silicon Valley! When an Apple engineer writes a book about Apple, it should be available in our library! 24 Make Bellehave Library bigger
25 Focus on the needs of the communities closest to the center. 26 Would love more regular in-person teens events
27 Increase hours the library is open.
28 Food distribution, housing referrals, job skills, legal advice, money mgt are issues addressed by many other organizations.
I do not see these as additional services to be provided by library. 29 I love our library and think adult literacy programs are 3.
Q16. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city library and information resources All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.51
Q16. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city library and information resources 30 I used to visit the library frequently but stopped after sitting next to people who were there only to sleep. They snored really loudly and didn't bathe often. I also grew tired of asking people to keep their voices down. People often go to the library for a quiet place to read. It seems that a quiet library is a thing of the past, which is too bad. If I check out a book I take it home to read.
31 I didn’t realize the library had all these amazing services. Are people taking advantage of them? Do they need to be promoted more?
Regarding books in different languages, Spanish is a priority but other languages less so in print. Maybe those can be available electronically.
32 Offer more audio books and e-books, especially for newly released books. 33 Keep up the good work!
34 requesting books be transferred from other libraries takes a long time 35 Are there print for fee printers?
36 I love the library. I go there at least twice a week. I really appreciate the access to Link+ which brings books outside the system to me. I like being able to put movies "on hold." I have more than once suggested a book or film and had the request answered. I am worried that the librarians are being tasked with being social workers. I noticed an adolescent boy who seems to not be able to leave them alone and constantly touches things on their desks and asks them questions.
I think the public restrooms in the library are important. I love the tiny space with books for sale. I think the "seed library" is a very original idea. The on-line programs hosted by John Weaver are a bonus. 37 We'd love to see higher quality Spanish children's picture books and early chapter books available. So many children participate in Menlo Park Spanish Immersion classrooms (about 40% of all children at Encinal and Laurel) and we need to offer better options for them to practice their reading skills, learn new vocab, and enjoy books in the language they are learning. Not just translations, rather books from native Spanish Speakers are ideal. 38 Community Meetings to talk with City Commissions / City Staff 39 -Programs that promote inclusion and diversity
-Programs that address and dismantle institutionalized racist practices 40 #15 is hard to answer- it obviously depends on which branch and the communities being served. The librarians will likely have informed suggestions about what needs to be provided. 41 Agree with need for food/homeless/etc. support. Disagree that library is the place to provide those services. I stopped going to MP Library years ago due to a pattern of creepy approaches & unwanted attention from homeless men lurking near entrance. And stagnant air inside.
42 The breadth of services listed in this questionnaire is exciting and would make me inclined to spend more time at the library.
43 it would be great to have a space where visitors are allowed to talk away from the quiet areas. 44 i think WiFI and ebooks are a must - why are we questioning this? 45 In person story time for young kids on the weekends either in the morning (10a) or afternoons (4:30p) to avoid overlap with naptime
46 I would consider our family library super users, visiting 4-5 times a week with about 40 books out regularly and we sometimes attend events as well. As an involved person, I once applied to the library commission and was not accepted.
Okay, but the person who was reached out to me at some point later to try and engage me through a typewritten letter to share she had gotten the spot and could we meet for a cup of coffee to chat midday. That experience was so strange to me since it felt like an old fashioned process and really turned me off from civic engagement and I haven't applied again.
It worried me that the libraries didn't have a modern thought approach to services and didn't respect that some people who want to get involved have demanding day jobs and childcare to cope with, too. 47 More community events in the library
48 I hugely appreciate the activities and events for kids, especially in the summer. I rarely have time to go to adult events, given family and work obligations, but I love the fact that they are there and look forward to spending more time at events when the kids are older.
49 We are often looking for new children's books and series and they aren’t available at MP. Would love to see more for growing chapter book readers.
50 It would be nice to have an enclosed patio of some sort close to the library with seating where people with pets or thing children could sit and read without fear of their kids or pets running into the street. 51 Can we do a childrens used book fair organized by book type? 52 The library was very slow to reopen to full time service to the community. Again, due to lack of city management oversite of services paid for by taxpayers.
53 So many San Mateo counties have been renovated or rebuilt for a modern era. Would be wonderful for Menlo Park to do the same. The Atherton and San Mateo libraries are just gorgeous and offer all kinds of opportunities for all ages.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.52
Q16. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city library and information resources 54 I never go in the library. I used to when my kids were needing to go in. There was a librarian I did not like so it was easier to stay away. With Covid I definitely will not be goin in. 55 The library cannot be all things to all people - for example, providing healthcare and legal support. These are important needs but beyond the scope of what the library should focus on. The library should focus on literacy, information access, and referrals to other agencies to handle homelessness, job skills, etc. 56 I noticed we no longer can print materials at the library and do think we need that capacity available when using checked out laptop to print material and copy machine is no longer at library and we should have that for convenience purposes. 57 Please increase the number of ebooks you make available to check out. All new books should come in both paper format and electronic format to check out.
58 More availability of ebooks
59 The library has excellent resources, the speaker series is especially strong 60 Continuing services as is.
61 Earlier opening times in the mornings would be helpful. 62 The social services could be housed in the rec. center or part of city hall 63 outdoor kids storytime
64 The library needs to be open earlier in the morning every morning. It needs more Spanish board books for the baby's and toddlers. The Spanish picture books and leveled reader selection needs to be expanded, more centrally located in the children's section, and displayed in a way that's easy for elementary school kids can access. Two of our elementary schools have 2 classes of Spanish Immersion for almost every grade, and the library should reflect that. 65 large book collection, audio selection. Nothing worse than a poorly stocked city library-- 66 Library staff should reflect the people who live in the neighborhood. It feels more acceptable and welcoming 67 Keep real books available. Have authors come visit
68 Please congratulate the head librarian on all the wonderful changes-lots of creativity. 69 It would be great to offload older books to a warehouse to be ordered and extra space could be used for conferemce rooms and maker / craft / DIY spaces
70 love the library book selection, love the bookstore
71 Community is getting older, more day-time programs for seniors will be great 72 Please keep the library open and full of librarians. we need this service 73 Toddler Storytime. More displays by topic in the children's area to help kids find books. 74 ?
75 more books would be better
76 There should be more mythology books
77 Maybe more graphic novels? Honestly everything is pretty good here 78 Extend the hours of Belle Haven Library.
79 Children reading programs
80 Maybe some type of activities for kids such as reading time 81 The Belle Haven Library should be open as many hours and offer the same resources as the Main Library. 82 Outside story time for kids in various parks. Pop-up library desks on sidewalks/hosted by neighbors 83 I'd like to have a place to study and read
84 Events for teens at the library just like on the west library 85 -more story-time for the kids! w/people who are animated as they read 86 If the city is working all of the resources on the previous page, Bravo to Menlo Park. 87 Belle Haven community needs a stand alone library and police station like at Burgess Park 88 No Idea
89 n/a; Love the libraries
90 I love the overdrive app for digital books!
91 Love the libraries
92 Bravo for maintaining library services during the pandemic! I appreciated the walkup window 93 Generally think libraries can be a valuable social/community resource and inclined to support & invest 94 I have never noticed legal/food/etc. services at the library 95 Open the library to the public all day
96 Offer volunteer hours for middle school & HS students for community service hours 97 An 'open 24/7' Library
98 Libraries are critical sources of public information and should provide not only the sources but access through literacy and language programs and up to date media. They should not take on the responsibilities of other public agencies/NGOs, such as food distribution, homing, legal and financial advice and outlets for socializing. 99 we would like to see the belle haven community more equitably represented with library services and access to the community pool. the belle haven library is appauling.
100 the library is great more kid's books in spanish & hindi All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.53
Q16. Please tell us your ideas, needs, and suggestions for the city library and information resources 101
I would love for the city library to continue and expand community conversations around tough topics as well as those of local interest.
102
all of the above are wonderful but can only be supplied on occasion. a good referral section could advise people as to where to go to get the help they need or outside speakers. It's not a soup kitchen or hospital 103 n/a
104 n/a
105 n/a
106 maybe have more hardcover book + paperback books for sale 107 youth classes to learn how to used digital printing, learn coding/scratch 108 todo bien
109 horarios extendidos para el verano
110 updated kid/children section/outdoor/patio to read relax. Coffee stand 111 Manterner libros de americalatinos
112 N/A
113 Lectura de algun libro para saber del tema del libro y como escibe el autor y saber interes que cauaz 114 Pues si pueden aser mas esta bien muy bueno
115
Please host more events for teens, especially art or craft themed events. And please make sure event times don't overlap with MPCSD school times and events.
116
More foreign language resources for youth/teens - graphic novels etc. in foreign languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish)
117 I LOVE this library. Not sure who said it but "all you need is a library & a garden to be happy!" 118 Have the library open longer & on weekends.
119 cursos de computacion para saber usarlos en el hogar, trabajo 120 It's good the library is open 7 days/week if possible. 121
A book club or some organized gathering would be great. Also, have author night guest and/or staff hosted lead discussions.
122
I love the library! I selected “3” for every item which may not be helpful but everything the library does is important. The library should get all the resources it needs to do all of this and more. 123 The library is one of my favorite city resources!
124 This would be amazing to support community in a Midwest way with community centers All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.54
1 More open access pickleball courts.
2 The city should have a greater/tighter focus on Menlo Park residents quality of life. I do not feel that Menlo Park residents have benefited enough from the growth that many of us feel has been forced upon us. 3 Allow skateboarding in town streets.
4 There is a lack of transparency in the city's prioritization between tennis and pickelball courts. It seems the decision making has rested with one city staff without any accountability. Please open up the process and stop this one individual from imposing his personal bias for the whole community. Please have this individual take direction from the City Council and the Park and Recreation. Community.
5 Menlo Park should offer pickleball classes for all age groups. To accommodate the explosive growth of interest in pickleball we need to increase the capacity of pickleball courts in our city, both in the very near term (e.g. converting more tennis courts for both pickleball and tennis usage) and long-term (e.g. more permanent dedicated pickleball courts).
Pickleball is a very social sports that promotes the sense of community and a wonderful way for our residents physical and mental well being. For the immediate term I believe converting 2 tennis courts in Nealon Park for dual use of pickleball and tennis is a low-cost and effective way to address the pickleball community’s need immediately. 6 We desperately need additional pickleball court capacity, preferably at Nealon Park which has become the defacto hub of the pickleball community.; Please consider converting more tennis courts to dual use pickleball/tennis usage near term (this year) and adding additional permanent dedicated pickleball courts during the next capital planning cycle. 7 Coffee shop, local arts crafts for sale, farmers market in parking lot 8 I wanna make sure that our new building and programs are top-notch. Just because we live in the Belle Haven neighborhood does not mean that we should have lower quality things. I have always felt we are treated differently than the other side of 1 oh one. It shouldn’t be that way. We are all Menlo Park and we should all have equal access. On top of that, take into account why many people live in Belle Haven and that’s because, before at least, it used to be affordable. I want to stay in this neighborhood and be able to afford things. Our family is not well off like many other families who live right here in the peninsula. But we care very much about it and appreciate any and all improvements. 9 The library is good and the little Friends' store at the front door is wonderful 10 the loss of multiple weekly aquafit/aquawellness exercise classes has been devastating for my health and my ability to volunteer in the community. please find a new operator for the pool services who will improve/be committed to serving ALL ages of our community and not just high performance swimmers or master swimmers or kids lessons. 11 Can we get a magic bridge playground in menlo park?
Traffic on middle ave is getting worse due to nealon park and new el camino construction. It is also especially dangerous to get in/out driveways when cars parked on side of road Santa cruz ave has become a big disappointment with dated stores, empty stores, and even dated look/feel. How do we gentrify it and make it on par with neighboring down towns? I absolutely love what Springline is doing wrt bringing in quality restaurants. How do we extend this to downtown? 12 I’d love more drop in time for basketball hoops for my daughter. Appreciate rec center can be rented for events. Haven’t taken classes at the rec center since our kids were little. Really hope you’ll return the pool to the families of Menlo Park as it was when we first moved here.
13 Make libraries places where people can find books to read and to come together for reading-related events, not community centers which can be addressed in other city venues. 14 Please increase the number of pickleball courts at Nealon. The demand will only increase. See rates across anywhere in the nation for this evidence. Menlo Park needs to be ready for this increase in demand and it is currently not meeting the existing demands at Nealon.
15 There are far more people playing pickle ball at Neelon Park than there are tennis players. Permanently converting 1 or 2 tennis courts to pickle ball would better serve the community 16 Please make the pickleball courts at Nealon Tennis court 5 permanent for pickleball. Please draw pickleball court lines for tennis courts 3 & 4 so it can be a multi-use facility. Purchase new rollable pickleball nets for those two courts.
Thanks.
17 I have found it difficult to reserve e-books given long wait times. Given the popularity of kindle and similar devices, it would be great to put an emphasis on expanding access to borrowed e-books. 18 Also the playground at nealon is not holding up well and large chunks are taken up by equipment that isn’t able to be used
19 I prefer the library to remain primarily as a quiet space for books and book users. All the ancillary services being considered should maybe be downstairs so library patrons aren't crowded out by a lot of others services that have nothing to do with reading and studying. Why does the library have to provide services that are available elsewhere- like at food banks and etc.
20 Dedicated Pickleball courts.
Q17. Please tell us any other ideas, needs, complaints or suggestions you'd like to share with us.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.55
Q17. Please tell us any other ideas, needs, complaints or suggestions you'd like to share with us. 21 Pickleball adoption is increasing at an exponential rate, while tennis court usage is extremely low. We urgently need permanent Pickleball courts at Nealon Park. We should permanently convert tennis courts #3 and #4 to 8 Pickleball courts (for exclusive Pickleball usage). We should also give priority to Tennis on court #5 if courts #1 and #2 are in use, otherwise court#5 can be used for Pickleball (keep the 4 temporary Pickleball courts in court #5 as well). This would give us 8 permanent Pickleball courts and 4 temporary ones (shared with tennis). Based on current Pickleball adoption and low tennis adoption, this would be a win-win for the community. 22 Convert tennis courts to pickleball courts since the demand for pickleball far exceeds that of tennis 23 request the permanent conversion of courts #3 and #4 to pickleball (keep court #5 for dual usage) 24 Please increase Pickleball access - first with temporary courts at Willow Oaks, Nealon, Burgess, then in a centralized place like Burgess with permanent courts.
25 Thank you for all your hard work to provide community services for Menlo Park residents. I have lived here for 27 years and have used the parks, libraries, pools, and pickleball courts the most. Currently pickleball is my priority. Thank you! 26 Rodent abatement, management. Owl box program. Fees to developers disturbing rat nests, rodent sanitation considerations in new development garbage areas
More pickleball courts, dedicated or dual with tennis Nealon Park or Willow Road Thanks!
27 The city could do a better job of publicity when new rec sessions are starting since you no longer send out catalogues.
Why not send link to those of us signed up for swimming registered users? Was recreation surgery sent to every Menlo Park household? Has a phone survey ever been done for recreation programs? 28 Convert Nealon Park courts #3 and #4 to permanent pickleball courts. In addition keep #5 dual purpose. 29 More access to pool for lap swimming, aquacise classes in the evening/night and mire pickleball courts 30 Please add more pickleball courts to accommodate for the community’s needs. Short term: convert two more tennis courts into dual use courts. Long term: dedicated courts. Thank you! 31 I want to play pickleball with my friends after school. Please add more pickleball courts at Nealon. 32 Please create permanent Pickleball courts in Nealon Park and add some courts -- four temporary courts are not enough! 33 My family is just getting into pickleball and we'd like to see more courts. The tennis courts at Nealon are empty while crowds wait for pickleball courts.
34 Name rooms after community folks and make it culturally relevant to local residents, hire local residents and be aware what locals want. Reach out to local Boys and Girls/ YMCA and collobarate . 35 Children's storytimes have historically been quite crowded. Can there be more of them? 36 Permanent conversion of courts #3 and #4 to pickleball courts. Keep court #5 for dual usage. 37 More pickleball courts please
38 Increase the number of printed magazines.
39 I'd like to see dual tennis/ pickleball on more courts at Nealon park. 40 I'm surprised there was no mention of the duck pond at Burgess Park. I love walking past the duck pond but am saddened by the people who abuse it. The vegetation has been trampled, making it more difficult for the ducks to forage for food. I often see children abuse the ducks by chasing them and throwing rocks/stones at them. Many of the ducks seem to be a hybrid species that can't fly. When children are running after them they can't fly away. It must be very distressing. I also see people treat the duck pond like their private pool, bringing lounge chairs that they sit in all day.
