City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 10/24/2023
Time: Special City Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting 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 5:02 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Doerr, 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. Agenda Review
The City Council pulled item J3. for comment.
The City Council adjourned to closed session.
D. Closed Session
D1. Conference with real property negotiators pursuant to Government Code §54956.8 Property location: 509 Sandlewood St., Menlo Park, CA
City negotiators: Justin I.C. Murphy, Nira Doherty, Tim Wong Under negotiation: Price, terms of payment, property negotiations
D2. 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, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Special Counsel Charles Sakai D3. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)
Name of case: Tobias Kunze and Liliana Kunze Briseno v. City of Menlo Park (Case No. 3-CIV00590)
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Regular Session
E. Call To Order
Mayor Wolosin re-called the meeting to order at 6:57 p.m.
F. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Doerr, 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 G. Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
H. Public Comment
Jenny Michel spoke in support of the suicide prevention month proclamation from September
26. Tim Johnston spoke in support of the prohibition or education to student populations related to the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes).
Soody Tronson spoke on the unrest in Israel.
I. Presentations and Proclamations
I1. Presentation: Environmental Quality Commission update (Attachment) Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) Chair Nancy Larocca Hedley made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council discussed the proposed EQC timeline, use of grant funding for electrification, reduction of vehicle miles traveled and connectedness to other commissions and encouraging people to transition to electrification.
J. Consent Calendar
J1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for September 26, 2023 (Attachment) J2. Authorize the city manager to execute a fourth amendment to the professional services agreement with the M-Group for the Housing Element Update project and appropriate $152,746 to support the project (Staff Report #23-236-CC)
J3. Accept the Stormwater Master Plan (Staff Report #23-242-CC) The City Council discussed funding strategies and grant opportunities.
The City Council received clarification on the dumping rate into the storm drains and climate City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov modeling for projecting precipitation changes in the plan.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Wolosin), to approve the consent calendar, passed unanimously.
K. Public Hearing
K1. Introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance to add §16.04.296 and amend §§16.04.120,
16.04.313, 16.04.320, 16.04.325, 16.18.030, 16.20.030, 16.60.010, 16.72.010 and 16.80.030 of Title 16 (zoning) of the Menlo Park Municipal Code to allow electrification equipment in existing covered parking spaces (e.g. garages or carports) and to allow exterior enclosures for electrification equipment within the required side and rear setbacks for existing residential dwelling units in all zoning districts (Staff Report #23-237-CC) Management Analyst II Ori Paz and Planning Manager Kyle Perata made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on the location of the proposed 3’ x 3’ garage encroachments, number of permit applications received for heat pump water heaters versus gas water heaters, proposed enclosure height and width compared to the typical height of standard water heaters, water heater storage for multi-family developments and limitations to equipment installation in garages under current requirements and the proposed garage encroachment allowances.
Mayor Wolosin opened the public hearing.
Tom Kabat spoke in support of the ordinance.
Angela Evans spoke in support of the ordinance.
Mayor Wolosin closed the public hearing.
The City Council discussed creating flexibility for placement location, simplifying the permitting process, the multi-family component, public engagement done in Spanish and English and removing the form requirement.
The City Council received clarification on garage usage surveys, noise ordinance modifications and compliance record and allowances.
ACTION: Motion and second (Doerr/ Taylor), to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance to add §16.04.296 and amend §§16.04.120, 16.04.313, 16.04.320, 16.04.325, 16.18.030, 16.20.030,
16.60.010, 16.72.010 and 16.80.030 of Title 16 (zoning) of the Menlo Park Municipal Code to allow electrification equipment in existing covered parking spaces (e.g., garages or carports) and to allow exterior enclosures for electrification equipment within the required side and rear setbacks for existing residential dwelling units in all zoning districts including modifications to section 10 6.B and §16.60 of the ordinance, passed unanimously.
