City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 8/15/2023
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Locations: Teleconference and
City Council Chambers
751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Special Session
A. Call To Order
Mayor Wolosin called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Doerr (remote – AB 2449 Just Cause), Nash, Taylor, Wolosin
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Justin I. C. Murphy, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, City Attorney Nira F. Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren C. Closed Session
C1. Closed session conference with labor negotiators pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 regarding labor negotiations with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 829 (AFSCME) and Confidential employees Agency designated representatives: City Manager Justin I.C. Murphy, Administrative Services Director Brittany Mello, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Special Counsel Charles Sakai
Regular Session
D. Call To Order
Mayor Wolosin re-called the meeting at 6:03 p.m.
E. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Doerr (remote – AB 2449 Just Cause), Nash, Taylor, Wolosin
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Justin I. C. Murphy, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, City Attorney Nira F. Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren F. Agenda Review
Staff to provide an update to item J7.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov G. Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
H. Public Comment
Troy Goodwin spoke in support of retaining the Onetta Harris Community Center name for the new community center.
Chester Palesoo spoke in support of retaining the Onetta Harris Community Center name for the new community center.
Kenneth Harris spoke in support of retaining the Onetta Harris Community Center name for the new community center.
David Wheaten spoke in support of retaining the Onetta Harris Community Center name for the new community center.
Greg Goodwin spoke in support of retaining the Onetta Harris Community Center name for the new community center.
I. Presentations and Proclamations
I1. Presentation: Sister Cities annual update
Menlo Park Sister Cities Vice-President and Director Catherine Carlton made a presentation (Attachment).
The Sister City Association Menlo Park students made a presentation (Attachment).
J. Consent Calendar
J1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for June 20, 27, and July 11, 2023 (Attachment) J2. Waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance requiring safe storage of firearms in residence (Staff Report #23-172-CC)
J3. Waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Sections 16.43.070, 16.44.070, and
16.45.070 of Title 16 of the Menlo Park Municipal Code to clarify the process for determining the appraised value of and the required community amenities value for bonus level development projects in the O (Office), L-S (Life Sciences), and R-MU (Residential Mixed-Use) zoning districts (Staff Report #23-173-CC)
J4. Authorize the city manager to execute a three-year master agreement for on-call tennis court repair services to Saviano Construction, Inc. and determine this action is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act guidelines section 15301 exemption for existing facilities (Staff Report #23-179-CC)
J5. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a memorandum of understanding between City of Menlo Park and Caltrain for San Francisquito Creek embankment stabilization (Staff Report #23-174-CC)
J6. Adopt a resolution authorizing staff to submit an application to the San Mateo County City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Transportation Authority for Measure A & W Highway Program (Staff Report #23-175-CC) J7. Adopt a resolution authorizing the South Bayside Waste Management Authority to acquire real property located at 1245 San Carlos Avenue, Unit E, San Carlos, CA. (Staff Report #23-176-CC) Management Analyst II Joanna Chen and South Bayside Waste Management Authority Executive Director Joe La Mariana provided an update to the cost savings.
J8. Adopt a resolution approving the fiscal year 2023-24 investment policy for the City and the former Redevelopment Agency of Menlo Park (Staff Report #23-177-CC) J9. Receive and file investment portfolio as of June 30, 2023 (Staff Report #23-178-CC) ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Combs), to approve the consent calendar, passed unanimously.
K. Public Hearing
K1. Consider and adopt resolutions to amend the City of Menlo Park General Plan Circulation Element and El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan to add an Alley designation under the Local Access street classification, and allow for the City Council to consider closing public streets within the Main Street and Local Access (Alley) street classifications to vehicular traffic (Staff Report #23-180-CC) Planning Manager Kyle Perata made the presentation (Attachment).
Mayor Wolosin opened the public hearing.
Alex Beltramo spoke in opposition of street closures on Santa Cruz Avenue. Elias Blawie spoke in opposition of street closures on Santa Cruz Avenue.