They've worn out the grass near the pond. Please take more care of the pond and ducks who depend on it. Signage encouraging respect for the wildlife would help. Also a person from the city patrolling, keeping people in line. Also signs that tell visitors to stay on designated paths and not trample on the vegetation. Please take better care of the ducks and the pond.
41 Convert more tennis courts into pickleball courts
42 Please add more pickleball court capacity. Courts can be dual use in the short term, but with growing demand dedicated courts in the longer term.
43 Dedicated pickleball courts!
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.56
Q17. Please tell us any other ideas, needs, complaints or suggestions you'd like to share with us. 44 Pickleball is overrun with people. We need more space. We seem to have one person in management who is against pickleball. Sean has all the power and he's against it. It's frustrating since all evidence points to a future of pickleball. He makes unilateral decisions. Ugh. His reputation precedes him. Would be nice to have someone else in charge of this program. We have been waiting for over two years. He has cost the city a lot of money, making decisions that are not moving things forward. Kelly Park was all Sean and it was an unmitigated disaster. Well except for the people who go out there an teach. They know they can go out there because no one else goes out there.
We were on course to make a decision to talk about putting lines down on the middle two courts so we would have 8 pickleball courts and Sean single handedly tabled it, saying we need to see what happens in the Willows Project -- which would be another two or so years.
It would cost less to line 8 courts at Nealon than Sean paid to line the courts at Kelly. He doesn't know who to call. He needs to let people who know be in charge. He wastes so much money. He overpaid by over 2 times for the lines he okay'd for Kelly. And he chose black lines. Such a waste. Heart might be in the right place, but unfortunately he is the wrong person to be in charge. The parks and rec commissioners seem to all be on board and ready to go and then he pulls the rug from underneath them and us.
45 More Pockle ball courts
46 I would like to see more pickleball court capacity: dual use on existing tennis courts near term, and dedicated courts longer term. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. Please add more capacity ASAP, so Menlo Park will not fall behind in planning to accommodate the growing number of players. 47 Additional pickleball courts would be great, even if it's dual use on existing tennis courts until dedicated pickleball courts are built.
48 Pickleball has become wildly popular and provides a much better usage of public space than tennis. Very often all 4 temporary Pickleball courts in tennis court #5 at Nealon Park are fully utilized, with several people waiting to play. It also allows multiple generations to socialize and play together. People in the community get to know each other playing Pickleball. This is never the case with tennis and we often see only 2 people playing in the other 4 tennis courts (#1 through to #4), while the Pickleball courts are packed. We should convert Nealon Park courts #3 and #4 into 6-8b permanent Pickleball courts and leave tennis court #5 as a shared court with tennis, but unless courts #1 and #2 are full, and courts #3 and #4 are not full, court #5 can be utilized for tennis. 49 More pickle ball courts, please!
50 The Parks and Recreation Commission serves no other purpose than to inform the city counsel of community needs. If it's just another committee gathering information without any decision making power, what would be the point of having this committee?
51 You should permanently convert Nealon courts #3 and #4 to pickleball, and use court #5 for dual usage. Pickleball is a much better use of space than the tennis courts -- 4X the number of people can play, so better value for the community. 52 pickleball has become very popular and there currently are no classes in MP, with limited court time. I have to go to Sunnyvale.; n/a
53 I would like to request the permanent conversion of courts #3 and #4 to pickleball in addition to court #5 being kept for dual usage
54 At Nealon Park, please consider permanent conversion of tennis courts three and four to pickle ball courts in addition to Keeping Court, #5 available for dual usage. Thank you!
55 I'm very happy to live in Menlo Park, I live modestly. I would like to see homelessness end. 56 Thank you for taking feedback .
57 LOVE the no parking on street at night law, please keep it! What is your pest management plan, applicable to rodents? All the development will stir up rodent activity. Owl box program?
Native plants only in new development? Plant milkweed? . . . RIght, larger issues at hand.
Water security - how will all the future water needs be met with this large escalation in residential development? All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.57
Q17. Please tell us any other ideas, needs, complaints or suggestions you'd like to share with us. 58 I'm a Menlo Masters swimmer who moved to this area (Belle Haven) bc of Menlo Masters at Burgess. Prior to moving here and during COVID shutdowns, I continued paying full team dues when the facility was closed. If permitted, I would have continued paying in full during the entire shut-down to help ensure the costs of running the pool and paying staff were covered. As a Masters swimmer, I can say that Menlo Masters was the only team running in the Bay Area for several months, the facility was run in a safe, orderly manner. Pool access was fair and reasonable -- for Menlo Masters lanes we had to sign up at midnight, a horrible time slot that's equally bad for everyone, which I thought was fair.
As recently as this summer, the performance pool was shut down for maintenance and I am so impressed by how the competition pool adjusted to address the needs of performance pool users. The swim team consolidated lanes to accommodate lap swimmers (swim practice lanes were crowded and I was fine with it), pool temp was warmer to also accommodate lap swimmers/aqua-robics/PT. We were advised that lap swimmers come first, as they should. When practice is over, we are instructed to immediately get out to ensure the lap swimmer has access and I personally have had only positive encounters with lap swimmers at this pool.
To my knowledge, based on conversations with lifeguards and administrative staff - Tim Sheeper treats his employees well and he has a loyal base of lifeguards, which is essential during the lifeguard shortage we are experiencing throughout the US right now.
The hours of operation have been accessible - I have tons of pool access as a resident and masters swimmer. The stability of this pool is unmatched - I have yet to be on a team where I can confidently rely on staff showing up, clean facility, pool being open and in working condition, and having a nice experience with the folks who attend.
It is my understanding that the city wants to renew Sheeper's contract on an annual basis; however, I don't think that is a helpful approach- short term contracts create uncertainty; they lack the time or stability necessary to develop a solution to existing problems (i.e. the accessibility issue is anecdotal at this stage, a multi-year contract will facilitate the creation of data/ tracking needed for crafting a solution to this problem, such as developing programs that directly address the concerns and it's worth noting that Tim is well-connected enough to obtain resources needed to address). Short-term contracts adversely impact employee stability/morale and also can confuse residents if there is ownership change/different tone at the top. I see that 5-years may be too uncomfortable, perhaps 3-year could be a compromise? Please feel free to contact me if there's anything I can do to persuade Menlo Park to keep Tim Sheeper in charge of operations of Burgess. I am not exaggerating when I say that this team, this facility, is what attracted me to buy my first 59 My biggest concern is why is the city council discussing the Burgess pool management/program since it is the facility that attends most of the residents with excellent programs for all ages, instead of is focusing on how to replicate the same success in the gymnasium?
60 The idea that you are even soliciting complaints is very telling. Hire the best professionals. Let them do their jobs Pay them well with these taxpayer dollars. We can afford to do that in one of the wealthiest counties in the country. Listen less to those who complain and survey more often your satisfied residents. 61 I read some place that libraries are one of the few remaining public spaces where people are allowed to just be. I think it's important to preserve libraries as just that.
62 More dedicated dog parks, and dog parks with seating for the humans please and water fountains for both pups and people. Also grass, fake or otherwise is much better for pets and owners alike.
Secondly, a park similar to the Magic Bridge in Palo Alto with structures and play items that have children with limited abilities in mind would be wonderful.
63 The current controversy over the pool management is unfortunate and does not inspire confidence in city management. 64 For a city of Menlo Park's caliber - our parks are dirty, our fields sub par. Would be wonderful to see these restored and higher maintenance standards given we have so few we should take good care of them. Some new landscaping/drought tolerant in the downtown parks especially the park across from Draeger's that hosts concerts and city events would be wonderful. Keeping the sidewalks more clean downtown would also be lovely. 65 Nothing else to comment on since I stated it earlier in the survey. 66 Addition to survey previously sent: So very disappointed to learn about the removal of >60 old and healthy trees to make way for the Flood Park development, with another >30 to be removed later. You really don't get it, do you? Why are so many fertilized, watered, pesticided large playing fields needed? Old trees, all trees are far more important. Menlo Park is a Tree City? Shameful destruction of CO2 trapping ecosystem and oxygen producers for no good reason other than selfish human profit. Same comments for SRI development, as we dive into drought. Don't worry, the status quo may last your lifetime . . . not your descendants, though.
67 The woodchips at the willows dog park prevent the dogs from playing well together since the dogs do not like to run on the chips. If we could figure out another solution for dogs to have grass or turf access in the evenings that would be better. Also there is no water fountain for the dogs in the Willows dog park. 68 Not enough classes for kids (4-12) on weekends
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.58
Q17. Please tell us any other ideas, needs, complaints or suggestions you'd like to share with us. 69 See above
70 I encourage people to look at the complexity of running a solvent aquatics program. Very few municipal pools are able to cover their operating costs. Menlo has found a model which allows that where incentives are in place to make the best and highest use of the facility and deliver the best customer service. The pool requires significant ongoing hiring for seasonal employees and part time employees, a registration and billing system, a website and IT behind the integrated technologies, customer service, safety and compliance considerations and ongoing marketing. This is a significant enterprise that has been built over time to serve the community and is not easily replaced. The existing program is flexible and adaptable to the community needs and continues to operate with the community in mind 71 I have been very happy with the programs offered by the city (with the exception of programs cut because the gym is closed). Please don't change anything.
72 I wish the Menlo Park library would integrate itself into a sharing system with the San Mateo County library. Its' very frustrating to see items in the catalog that aren't available to me as a Menlo Park resident. 73 add more sports, fix liebsity (for mobile), for cpearity. 74 Stop sending me stuff in Spanish--may I have things sent in English please? 75 Library can organize global student book exchange programs w/ other libraries around the world. This is a richer community so can attract revenue
76 y ou are doing a great job
77 Filling this out for Pickelball. More public courts are needed. 78 It’s great when courts are able to support either tennis or pickleball! 79 More pickleball courts.
80 Pickleball is great for all ages; low barrier to entry; intersections across political and socioeconomic groups; 81 ?
82 Pickleball serves not just Menlo Park residents, but the surrounding areas as well! Playing with our neighbors from the Peninsula is good community building for all!
83 nothing
84 Make sure Belle Haven is given similarly resourced library & rec. access given the influx of new residents w/ high density housing.
85 More outside (outdoor) community events to make neighbors meet each other. Organizing camp out at a park with a program about stars or planets for example. Programs to help people grow food in their yards instead of grass. 86 Replace one of the corner markets on newbridge or ivy to a safeway or trader joes. Fix the light on ivy, it takes so long to turn green.
87 -Open up a more grand inclusive way to public art. We have a lot of kids that are shy to share. The Sunset fest was always a good escape.
88 Make sure there is Always a cross guard for the children, going to and from school. Keep it safe 89 n/a
90 The San Mateo Library system is truly outstanding!
91 Tree trimming, especially in East Menlo
92 A proper dog park is needed in the Belle Haven area
93 Menlo Park needs a larger dog park with grass or turf. The small parks with dirt/rocks/mulch/etc. are not good enough. 94 Thank you for undertaking this survey
95 Organized adult trips/tours would be nice. More music and poetry programs. One day workshops for folks who can't do long classes.
More life skills-type classes (budgeting, investing, saving) 96 Build a better library. Surrounding cities have new libraries with multi-purpose spaces & are bright and cheery, the main library is a morgue
97 That the Belle Haven neighborhood have the same opportunities as Menlo Park residents 98 -It would be nice to have a ping pong table
-another pool table
-variety of classes, other activities
99 For the street cleaners, I thank you. Hope this will continue sometimes. 100
For the new Onetta Harris Facility, I hope that the residents that live in the Belle Haven Community will have priority over Western MP residents.
101
The Belle Haven Library doesn't print images anymore. I shouldn't have to pay for parking tickets to park in front of my apartment. At least for the people who have minimum of one parking space. 102
I hope that our library has reviewed and strengthened protections against discriminatory book ban requests. Book talk book club (or recommendation wall with optional pics of recommender with book) 103 Love having the east menlo sr. center this side of the freeway + open. Most beneficial for many. Wish it would stay.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
Page F-1.59
Q17. Please tell us any other ideas, needs, complaints or suggestions you'd like to share with us. 104
I love the library + classes at the center encourage groups to use the facilities for their galas, parties, meetings as an extra source of income
105 n/a
106 n/a
107 n/a
108 having hard time to get housing (subsidized housing for seniors) 109 todo bien
110 libros para personas mayores
111 N/A
112
Que ofrescan un group de libros (5) y dejar que los leeve a la case y luego un breve disenro de lo leido para despertar mas interes por leer.
113 Todo esta bien
114 Programer curso de ingeles, tanto para principates como para perfrcionalo 115 It'd be great if there's a place for people to make book suggestions. 116
mas cajas postales
mas postes de luz en la noche
plantar mas arboles
117
*The free shuttle
*Wish there were lighted tennis courts in Bellhaven area. Thank you for removing those white posts along Newbridge, they were a bicycling hazard.
118 Spread the word more so that everyone knows what is out there 119 We don't need more buildings in or around our community. 120
So much of this recreation and programming is excellent and it’s hard to choose between them. If you need more money to support these wonderful things, you should take it out of the Menlo Park Police Department budget.
All comments are shown as they were written and submitted by the respondents, and are numbered in the order they were received.
MENLO PARK RESIDENT SURVEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Survey conducted June 13 to August 10, 2022, in electronic and paper formats, English and Spanish.
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City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – DRAFT
Date: 7/26/2022
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Special Session
A. Call To Order
Mayor Nash called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Mueller (arrived at 7:36 p.m. and exited at 10:45 p.m.), Nash, Taylor, Wolosin (exited at 10:59 p.m.)
Absent: None
Staff: Acting City Manager Dave Norris, City Attorney Nira F. Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren
C. Agenda Review
Staff requested to provide an update on item I1.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Taylor), to reorder the agenda in order to hear items J1. and J2. related to the ballot measure, once the full City Council is present, passed 4-0 (Mueller absent).
Closed Session
D. Closed Session
D1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code: (one potential case)
Mayor Nash adjourned to the closed session at 5:05 p.m.
Regular Session
Mayor Nash reconvened the regular meeting at 6:19 p.m.
E. Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
F. Presentations and Proclamations
F1. Proclamation: July as Parks and Recreation Month (Attachment) AGENDA ITEM G-1 Page G-1.1
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes – DRAFT July 26, 2022
Mayor Nash read the proclamation (Attachment).
Library and Community Services Director Sean Reinhart accepted the proclamation.
F2. Recognition: RethinkWaste Trash-to-Art Contest (Attachment) Mayor Nash introduced Laurel School Fourth Grade Teacher, Ms. Whiteley.
Laurel School Fourth Grade Teacher, Ms. Whiteley and Fourth grade students’ Louis Smith and Lila Murphy made the presentation (Attachment).
G. Public Comment
• Lindsay Raike requested the City Council adopt a resolution supporting the reopening of the Mack E. Mickelson therapeutic pool.
• Elizabeth McCarthy requested clarification on the noise ordinance and ramifications for businesses who violate enforcement.
• Carolyn Ordonez spoke in opposition of the increased traffic due to the Haven House connection, which could result from the proposed apartment complex. • Ole Agesen spoke in support of leadership in climate change. • Wendy Shindler spoke in opposition of side-by-side developments on Bay Road.
H. Advisory Body Member Reports
H1. Receive and file Environmental Quality Commission progress report (Staff Report #22-147-CC) Sustainability Manager Rebecca Lucky introduced the item.
Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) Chair Tom Kabat made the presentation (Attachment). • Crystal Hernandez spoke in support of REACH goals.
• Zachary Meyer spoke in support of increasing the pace of the climate action plan (CAP) initiatives and eliminating fossil fuel.
• Saman de Silva spoke in support of increasing the pace of REACH codes. • Robert Gould spoke in support of rapid building electrification and addressing the climate crisis. • Nicole Kemeny spoke in support for the EQC CAP goals. • Alex Wogonfeld spoke in support of a more rapid response to the climate crisis.
The City Council discussed benefits of converting to electric buildings, increasing public outreach and education, and impacts to residents both current and future.
I. Consent Calendar
I1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for June 28 and July 12, 2022 (Attachment) Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi Herren provided an update.