L. Regular Business
L1. Approve the Menlo Park Community Campus parking management plan and adopt a resolution City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov authorizing timed parking restrictions (Staff Report #23-235-CC) (Informe de Personal #23-235-CC)
Senior Transportation Engineer Kevin Chen made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on inclusion of neighborhood comments, parking needs for the Beechwood school, analysis of non-driving uses (e.g., bike parking) and impacts to Menlo Park Community Campus (MPCC) programming.
The City Council discussed maximizing access to MPCC and additional Beechwood school bike parking and different types of bike parking (e.g., cargo and family).
The City Council directed incentivizing alternative modes of transportation outside of automobiles.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Nash), to approve the MPCC parking management plan and adopt a resolution authorizing timed parking restrictions at MPCC, passed unanimously.
L2. Adopt a resolution to amend the salary schedule effective Nov. 5, 2023 (Staff Report #23-238-CC) Human Resources Manager Charla Freckmann introduced the item. Lynne Bramlett requested the inclusion of an emergency preparedness position.
The City Council received clarification on the inclusion of an emergency preparedness coordinator and childcare teacher salary.
The City Council discussed the sustainability manager salary and Tier.
The City Council directed staff to return with information on the childcare teacher, City Council and sustainability manager salaries.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Doerr), to adopt a resolution to approve the following amendments to the City of Menlo Park salary schedule:
Add a new classification to the salary schedule - building official Update the salary range for public works supervisor – facilities Correct an error in the public works director salary range, passed unanimously.
M. Informational Items
M1. City Council agenda topics: November 2023 (Staff Report #23-239-CC) M2. Police department quarterly update – Q3 July 2023 – September 2023 (Staff Report #23-240-CC) The City Council directed future police department quarterly update items be provided in Spanish and increase the detail and location on traffic violations.
M3. Receive an update on the Vision Zero Action Plan (Staff Report #23-241-CC) City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov N. City Manager Report's
City Manager Justin Murphy reported out on San Francisquito Creek winter preparedness meeting, Halloween-hoopla event and opening of community grant funding application process.
O. City Councilmember Reports
Vice Mayor Taylor reported out on attending the disaster preparedness workshop, block party at Hamilton Park, farmers’ market discussion leading to continuation through this calendar year, the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) meeting and an update on the congestion management update and monitoring report (Attachment).
City Councilmember Doerr reported out on the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) meeting.
City Councilmember Nash reported out on the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors meeting on the Stanford University Community Plan.
Mayor Wolosin reported out on the Galway Sister City event.
P. Adjournment
Mayor Wolosin adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi A. Herren These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting of November 14, 2023.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2023
Semi-annual update October 2023
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION (EQC) Chair Nancy Larocca Hedley
ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY COMMISSION
I1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
AGENDA
► Context setting► Looking back: Review of EQC activities► Public comment► Looking forward: EQC plans► Seeking guidance from City Council► Appendix: Additional details City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Environmental
Quality Commission
Advise City Council on matters involving climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability. Commissioners:
• Angela Evans• Nancy Larocca Hedley (Chair)• Brian Kissel (new)• Jeffrey Lin• John McKenna• Eduardo Pelegri-Llopart (new)• Jeff Schmidt (Vice Chair) City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Roles &
ResponsibilitiesThe EQC is committed to helping the City of Menlo Park to be a leading sustainable city that inspires institutions and individuals and that is well positioned to manage present and future environmental impacts, including the grave threat of climate change.The EQC is charged primarily with advising the City Council on matters involving climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Commission Priorities
● Climate Action Plan - Advise and recommend on the implementation of the climate action plan.