Mayor Wolosin closed the public hearing.
The City Council received clarification on regulatory action, circulation patterns (e.g., one-way closure) and the environmental analysis prepared for the proposed amendments.
The City Council discussed public engagement and future agenda items for downtown vibrancy and zoning, streetaries and street closure interactions.
The City Council directed staff to return with a speed limit review and signage.
ACTION: Motion and second (Doerr/ Nash), to adopt a resolution amending the Circulation Element of the General Plan to modify the street classifications in the General Plan Circulation Element to incorporate an Alley designation under the Local Access street classification, and allow for the City Council to consider street closures within the Main Street and Local Access classifications, passed unanimously.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wolosin/ Combs), to adopt a resolution amending the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan (Specific Plan) to allow street closures on Santa Cruz Avenue in additional locations to the Central Plaza identified in the Specific Plan and allow for street closures on additional City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov streets and alleys in the Specific Plan, provided the closures are consistent with the General Plan Circulation Element and would reinforce the Urban Design Framework and the guiding principles of the Specific Plan, passed unanimously.
L. Regular Business
L1. Waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 13.30 Streetaries Outdoor Dining Areas to Title 13 (Streets, Sidewalks and Utilities) and amending Sections 13.18.10 and
13.18.20 of Chapter 13.18 (Use of Public Right of Way) (Staff Report #23-181-CC) Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte and HdL Companies representative Kirstin Hinds made the presentation (Attachment).
Elias Blawie requested agenda material for in-person viewing, high-level executive summary for each staff report and spoke in opposition of Santa Cruz Avenue street closures. Randy Avalos requested information on impacts and costs to the city.
The City Council received clarification on cost breakdown for square footage, public works director allowances for some criteria, fees structure of subsidized and non-subsidized (rates opposed to waivers), impacts to new parklets, subsidies, roof requirements, and public outreach to retail businesses with parklets impacted by this ordinance.
The City Council discussed amplified sound in connection with streetaries, aesthetic requirements and reducing requirements if not crucial for safety, exclusion of outdoor uses by retail businesses in Streetaries program, desire to track nonfood business interest over time, Ryans Lane closure and potential new construction impacts on Streetaries.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Combs), to waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 13.30 Streetaries Outdoor Dining Areas to Title 13 (Streets, Sidewalks and Utilities) and amending Sections 13.18.10 and 13.18.20 of Chapter 13.18 (Use of Public Right of Way), passed unanimously.
L2. Consider and adopt a resolution approving (1) Appraisal Instructions for Determining the Value of Community Amenities and (2) Community Amenity Implementing Regulations to determine the appraised value of bonus level developments (Staff Report #23-182-CC) Planning Manager Kyle Perata made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on receiving future feedback.
The City Council discussed a 15-day early staff report release for the future community amenities study session item, modifications to community amenities between the public hearing and final community amenities proposal, and housing development community amenity proposals public and City Council notification.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Nash), to adopt a resolution approving the following:
Appraisal instructions to determine the value of community amenities under bonus level zoning in the O, L-S and R-MU zoning districts in the Bayfront Area to clarify definitions and appraisal City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov criteria; and
Community amenity implementing regulations that standardize the application procedures, appraisal review process and determination of the value of the bonus level development, and identify the process and timing for screening of the applicant's community amenities proposal with the City Council; and
Update to regulation 3b3a regulations to include a 15-day early release staff report; and Update to regulation 3b3 and/or 3b4 adding a statement where proposed modifications between the public hearing and final community amenities proposal be added to a City Council agenda as an informational item; and
Housing projects notification to the City Council and public, passed unanimously.
M. Informational Items
M1. City Council agenda topics: August 22 – September 12 (Staff Report #23-183-CC) Pam Jones reminded the public of this recurring item.