I2. Adopt a resolution to continue conducting the City’s Council and advisory body meetings remotely due to health and safety concerns for the public and to authorize the use of hybrid meetings Page G-1.2
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes – DRAFT July 26, 2022
(Staff Report #22-140-CC)
I3. Authorize the city manager to enter into master professional agreements with Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc. and Ninyo & Moore Consulting Geotechnical and Civil Engineer (Staff Report #22-139-CC)
I4. Adopt a resolution approving an exception to the 180-day waiting period to hire a CalPERS retired annuitant in accordance with Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21224 (Staff Report #22-141-CC)
I5. Authorize the city manager to enter into agreements with Aqua-Metric Sales Company and Sensus USA Inc. for the automated water meter infrastructure project (Staff Report #22-143-CC) I6. Adopt a resolution to reduce the posted speed limit in school zones consistent with the California Vehicle Code (Staff Report #22-146-CC)
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wolosin), to approve the consent calendar with updates to item I1., passed 4-0 (Mueller absent).
The City Council reordered agenda.
J. Public Hearing
J3. Consider and adopt a resolution approving a revision to a previously approved vesting tentative map to change the expiration date of the map associated with the mixed-use development project located at 706-716 Santa Cruz Avenue (Staff Report #22-149-CC)
Associate Planner Fahteen Khan made the presentation (Attachment).
Applicant Phil Hyndman made a presentation.
Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
• Paul Collacchi requested clarification on the vesting map and application.
Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.
The City Council received clarification on below market rate (BMR) requirements, the vesting map, and permitting and public review copy.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wolosin/ Nash), to adopt a resolution to approve a two-year extension of a vesting tentative map associated with a major subdivision not to exceed four residential condominium units and one commercial area, with rights reserved for up to ten commercial condominium units, passed unanimously.
The City Council took a recess at 7:50 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:01 p.m.
J1. Receive the Elections Code Section 9212 report regarding the proposed initiative measure entitled Page G-1.3
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes – DRAFT July 26, 2022
“A Citizen-Sponsored Initiative Measure to Amend the Land Use Element of the General Plan to Prohibit the City Council of the City of Menlo Park from Re-Designating or Re-Zoning Certain Properties Designated and Zoned for Single Family Detached Homes” (Staff Report #22-148-CC) Assistant Community Development Director Deanna Chow introduced the item.
M-Group representative Geoff Bradley and BAE Urban Economics representative Stephanie Hagar made the presentation (Attachment).
Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
• Rini Sen Gupta spoke in support of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Steve Wong spoke in support of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Sarah Tappin spoke in support of teacher housing and in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure.
• Alex Torres spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Jaggi Ayyangar spoke in support of thoughtful housing considerations and of re-zoning. • Rob Silano spoke in support of placing the measure on the ballot and expressed concerns on the effects of traffic to safety services.
• Katheen Daly spoke in support of teacher housing and in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure.
• Nicole Kemeny spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Karen Grove spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure and the impacts to racial and educational inequities.
• Evelyn Stivers spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure and in support of affordable housing.
• Buck Bard spoke on concerns related to the reports focus on the Flood School Site and not focusing on Menlo Park as a whole.
• Nicole Chessari spoke in opposition of high density housing in a neighborhood, in support of rezoning, and commented on report findings. • Kelly White spoke in support of the ballot measure and re-zoning. • Ronen Vengosh spoke in opposition of the ballot measure. • Keith Diggs spoke in support of accepting the report and in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure.
• Ruth Schechter spoke in support of the ballot measure and re-zoning. • Jennifer Schindler spoke in opposition of the ballot measure and re-zoning. • Jennifer Michel spoke in support of the report.
• Dave Housler spoke in support of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Wayne Muesse spoke in support of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Sandeep Gupta spoke in support of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Michael Levinson spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Ann Diederich spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Bernard Rehdesi spoke in support of the re-zoning ballot measure and dedicated teacher housing. • Adina Levin spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Katie Behroozi spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Paul Collacchi spoke in support of additional housing and of the re-zoning ballot measure.
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City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes – DRAFT July 26, 2022
• Catherine Dumont spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure.
Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.
The City Council discussed the report.
J2. Determination of action, pursuant to Elections Code Section 9215, regarding the proposed initiative measure entitled “A Citizen-Sponsored Initiative Measure to Amend the Land Use Element of the General Plan to Prohibit the City Council of the City of Menlo Park from Re-Designating or ReZoning Certain Properties Designated and Zoned for Single Family Detached Homes” (Staff Report #22-142-CC)
City Attorney Nira Doherty made the presentation.
Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
• Gina Sudaria spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Lesley Feldman spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Pam Jones spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • Karen Grove spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure and in support of the ballot measure argument deadline update.
• Adina Levin spoke in support of the ballot measure argument deadline update. • Jennifer Michel spoke in opposition of the re-zoning ballot measure. • James Pistorino requested clarification on Ravenswood School district funding compared to other school districts.
• Bernard Rehdesi spoke in support of the re-zoning ballot measure.
Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.
The City Council received clarification on the proposed deadline date of August 14 for receipt of ballot arguments.
The City Council discussed the relationship between the initiative and the ballot measure, the history of ConnectMenlo, and up-zoning in single family neighborhoods.
The City Council directed the deadline date of August 14 for receipt of ballot arguments.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Combs), to adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Menlo Park ordering the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Menlo Park a Citizen-Sponsored Initiative Measure to amend the land use element of the General Plan to prohibit the City Council of the City of Menlo Park from re-designating or re-zoning certain properties designated and zoned for single family detached homes, at the consolidated general election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022; establishing the schedule for submission of ballot arguments; and authorize and request the County of San Mateo conduct the election, with the following changes to the second to last recital on the resolution to read, “Whereas the City Council and City of Menlo Park resolves to submit the initiative to the voters of the general election to be held on November 8, 2022”, Section 6 of the resolution will be revised to read in full as follows “Submission of valid arguments, the City Council hereby adopts provisions for the filing valid arguments and rebuttal arguments for the initiative set forth in California Elections Code Section 9282. All arguments for and against the measure shall be filed with the city clerk no later than August 14, 2022 at 5 p.m. All other Page G-1.5
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes – DRAFT July 26, 2022
timelines set forth in the County of San Mateo’s election calendar for the November 8, 2022 general election shall apply. Such timelines, including the 10 calendar day examination or review period shall begin on August 9, 2022 at 5 p.m. and August 29, 2022 at 5 p.m. Rebuttal arguments for measures where primary argument was filed, both in favor and against are due August 29, 2022 to 5 p.m. All arguments for and against the measure shall provide copies of the documentation set forth in the Elections Code Section 9287(b), shall be signed with printed names and signatures of the authors submitting it or submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization and the printed name and signature have at least one of its principal office officers who is the author of the argument”, passed unanimously.
K. Regular Business
K1. Authorize the city manager to execute an amendment to the professional services agreement with Team Sheeper, Inc. for continued operation of Burgess Pool through August 31, 2023 (Staff Report #22-144-CC)
City Councilmember Mueller was recused from the item and exited the meeting.
Library and Community Services Director Sean Reinhart made the presentation. • Paul Collacchi spoke in opposition of a privatized public pool. • Solo Aquatics Coach Tom McRae spoke in support of extending Tim Sheeper’s Inc. agreement and of a future request for proposal.
The City Council received clarification on the agreement.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Nash), to authorize city manager to execute an amendment to the professional services agreement between the City of Menlo Park and Team Sheeper, Inc. for continued operation of Burgess Pool, as follows:
1. Section 3 of the Agreement dated March 27, 2018, is repealed it its entirety and replaced with the following language: The term of this Agreement shall terminate August 31, 2023; and
2. Except to the extent expressly modified by this Third Amendment, the terms of the Agreement, as amended by the first amendment and second amendment, shall remain effective without impairment or modification; and
3. This Third Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one amendment, passed 4-0 (Mueller recused).
The City Council continued K2. to a future meeting.
K2. Waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 8.70 creating a process for obtaining film permits (Staff Report #22-145-CC)
L. Informational Items
L1. City Council agenda topics: August 2022 (Staff Report #22-150-CC) City Manager Reports
Acting City Manager Dave Norris reported out on the August 2 National Night Out and police department Tesla vehicles scheduled to go live next month.
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N. City Councilmember Reports
None.
Closed Session
O. Closed Session
O1. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.95:
(1) LIABILITY CLAIM
Claimant: Richard Struckman
Agency claimed against: City of Menlo Park
(2) LIABILITY CLAIM
Claimant: Richard Struckman
Agency claimed against: City of Menlo Park
Mayor Nash adjourned to the closed session at 11:02 p.m.
Q. Adjournment
Mayor Nash adjourned the meeting at 11:21 p.m.
Judi A. Herren, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Page G-1.7
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – DRAFT
Date: 8/23/2022
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Regular Session
A. Call To Order
Mayor Nash called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Mueller, Nash, Taylor, Wolosin
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Justin Murphy, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren
C. Agenda Review
Staff will be providing updates following public comment and on item E1.
D. Public Comment
None.
Police Chief Dave Norris reported out on the Oak Grove Avenue and Alma Street shooting.
E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Certificate of Recognition: Menlo Park Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase winner This item was continued to the September 20 City Council meeting.
F. Study Session
F1. Review and provide direction on the updated community amenities proposal for the Willow Village master plan project (Staff Report #22-166-CC)
City Councilmember Combs was recused and exited the meeting.
Acting Planning Manager Kyle Perata made the presentation (Attachment).
Applicant Michael Ghielmetti made a presentation (Attachment).
Willow Village Subcommittee made a presentation.
• Matt Regan spoke in support of the project and proposal. • Michael Jo spoke in support of the project
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August 23, 2022
• Ali Sapirman spoke in support of project.
• Vince Rocha spoke in support of the project.
• Ken Chan spoke in support of the project.
• Bryan Shields spoke in support of the project.
• Jordan Grimes spoke in support of the project.
• Jeffrey Moore spoke in support of the project.
• Colin Bookman spoke in support of the project.
• Jenny Michel spoke in support of the project.
• Adina Levin spoke in support of the community amenities proposal and funding for affordable housing, air and noise quality, and an electric shuttle. • Katie Behroozi spoke on concerns related to the circulation plans generating more traffic and in support of the shuttle.
The City Council received clarification on the Subcommittees recommendations and identified values.
The City Council discussed the shuttle, potential routes, and utilizing the transportation master plan for shuttle flexibility in ridership and future users.
City Councilmember Combs rejoined the meeting.
F2. Aquatics program analysis and preliminary considerations for an aquatics operator request for proposals (Staff Report #22-163-CC)
City Councilmember Mueller was recused and exited the meeting.
Library and Community Services Director Sean Reinhart made the presentation (Attachment). • SOLO Aquatics Coach Tom McRae spoke in support of researching numbers and the wants and needs of a pool operator request for proposals (RFP).
The City Council received clarification on in-service training requirements, best practices, and retaining popular programs regardless of operator.
The City Council discussed transportation to Burgess and Menlo Park Community Campus (MPCC) pools, prioritizing and incentivizing use by Menlo Park residents, in-house pool operations costs and options, identical or equivalent operating schedules and programs at both aquatics centers, the distinction between operating hours and lane hours (length and quality), agreement term length, and fees and cost recovery.
The City Council directed the following to be considered in the RFP:
• Operator taking over some of the maintenance responsibilities • More frequent check-ins with operator
• Additional oversight by City staff of operations, programs, hours • Approval by City for operators to utilize subcontractors • Prioritize and incentivize Menlo Park resident use of the pools • Affordable swim lesson fees for residents
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August 23, 2022
City Councilmember Mueller rejoined the meeting.
G. Consent Calendar
G1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for August 4 and 9, 2022 (Attachment) G2. Adopt a resolution to continue conducting the City’s Council and advisory body meetings remotely due to health and safety concerns for the public and to authorize the use of hybrid meetings (Staff Report #22-158-CC)
The City Council discussed holding hybrid Planning Commission meetings. • Adina Levin spoke in support of in-person advisory body meetings. • Jenny Michel spoke in support of hybrid meetings.
• Jacqui Cebrian spoke in support of hybrid meetings.
G3. Waive the second reading and adopt ordinances 1) amending Title 8, Peace, Safety and Morals, of the Municipal Code to create a comprehensive permitting system for public assemblies and use of City parks and facilities and 2) adding Chapter 8.70 creating a process for obtaining film permits (Staff Report #22-157-CC)
• Elizabeth McCarthy spoke on the special event permitting allowing an exemption for the noise ordinance.
The City Council discussed Café Zoe events compared to special events.
G4. Adopt a resolution modifying the City Council’s regular meeting schedule to replace October 25, 2022 with October 18, 2022 (Staff Report #22-159-CC)
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Combs), to approve the consent calendar, passed unanimously.
H. Public Hearing
H1. Adopt a resolution amending the City’s comprehensive master fee schedule for the city manager’s office, community development, library and community services, public works departments, Menlo Park Municipal Water, and amend the User Fee Cost Recovery Policy (Staff Report #22-167-CC) Interim Finance Director Marvin Davis made the presentation (Attachment).
Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.
The City Council received clarification on the duration of master fee schedule, fee waiver annual totals, and the next review of the master fee schedule.
The City Council discussed staff reporting back on revenue forfeitures related to electrification.
The City Council took a brief recess at 8:39 p.m.
Page G-1.10
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August 23, 2022
The City Council reconvened at 8:51 p.m.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wolosin/ Mueller), to adopt a resolution amending the City’s master fee schedule to incorporate proposed changes in fees to become effective immediately, August 23, 2022, or as required by statute for the following departments: city manager’s office, community development, library and community services, public works, Menlo Park Municipal Water, direct staff include when electrification revenue forfeiture reaches $150,000 the master fee schedule is returned to the City Council, and amend the User Fee Cost Recovery Policy, passed unanimously.
H2. Adopt a resolution to abandon the public service easements within the properties at 141 Jefferson Drive, 180 Constitution Drive and 186 Constitution Drive (Menlo Uptown) (Staff Report #22-165-CC)
Associate Engineer Eric Hinkley made the presentation (Attachment).
Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Nash), to adopt a resolution ordering the vacation and abandonment of public service easements within the properties at 141 Jefferson Drive, 180 Constitution Drive and 186 Constitution Drive associated with the proposed redevelopment of the project site, passed unanimously.
I. Regular Business
I1. Direction regarding filling of City Council vacancies (Staff Report #22-160-CC) City Attorney Nira Doherty made the presentation (Attachment). • Adina Levin spoke on concerns of an unrepresented District by a City Council vacancy and in support of interim appointments.
The City Council received clarification on invalidity of the current ordinance, interim appointment timing for State law, and City Council resignations.
The City Council discussed options for amending the Menlo Park Municipal Code (MPMC), impacts of a four-member City Council pending a special election, public outreach in the District where the vacancy occurs, appointment process, and requiring an appointment upon resignation.
The City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance reflecting the State procedures for filling a councilmember vacancy which procedures provide the city council the option to fill a vacancy by appointment or election.
J. Informational Items
J1. City Council agenda topics: September 2022 (Staff Report #22-164-CC) J2. Update on the Middle Avenue complete streets project (Staff Report #22-161-CC) • Matthew Rascoff spoke in support of the traffic calming measures, increasing bike lanes, and Page G-1.11
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – DRAFT
August 23, 2022
protections.
• Brendan Visser spoke in support of bike lanes in both directions.
J3. Updates about city-hosted community events and observances (Staff Report #22-162-CC) The City Council discussed historical Halloween parades and future reports including the costs associated with events.
K. City Manager's Report
City Manager Justin Murphy reported out on walking tours of the MPCC building, music event at Belle Haven school, and the Nealon Park zip line.
L. City Councilmember Reports
Mayor Nash reported out on the MPCC building tour.
M. Adjournment
Mayor Nash adjourned the meeting at 10:21 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren Page G-1.12
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: 9/13/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-171-CC
Consent Calendar: Adopt a resolution to continue conducting the City’s Council and advisory body meetings
remotely due to health and safety concerns for the
public and to authorize the use of hybrid meetings
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A) to continue conducting the City’s Council and advisory body meetings remotely due to health and safety concerns for the public and to authorize the use of hybrid meetings.
Policy Issues
Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361) was signed into law September 16, 2021 allowing cities to continue holding virtual meetings during any emergency proclaimed by the governor. AB 361 sunsets January 1, 2024. The City Council would need to declare every 30 days that the City’s legislative bodies must continue to meet remotely in order to ensure the health and safety of the public.
Background
The California Legislature approved AB 361, which was signed by the governor September 16, 2021 for signature. The bill allows local legislative bodies to continue to meet remotely through January 1, 2024. A local agency will be allowed to continue to meet remotely when:
• The local agency holds a meeting during a declared state of emergency • State or local health officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing • Legislative bodies declare the need to meet remotely due to present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees
The City meets the requirements to continue holding meetings remotely in order to ensure the health and safety of the public:
• The City is still under a local state of emergency
• County Health urges that all individuals in public spaces maintain social distancing and wear masks Analysis
The City is still under a local state of emergency and the emergency findings required under AB 361 are still in effect. San Mateo County is still in the High/Red COVID-19 Community Level category and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of masks indoors in public. The resolution authorizes the use of hybrid meetings, whereby City Councilmembers, participants, and staff may choose to attend either remotely or in person.