● Climate Resilience and Adaptation - Ensure that our most vulnerable communities have a voice in policies and programs to protect their communities from environmental impacts. ● Urban Canopy - Leverage best practices to advise/recommend on the preservation of heritage trees, city trees and expansion of the urban canopy; and make determinations on appeals of heritage tree removal permits. ● Green and Sustainable Initiatives – Support sustainability initiatives, as needs arise, which may include city-led events, habitat protection, healthy ecology, environmental health protection, healthy air, surface water runoff quality, water conservation and waste reduction.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Looking back:
Review of EQC
activities
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
CAP Strategy #1 - Building Electrification
February 15, 2023 – Voted to recommend to City Council
► Eliminate restrictions in the garage for car space for electrification projects, with fallback to 9 feet by 17 feet standard, reduced to 9 feet by 16.5 feet for homes with driveways ► Allow outdoor enclosure for electrification of any footprint shape provided it does not impose on egress, or exceed 15 square feet in area or exceed the height of the first floor ► Adjust the Noise Ordinance limitations for electrification equipment to remove 50 decibel (dB) limit at nighttime and set to 60 dB regardless of the time of day ► Explore providing a financial incentive for quieter equipment► Allow heat pump equipment in the front yard in a screened enclosure if side and rear yards are not viable, passed unanimously May 17, 2023: The Commission discussed and provided feedback to city staff on proposed education and outreach ideas for existing building electrification. 6 Review of EQC activities
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
CAP Strategy #1 - Building Electrification
June 21, 2023Voted to advise the City Council to consider the following in moving forward with the $4.5 million in state funding from the California Energy Commission for citywide electrification project:
► Partner with Peninsula Clean Energy to be the program administrator
► Provide no cost home electrification for low income singlefamily homeowners in District 1► At least two appliances per home transitioned to electric (at minimum include replacing gas-fired water heating and gasfired space heating), and support homeowners with a roadmap to electrification ► Establish a goal to achieve a high volume of homes ► Enable a quick start program to convert gas-fired heating equipment that would also include cooling features to support high-need populations in extreme heat ► Provide seed funding for existing building electrification workforce development
► Provide portable resilience package (e.g. solar and battery) for power outages in District 1, medical needs, and elderly 7 Review of EQC activities
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Other Actions Taken
April 27, 2023: Voted to approve and recommend to City Council the Zero Emission Landscaping Equipment (ZELE) Ordinance rules proposed by staff. Approved by City Council.April 29, 2023: Community celebration of Arbor Day with tree planting and activities at Karl E. Clark Park.June 21, 2023: Reviewed and discussed the annual City Arborist report. Voted to make a statement of support for the Urban Forest Master Plan being a tier 1 priority for the fiscal year 2023-2024 capital improvement program (CIP) budget. Approved by City Council. 8 Review of EQC activities
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Public Comment at EQC Meetings (February - August 2023) ► Urgency expressed about the climate crisis, encouraging Menlo Park to continue to take bold action.
► Appreciation for engagement and collaboration of
Commissioners with local community organizations.
► Desire for the City to partner with local organizations, including Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), Menlo Spark, and EVucation to meet our Climate Action Plan goals. ► Desire to streamline permitting and ensure local rules support building electrification.