M2. Transmittal of city attorney billing (Staff Report #23-184-CC) M3. Short term rental compliance update (Staff Report #23-185-CC) N. City Manager Report's
City Manager Justin Murphy reported out on upcoming August meetings and the summer concert series.
O. City Councilmember Reports
None.
P. Adjournment
Mayor Wolosin adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi A. Herren These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting of September 12, 2023.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Menlo Park
Sister Cities Association:
2023 Student Exchange
to Bizen, Japan
I1-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023
This week-long student cultural
exchange trip helped us foster greater
understanding of cultures and people
By living with host families, attending
classes and participating in cultural
activities together, we formed
meaningful connections and learned to
appreciate cultural similarities and
differences.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Bizen
Our sister city Bizen is a small
town in Okayama prefecture
known for its traditional
Bizenyaki pottery.
We were able to participate in
pottery classes, stop by local
shops and explore the kilns and
studios of the resident potters.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Okayama
We visited the 16th-century Okayama Castle, named “Crow Castle” for its iconic black exterior, and the Korakuen, an iconic and beautiful garden.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Hiroshima
We visited the Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Museum dedicated to
documenting the August 6,
1945, atomic bombing of
Hiroshima during World War II.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Cultural Immersion
Throughout the entire trip, we experienced
traditional Japanese culture by staying with
local host families in Bizen.
During the homestay, we were able to eat
meals prepared in the traditional Japanese
style, get to know our families, and
experience firsthand what life is like in Bizen.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Student
Interactions
Interactive classes and
activities with local students
provided a great opportunity
for cultural exchange!
Meeting local Bizen students
allowed us to make new
friends and gain insights into
daily student life.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Learnings and Takeaways
Experienced traditional
Japanese culture
Visited temples, shrines
and made
Bizenyaki pottery.
Learned about Japan's
history
Visit the Shizutani School, the
first public school in Japan,
and other historic sites.
Formed strong friendships
Bonded with host families,
students, staff and volunteers
during the week together
The student exchange provided eye-opening cultural experiences and lasting memories.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Conclusion and
Gratitude
Thank you to our hosts in Bizen for
welcoming us into their schools and
homes.
The cultural exchange and new
friendships formed on this trip will stay
with us for a lifetime.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Q & A
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AND SPECIFIC
PLAN AMENDMENTS FOR STREET CLOSURES
July 24, 2023 City Council Meeting
Staff Presentation
K1-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023
AGENDA
Background on street closures
– Relationship to proposed streetary program
Proposed General Plan and Specific Plan Amendments
– Amendments to allow consideration of future street closures City Council review and action
– Adopt a resolution approving the proposed amendments to the General Plan and Specific Plan
2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
BACKGROUND
City is developing an outdoor dining “streetary” program – Proposed program would allow for longer-term outdoor dining program – City Council held a study session in February 2023 on the proposed streetary program
• City Council expressed interest in continuing current street closures on Santa Cruz Avenue and Ryans Lane
Street closures require amendments to the General Plan and Specific Plan
Planning Commission recommended approval of proposed
amendments at its July 24 meeting
3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AND
SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments would:
– Provide City Council flexibility to consider street closures within Main Street (e.g. Santa Cruz Avenue) and Local Access “Alley” (e.g. Ryans Lane) street classifications
– Allow City Council to consider additional street closures on Santa Cruz Avenue in addition to the Central Plaza concept and on other streets downtown
– Amendments limited to minor circulation changes and modifications to public space and would not increase the development potential of the General Plan or El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan
4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