AGENDA ITEM G-2 Page G-2.1
Staff Report #: 22-171-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Although the City has returned to in-person meetings, due to the prevalence of BA strains of the SARSCoV-2 virus overtaking other variants in San Mateo County, the City Council finds that reducing the number of persons present in City Council chambers is necessary to reduce imminent health risks associated with large groups and/or members of varying households gathering indoors.
Impact on City Resources
There is no impact on City resources.
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 is an organizational structure change that 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. Resolution
Report prepared by:
Judi A. Herren, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Page G-2.2
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MENLO PARK AND
ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES CREATED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54952(b) AUTHORIZING TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS IN COMPLIANCE WITH AB 361 (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(e)) TO CONTINUE TO
ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SAFELY PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
WHEREAS, the City Council is committed to ensuring public access to observe and participate in local government meetings; and
WHEREAS, all meetings of the City Council and other legislative bodies created pursuant to Government Code Section 54952(b) are open and public, as required by the Ralph M. Brown Act, so that any member of the public may participate in local government meetings; and WHEREAS, the AB 361, codified at Government Code section 54953(e), makes provisions for remote teleconferencing participation in local government meetings, without compliance with the requirements of 54953(b)(3), during a Governor-proclaimed state of emergency and if the local legislative body determines, by majority vote, that as a result of the emergency, meeting solely in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees; and WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency due to the outbreak of respiratory illness due to a novel coronavirus (now known as COVID-19) and that State of Emergency is still in effect in the State of California; and WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the City Council proclaimed the existence of a local state of emergency within the City, pursuant to Section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 continues to threaten the health and lives of City residents; and WHEREAS, the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variants are highly transmissible in indoor settings; and
WHEREAS, the Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is overtaking other variants in San Mateo County; and
WHEREAS, according to data from the County’s Health Administrator and County website, the County is averaging approximately 15 new cases per 100,000 of COVID-19 per day; and WHEREAS, although the City has returned to in-person meetings, due to the prevalence of BA strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus overtaking other variants in San Mateo County, the City Council finds that reducing the number of persons present in City Council chambers is necessary to reduce imminent health risks associated with large groups and/or members of varying households gathering indoors; and
WHEREAS, the State of California and the City of Menlo Park continue to follow safety measures in response to COVID-19 as ordered or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California Department of Public Health (DPH), and/or County of Page G-2.3 ATTACHMENT A
Resolution No. XXXX
San Mateo, as applicable, including facial coverings when required; and based upon that guidance, in-person attendance indoors at public meetings continues to present a health risk for certain segments of the population, necessitating the need to reduce the number of in-person meeting attendees; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, acting as a legislative body pursuant to Government Code section 54952(a) and for the benefit of the commissions, committees and other bodies that were created by the City Council pursuant to Government Code section 54952(b) (collectively referred to as “Legislative Bodies”), finds that the current conditions meet the circumstances set forth in Government Code section 54953(e)(3) to allow Legislative Bodies to continue to use teleconferencing to hold open and public meetings if the Legislative Bodies comply with the requirements set forth in Government Code section 54953(e)(2) to ensure the public can safely participate in and observe local government meetings.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Menlo Park that the City Council does hereby:
1. Find that current conditions authorize teleconference public meetings of Legislative Bodies.
Based on the California Governor’s continued declaration of a State of Emergency and current conditions, the City Council finds that meeting in person, without the option for certain populations and persons to participate remotely, would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. The City Council does therefore find that Legislative Bodies and members of Legislative Bodies of the City may elect to use teleconferencing to hold public meetings in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e)(2) to ensure members of the public have continued access to safely observe and participate in local government meetings.
2. Authorize Legislative Bodies to conduct teleconference meetings. The Legislative Bodies are hereby authorized to take all actions necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this Resolution, including conducting open and public meetings in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e)(2) and other applicable provisions of the Brown Act.
3. Authorize Legislative Bodies to conduct hybrid meetings. The Legislative Bodies are hereby further authorized to conduct meetings in a “hybrid” format, where both members of the Body may elect to be present in person, utilizing appropriate distancing and masking practices, or participate by teleconferencing technology. Such meetings of the Legislative Bodies that occur using teleconferencing technology will provide an opportunity for any and all members of the public who wish to address Legislative Bodies and will otherwise occur in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via teleconferencing.
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Page G-2.4
Resolution No. XXXX
I, Judi A. Herren, City Clerk of Menlo Park, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing City Council Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted at a meeting by said City Council on the thirteenth day of September, 2022, by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of said City on this __ day of September, 2022.
Judi A. Herren, City Clerk
Page G-2.5
Public Works
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 9/13/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-168-CC
Consent Calendar: Authorize the city manager to sign the public improvement agreement for the Menlo Portal
project located at 115 Independence Drive and 104
and 110 Constitution Drive
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the city manager to sign the public improvement agreement for the Menlo Portal project located at 115 Independence Drive and 104 and 110 Constitution Drive (Attachment A.)
Policy Issues
Neither the Menlo Park Municipal Code nor the conditions of approval clearly identify the staff authorized to sign public improvement agreements. Therefore, staff is requesting the City Council authorize the city manager to sign the agreement in conformance with the conditions of approval for the Menlo Portal project.
Background
The Menlo Portal project is located at 115 Independence Drive and 104 and 110 Constitution Drive. It contains 335 multifamily dwelling units and approximately 34,499 square feet of commercial space. On September 21, 2021, the City Council certified the Menlo Portal final environmental impact report, and approved the use permit, architectural control, below market rate housing agreement, community amenities operating covenant, and public utility easement abandonment. The staff report from September 14, 2021 is included as Attachment B.
Analysis
The applicant and City have agreed to the terms of the proposed public improvement agreement. Per the agreement, the applicant will provide a bond for the completion of the required off-site public improvement work. The public improvement agreement is a contract between the applicant and the City that guarantees the construction of all public street improvements. It requires a completion bond as a financial guarantee that all work will be completed. The project plans have been approved by the engineering division of the public works department.
The public improvement agreement applies to both portions of the Menlo Portal project, the Multifamily Residential component and the Office component, and governs the preparation of plans and specifications and construction of all off-site public improvements (e.g., sewer, water, electrical underground, sidewalks, landscaping, etc.) and transportation improvements imposed as conditions of the approval of the project.
The Multifamily Residential component of the Menlo Portal project is proceeding first and therefore, in addition to the off-site improvements associated with the Multifamily Residential component of the project, AGENDA ITEM G-3 Page G-3.1
Staff Report #: 22-168-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org all of the transportation improvements required of the project will be undertaken in connection with the Multifamily Residential component.
Within 90-days following the issuance of the superstructure permit for the Multifamily Residential component of the project, the Developer is required to begin the construction of the off-site improvements associated with the Multifamily Residential component of the project; likewise, construction of all of the transportation improvements will start within 120 days following the issuance of the superstructure permit. The improvements are required to be completed upon the earlier of 24 months after construction begins or before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the Multifamily Residential component of the project.
The Developer is required to post a performance bond to secure the faithful completion of the required work and a payment bond to secure the payment of wages due to workers on the public work of improvement.
Once the public work of improvements associated with the Multifamily Residential component of the project are completed, the performance bond will convert to a warranty bond to secure the one (1) year warranty period against defects in material or workmanship.
With respect to the Office component of the project, the Developer is required to begin construction of the off-site improvements associated with the Office component of the project within 90 days following the earlier of issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for the Multifamily Residential component of the project or issuance of a superstructure permit for the Office component of the project. If the Developer is not ready to proceed with the Office component of the project by the time the Multifamily Residential component is complete and seeks occupancy, the Developer can request an extension of the time to begin the off-site improvements for the Office component of the project. However, any extension will require the posting of performance and payment bonds to secure the faithful performance of the work and payment of wages due to workers. Once the work begins, it is required to be completed upon the earlier of 24 months or before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the Office component of the project. Again, once the public work of improvements associated with the Office component of the project are completed, the performance bond will convert to a warranty bond to secure the one (1) year warranty period against defects in material or workmanship.
Transportation improvements
The off-site improvements include improvements at one intersection to address level of service (LOS) deficiencies as defined by the City’s transportation impact analysis guidelines and General Plan policies.
The improvement is located at Chrysler Drive and Independence Drive and requires the installation of an all-way stop sign at the intersection.
Impact on City Resources
The staff time costs associated with the review and approval of the public improvement agreement are fully recoverable through fees collected from the applicant.
Environmental Review
A final environmental impact report was prepared for the project and certified by the City Council September 14, 2021. No additional environmental review is required for the approval of the public improvement agreement.
Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 Page G-3.2
Staff Report #: 22-168-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org hours prior to the meeting.
Attachments
A. Public improvement agreement
B. Hyperlink – September 14, 2021, City Council staff report:
menlopark.org/files/sharedassets/public/agendas-and-minutes/city-council/2021- meetings/agendas/20210914-city-council-agenda-packet.pdf Report prepared by:
Nikki Nagaya, Public Works Director
Page G-3.3
1 OAK #4889-8815-6438 v10
Recording requested by and when
Recorded return to:
City of Menlo Park
Attn: City Clerk
701 Laurel Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025-3483
Exempt From Recording Fees Per
Government Code §27383 And
Building Homes & Jobs Trust Fund
Fee Per Government Code §27388.1(a) (2) (D)
(SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE FOR RECORDER’S USE)
APN: 055-236-320 and 055-236-310
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
Portal - Multifamily Residential and Office Improvements This PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is entered into as of ________________, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF MENLO PARK, a municipal corporation of the State of California (“City”), GS MP Portal Owner, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“MF Owner”) and GS MP Portal Office Owner, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Office Owner”). MF Owner and Office Owner are collectively referred to as ”Developers”). City, MF Owner, and Office Owner are referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
A. WHEREAS, MF Owner owns certain real property located at 110 Constitution Drive in the City of Menlo Park, County of San Mateo, State of California, designated as APN 055-236-320, and more particularly described in the legal description attached hereto as Exhibit A-1 (the “Multifamily Property”) and Office Owner owns certain real property located at 104 Constitution Drive in the City of Menlo Park, County of San Mateo, State of California, designated as APN 055-236-310, , and more particularly described in the legal description attached hereto as Exhibit A-2 (the “Office Property”) The Multifamily Property and Office Property are collectively referred to as the “Property”.
B. WHEREAS, on August 9, 2021, after a duly noticed public hearing, and on the recommendation of the City’s Housing Commission, the City’s Planning Commission approved Planning Commission Resolution No. 2021-07, permitting Developers to develop approximately 335 multi-family residential units (“Residential Component”), approximately 34,499 square feet of office (“Office Component”), and approximately 1,609 square feet of ground-floor commercial space (the “Project”), subject to certain requirements and conditions contained in the Conditions Page G-3.4 ATTACHMENT A
2 OAK #4889-8815-6438 v10
of Approval (“Conditions of Approval”) and on September 14, 2021, after a duly noticed public hearing, the City Council adopted Resolution Nos. 6665, 6666, and 6667 denying all appeals to, and upholding the Planning Commission’s approval of, the Project.
C. WHEREAS, pursuant to Condition of Approval 1.ww, Developers shall enter into an agreement for completion of development improvements and provide a performance bond for the completion of the off-site improvements for the Project as referenced in Condition of Approval
1.jj (green infrastructure), 1.kk (existing utilities to be relocated), 1.ll (new utilities), 1.pp (water mains and service laterals), 1.qq (sanitary sewer mains and service laterals), 2.x. (water mains and service laterals), 2.y (sanitary sewer mains and service laterals), 2.aa (remove/replace any damaged/worn frontage improvements), 2.mm (asphalt overlay), and 2.nn (loading zonesComplete Streets Commission) and more particularly listed and depicted in Exhibit B (the “OffSite Improvements”), which Off-Site Improvements shall be installed, constructed and completed as detailed in plans and specifications approved by the Public Works Director (“Director”) or the City Engineer or their designees where authorized by law. Developers shall obtain an encroachment permit from the City prior to commencing any work on the Off-Site Improvements within the public right-of-way or public easements.
D. WHEREAS, Condition of Approval 2.ss. provides that Developers shall enter into an improvement agreement with the City memorializing the terms for performance, construction, and completion of the transportation improvements, which are more particularly described in Exhibit C (the “Transportation Improvements”).
D. The City and the Developers desire to enter into this Agreement in order to permit the issuance of a building permit for the development of the Project, implement and satisfy the Conditions of Approval, and simultaneously satisfy the security provisions of the City of Menlo Park Municipal Code (the “Code”) and the Conditions of Approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to ensure satisfactory performance of the Developers under the Code and Conditions of Approval, Developers and the City agree as follows:
1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct, and are incorporated into this Agreement.
2. Developers’ Obligations.
(a) Off-Site Improvements and Transportation Improvements: Plans and Specifications and Construction. As more particularly described below, Developers shall, at their sole cost and expense, furnish all necessary materials, equipment, and labor as is required to prepare the designs, plans, and specifications for the Off-Site Improvements and Transportation Improvements for the Project for the review and approval of the Director of Public Works (“Director”) and/or the City Engineer, as applicable (the “Plans and Specifications”). Developers shall, at their sole cost and expense, furnish all necessary materials, equipment, and labor; perform all work in a good and workmanlike manner; and cause the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, as defined and if required as described below, to be designed, installed, constructed and completed in substantial conformity with the Plans and Specifications or with any changes required or ordered by the Director or City Engineer to the Page G-3.5
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approved Plans and Specifications (the “Work”), which in his or her reasonable opinion are necessary or required to complete the Work in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and policies. (b) Residential Improvement Plans. As of the Effective Date, the Plans and Specifications for the Off-Site Improvements for the Residential Component listed in Exhibit B consist of conceptual improvement plans entitled “Menlo Portal (Multifamily) Off-Site Street Improvements” prepared by BKF Engineers dated July 12, 2022, PGA Design dated June 6, 2022, and Giacalone Design, Inc. dated July 11, 2022 (“Residential Improvement Plans”). MF Owner shall continue to work towards completion of and City approval of one hundred percent (100%) of the Residential Improvement Plans. The City shall diligently review and process the Residential Improvement Plans submitted by MF Owner. As each stage of improvement plans are approved by the City, the more complete and recently approved improvement plans shall be the “Residential Improvement Plans.” MF Owner shall obtain the approval of the Residential Improvement Plans to be constructed by MF Owner in accordance with the Conditions of Approval within three (3) months from the Effective Date. Further, in no event shall the City be obligated to issue a superstructure building permit to MF Owner for the construction of the Residential Component of the Project until the Residential Improvement Plans have been approved by City. (c) Commencement and Completion of Construction of Residential Improvement Plans. Within ninety (90) days following the issuance of a superstructure building permit for the construction of the Residential Component of the Project, MF Owner shall commence the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans to be constructed by MF Owner in accordance with the Conditions of Approval and this Agreement. In the event MF Owner fails to timely commence the construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans as required herein, City may, in its discretion, issue and enforce a stop work notice on all or any portion of work being undertaken by MF Owner pursuant to any building permits issued by City for the construction of any portion of the Residential Component of the Project until construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans has commenced to the reasonable satisfaction of the Director or City Engineer.
MF Owner shall complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans in accordance with Section 6 (a) [Director's Inspection] below and City shall complete the Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans in accordance with Section 6 (b) [Acceptance] upon the earlier of (i) twenty four (24) months following the commencement of the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans or (ii) issuance of a certificate of occupancy, inclusive of a temporary certificate of occupancy, from City for any portion of the Residential Component of the Project. The period of time provided for MF Owner to complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans pursuant to this Agreement may be extended upon application by MF Owner and approval by the Director pursuant to Section 4(b) [Extensions] below. (d) Office Improvement Plans. As of the Effective Date, the Office Owner has not commenced the preparation of the Plans and Specifications for the Off-Site Improvements for the Office Component listed in Exhibit B (“Office Improvement Plans”). Office Owner shall work Page G-3.6
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towards completion of and shall obtain City approval of one hundred percent (100%) Office Improvement Plans. The City shall diligently review and process the Office Improvement Plans.
As each stage of improvement plans are approved by the City, the more complete and recently approved improvement plans shall be the “Office Improvement Plans”. (e) Commencement and Completion of Construction of Office Improvement Plans.