► Appreciation for Menlo Park’s trees, our City Arborist and team was expressed, along with ideas for how to make information more accessible to residents about how to care for trees. 9 Public comment themes
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Looking forward:
EQC Plans
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Update the Climate Action Plan (CAP)
► Discuss Climate Action Plan implementation
scope of work for 2025-2030
► Revise based on latest climate science► Last scope of work was approved by the City Council in 2021 with the intent of updating each strategy on a regular basis Establish a Structured 2023-2024 Calendar
► Serves as annual fiscal year work plan► Provides additional transparency and advance notice to interested parties, and adequate time to prepare for commissioners and staff Support Three Active Ad-hoc Subcommittees
► Building Decarbonization, Climate
Adaptation, Electric Vehicles (EVs) 11
Looking forward: Commission plans
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Highlights of Commission Agenda Plans*
► August 2023
► CAP Strategy #2 (EVs)► CAP Strategy #3 (EV charging)
► September 2023
► CAP Strategy #1 (building electrification)
► October 2023
► CAP Strategy #5 (eliminate fossil fuels from
municipal operations)
► Early December 2023
► CAP Strategy #4 (reduce vehicle miles
traveled)
► January 2024
► CAP Strategy #6 (climate adaptation, sea
level rise, flooding)
*Note: subject to change. Complete and up-to-date calendar will be shared at https://menlopark.gov/EQC 12 Looking forward: Commission plans
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
► Do you have any feedback for the EQC
and staff regarding the 2023-2024 Commission Calendar? Are there other topics we should be considering? ► Are you hearing other concerns from the
community that we should incorporate into our Climate Action Plan Update? 13 Seeking guidance
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
THANK YOU
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
APPENDIX
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Public Comment @ EQC Meetings (February 2023-July 2023) ► Appreciation expressed for members of the EQC in attending the community meeting regarding the environmental justice (EJ) element. ► Regarding proposed changes to garage/side/rear yard rules to facilitate electrification for existing single-family homes: Community member expressed concerns related to existing requirements, another requested streamlining permitting for electrification. ► Regarding adopting a collaboration model: Community member expressed support of the Commission and their outreach to the community, another requested accessible outreach materials. ► Regarding Zero Emission Landscaping Equipment rules: Community member spoke in support of police enforcement of spare the air rules. ► Regarding the $4.5MM for MP electrification: Community member spoke on the urgency of the climate crisis and the opportunity to partner with Peninsula Clean Energy in order to take advantage of federal incentives. Another requested that a strong and knowledgeable person engage with residents on the electrification offering. ► Regarding the Climate Adaptation Subcommittee: Community member encouraged commissioners to attend National Night Out and use it as an opportunity to share who we are and what we do. ► Regarding Menlo Park’s Trees/Arborist Report: Community members expressed support for the city arborist and their team, requested clarification on the tree dashboard and the follow-up process for tree replacements, requested updates to the approved arborist list. 16 Public CommentDetail
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Building Decarbonization Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Scope: Explore Zoning updates, permit streamlining, flexibility/leniency programs for underserved residents during electrification permit inspections, policies to require electrification at replacement in existing buildings, and methods to cost effectively construct all-electric lab buildings and to convert existing lab buildings to all-electric.Expected duration: Four (4) months with report to the EQC in December 2023Commissioners: Evans, Kissel, McKenna 17 Looking Forward: Building Decarbonization Subcommittee City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Climate Adaptation Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Scope: Review current city strategies, policies and programs around climate adaptation and recommend changes and enhancements to current city strategies, policies and programs including specific strategies for different populations.Duration: Six (6) months with an expected report to the EQC in January 2024Commissioners: Lin, Pelegri-Llopart, Schmidt 18 Looking Forward: Climate Adaptation Subcommittee
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Electric Vehicle Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Scope: Support CAP goals 2 & 3 by researching grants (workforce, education, and infrastructure) that could be tracked over the long term, and collecting additional ideas on implementation, and identifying partners to support our EV and EV charging infrastructure goals. Duration: Five (5) months with an expected report to the EQC in December 2023/January 2024Commissioners: Kissel, Schmidt 19 Looking Forward: Electric Vehicle Subcommittee