CIRCULATION ELEMENT FIGURE 2
Street Classifications
– Main Street (red)
– Local Access (grey)
5 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Adopt two resolutions:
– Approve amendments to General Plan Circulation Element (Attachment A)
– Approve amendments to the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan (Attachment B)
6 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
THANK YOU
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
STREETARIES OUTDOOR DINING AREAS
Aug. 15, 2023 – First Ordinance Reading
L1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 23 of 50 AGENDA
Background Existing Eligible Outdoor Uses Summary of Business Feedback Proposed Streetary Outdoor Dining Areas Program
Design Standards & Fee Structure
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 24 of 50 June 2020: City Council approved a Temporary Outdoor
Use Permits (TOUP) Program to allow outdoor dining in the public right-of-way January 2022: City Council asked staff to research a
longer-term outdoor dining program
January 10, 2023: Staff presented a draft outdoor dining design standard packet as an informational item
February 28, 2023: The TOUP Program expired and City
Council held a study session and provided direction for the Streetary Outdoor Dining program (a long-term policy for outdoor dining in the public right-of-way)
BACKGROUND
3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 25 of 50 4 EXISTING ELIGIBLE OUTDOOR USES
Food Service Establishment name Address Outdoor use descriptionAmici's 880 Santa Cruz Ave. Sidewalk café and seating in on-street parkingBistro Vida 639-641 Santa Cruz Ave. Expanded Santa Cruz Street Café parklet and seating in closed travel laneCafe Zoe 1929 Menalto Ave. Outdoor dining in public/private parking spacesCamper 898 Santa Cruz Ave Santa Cruz Street café parkletCamper University Ave Parklet in on-street parkingCarpaccio 1122 Crane St Outdoor dining on closed section of Ryans LaneCoffeebar 1149 Chestnut St Outdoor dining on Chestnut Ave and parking plazaGalata 827 Santa Cruz Ave. Expanded Santa Cruz Street Café parklet and sidewalk caféLeft Bank 635 Santa Cruz Ave. Expanded Santa Cruz Street Café and seating in closed travel laneMademoiselle Colette 812-816 Santa Cruz Ave. Santa Cruz Street café parkletRoma 820 Santa Cruz Ave. Expanded Santa Cruz Street CaféStacks 600 Santa Cruz Ave. Parklet in on-street parking City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 26 of 50 BUSINESS FEEDBACK ON A LONGERTERM OUDOOR DINING PROGRAM 5 Restaurants are not fully recovered from the pandemic and outdoor dining has helped them stay open.
Existing outdoor dining facility owners are interested in a cost sharing aspect as part of a longer term outdoor dining program (such as help with improvements to meet new regulations).
Retailers generally agree that outdoor dining should continue.
Businesses say customers continue to choose outdoor dining over indoor.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 27 of 50 “Streetary” or “Streetaries” are
outdoor eating areas that operate within and uses the public right-of-way directly adjacent to the food service establishment street frontage and/or operates within public right-of-way on streets or portions of streets that have been closed to vehicular access. The program is intended to:
1. Activate the public realm 2. Maintain physical and visual access to businesses
3. Provide safe, attractive, and
accessible spaces
4. Provide accessible amenity
areas
5. Support local economic
vitality
6 STREETARY OUTDOOR DINING AREAS ORDINANCE
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 28 of 50 Additional location criteria:
– Streets that have speed limits less than 25 mph.– Not allowed in parking spaces with peak hour parking restrictions, ADA designated spots, no parking color zones, cannot block public safety infrastructure, utility asset access, or bicycle facilities. – Cannot be located in parking spots that provide bicycle parking unless the bicycle parking can be relocated within 300-feet.
– Must meet required travel lane and other setback requirements.– Must provide clearance from utility access.
STREETARY LOCATION CRITERIA
7 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 29 of 50 Hours of operation must coincide with the business’s hours of operation, though additional limitations apply to streetaries within 150-feet from residences. Maintenance of the streetary area, utilities, and drainage is clearly laid out.
The permittee will be required to ensure their space is safe, free of debris, grime, and graffiti.
Landscaping or plants must be maintained and in good health. Permits are non-transferable.OTHER KEY FEATURES OF THE STREETARY OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM 8 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 30 of 50 The Streetary ordinance requires design standards and fees to be set by separate resolutions of the City Council.