Office Owner shall commence the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans to be constructed by Office Owner in accordance with the Conditions of Approval and this Agreement, within ninety (90) days following the earlier of (i) issuance of a final certificate of occupancy from City for the Residential Component of the Project, or (ii) issuance of a superstructure building permit from the City to Office Owner for the construction of the Office Component of the Project. In the event Office Owner fails to timely commence the construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans as required herein, City may, in its discretion, issue and enforce a stop work notice on all or any portion of work being undertaken by Developers pursuant to any building permits issued by City for the construction of any portion of the Project or withhold issuance of a certificate of occupancy, inclusive of a temporary certificate of occupancy for any portion of the Residential Component of the Project, until construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans has commenced to the reasonable satisfaction of the Director or City Engineer. The period of time provided for Office Owner to commence the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans pursuant to Section 2 (e)(i) above may only be extended upon application by Office Owner and approval by the Director pursuant to Section 4(b) [Extensions] below, which approval, if granted, shall be extended to a date or time certain and conditioned on the delivery of improvement security by Office Owner to City in accordance with Section 3 (c).
Office Ownershall complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans in accordance with Section 6 (a) [Director's Inspection] below and City shall complete the Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans in accordance with Section 6 (b) [Acceptance] upon the earlier of (i) twenty four (24) months following the commencement of the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans or (ii) issuance of a certificate of occupancy, inclusive of a temporary certificate of occupancy, from City for any portion of the Office Component of the Project. The period of time provided for Office Owner to complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans pursuant to this Agreement may be extended upon application by Office Owner and approval by the Director pursuant to Section 4(b) [Extensions] below.
(f) Transportation Improvements Requiring Plans and Specifications for Construction.
MF Owner shall prepare and submit Plans and Specifications and a Cost Estimate for the construction of the transportation improvement identified in Condition of Approval 2.ss.iii (“Chrysler/Independence Improvement”), to City prior to the issuance of a superstructure permit from City to MF Owner for the construction of the Residential Component of the Project (“Transportation Improvement Plans”). The City shall diligently review and process Transportation Improvement Plans submitted by MF Owner. Within ninety (90) days following the issuance of a superstructure building permit for the construction of the Residential Component of the Project, MF Owner shall commence the installation and construction of the improvements Page G-3.7
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set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans to be constructed by MF Owner in accordance with the Conditions of Approval and this Agreement. In the event MF Owner fails to timely commence the construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans as required herein, City may, in its discretion, issue and enforce a stop work notice on all or any portion of work being undertaken by MF Owner pursuant to any building permits issued by City for the construction of the Residential Component until construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans has commenced to the reasonable satisfaction of the Director or City Engineer.
MF Owner shall complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans in accordance with Section 6 (a) [Director's Inspection] below and City shall complete the Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans in accordance with Section 6 (b) [Acceptance] upon the earlier of (i) twenty four (24) months following the commencement of the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans or (ii) issuance of a certificate of occupancy, inclusive of a temporary certificate of occupancy, from City for any portion of the Residential Component of the Project. The period of time provided for MF Owner to complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans pursuant to this Agreement may be extended upon application by MF Owner and approval by the Director pursuant to Section 4(b) [Extensions] below. (g) Transportation Improvements Requiring Conceptual Plans, Cost Estimates and Fees Only. Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that Condition of Approval 2.ss.i. (“Chrysler/Bayfront Improvement”) and 2.ss.ii. (“Chrysler/Jefferson Improvement”) (as further identified in Exhibit C) obligate MF Owner to provide conceptual plans and cost estimates for City approval and pay fair share fees without any obligation to construct either the Chrysler/Bayfront Improvement or Chrysler/Jefferson Improvement. MF Owner shall be required to provide conceptual plans and cost estimates for the Chrysler/Bayfront Improvement and Chrysler/Jefferson Improvement for City approval prior to issuance of a superstructure building permit from the City to MF Owner for the construction of the Residential Component of the Project. MF Owner shall pay fair share fees as identified in Exhibit C prior to issuance of a superstructure building permit for the construction of the Residential Component. In any event, MF Owner shall not be required to provide 100% plans and shall not be required to construct such improvements or otherwise comply with the terms of this Agreement relating to construction of improvements.
(h) Other Required Documentation.
(i) Prior to the issuance of a superstructure building permit from City to MF Owner for the construction of the Residential Component of the Project, MF Owner shall provide executed copies of all the documents, agreements and notices required pursuant to and set forth in Exhibit D and labeled as required pursuant to Section 2(h)(i), including the improvement security set forth in Section 3 and insurance coverage set forth in Section 9, with respect to the Chrysler/Independence Improvement and improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans to be installed, constructed and completed by MF Owner in accordance with the Conditions of Approval, unless waived or deferred by the Director, in writing, until a time certain or the time of a request for a Notice of Completion pursuant to Section 6 (a) [Director’s Inspection] below.
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The required documents shall include an (A) estimate of costs to construct and complete the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans plus a twenty five percent (25%) contingency (“Multifamily Engineer’s Estimate”) and (B), an estimate of costs to construct and complete the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans plus a twenty five percent (25%) contingency (“Transportation Engineer’s Estimate”). (ii) Prior to the earlier of (i) issuance of a final certificate of occupancy from City for the Residential Component of the Project, or (ii) issuance of a superstructure building permit from the City to Office Owner for the construction of the Office Component of the Project, Office Owner shall provide executed copies of all the documents, agreements and notices required pursuant to and set forth in Exhibit D and labeled as required pursuant to Section 2 (h)(ii), including the improvement security set forth in Section 3 and insurance coverage set forth in Section 9, with respect to the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans to be installed, constructed and completed by Office Owner in accordance with the Conditions of Approval, unless waived or deferred by the Director, in writing, until a time certain or the time of a request for a Notice of Completion pursuant to Section 6 (a) [Director’s Inspection] below. The required documents shall include an estimate of costs to construct and complete the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans plus a twenty five percent (25%) contingency (“Office Engineer’s Estimate”).
(iii) At the time of a request for a Notice of Completion for the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans, Residential Improvement Plans or the Office Improvement Plans, as applicable, pursuant to Section 6 (a) [Director’s Inspection] below, Developers, as appropriate, shall provide all documents required pursuant to and set forth in Exhibit E, plus any other materials previously deferred by the Director pursuant to subsections 2 (h)(i) or 2(h)(ii) above, unless waived or deferred by the Director, in writing, until a time certain or the time of a request for Acceptance pursuant to Section 6 (b) below. The required documents shall include as-built plans of the completed improvements, or portion thereof, set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans, Residential Improvement Plans and Office Improvement Plans, as applicable, in both electronic (in a reasonably current version of AutoCAD and/or another digital format acceptable to Public Works) and Mylar formats and any reports required by any related Plans and Specifications.
(iv) At the time of a request for Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans, Residential Improvement Plans or the Office Improvement Plans, as applicable, pursuant to Section 6(b) below, Developers, as appropriate, shall provide all the documents required pursuant to and set forth in Exhibit F, plus any other materials previously deferred by the Director pursuant to subsections 2 (h)(i), 2 (h)(ii) and 2 (h)(iii) above, unless waived or deferred by the Director in writing. In addition, as part of compliance with this subsection 2 (h)(iv), Developers shall coordinate with the City and assist in the City’s process for the subsequent dedication and Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans, Residential Improvement Plans and the Office Improvement Plan, as applicable by (A) providing necessary maps, legal descriptions and plats for street openings, proposed easements and/or dedications for right of way or utility purposes and for relinquishment of existing rights of access and utilities associated with on-site and off-site development, to the extent applicable, and (B) executing easement agreements or grant deeds or Page G-3.9
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modifying existing easements or grant deeds consistent with the Conditions of Approval, to the extent applicable.
(i) Labor Code Compliance. Developers shall carry out, and shall use their best efforts to ensure that their contractors and subcontractors carry out, the design, installation, construction and completion of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement in conformity with all applicable State of California Labor Code requirements; the City zoning and development standards; building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes; all other provisions of the City of Menlo Park Municipal Code; and all applicable disabled and handicapped access requirements, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C.
Section 12101, et seq., Government Code Section 4450, et seq., Government Code Section 11135, et seq., and the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Civil Code Section 51, et seq.
Developers acknowledge and agree that the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement constitute “public works” as defined in Labor Code section 1720. Developers shall be required to comply with prevailing wage requirements in connection with the design and construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement to the extent required by applicable State of California Labor Code requirements.
Developers shall require the general contractor(s) for the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement to post on the Property prevailing wage rates for all applicable trades and to submit certified copies of payroll records to Developers to ensure compliance with State of California Labor Code requirements pertaining to public works.
Developers shall provide such payroll records to City within ten (10) days following City’s request therefor. Developers shall also include in their Construction Contract a provision obligating Developers’ contractor to require their contractors and/or subcontractors to comply with public works prevailing wage requirements.
Developers shall defend, with counsel reasonably acceptable to City, indemnify and hold harmless City and Bay Cities Joint Powers Insurance Authority and their respective officials, officers, employees, agents and representatives (“Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, orders, claims, damages, governmental fines or penalties, and actual expenses of defense with respect thereto, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs (“Claims”) arising out of Developers’ failure to comply with State of California Labor Code requirements pertaining to the design and construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement. Further, Developers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnitees with respect to all final judgments or settlements in actions brought by any “contractor” in which City is (i) determined to be an “awarding body” and (ii) damages are awarded, pursuant to Labor Code sections 1726 or 1781. Developers’ defense, indemnity and hold harmless obligations under this section shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.
Developers hereby waive, releases and discharges forever the Indemnitees from any and all present and future Claims arising out of or in any way connected with Developers’ obligation to comply with all State of California Labor Code requirements pertaining to the design, Page G-3.10
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installation, construction and completion of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement.
This release applies to all potential future claims and Developers, on behalf of themselves and their agents, representatives, assigns, heirs, spouses, successors-in-interest, executors, administrators, employees, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and vendors (“Releasors”), agree to waive any and all rights pursuant to Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which reads as follows:
“A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.”
Developers shall include within each of their contracts, subcontracts, and within any other agreements with Releasors involved in the Work, a release in favor of the Indemnitees substantially identical to this Section 2 (i).
3. Improvement Security.
(a) Security: Residential Improvement Plans. Concurrent with the delivery of the documentation set forth in Exhibit D in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(h)(i), MF Owner shall furnish and deliver to the Director bonds, in favor of the City, substantially in the form attached as Exhibits G-1 and G-2 and approved by the City Attorney, from an issuer approved by the Director, securing the completion of the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans, and payment for all labor, materials, equipment, and services required for the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans, including any monuments as determined to be necessary by the Director or City Engineer, as follows:
(i) Performance bonds, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G1 ,and approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of the Multifamily Engineer's Estimate to secure the satisfactory performance of MF Owner’s obligation to complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans; further, as provided therein, upon Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans by City pursuant to Section 6 (b), the performance bond shall convert to a warranty bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the Multifamily Engineer’s Estimate for a period of one (1) year to secure the Warranty Period provided in Section 8(a) below; and (ii) Payment bonds, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G-2, and approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of the Multifamily Engineer's Estimate to guarantee payment for the labor, materials, equipment, and services required for the installation, construction and completion of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans. (b) Security: Transportation Improvement Plans. Concurrent with the delivery of the documentation set forth in Exhibit D in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(h)(i), MF Owner shall furnish and deliver to the Director bonds, in favor of the City, in the form attached as Exhibits G-1 and G-2 and approved by the City Attorney, from an issuer approved by the Page G-3.11
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Director, securing the completion of the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans, and payment for all labor, materials, equipment, and services required for the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans, including any monuments as determined to be necessary by the Director or City Engineer, as follows:
(i) Performance bonds, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G1 and approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of the Transportation Engineer's Estimate for the installation, construction and completion of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans, to secure the satisfactory performance of MF Owner’s obligation to complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans; further, as provided therein, upon Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans by City pursuant to Section 6 (b), the performance bond shall convert to a warranty bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the Transportation Engineer’s Estimate for a period of one (1) year to secure the Warranty Period provided in Section 8(a) below; and
(ii) Payment bonds, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G-2, and approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of the Transportation Engineer's Estimate to guarantee payment for the labor, materials, equipment, and services required for the installation, construction and completion of the improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans.
(c) Security: Office Improvement Plans. Concurrent with the delivery of the documentation set forth in Exhibit D in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(h)(ii), Office Owner shall furnish and deliver to the Director bonds, in favor of the City, substantially in the form attached as Exhibits G-1 and G-2 and approved by the City Attorney, from an issuer approved by the Director, securing the completion of the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans, and payment for all labor, materials, equipment, and services required for the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans, including any monuments as determined to be necessary by the Director or City Engineer, as follows:
(i) Performance bonds, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G1 and approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of the Office Engineer's Estimate for the installation, construction and completion of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans, to secure the satisfactory performance of Office Owner’s obligation to complete the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans; further, as provided therein, upon Acceptance of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans by City pursuant to Section 6 (b), the performance bond shall convert to a warranty bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the Office Engineer’s Estimate for a period of one (1) year to secure the Warranty Period provided in Section 8(a) below; and (ii) Payment bonds, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G-2, and approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of Office Engineer's Estimate, to guarantee payment for the labor, materials, equipment, and services required for the installation, construction and completion of the improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans.
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(d) Use of Security. Any security provided under Section 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c) shall be referred to collectively as the “Security”. If the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans, Office Improvement Plans or Transportation Improvement Plans are not completed within the time periods specified in Section 2 (c), 2 (e), or 2 (f), respectively, and such period is not extended by the City or as otherwise provided under this Agreement, or Developers have not satisfactorily corrected all deficiencies during the Warranty Period (as defined below), the Security may, as determined by the Director, be used by the City for completion of the installation and construction of the improvements set forth in and in accordance with the Residential Improvement Plans, Office Improvement Plans or Transportation Improvement Plans and for the correction of any such deficiencies.
4. Construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement.
(a) Permits and Fees. Developers shall not perform any work on the Off-Site Improvements or Chrysler/Independence Improvement until all required permits have been obtained for the portion of work involved, all applicable fees, including but not limited to, encroachment permit, building permit, plan check, inspection and testing fees, have been paid to City. In addition, no work shall commence until the Developers have submitted to the City and City has approved all required items described in Section 2 (h), as applicable, and any additional requirements of and authorizations specified in the Code, Conditions of Approval, and this Agreement, unless the Director, in his or her discretion, has granted a written waiver or deferral for one or more of these materials.
Developers acknowledge that City may inspect the construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement and agree to pay costs incurred by City for these inspection services. Costs of inspection services include, but are not limited to, checking of maps and plans, field checking, inspection and testing conducted by City staff and/or agents or consultants contracted by City to perform such services. City staff, agents and consultants shall at all times during construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement have access to the work.
(b) Extensions. The Developers may request an extension of the time period specified in Sections 2 (c), 2 (e), or 2 (f) for completion of the installation and construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement by written request to the Director. A request shall include satisfactory evidence, as determined by the Director, to justify the extension, and shall be made upon the Director’s determination that Developers cannot reasonably meet the deadline in the time remaining for completion. The Director may request additional information, and shall in good faith attempt to determine within thirty (30) days of the request whether to grant an extension of time. The Director’s failure to respond within the time specified shall, however, not constitute either a grant or denial of the requested extension. The Director shall not unreasonably withhold a request for an extension. The Director may reasonably condition an extension subject to the terms of this Agreement and the conditions provided in the Code, including execution of an extension agreement and the extension of any security. No extension approved hereunder shall limit or relieve a surety’s liability, or provide an extension on any future obligation under this Agreement.
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(c) Revisions to Plans and Specifications. Requests by the Developers for revisions, modifications, or amendments to the approved Residential Improvement Plans, Office Improvement Plans or Transportation Improvement Plans (each a “Plan Revision”) shall be submitted in writing to the Director (with a copy to the Director’s designee). Developers shall not commence construction of any proposed Plan Revision without approval by Public Works and until revised plans have been received and approved by the Director (or the Director’s designee) in writing.
(i) Any documentation required for a Plan Revision shall be processed with reasonable promptness, and approval of the Plan Revision shall not be deemed final until the amendment or other documentation has been completed.
(ii) Any Plan Revision request shall be accompanied by (A) a statement explaining the need for or purpose of the proposed revision, and (B) drawings and specifications and other related documents showing the proposed Plan Revision in reasonable detail, consistent with the original Plans and Specifications.