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS FOR
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIFICATIONOctober 24, 2023 City Council – Presented by staff K1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
AGENDA
Background Current garage and setback regulations Overview of Commission feedback Overview of proposed changes City Council discussion and action City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
BACKGROUND
Climate Action Plan (CAP) adopted in 2020, updated 2021 – Established priority strategies to reduce community GHG emissions CAP Strategy No. 1 – electrify 95 percent of existing buildings – Electrification means replacing gas-fired equipment with all-electric equipment – Electricity in the City of Menlo Park is carbon free from Peninsula Clean Energy– Replacing methane gas-fired (“natural gas”) equipment with electric equipment eliminates emissions and improves air quality
City efforts to promote voluntary electrification
– Permit fee waiver– Online resources and process information– Evaluation of regulatory barriers 3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
4 BACKGROUND: WHAT IS ELECTRIFICATION
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Tonight’s
Topic
Items
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) replacing gas equipment are often upsized to buffer slower heating time and cannot fit in the same place as the old equipment (e.g. 50 gal HPWH for 30 gal gas WH) Garages and protective weatherproof enclosures are suitable HPWH locations, but current garage and side/rear yard regulations may prevent residents from placing equipment in either location BACKGROUND: HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER SPACE NEEDS
5 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) reviewed an overview of an earlier version of the ordinance on February 15, 2023 and gave the following feedback to Council: Eliminate restrictions on where electric equipment can be located in garages, or reduce the required dimensions to 9 feet by 17 feet, and further reduce to 9 feet by 16.5 feet for homes with driveways; Allow outdoor enclosure for electrification of any footprint shape provided it does not impose on egress, or exceed 15 square feet in area or exceed the height of the first floor; Adjust the Noise Ordinance limitations for electrification equipment to remove 50 decibel (dB) limit at nighttime and set to 60 dB regardless of the time of day; Explore providing a financial incentive for quieter equipment; and Allow heat pump equipment in the front yard in a screened enclosure if side and rear yards are not viable. 6
COMMISSION REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK: EQC FEEDBACK
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
The Planning Commission reviewed an earlier version of the proposed ordinance on October 2, 2023 and recommended the following:City Council adopt the resolution as proposed with modifications to:1. Consider adding flexibility to location of units within the garage to account for existing conditions by removing the references to “back, rear, and contiguous”; and
2. Consider allowing enclosures in front setbacks subject to administrative review by staff
7 COMMISSION REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK: PC RECOMMENDATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Municipal Code Section 16.60.010 Encroachments and Balconies currently allows encroachments for porches, stairways and landing places that are open and uncovered The proposed table did not include “open and uncovered” The proposed table for 16.60.010 is meant to reflect the current conditions with the additional allowances for electric equipment enclosures Staff have prepared a new ordinance Attachment A with a correction to the proposed table to include a requirement that encroachments for porches, stairways and landing places be permitted only if they are open and uncovered 8 UNCOVERED PORCH AND LANDING SPACE CORRECTION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
9 PROPOSED CHANGES SUMMARY
Current regulation Proposed change Effect of changeOnly cars allowed in the required 10-ft.-by-20-ft. garage clear space Allow tankless gas and electric WH and EV chargers 48 inches above slab; and electric equipment in garage clear space in up to two 3-ft.-by-3-ft. spaces along wall opposite vehicle entry Preserves area for parking in garage or driveway, and allows electric equipment (primarily HPWH) in garage AC/HP equipment allowed within the setbacks
Allow setback encroachments for electric equipment enclosures (primarily for HPWH); and add allowance for AC/HP between dwelling and street if screened Allows up to 16-sqft. protective enclosures for electric equipment in side or rear setbacks provided 3 ft. egress setback is met 8 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Table 1: Summary of proposed zoning ordinance amendments Modification number
Zoning Ordinance Section
Proposed modification Effect of modification