Resolutions for Streetary design standards and a Streetary program fee structure will be brought to the City Council for further consideration at the second reading of the Streetaryoutdoor dining ordinance, on Aug. 29, 2023. The following slides outline some key aspects of the design standards and fee structure.
DESIGN STANDARDS & FEE STRUCTURE
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 31 of 50 Safety standards:
– Force impact rating of 250-lbs.– Maintenance of visibility of pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle traffic, as well as traffic signs, signals and other traffic warning devices. – Reflectors required on corners facing
the travel lane.
Aesthetic standards:
– Materials may include wood, concrete,
or steel planters, and perforated steel railings.
– Wood and concrete planters must be
finished or painted.
– Colors and materials should be
compatible with the façade of the adjacent building/restaurant. 10 BARRIER STANDARDIZATION
Ex. Retroreflector on Camper's parklet
Ex. Steel perforated
railings, wood planters,
concrete planters
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 32 of 50 To streamline the review process for new Streetary applications, the proposed guidelines include parklet site plan and design templates that applicants can choose from. 11 STREETARY DESIGN TEMPLATES
(1) Parallel Parklet (1‐space) (2) Parallel Parklet (2‐space) (3) Diagonal Parklet Note: Resolution for Streetary Design Standards to be considered at second reading of the Streetaries Ordinance
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 33 of 50 12 STREETARY DESIGN TEMPLATES CONTINUED
(4) Parklet
/ Sidewalk Café
Streetary
(5) Parklet/Sidewalk Café CurbExtension
(6) Parklet/Pedestrian Street
Streetary*
*Parklet/Pedestrian Street Streetary only applicable for street closures Note: Resolution for Streetary Design Standards to be considered at second reading of the Streetaries Ordinance
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 34 of 50 Note: Resolution for fees to be considered at second reading of the Streetaries Ordinance
STREETARY PERMIT TERM & FEES
13 Initial permit fee:
– Streetaries parklet: based on cost of administrative permit due to similarities for review
– Streetaries sidewalk café: based on cost of major encroachment permit First year use of space:
– Based on average monthly retail rent per square foot– Discounted rate Annual renewals for both permits and use of space
– Discounted rate
Proposed 3-year fee waiver: total City subsidy of $82,000 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 35 of 50
STREETARY PERMIT TERM & FEES
14 Streetary Parklet Initial Permit Annual Renewal (after 3-year term) Parklet Permit $1,725 $250Use of Space $1,526 $1,500Recommended Cost $3,251 $1,750Streetary Sidewalk Café 1st year Annual Renewal (after 3-year term) Sidewalk Café Permit $810 $250
Use of Space $636 $600Recommended Cost $1,446 $850
Note: Resolution for fees to be considered at second reading of the Streetaries Ordinance City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 36 of 50
STREETARY PERMIT TERM & FEES
(COMPARISONS)
15 City Initial Permit & Use Fees Annual Use Fees Fee purpose Redwood City $8,109.60 $4,823 Permit and use fees (annual waived through 2023).Burlingame $5,531 $4,500 Permit, use and cleaning fees.Menlo Park $3,251 $1,750 Permit + Use fees. Annual (after 3-year term) Renewal + Use.Mountain View $3,169 $385 Permit, use and cleaning fees.San Rafael $2,000 (+$2,000 deposit) $3,600 Permit fee (part refundable) and annual use fee (with discounts through May 31, 2025).San Carlos $1,828 $994 Permit, use and cleaning fees.San Mateo $1,500 $500 Permit and use fees.Morgan Hill $716.10 (+$1,000 deposit) $1,000 Permit fee (part refundable) and annual use fee.Los Altos $500 $100 Permit and use fees.Average $2,954 $1,988 (does not include proposed Menlo Park fees) Median $1,914 $997 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 37 of 50 SZFM Design Studio
reviewed existing parklets for compliance with Streetarydesign standards and recommended improvements to aid transition.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE FOR STREETARYPROGRAM
16 Proposed waiver of Streetary permit fees until January 1, 2025 for businesses that meet transitional period deadline