5. Release of Security. The Security, or any portions thereof, not required to secure completion of Developers’ obligation for construction or installation of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement to satisfy claims by contractors, subcontractors, and/or persons furnishing materials or equipment, or for setting monuments, shall be released to the Developers, or their successors in interest, or reduced, pursuant to the procedures below as appropriate:
(a) Warranty Bond. Upon the Acceptance of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement in accordance with Section 6 (a), the Security shall be reduced as to that portion of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement in accordance with Section 3 (a)(i), 3 (b)(i) and 3 (c)(i). As to that portion of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, the Security remaining following such reduction is referred to herein as the “Remaining Security,” which term shall also refer to all Security remaining after any release under this Subsection following the Director’s issuance of a Notice of Completion for the final portion of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement.
(b) Partial Release of Security. Notwithstanding the release provisions in Section 5 (a) and except as provided in Section 5 (c), the Security as required by Section 3 may be reduced in conjunction with completion of any portion of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement to the satisfaction of the Director in compliance with Section 6(a) to an amount determined by the Director that equals the actual cost of the completed portion of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement. Prior to the date that the conditions set forth in Section 5(c) are satisfied, in no event, however, shall the amount of the Security be reduced below the greater of (i) the amount required to guarantee the completion of the remaining portion of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement and any other obligation imposed by the Subdivision Map Act, if applicable, the Code, Conditions of Approval or this Agreement; or (ii) the warranty bond totaling ten percent (10%) of the original bond amount.
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(c) Release of Remaining Security. Remaining Security shall be released when all of the following have occurred:
(i) One (1) year following the date of Acceptance (as defined below) of (or, as appropriate, a Certificate of Conformity) regarding the relevant portion of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, or, with respect to any specific claim of defects or deficiency in Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement (excepting therefrom normal wear and tear) after such has been Accepted, one (1) year following the date that any such defect or deficiency which the Director identified in the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement in accordance with Section 6 (a) has been corrected or waived in writing by the Director; and (ii) The City Clerk (or the Clerk’s designee) certifies that no claims by any contractor, subcontractor or person furnishing labor, materials or equipment for the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement have been filed with the City, or all such claims have been satisfied, withdrawn, or otherwise secured by bond or other security provided by Developers and approved by the Director (or the Director’s designee).
6. Completion and Acceptance.
(a) Director’s Inspection. No sooner than ninety (90) days prior to the date that Developers intend for the Director to issue a Notice of Completion, Developers shall make a written request to the Director of the Developers’ intent to initiate the Notice of Completion process (“Letter of Intent to Request Notice of Completion”). Upon written request from the Developers for a “Notice of Completion”, accompanied with any and all materials that are required under Section 2 (h)(iii) [Other Required Documentation] related to the Notice of Completion and any other materials that the Director deferred in writing pursuant to Section 2 (h)(i) or 2 (h)(ii), other than those materials that the Director has deferred until Acceptance, the Director shall initiate the inspection. If the Developers fails to submit a Letter of Intent to Request Notice of Completion, the Director need not consider the Developers’ request for the Director’s issuance of a Notice of Completion until such a Letter of Intent to Request Notice of Completion is submitted to the Director and ninety (90) days have passed from the submission of the Letter; provided, however, that the Director, in his or her discretion, may agree in writing to a period of less than ninety (90) days from receipt of the Letter to consider issuance of a Notice of Completion.
If the Director determines that the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement have not been completed or does not satisfy the above requirements, Director shall notify Developers of such determination together with a statement setting forth with particularity the basis for that determination. If the Director determines that the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement has been completed and meets the above requirements, the Director shall issue the Notice of Completion. For the sake of clarity, the Developers may submit separate requests for Notices of Completion for the improvements set forth in the Residential Improvement Plans, improvements set forth in the Transportation Improvement Plans and improvements set forth in the Office Improvement Plans. Requests to further separate Notices of Completion for separate scopes of work shall be subject to the Director’s approval.
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(b) Acceptance. “Acceptance” by the City of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, or portion thereof, for public use and maintenance shall be deemed to have occurred when:
(i) The Director has issued a Notice of Completion for the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, or portion thereof, in accordance with Section 6 (a);
(ii) The Developers submit a written request to the Director to accept the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement. Such submission shall include all materials required by Section 2 (h)(iv) and all materials for which the Director authorized deferral under Sections 2 (h)(i), 2 (h)(ii) and 2 (h)(iii); and (iii) The Director, in writing, accepts the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, or portion thereof, for public use and maintenance in accordance with the Code and Developers’ warranty obligations under Section 8(a) of this Agreement.
(c) Offers of Dedication. The Public Works Directorshall accept, conditionally accept, or reject for public right-of-way and utility purposes the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement (or a portion of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement) in accordance with Subsection 6 (b).
7. Developers’ Maintenance Responsibility.
(a) General Maintenance and Liability Prior to Acceptance. Prior to Acceptance, Developers shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement and shall bear the liability regarding the same consistent with the Code.
(b) Maintenance and Liability Following Acceptance. Following Acceptance of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement and subject to Section 8 (a), the City shall assume the responsibility of operating and maintaining and shall be liable for such Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to mean that Developers are responsible (or that City shall have right to call upon the Security) for the repair, replacement, restoration, or maintenance of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement damaged by the actions of third parties following Acceptance by the City or by ordinary wear and tear or harm or damage from improper maintenance or operation of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement by the City, or any agent or agency of either. Furthermore, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to mean that Developers do not retain responsibility for maintenance and repair of “sidewalks” and “walkways”, as defined in California Streets and Highways Code §5600 and Menlo Park Municipal Code §13.08.010, respectively, constructed as part of the Off-Site Improvements, pursuant to California Streets and Highways Code §5600 et seq. and Chapter 13.08 of Title 13 of the Code, as said provisions may be amended from time to time.
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(c) Protection of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement. Developers may, but shall not be obligated to, allow access by the public to portions of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement that have been constructed but not Accepted. In order to protect the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement from damage and to minimize Developers’ exposure to liability until such time as the applicable Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, or portion thereof, is Accepted, Developers may erect a construction fence or other physical barrier around areas under construction, to be constructed in the future, or constructed but not Accepted, provided that Developers have procured all necessary permits and complied with all applicable laws.
However, no construction fence or other physical barrier may be built or maintained if the Director determines that a construction fence or other physical barrier adversely affects public health or safety by unreasonably restricting the ingress and egress of the public to and from a public right of way. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if there exists an alternative means of ingress and egress other than the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement, then the Director may not determine that the construction fence or other physical barrier constitutes an unreasonable restriction of ingress and egress of the public to and from a public right of way.
8. Warranty and Indemnity.
(a) Warranty. Acceptance of Off-Site Improvements and
Chrysler/Independence Improvement by the City shall not constitute a waiver of any defects.
Separate and apart from any warranty provided at law, Developers covenant that all Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement constructed or installed by Developers shall be free from defects in material or workmanship and shall perform satisfactorily for a period (a “Warranty Period”) of one (1) year for all portions of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement. Such Warranty Period shall begin upon the Acceptance of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement (or portion thereof), except that the Warranty Period for plant materials and trees planted as part of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement shall not commence until the plant establishment period set in accordance with the Residential Improvement Plans, Office Improvement Plans and Transportation Improvement Plans has satisfactorily passed. During the Warranty Period, Developers shall, as necessary, and upon receipt of a request in writing from the Director that defective work be corrected, inspect, correct, repair or replace any defects in the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement (excepting therefrom normal wear and tear) at their own expense. Should Developers fail to act with reasonable promptness to make such inspection, correction, repair or replacement, or should an emergency require that inspection, correction, repair or replacement be made before Developers can be notified (or prior to Developers’ ability to respond after notice), the City may, at their option, upon notice to Developers, make the necessary inspection, correction, repair or replacement or otherwise perform the necessary work and Developers shall reimburse the City for the actual cost thereof. During the Warranty Period, the City shall hold the Developers’ Security, reduced as described in Section 5, to secure performance of Developers’ foregoing warranty obligations. Developers’ responsibility during the Warranty Period shall include repairing defects and defective material or workmanship, but not ordinary wear and tear or harm or damage from improper maintenance or operation of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement by the City, or any agent or agency of either.
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(b) Indemnification of City. Developers, their successors and assigns, shall defend and indemnify the Indemnitees from and against any and all loss, cost, damage, injury, liability, and claims (“Losses”) to the extent arising from Developers’ breach of or negligent performance (or nonperformance) of this Agreement, except to the extent that such indemnity is void or otherwise unenforceable under applicable law, and except to the extent such Loss is the result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of City, and further provided that any demand for indemnification hereunder with respect to negligent or defective construction must be brought, if at all, within one (1) year after expiration of the Warranty Period applicable to the Off-Site Improvements, or portion therefore. The foregoing indemnity shall include, without limitation, reasonable fees of attorneys, consultants and experts and related costs, and the City’s cost of investigating any claims against the City.
(c) Limitation on City Liability. The City shall not be an insurer or surety for the design or construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement pursuant to the approved Residential Improvement Plans, Office Improvement Plans and Transportation Improvement Plans, nor shall any officer or employee thereof be liable or responsible for any accident, loss, or damage happening or occurring during the construction of the Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement as specified in this Agreement, except as may arise due to the gross negligence or willful acts or omissions of the City.
9. Insurance. Prior to performing any Work pursuant to this Agreement, Developers shall, at their sole cost and expense, procure and maintain in effect, or cause to be procured and maintained in effect by contractor performing said Work, insurance coverage for general liability, automobile liability, workers compensation, pollution liability and Builder’s Risk against claims which may arise out of or result from the design, installation, construction and completion of the Off-Site Improvements by Developers, their agents, employees and contractors. Concurrent with the delivery of the documentation set forth in Exhibit D in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(h)(i) and 2 (h)(ii), Developers shall deliver to City one or more certificates of coverage, with the appropriate endorsements outlined below. The insurance policies shall be provided by a financially responsible insurance company authorized to write business in the State of California and have, at all times, a Best’s rating of “A- VII” (A minus VII) or better by AM Best & Company, and with coverage and policy limits as follows:
(i) The general liability insurance coverage shall have a per occurrence limit of two million and 00/100 dollars ($2,000,000.00) and an aggregate limit of at least five million and 00/100 dollars ($5,000,000.00), and shall be endorsed to (a) include the Indemnitees as additional covered parties providing all required coverages including coverages for both ongoing and completed operations, (b) stipulate that such coverage is primary and is not excess of, or contributing with, any other insurance carried by, or for the benefit of the Indemnitees, (c) apply separately to each insured and additional insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability, (d) waive any and all right of subrogation against the Indemnitees, and (e) contain a cross liability/severability endorsement (unless the base policy contains a separation of insureds clause accomplishing the same result); (ii) The auto liability insurance coverage shall cover all owned, hired and non-owned vehicles utilized in connection with the construction of the Off-Site Improvements with a per Page G-3.18
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occurrence limit of two million and 00/100 dollars ($2,000,000.00) and an aggregate limit of not less than five million and 00/100 dollars ($5,000,000.00), and shall be endorsed to (a) include the Indemnitees as additional covered parties, (b) stipulate that such coverage is primary and is not excess of, or contributing with, any other insurance carried by, or for the benefit of the Indemnitees, (c) apply separately to each insured and additional covered parties against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability, (d) waive any and all right of subrogation against the Indemnitees, and (e) contain a cross liability/severability endorsement (unless the base policy contains a separation of insureds clause accomplishing the same result); (iii) Worker’s Compensation insurance as required by the State of California which shall be endorsed to waive any and all rights of subrogation against the Indemnitees; further, any and all subcontractors shall maintain insurance coverage limits in accordance with state statute which shall also be endorsed to waive any and all rights of subrogation against the Indemnitees; (iv) Pollution liability coverage shall have coverage limits of not less than $2,000,000 for each claim arising from the discharge, dispersal, release or escape of any irritant or contaminant into or upon land, any structure, the atmosphere, watercourse or body of water, including groundwater; coverage shall include on and off-site clean up and emergency response costs and claims arising from above ground and below ground storage tanks; and (v) Builder’s Risk property insurance (either directly or through Developers’ general contractor) on all buildings, structures, improvements, materials and real property on site, that are intended to be, or have already been incorporated into and forming part of the Work. Such coverage shall be on a builder’s risk “special perils” or equivalent policy form in an amount not less than the Multifamily Engineer's Estimate, the Transportation Engineer's Estimate and Office Engineer’s Estimate, plus the value of subsequent contract modifications and the cost of the materials supplied or installed by others, comprising the total value of the Work on a replacement cost basis, with a deductible not to exceed $100,000.00. Such property insurance shall be maintained for the Work, unless otherwise agreed in writing by City. This insurance shall include the interests of City and the other Indemnitees, Developers, Developers’ contractor and subcontractors on the Work. City shall further have the right to review and reasonably approve the form of Builder’s Risk policy.
10. Miscellaneous.
(a) Relationship Between the Parties; Authority; Binding Effect. In performing their obligations under this Agreement, the Developers are an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the City. This Agreement does not create any partnership or agency between the Parties, each of which is, and at all times shall remain, solely responsible for all acts of its officials, employees, agents, contractors and any subcontractors, including any negligent acts or omissions. No Party is an agent of the other, and has no authority to act on behalf of or to bind the other Party to any obligation whatsoever. Each Party executing this Agreement on behalf of a Party represents and warrants that such person is duly and validly authorized to do so on behalf of the entity it purports to bind. Each of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement shall extend to and be binding on and shall inure to the benefit the Parties and each of their respective successors and assigns and all those taking by, under or through it or them.
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(b) Venue; Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any action is brought by either Party hereto as against the other Party for the enforcement or declaration of any right or remedy in or under this Agreement or for the breach of any covenant or condition of this Agreement, venue for any such proceeding shall be in the Superior Court of the County of San Mateo, State of California. Should any party hereto institute any action or proceeding in court or other dispute resolution mechanism (“DRM”) to enforce any provision hereof by reason of an alleged breach of any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive from the losing party, court or DRM costs or expenses incurred by the prevailing party including, without limitation, expert witness fees, document copying expenses, exhibit preparation costs, carrier expenses and postage and communication expenses, and such amount as the court or DRM may adjudge to be reasonable attorneys’ fees for the services rendered the prevailing party in such action or proceeding. Attorneys’ fees under this Section 10 (b) include attorneys’ fees on any appeal, and, in addition, a party entitled to attorneys’ fees shall be entitled to all other reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with such action. (c) Notices.
(i) A notice or communication under this Agreement by either Party to the other (or by or to the Director) shall be sufficiently given or delivered if dispatched by hand or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or via electronic mail, addressed as follows:
In the case of a notice or communication to the Public Works Director:
City of Menlo Park
701 Laurel Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025-3483
Attn: Nicole H. Nagaya, Public Works Director
Reference: Menlo Portal
Email: [email protected]
With copies to:
Office of the City Attorney
c/o Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
181 Third Street, Suite 200
San Rafael, CA 94901-6587
Attn: Nira Doherty, City Attorney
Reference: Menlo Portal
Email: [email protected]
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And in the case of a notice or communication to the Developer:
GS MP Portal Owner, LLC
450 Sansome Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94111
Attn: Chad Zakskorn
Email: Chad Zakskorn <[email protected]>
With copies to:
Chelsea Maclean
Holland & Knight, LLP
50 California Street, Suite 2800
San Francisco, CA 94111
Email: [email protected]
(ii) Any mailing address may be changed at any time by giving written notice of such change in the manner provided above at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of the change. All notices under this Agreement shall be deemed given, received, made or communicated on the date personal receipt actually occurs or, if mailed, on the delivery date or attempted delivery date shown on the return receipt or, if by electronic mail transmission, on the date when sent provided that the sender receives no notice of non-delivery. (d) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the permitted successors and assigns of the Parties hereto, and upon such transfer in accordance with the provisions set forth herein, the Developers shall be released from their obligations hereunder. Any assignment of Developers’ rights and obligations under this Agreement shall be in writing between City, Developers and their assignee, shall clearly identify the scope of the rights and/or obligations assigned and shall be subject to the approval of the Director and City Attorney, including, but not limited to, the requirement that the assignee provides replacement bonds that are consistent with Exhibits G-1 and G-2 in an amount required to secure any remaining obligations as approved by City, the assignee provides proof of adequate insurance in the amount previously provided by Developers and by an insurer with an equal or better credit rating, and the assignee has obtained all rights, title and interest in and to the Property and any other real estate rights reasonably required to satisfy all other conditions required to complete the Work contemplated by this Agreement.