1 16.04.296 Create a definition of electric equipment and enclosures Defines terms for use in other sections 2 16.04.120 Modify the definition of building coverage to exempt electric equipment enclosures Simplifies permit review3 16.04.313 Modify the definition of floor area to exclude electric equipment enclosures Simplifies permit review 4 16.04.320 Modify the garage definition to indicate that there are allowable encroachments into the clear space Creates a basis for encroachments in garages5 16.04.325 Modify the definition of gross floor area to exclude electric equipment enclosures Simplifies permit review6
16.18.030 and 16.20.030
Modify the development regulations for the R2 low-density apartment and R3 apartment zoning districts to exclude electric equipment enclosures from landscaping requirements. Simplifies permit review 7 16.60.010
Convert the allowed encroachments section of the encroachments and balconies chapter to a table for clarity, allow equipment less than four feet in height without an enclosure between the dwelling and the street if screened, and allow a single electrification enclosure per dwelling unit in the side or rear setback, provided:a. The enclosure does not exceed sixteen square feet in area; b. The enclosure does not exceed nine feet, six inches in height;c. The encroachment does not exceed four feet into the side or rear setback; and d. The enclosure is no closer than three feet to the side or rear property line Simplifies permit review and outlines specific encroachments for electric equipment and electric equipment enclosures 8 16.72.010
Modify the off-street parking section to:
a. Allow EV chargers and gas and electric tankless water heaters mounted 48 inches above the slab of the garage as permitted encroachments
b. Specify that electrification equipment could be located within the clear space in up to two three-feet-by-three-feet areas along the wall opposite vehicle entry in garages for existing dwelling units. c. Require resident to submit form acknowledging voluntary reduction of parking area Outlines specific allowances for electric equipment encroachments in garages 9 16.80.030
Add a subsection to the nonconforming structures chapter clarifying dwellings where electric equipment encroaches into the required clear space for garages and/or carports would not be considered nonconforming with respect to minimum required parking Simplifies permit review 10
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
11 PROPOSED GARAGE CHANGES
Allow tankless water heaters and EV chargers 48 inches above slab Allow electric equipment in two 3ft.-by-3ft. areas along “rear wall” City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
12 PROPOSED SETBACK CHANGES
Allow electrification equipment enclosures in
the required side or rear setbacks– Max footprint: 16 square feet – Max height: nine feet six inches – Max encroachment: four feet – Must preserve three feet for required emergency access (egress)
– Must comply with Noise Ordinance limits
• (50 dBA at the residential property line during the
night, 60 dBA during the day)
Allow equipment without enclosure between
dwelling and street – Max height four feet– Fence or landscape screening to height of equipment R1U district example
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
13 PROPOSED CHANGES CONT.
Create a definition of electric equipment and enclosures Modify development regulation definitions of floor area, building coverage, landscaping to exclude the enclosures
Modify off-street parking to allow gas and electric tankless WH and electric equipment in garages
Modify encroachments to allow electric equipment enclosures in side and rear setbacks
Update Nonconforming Structures section to clarify these encroachments do not create parking nonconformities
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Environmental Quality Commission recommendation to the City Council (February 15, 2023)
Planning Commission recommendation to the City Council for action (October 2, 2023)
City Council receives presentation, takes public comment and discusses introduction (this meeting)
City Council second reading for adoption (November 2023) – Ordinance becomes effective 30 days after the second reading (December) Staff publish outreach materials and update review process to reflect the change (November/December 2023)
14 PROCESS AND NEXT STEPS
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance to facilitate electrification of existing buildings by allowing encroachments in garages and electric equipment enclosure encroachments into the required side and rear setbacks The draft ordinance is included as Attachment A Add section:
– 16.04.296
Amend sections:
– 16.04.120, 16.04.313, 16.04.320, 16.04.325,16.18.030, 16.20.030, 16.60.010, 16.72.010 and16.80.030
15 STAFF RECOMMENDATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
THANK YOU
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
MENLO PARK COMMUNITY CAMPUS -
PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN
City Council Meeting | October 24, 2023
L1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Background
Parking analysis RecommendationAGENDA
2 Aerial photo: Oct 2023