– For up to 12 applicants, City would be subsidizing $82,000, or about $6,800 per applicant (initial permit = $40,000 total, or $3,251.40 per applicant; second and third year renewal = $21,000 in renewal fees per year) City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 38 of 50 One-month from adoption for Streetary program to
become effective, staff to create application, notify existing permit holders
TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FOR EXISTING OUTDOOR DINING FACILITIES 17 Oct-Dec 2023
Through Sept 2023Through June 2024:
Starting from the adoption date of the Streetary program, staff propose the following transitional period:
Open application period through Dec. 31, 2023
Final inspection approval by June 30, 2024
Through 2023:
Sept 2023
Jan-June 2024
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 39 of 50 Provide feedback on design standards and fees
Recommend the City Council introduce the Ordinance
adding Chapter 13.30 Streetaries Outdoor Dining Areas to Title 13 (Streets, Sidewalks and Utilities) and amending Sections 13.18.10 and 13.18.20 of Chapter 13.18 (Use of Public Right of Way) Upcoming Streetary items on August 29
– Second reading of Streetary Ordinance– Resolution approving Streetary design standards– Resolution approving Streetary fee structure
CITY COUNCIL NEXT STEPS
18 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 40 of 50
THANK YOU
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023 Page 41 of 50
APPRAISAL INSTRUCTIONS AND
COMMUNITY AMENITIES REGULATIONS
City Council Meeting August 15, 2023
Staff Presentation
L2-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes August 15, 2023
1) Background on community amenities
– Community amenities ordinance amendments
2) Proposed process updates
– Appraisal Instructions for Determining the Value of Community Amenities – Community Amenity Implementing Regulations
3) City Council discussion and actions
– Adopt resolution approving the updated appraisal instructions and implementing regulations
AGENDA
2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
COMMUNITY AMENITIES BACKGROUND
ConnectMenlo General Plan Update
– Created office, life sciences, and residential mixed-use zoning districts in Bayfront Area
Bonus level development
– Increase in floor area ratio, density, and/or height
– Permitted in exchange for provision of community amenities – Required amenity value is 50 percent of appraised value of bonus level development
Community amenity requirement
– On or off-site physical amenities from adopted list
– Payment of in-lieu payment
3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
BAYFRONT AREA ZONING
4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
October 2020 City Council created an ad hoc subcommittee April 2021 City Council held a study session and Council Subcommittee recommended the following:
1. adopt a revised community amenities list (Adopted July 2023),
2. adopt an in-lieu payment (adopted June 2021),
3. adopt a “gatekeeper” application process (August 2023), and
4. establish a community amenities working group.
COMMUNITY AMENITY PROCESS
UPDATES
5 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
UPDATED APPRAISAL INSTRUCTIONS
Identify uniform criteria for determining the value of the bonus level development
Revisions focused on clarifying specific definitions and criteria to be included in appraisals
Updated appraisal instructions to be used by
appraisers to ensure compliance with required form
and content
Updated appraisal instructions included in staff report Attachment A, Exhibit A.
6 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
Implementing regulation goals:
– Identify the bonus level development value early in the project review process
– Create a uniform appraisal review and screening process • Procedures for timing and review process, including City review – Include a City Council screening meeting before the release of the notice of preparation (NOP) for the project-level EIR
Proposed implementing regulations are included in
Attachment A, Exhibit B
COMMUNITY AMENITIES IMPLEMENTING
REGULATIONS
7 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
1) Adopt a resolution (Attachment A) approving:
A. Appraisal Instructions for Determining the Value of Community Amenities; and B. Community Amenity Implementing Regulations
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
8 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023
THANK YOU
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2023