(e) Legal and Equitable Relief. Each Party shall have the right (but not the obligation) to prosecute any proceedings at law or in equity against any other Party, or any other person or entity, violating or attempting to violate or defaulting in the performance of any of the provisions contained in this Agreement in order to prevent such party, person or entity from violating or attempting to violate or defaulting in the performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement or to recover damages for any such violation or default. It is agreed that damages would be an inadequate remedy for violation of this Agreement by any party and, therefore, injunctive or other appropriate equitable relief shall be available to the other party. The remedies Page G-3.21
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available under this Section 10 (e) shall include, by way of illustration but not limitation, ex parte applications for temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions enjoining any such violation or attempted violation or default, and actions for specific performance of this Agreement. The result of every action or omission whereby any covenant, condition or restriction herein contained is violated in whole or in part is hereby declared to be and to constitute a nuisance, and every remedy allowed by law or equity against any party, either public or private, shall be applicable against every such result and may be exercised by any party. (f) Waiver. Failure by a Party to insist upon the strict performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement by another Party, or the failure by a Party to exercise its rights upon the default of another Party, shall not constitute a waiver of such Party’s right to insist upon and demand strict compliance by the other Party with the terms of this Agreement thereafter. (g) Parties in Interest. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or to give to any person or entity other than the City and the Developers, any rights, remedies or claims under or by reason of this Agreement or any covenants, conditions or stipulations hereof; and all covenants, conditions, promises, and agreements in this Agreement contained by or on behalf of the City, or the Developers shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the named Parties.
(h) Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, from time to time, by written supplement or amendment hereto and executed by the City and the Developers. The Director of Public Works, with the consent and approval of the City Attorney, is authorized to execute on behalf of the City any amendment that the Director determines is in the City’s best interests and does not materially increase the City’s obligations or materially diminish the City’s rights under this Agreement. The foregoing notwithstanding, nothing herein shall preclude the Director from seeking and securing approval or concurrence of any amendment by the City Council.
(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
(j) Interpretation of Agreement. The recitals above and exhibits attached hereto are incorporated herein by reference and comprise part of this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and no prior oral or written understanding shall be of any force or effect with respect to the matters covered herein. The titles to the sections of this Agreement are not a part of this Agreement and shall have no effect upon the construction or interpretation of any part of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, masculine, feminine or neuter gender and the singular or plural number shall each be deemed to include the others where and when the context so dictates. The word “including” shall be construed as if followed by the words “without limitation.” This Agreement shall be interpreted as though prepared jointly by both Parties. The laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws principles, shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be interpreted as though jointly prepared by both Parties. (k) Severability. If any term, provision, condition or covenant of this Agreement or its application to any party or circumstances shall be held, to any extent, invalid or Page G-3.22
20 OAK #4889-8815-6438 v10
unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of the term, provision, condition or covenant to persons or circumstances other than those as to whom or which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected, and shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
(l) Recording Agreement. This Agreement shall be recorded against the title of the Property.
(m) Purpose and Effect of Recording. This Agreement shall be recorded for the purpose of providing constructive notice to any future owner of the Property of Developers’ obligations and responsibilities under this Agreement.
(n) Notice of Termination. At the time all the obligations and requirements specified in this Agreement are fully satisfied as determined by the Director of Public Works in consultation with affected City departments, the Parties shall execute and record (if applicable) a Notice of Termination.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City, and MF Owner and Office Owner have executed this Agreement in one or more copies as of the day and year first above written. [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
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MF Owner:
GS MP Portal Owner, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company By: GS Menlo Portal Venture, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its Sole Member By: GS MP Portal Manager, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its Manager By:
Name:
Its:
Office Owner:
GS MP Portal Office Owner, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company By: GS Menlo Portal Venture, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its Sole Member By: GS MP Portal Manager, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its Manager By:
Name:
Its:
CITY:
CITY OF MENLO PARK,
a municipal corporation
By: __________________________
Its: __________________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney
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LIST OF EXHIBITS
− Exhibit A-1- Legal Description of Multifamily Property − Exhibit A-2 - Legal Description of Office Property
− Exhibit B - List of Off-Site Improvements
− Exhibit C - List of Transportation Improvements
− Exhibit D - Documents Required by City Pursuant to Section 2 (h)(i) and 2 (h)(ii) − Exhibit E - Documents Required by City Pursuant to Section 2 (h)(iii) to Request Notice of Completion
− Exhibit F - Documents Required by City Pursuant to Section 2 (h)(iv) to Request Acceptance by Public Works Director
− Exhibit G-1 - Performance Bond
− Exhibit G-2 - Payment Bond
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EXHIBIT A-1
Legal Description of Multifamily Property
All that real property situate in the City of Menlo Park, County of San Mateo, California, described as follows:
Being all of “MERGED PARCEL” as shown on that certain Lot Merger filed for record on December 17, 2021, as Document Number “2021-172942”, Official Records of San Mateo County, being more particularly described as follows; COMMENCING at the centerline monument located at the westerly terminus of the centerline of Constitution Drive as shown on said Map;
Thence along said centerline South 74°00’00” East, 192.31 feet; Thence at a right angle South 16°00’00” West, 30.00 feet to the southerly right-of-way line of said Constitution Drive, and the POINT OF BEGINNING of this description; Thence from said Point of Beginning, along said southerly right-of-way line, South 74°00’00” East, 277.23 feet to the most easterly corner of said Adjusted Parcel B; Thence leaving said southerly right-of-way line, along the southeasterly line of said Adjusted Parcel B, South 22°35'00" West, 240.45 feet to the most southerly corner of said Adjusted Parcel B, said corner also being on the northeasterly line of Parcel B, as said parcel is shown on said Record of Survey;
Thence along said northeasterly line, North 67°25’00” West, 17.00 feet to the most easterly corner of said Parcel A;
Thence along the southeasterly, southwesterly, and northwesterly lines of said Parcel A, the following three (3) courses:
1. South 22°35'00" West, 223.44 feet to the most southerly corner of said Parcel A, and the northeasterly right-of-way line of Independence Drive, and the beginning of a non-tangent curve to the left, whose radius point bears South 27°52'44" West;
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2. Northwesterly along said northeasterly right-of-way line, along said curve having a radius of 10,482.50 feet, through a central angle of 1°00'14", for an arc length of 183.64 feet to the most westerly corner of said Parcel A;
3. Leaving said northeasterly right-of-way line, North 22°35'00" East, 208.09 feet to the most northerly corner of said Parcel A, said corner also being the most easterly corner of said Adjusted Parcel B;
Thence along the southwesterly line of said Adjusted Parcel B, North 67°25'00" West,
75.40 feet;
Thence leaving said southwesterly, North 22°35'00" East, 208.66 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
Containing 101,279 square feet or 2.33 acres, more or less.
END OF DESCRIPTION
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EXHIBIT A-2
Legal Description of Office Property
All that real property situate in the City of Menlo Park, County of San Mateo, California, described as follows:
Being all of “ADJUSTED PARCEL A” as shown on that certain Lot Line Adjustment filed for record on December 16, 2021, as Document Number “2021-172539”, Official Records of San Mateo County, being more particularly described as follows; COMMENCING at the centerline monument located at the westerly terminus of the centerline of Constitution Drive as shown on said Map;
Thence along said centerline South 74°00’00” East, 192.31 feet; Thence at a right angle South 16°00’00” West, 30.00 feet to the southerly right-of-way line of said Constitution Drive, and the POINT OF BEGINNING of this description; Thence South 22°35'00" West, 208.66 feet to the southwesterly line of said Lot 7; Thence along said southwesterly line, North 67°25'00" West, 178.13 feet to the most westerly corner of said Lot 7, said corner being on the easterly right-of-way line of Independence Drive, and also being the beginning of a non-tangent curve to the right, whose radius point bears South 85°56'43" East;
Thence along the westerly and northerly lines of said Lot 7 the following four (4) courses:
1. Northerly along said easterly right-of-way line, along said curve having a radius of 368.02 feet, through a central angle of 20°11'17", for an arc length of 129.67 feet;
2. North 24°14'34" East, 41.22 feet to the southerly right-of-way line of Constitution Drive and the beginning of a tangent curve to the right;
3. Along said southerly right-of-way line, along said curve having a radius of 20.00 feet, through a central angle of 81°45'26", for an arc length of 28.54 feet; Page G-3.28
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4. South 74°00'00" East, 179.34 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
Containing 38,048 square feet or 0.87 acres, more or less.
This legal description was prepared by me or under my direction in conformance with the requirements of the Professional Land Surveyors’ Act.
END OF DESCRIPTION
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EXHIBIT B
List of Off-Site Improvements
Off-Site Improvements for Residential Component:
• Portion of Water Main Relocation on Constitution (Along MF Frontage) • Portion of Gas Main Relocation on Constitution Drive (Along MF Frontage) • Portion of Gas Main Relocation on Independence Drive (Along MF Frontage) • Sewer Main Line Extension on Constitution
• Sewer Main Connection to 54” Sewer Trunk Line on Independence Parcel Adjacent Improvements
• Asphalt Paving Improvements
• Concrete Improvements
• Sanitary Sewer
• Storm Drain
• Landscape and Irrigation
• Water
• Dry Utility
• Demolition
• Green Infrastructure
Off-Site Improvements for Office Component:
• Portion of Water Main Relocation on Constitution (Along Office Frontage) • Portion of Gas Main Relocation on Constitution Drive (Along Office Frontage) Parcel Adjacent Improvements
• Asphalt Paving Improvements
• Concrete Improvements
• Sanitary Sewer
• Storm Drain
• Landscape and Irrigation
• Water
• Dry Utility
• Demolition
• Green Infrastructure
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EXHIBIT C
List of Transportation Improvements
Transportation Improvements:
Transportation Improvements Requiring Plans and Specifications for Construction:
Condition of Approval 2.ss.iii. (Chrysler and Independence) - Under the Near Term Scenario, the proposed improvement for the intersection of Chrysler Drive and Independence Drive is to install stop signs and necessary striping and pavement markings on Chrysler Drive.
This improvement is not included in the City’s TIF program. Simultaneous with the submittal of a complete building permit application for the Project, the applicant shall submit complete plans for this improvement. Complete plans shall include all necessary requirements to construct the improvements, including but not limited to striping modifications and a detailed cost estimate.
The plans are subject to review by the City. Upon obtaining approval from the Director of Public Works or designee, the applicant shall construct the improvements prior to the granting of occupancy; further, the applicant and Director of Public Works shall identify in writing the final cost incurred by applicant to design and construct the improvement and the amount thereof in excess of applicant’s proportional fair share obligation (the “Reimbursement Amount”). Any project(s) approved within 10 years of the approval date of the Project which are required to implement the same intersection improvement shall reimburse to the applicant an amount equal to said projects’ proportional fair share of the Reimbursement Amount as determined by the City.
Transportation Improvements Requiring Conceptual Plans and Cost Estimates for Fees:
Condition of Approval 2.ss.i. (Chrysler and Bayfront) - Under the cumulative scenario, the proposed intersection improvements at the intersection of Chrysler Drive and Bayfront Expressway is to convert the existing right turn lane on Chrysler Drive to shared left/right-turn lane resulting in having two left-turn lanes and one shared left/right-turn lane in this direction.
Simultaneous with the building permit submittal for the Residential Component of the Project, the applicant shall submit conceptual plans and a cost estimate (including design and construction engineering) for these improvements to the City for approval. This improvement is not included in the City’s TIF program and is also subject to approval by Caltrans. The fair share contribution for the intersection improvements, calculated as 2.72% of the cost estimate, shall be paid prior to the issuance of the first building permit for the Project; construction of the improvement is not required. In the event that another development project submits conceptual plans and a construction cost estimate prior to submittal of a building permit application, payment of the project’s fair share contribution shall be sufficient to satisfy this condition of approval. If these funds are not used within a 5-year period, they will be returned to the applicant.
Condition of Approval 2.ss.ii. (Chrysler and Jefferson) - Under the cumulative scenario, the proposed intersection modification at the intersection of Chrysler Drive and Jefferson Drive is to (i) install a traffic signal and (ii) convert the shared left/right lane to one left-turn lane and one right-turn lane on northbound Jefferson Drive. The installation of a traffic signal is consistent with Page G-3.31
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the City’s Transportation Master Plan, which identifies traffic signal installation as a future improvement at the intersection of Chrysler Drive and Jefferson Drive. This improvement was studied and is included in the City’s TIF program. The TIF payment will fulfill the requirement for improvement number (i). To fulfill the intersection improvement number (ii), the applicant shall provide a conceptual plan of the improvement and a cost estimate (including design and construction engineering) for approval by the City. The fair share contribution for the intersection improvement, calculated to be 7.45% of the cost estimate prepared to comply with this condition, shall be paid prior to issuance of the first building permit for the Project; construction of the improvement is not required. In the event that another development project submits conceptual plans and a construction cost estimate prior to submittal of a building permit application, payment of the project’s fair share contribution shall be sufficient to satisfy this condition of approval. If these funds are not used within a 5-year period, they will be returned to the applicant.
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EXHIBIT D
Documentation Required by City Pursuant to Sections 2 (h)(i) and 2 (h)(ii) Residential Component Requirements Pursuant to Section 2 (h)(i)
1. Approved Residential Improvement Plans and Transportation Improvement Plans
2. Offer of dedication of Off-Site Improvements for the Residential Component from Developer to City upon Acceptance of Off-Site Improvements
3. Offer of dedication of Chrysler/Independence Improvement for the Project from Developer to City upon Acceptance of Chrysler/Independence Improvement
4. Offer of dedication of real property interests, if any, from Developer to City upon Acceptance of Off-Site Improvements and Chrysler/Independence Improvement
5. Deeds/public easement agreements, if necessary
6. Insurance Certificates
7. Multifamily Engineer’s Estimate
8. Payment and Performance/Warranty Bonds in amount of Multifamily Engineer’s Estimate and Transportation Engineer’s Estimate, if required
9. Encroachment Permits for work in public right of way.
Office Component Requirements Pursuant to Section 2 (h)(ii)
1. Approved Office Improvement Plans
2. Offer of dedication of Off-Site Improvements for the Office Component from Developer to City upon Acceptance of Off-Site Improvements
3. Offer of dedication of real property interests, if any, from Developer to City upon Acceptance of Off-Site Improvements
4. Deeds/public easement agreements, if necessary
5. Insurance Certificates
6. Office Engineer’s Estimate
7. Payment and Performance/Warranty Bonds in amount of Office Engineer’s Estimate
8. Encroachment Permits for work in public right of way.
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EXHIBIT E
Documentation Required by City Pursuant to Section 2 (h)(iii) to Request Notice of Completion
1. Developer Request Letter for Determination of Completeness (“DOC”)
2. Contractor Substantial Completion Letter
3. Civil Engineer Completion Notice
4. Geotechnical Engineer Completion Letter
5. Landscape Architect Completion Notice
6. City Final Punch-list Approval
7. Utility Conformance Letter (as applicable)
8. As-Built Plan Approval
9. Recorded Notice of Completion
10. Survey Monuments
11. Test Reports
12. Joint Trench Conduits mandrel test (as applicable)
13. Confirmation of Removal of all Non-Compliance Reports (“NCR”)
14. Confirmation of all Change Orders/Instructional Bulletins
15. Confirmation from City that Spare Parts have been provided (as applicable)
16. Operation and Maintenance Manuals (as applicable)
17. DOC Recommendation from Public Works
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EXHIBIT F
Documentation Required by City Pursuant to Section 2 (h)(iv) to Request Acceptance by Public Works Director
1. Developer Request for Acceptance Letter
2. Lien Notification to General Contractor and Subs
3. Utility Bill of Sale (as applicable)
4. 3rd Party Reimbursement Checks-Copies
5. Assignment of Warranties and Guaranties
6. License Agreements (as applicable)
7. Mechanic's Lien Guarantee
8. Modified Offers of Off-Site Improvements (as applicable)
9. Updated Grant Deeds (as applicable)
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EXHIBIT G-1
Performance/Warranty Bond
(Chapter 5, Division 2, Title 7 of California Government Code) Bond no. _______
WHEREAS, the CITY OF MENLO PARK, a California municipal corporation (“Owner”), has approved the [Residential Improvement Plans OR Office Improvement Plans (insert actual title of plans)], prepared by [Name of Engineering Firm] and dated _________(“Improvement Plans”), which improvements described therein are required to be constructed as set forth in that certain Public Improvement Agreement dated __________, 2022, by and between Owner and GS MP Portal Owner, LLC (“Agreement”); and WHEREAS, [insert name of developer](“Developer”) is required to furnish a bond in connection with the construction of the improvements shown on said Improvement Plans in the amount of the Engineer’s Estimate (as said term is defined in the Agreement) ($____________) (“Penal Sum”) as security for the faithful performance of the work to be performed, which upon completion and acceptance of the constructed improvements by the Owner, converts to a warranty bond equal to ten (10%) of the Engineer’s Estimate ($__________), for the warranty of the accepted improvements for a period of one (1) year; and WHEREAS, this Bond consists of this page and the Bond Terms And Conditions, Paragraphs 1 through 14, attached to this page.