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Dec. 14, 2022 – CSC provided directions for a draft PMP May 10, 2023 – CSC recommended draft PMP to City Council Oct. 24, 2023 – CC to review and approve PMPBACKGROUND 3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
SUMMARY OF PARKING NEEDS
4 Community area
Existing FuturePeak hour Demand Supply Peak hour Demand Supply MPCC + Beechwood school 3pm 123 87 11am 128 102Kelly Park 5pm 65 59 5pm 65 59Entire Site 4pm 135 146 6pm 155 161 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
RECOMMENDATIONS
5 Main parking lot
– 76 total spaces– 19 EV spaces
Beechwood School parking lot
– 25 spaces
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
RECOMMENDATION –
ADDITIONAL PMP NEEDS
6 Topic Commission direction Final recommendationPriority parking for seniors Supported designation To be evaluated, including consultation with seniors, after programs are operating on siteAdditional loading zone Supported designation Separate loading zones designated for commercial and passenger useBicycle parking Commission requested review 12 (10 bike racks & 2 bike locker spaces). Further evaluation after programs are operating on site Wayfinding (off-site) Commission requested review Monitor over timePG&E sub-station driveway Suggested sight visibility evaluation Shift Terminal Avenue entrance centerline to provide more sight visibility, monitor after opening City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Overnight parking
– Consistency across city owned facilities– Potential topics:
• Daytime operation impact• Recreational vehicle use• Hours of operation • Enforcement of parking limits• Eligibility for a permit and potential fee structure
FUTURE ITEM
7 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
THANK YOU &
QUESTIONS
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
San Mateo US 101 Express Lanes Community
Transportation Benefits ProgramAn informational presentation to the North Fair Oaks Community CouncilJanuary 26, 2023 Christa Cassidy, AICPProject Manager + Transportation Equity Planner, [email protected]
O-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Agenda
The Project and the AgencyStudying EquityImplementing the Equity Program City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
US 101 Express Lanes Project
• Multi-year, multi-agency project lead
by Caltrans in conjunction C/CAG and SMCTA to reduc
e traffi
c congestio
n an
d
encourag
e carpoolin
g an
d transi
t use.
• Creates
2 2 mile
s
o
f expres
s lane
s on US
101 from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to I-380 in South San Francisco.
• Timing
- Opened southern segment (8
miles) in February 2022 and northern segment will open in early 2023. 3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
SMCEL-JPA Organizational Chart
SMCEL-JPA Board of Directors
• 3 Members of the
City/County Associations of Governments of San Mateo County Board (C/CAG) • 3 Members of the San
Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA)
Rico Medina (Chair)Alicia Aguirre (Vice Chair)Gina PapanEmily BeachCarlos RomeroMichael Salazar SMC Express Lanes
JPA Board
JPA Executive
Council
C/CAG Staff
SMCTA Staff
Policy Program
Management
(HNTB)
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
What is an Express Lane?
• Buses, vans and HOV 3+ generally use the lane
for free; HOV 2 people in a car receive a discount
• Other drivers can choose to pay• Toll prices are dynamic to keep the lane free flowing
• Toll prices will be displayed on overhead signs
5 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Get FasTrak to Use the Express Lanes
Visit https://511.org/driving/express-lanes for more information on Express Lanes & FasTrak® 6 (Clean Air Vehicle)
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Equity Concerns
• Toll equity concerns• Un-banked/under-banked• Technological barriers (toll transponder)• Potential for more benefits to accrue to higher income drivers 77 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Four Major Equity Program Questions
1. How to provide equity?
a. Discounted tolls in express lane?b. Equity investments outside of express lane?
2. Who should benefit?3. How much should they benefit?4. How to implement program? 8 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Equity Study Overview
Goals:• Develop a Pilot Equity Program that invests toll revenue in historically underserved communities in San Mateo County
• The Program should be flexible and can evolve over time in response to changing community needs
99 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Equity Study Process
1010
• Develop vision and
desired outcomes
• Phase I
community engagement on challenges
• Review of existing
local studies
• Define targeted
communities
• Literature review
Inputs
Preliminary
10 Alternatives
• Phase II
community engagement
• Technical
evaluation (qualitative and quantitative metrics)
Evaluation
Top
4 Alternatives
1. Express Lanes
benefit
2. Transit benefit3. Place-based
improvements
4. Carpool
rewards program
• Align with
community
feedback
• Align with Desired
Outcomes
• Breadth of benefit
(# of people helped)
• Depth of benefit
(is it meaningful?)
• Cost• Administrative
challenges and ease of implementation
Screening
Final
Recommended
Equity Program
Alternative
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Literature review findings
Congestion pricing can reduce congestion, reduce air pollution, and improve mobility and access for everyoneCongestion pricing schemes are generally more equitable than the status quo of unpriced roadsExpress Lanes generally create fewer equity concerns than other types of congestion pricing schemesExpress Lanes are slightly less regressive than other forms of transportation financeRevenue redistribution is key to equitable outcomesIt is difficult for Express Lanes to generate enough net revenue to fully fund projects that benefit underserved communities Congestion pricing can have negative environmental justice impacts if a highway is expanded for a new laneThe evidence does not support claims that traffic will be diverted through nearby communitiesThe direct benefits of Express Lanes accrue to higher income groups more than othersAcceptability after implementation is widespread and all groups make some use of the guaranteed reliable travel timesLow-income drivers are a small share of peak-period traffic and therefore less likely to pay the highest tolls City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Our Community Engagement Approach
1. Interview community leaders from across San Mateo County to understand community transportation challenges
2. Implement a Community Partner Program3. Embark on a community roadshow to present to community groups and have collaborative discussions
4. Hold public meetings5. Engage an Equity Study Advisory Committee with representatives from local jurisdictions and advocates
1212
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Phase I Community Engagement
13 1313
Purpose What we heard• Identify
community challenges
• Input on
how revenue should be invested
• Key challenges include unreliable public transportation, high cost of transportation, too much traffic
• Toll subsidies or other programs to help low-income drivers use the lanes
• More frequent and reliable public transportation• Improved sidewalk and bicycle infrastructure• Discounted or free transit passes City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Phase II Community Engagement
14 1414
Purpose What we heard• Input on
four Equity Program alternatives
• Express Lanes and Transit Benefit Alternatives received the most support.
• Many participants also expressed support for a hybrid of these Alternatives
• Stressed need for multilingual, culturally sensitive
education on how to use Express Lanes and how to access Equity Program • For cash benefits alternatives some people expressed that $50 is too low to be a meaningful benefit.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Final Equity Program
1. Clipper Card with a value of $100; or2. FasTrak® Flex toll tag/transponder with value of $100)
15 Three or more people
BusesMotorcycles
One
person
Two people
*First year budget: $1,400,000; $600,000 annually after that.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Program Eligibility
• Resident of San Mateo County; • and age 18 or older; •Individual Income at or below 60% of the county AMI - $83,640 for 2022; or
• Eligible to receive at least one benefit provided
through the Core Service Agencies Network
1616
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Program Administration Structure
1717
PPM + SMCEL-JPA
Daly City Samaritan House South Coastside Hope
Pacifica Resource
Center
Puenta de la Costa
Sur
Fair Oaks
Community Center
YMCA Community
Resource Center
Samaritan House
South
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Benefits Distributed: April – December 2023
260
(18%)
1,207
(82%)
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Income Level of Program Participants
59%
32%
7%
1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
No Income
$1 - 25,000
$25,001 - 50,000
$50,000 - $76,740
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Where Program Participants Live
1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 3% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7%
10%
24%
32%
0%5%
10%15%20%25%30%35%
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Program Participants’ Race and Ethnicity
46%
28%
11%
8%
1% 1%
0%
10%20%30%40%50%
Hispanic Asian or Asian
American (Not
Hispanic)
White (Not
Hispanic)
Black, African
American, or
African (Not
Hispanic)
Native Hawaiian or
Pacific Islander
(Not Hispanic)
Multi-Racial (Not
Hispanic)
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
How Program Participants Say They Will Use
the Benefit
2%
15%
17%
18%
39%
49%
50%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
To be used in another way
To get to school
To care for family member(s)
To get to a religious or community center
To get to work
To get to healthcare
To get food or run other household errands
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023
Questions?
Christa Cassidy, AICPProject Manager + Transportation Equity Planner, [email protected] www.smcexpresslanes.org
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 24, 2023