NOW, THEREFORE, we the undersigned Developer and, ______________________, as Surety are held and firmly bound unto the sum of _____________________dollars ($________________________) to be paid to the Owner, for which payment, we bind ourselves, jointly and severally.
[Signature Pages to Follow]
Page G-3.36
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Dated: ____________, 2022
Correspondence or claims relating to this
bond should be sent to the Surety at the
following address:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
DEVELOPER:
By:
Name:
Its:
SURETY:
[insert name of Surety]
By: _____________________________________
Attorney-in-fact
Note: Signature of those executing for the Surety must be properly acknowledged, and a power of attorney attached.
Page G-3.37
OAK #4889-8815-6438 v10
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
State of California, County of San Mateo.
On this _______ day of _________________ in the year 2022 before me, ________________________, personally appeared _____________________________, personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to this instrument as the attorney-in-fact of ______________________________________, and acknowledged to me that he (she) subscribed the name of the said company thereto as surety, and his (her) own name as attorney-in-fact. (SEAL)
_______________________________________________
Notary Public
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BOND TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Developer and Surety, jointly and severally, bind themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns to Owner for the complete and proper performance of the Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. If Developer completely and properly performs all of its obligations under the Agreement, Surety and Developer shall have no obligation under this Bond.
3. If there is no Owner Default, Surety’s obligation under this Bond shall arise after:
3.1 Owner provides Surety with written notice that Owner has declared a default under the Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
4. When Owner has satisfied the conditions of Paragraph 3 above, Surety shall promptly (within forty (40) days) and at Surety’s expense elect to take one of the following actions:
4.1 Arrange for Developer, with consent of Owner, to perform and complete the Agreement (but Owner may withhold consent, in which case the Surety must elect an option described in Paragraphs 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4 below); or
4.2 Undertake to perform and complete the Agreement itself, through its agents or through independent contractors or construction entities; provided, that Surety may not select Developer as its agent or independent contractor or Developer without Owner’s consent; or
4.3 Undertake to perform and complete the Agreement by obtaining bids from qualified contractors or Construction entities acceptable to Owner for a contract for performance and completion of the Agreement and, upon determination by Owner of the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder, arrange for a contract to be prepared for execution by Surety and the contractor or Developer selected with Owner’s concurrence, to be secured with performance and payment bonds executed by a qualified surety equivalent to the bonds issued on the Agreement; or
4.4 Waive its right to perform and complete, arrange for completion, or obtain a new contractor or Developer, and with reasonable promptness under the circumstances and, after investigation and consultation with Owner, determine in good faith its monetary obligation to Owner under Paragraph 6 below, for the performance and completion of the Agreement and, as soon as practicable after the amount is determined, tender payment therefor to Owner with full explanation of the payment’s calculation. If Owner accepts Surety’s tender under this Paragraph 4.4, Owner may still hold Surety liable for future damages then unknown or unliquidated resulting from the Developer’s default, as agreed by Owner and Surety at the time of tender. If Owner disputes the amount of Surety’s tender under this Paragraph 4.4, Owner may exercise all remedies available to it at law to enforce Surety’s liability under Paragraphs 6 and 7 below.
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5. At all times Owner shall be entitled to enforce any remedy available to Owner at law or under the Agreement including, without limitation, and by way of example only, rights to perform work, protect Work, mitigate damages, advance critical Work to mitigate schedule delay, and coordinate Work with other consultants or contractors.
6. If Surety elects to act under Paragraphs 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 above, within the time period provided in Paragraph 4, above, and complies with its obligations under this Bond, Surety’s obligations under this Bond are commensurate with Developer’s obligations under the Agreement. Surety’s obligations include, but are not limited to:
6.1 Developer’s obligations to complete the Agreement and correct Defective Work;
6.2 Developer’s obligations to pay liquidated damages, if applicable; and
6.3 To the extent otherwise required of Developer under the Agreement, Developer’s obligations to pay additional legal, design professional, and other costs not included within liquidated damages resulting from Developer Default (but excluding attorney’s fees incurred to enforce this Bond).
7. If Surety does not elect to act under Paragraphs 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4, above, within the time period provided in Paragraph 4, above, or comply with its obligations under this Bond, then Surety shall be deemed to be in default on this Bond ten Days after receipt of an additional written notice from Owner to Surety demanding that Surety perform its obligations under this Bond. Such Surety default shall be independent of the Developer Default. To the extent Surety’s independent default causes Owner to suffer damages including, but not limited to, delay damages, which are different from, or in addition to (but not duplicative of) damages which Owner is entitled to receive under the Agreement, Surety shall also be liable for such damages. In the event any Surety obligation following its independent default is inconsistent or conflicts with California Civil Code Section 2809, or any other law which either prohibits, restricts, limits or modifies in any way any obligation of a surety which is larger in amount or in any other respect more burdensome than that of the principal, Surety hereby waives the provisions of such laws to that extent.
8. If Surety elects to act under Paragraphs 4.1, 4.3 or 4.4 above, within the time period provided in Paragraph 4, above, and complies with all obligations under this Bond, Surety’s monetary obligation under this Bond is limited to the Penal Sum.
9. No right of action shall accrue on this Bond to any person or entity other than Owner or its successors or assigns.
10. Surety hereby waives notice of any change, alteration or addition to the Agreement or to related subcontracts, design agreements, purchase orders and other obligations, including changes of time, and of any Owner action in accordance with Paragraph 5 above. Surety consents to all terms of the Agreement, including provisions on changes to the Agreement.
No extension of time, change, alteration, modification, deletion, or addition to the Agreement, Plans and Specifications, or of the work (including services) required thereunder, or any Owner action in accordance with Paragraph 5 above shall release or Page G-3.40
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exonerate Surety on this Bond or in any way affect the obligations of Surety on this Bond, unless such action is an Owner Default.
11. Any proceeding, legal or equitable, under this Bond shall be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction where a proceeding is pending between Owner and Developer regarding the Agreement, or in the courts of the County of San Mateo, or in a court of competent jurisdiction in the location in which the work is located.
12. All notices to Surety or Developer shall be mailed or delivered (at the address set forth on the signature page of this Bond), and all notices to Owner shall be mailed or delivered as provided in the Agreement. Actual receipt of notice by Surety, Owner or Developer, however accomplished, shall be sufficient compliance as of the date received at the foregoing addresses.
13. Any provision in this Bond conflicting with any statutory or regulatory requirement shall be deemed deleted here from and provisions conforming to such statutory requirement shall be deemed incorporated herein.
14. Definitions
14.1 Agreement: That certain Public Improvement Agreement dated __________, 2022, by and between Developer and Owner, including any amendments or addenda thereto.
14.2 Developer Default: Material failure of Developer, which has neither been remedied nor waived, to perform or otherwise to comply with the terms of the Agreement.
14.3 Owner Default: Material failure of Owner, which has neither been remedied nor waived, to perform material terms of the Agreement, if such failure is the cause of the asserted Developer Default.
END OF DOCUMENT
Page G-3.41
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EXHIBIT G-2
Payment Bond
(Chapter 5, Title 3, Part 6, Division 4 of California Civil Code or Chapter 5, Division 2, Title 7 of California Government Code)
Bond No. ________________
WHEREAS, the CITY OF MENLO PARK, a California municipal corporation (“Owner”), has approved the [Residential Improvement Plans OR Office Improvement Plans (insert actual title of plans)], prepared by [Name of Engineering Firm] and dated _________, 2022 (“Improvement Plans”), which improvements described therein are required to be constructed as set forth in that certain Public Improvement Agreement dated __________, 2022, by and between Owner and GS MP Portal Owner, LLC(“Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, [insert name of developer] (“Developer”) is required to furnish a Payment Bond in connection with said Agreement, to secure the payment of claims of laborers, mechanics, material men and other persons as provided by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the undersigned Developer and
, as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto Owner in the sum of the Engineer’s Estimate (as defined in the Agreement) ($ ) (“Penal Sum”), for which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH, that if Developer, or its executors, administrators, successors, or assigns approved by Owner, or its subcontractors shall fail to pay any of the persons named in California Civil Code Section 9100, or amounts due under the State of California Unemployment Insurance Code with respect to work or labor performed under the Agreement, or for any amounts required to be deducted, withheld, and paid over to the State of California Employment Development Department from the wages of employees of Developer and subcontractors pursuant to Section 13020 of the State of California Unemployment Insurance Code with respect to such work and labor, that Surety will pay for the same in an amount not exceeding the Penal Sum specified in this bond, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees, otherwise the above obligation shall become and be null and void.
This bond shall inure to the benefit of any of the persons named in California Civil Code Section 9100, as to give a right of action to such persons or their assigns in any suit brought upon this bond. The intent of this bond is to comply with the California Mechanic’s Lien Law.
Surety, for value received, hereby expressly agrees that no extension of time, change, modification, alteration, or addition to the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of the Agreement, or to the work to be performed thereunder, shall in any way affect the obligation of Page G-3.42
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this bond; and it does hereby waive notice of any such extension of time, change, modification, alteration, or addition to the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of the Agreement, or to the work to be performed thereunder.
Surety’s obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of any other surety for the payment of claims of laborers, mechanics, material suppliers, and other persons in connection with the Agreement; and suit may be brought against Surety and such other sureties, jointly and severally, or against any one or more of them, or against less than all of them without impairing Owner’s rights against the other.
Correspondence or claims relating to this bond shall be sent to Surety at the address set forth below.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this day of , 2022.
[Signature Pages to Follow]
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Dated: ____________, 2022
Correspondence or claims relating to this
bond should be sent to the Surety at the
following address:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
DEVELOPER:
By:
Name:
Its:
SURETY:
[insert name of Surety]
By: _____________________________________
Attorney-in-fact
Note: Signature of those executing for the surety must be properly acknowledged, and a power of attorney attached.
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CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
State of California, County of San Mateo.
On this _______ day of _________________ in the year 2022 before me, ________________________, personally appeared _____________________________, personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to this instrument as the attorney-in-fact of ______________________________________, and acknowledged to me that he (she) subscribed the name of the said company thereto as surety, and his (her) own name as attorney-in-fact. (SEAL)
_______________________________________________
Notary Public
Page G-3.45
Public Works
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 9/13/2022
Staff Report Number: 22-173-CC
Public Hearing: Adopt a resolution to abandon a public utility easement at 248 Oakhurst Place
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A) ordering the vacation and abandonment of a 10-foot-wide public utility easement (PUE) running through a portion of the existing structure at 248 Oakhurst Place.
Policy Issues
In order to abandon public easements, the City is legally required to go through a multistep process as specified by the State of California Streets and Highways Code or can abandon public easements through a tentative map as provided for in the Subdivision Map Act (California Government Code Section 66499.20.2.) In this case, the City is following the Streets and Highways Code process, for which there are two categories, standard and summary. Each process is specified by the Government Code, State of California, Streets and Highways Code, Section 8300. Section 8300 Subsection (a) of Section 8333 of the California Streets and Highways Code allows a summary vacation of easement that has not been used for the purpose for which it was dedicated or acquired for five consecutive years immediately preceding the proposed vacation. Summary vacations comprise a two-step process which requires a determination by the Planning Commission, and final action taken by the City Council.
Background
On April 20, 2021, the owner of 248 Oakhurst requested a use permit to construct a second-floor addition and perform interior and exterior modifications to an existing nonconforming, single-story, single-family residence in the R-1-U (Single Family Urban Residential) zoning district. The project plans showed a 10- foot-wide PUE running through a portion of the existing structure. A location map is included as Attachment B
The 10-foot-wide easement was dedicated as part of the Tract No. 560 Suburban Park Subdivision (Attachment C) and was never used by any utility companies. Utility companies have no objection to vacate this easement. The City requested that the applicant initiate the vacation of the 10-foot-wide PUE. The limits of vacation are precisely defined in Exhibit A to Attachment D and are subject to the summary vacation process as described below.
Analysis
The owner of the property at 248 Oakhurst Place has applied per the request of the City to initiate vacation of the 10-foot PUE running through a portion of the existing structure. The 10-foot PUE has no utilities and has never been used. Therefore, this PUE is no longer necessary for any future public purpose. The applicant has obtained approval (no-objection letters) from various utility companies including PG&E, AT&T, AGENDA ITEM H-1 Page H-1.1
Staff Report #: 22-173-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Calwater and West Bay Sanitary District.
Abandonment procedure
Summary vacations require that the Planning Commission review the project for conformance with the General Plan and forward its determination to City Council for final action. On July 25, 2022, the Planning Commission determined that the proposed vacation was consistent with the General Plan (Attachment D.) Should the City Council consider the abandonment favorably, a resolution ordering the vacation and abandonment of the easement will be recorded. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to abandon the PUE.
Impact on City Resources
There is no direct impact on City resources associated with the actions in this staff report. The fee for staff time to review and process the abandonment has been paid by the applicant.
Environmental Review
The summary vacation is Categorically Exempt under Class 15, Section 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations) of the current California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Additionally, the public hearing was noticed in print newspaper, The Examiner, on September 2 and September 7, 2022.
Attachments
A. Resolution to vacate and abandon PUE
B. Location map
C. Tract No. 560 Suburban Park subdivision
D. Planning Commission resolution
Report prepared by:
Edress Rangeen, Associate Engineer
Report reviewed by:
Ebby Sohrabi, Senior Civil Engineer
Tanisha Werner, Assistant Public Works Director - Engineering Page H-1.2
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MENLO PARK
ORDERING THE VACATION AND ABANDONMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITY
EASEMENT RUNNING OVER A PORTION OF THE EXISTING STRUCTURE AT 248 OAKHURST PLACE
WHEREAS, on July 25, 2022, the City Planning Commission of the City of Menlo Park held a Public Hearing and adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 2022-13 determining that the abandonment of Public Utility Easement running over a portion of the existing structure at 248 Oakhurst Place is consistent with the General Plan and has recommended that the City Council approve the requested vacation; and
WHEREAS, the 10-foot-wide easement was dedicated as part of the Tract No. 560 Suburban Park Subdivision and was never used by any utility companies. Utility companies have no objection to vacate this easement. The limits of vacation are precisely defined in Exhibit A and are subject to the summary vacation; and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was held before the City Council of the City of Menlo Park regarding the foregoing matter on September 13, 2022; and WHEREAS, notice of said Public Hearing was duly made by publication, mailing, and posting as required by law, and proof thereof is on file with the City Clerk of the City of Menlo Park; and WHEREAS, no protests were filed with or received by said City Council; and NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Menlo Park, acting by and through its City Council, having considered and been fully advised in the matter and good cause appearing therefore, hereby finds and resolves that the Public Utility Easement should be vacated pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 8333 of the California Streets and Highways Code which allows a summary vacation of an easement that has not been used for the purpose for which it was dedicated or acquired for five consecutive years immediately preceding the proposed vacation and the easement to be vacated is not necessary for public use and there have been no objections provided to the proposed vacation by utility companies.
BE IT AND IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Menlo Park A) That this vacation is made pursuant to Division 9, Part 3, Chapter 4 of the California Streets and Highways Code, Section 8330 et seq.; and
B) That the City Council has determined that the public interest, convenience and necessity require that the Public Utility Easement be vacated; and C) That the City Council does hereby order the vacation of the public utility easement within the property at 248 Oakhurst Place, described on the legal plats and more specifically shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference and D) The City Clerk is directed and hereby shall cause a certified copy of this Resolution attested to by the Clerk under seal to be recorded with the San Mateo County Recorder, as required by Streets and Highways Code section 8336; and E) That said abandonment is consistent with the General Plan; and F) That said abandonment is exempt under current California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
ATTACHMENT A Page H-1.3
I, Judi A. Herren, City Clerk of Menlo Park, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing City Council Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted at a meeting by said City Council on the thirteenth day of September, 2022, by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of said City on this __ day of September, 2022.
Judi A. Herren, City Clerk
Exhibits:
A. Public utility easement within the property at 248 Oakhurst Place Resolution No. XXXX