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: 12/12/2023
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
A. Call To Order
Mayor Wolosin called the meeting to order at 5:04 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
None.
D. Public Comment
• Director of Menlo Spark Brian Schmidt introduced themselves.
E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Mayor’s Report
Mayor Wolosin provided a reflection on the past year and citywide accomplishments.
F. Consent Calendar
F1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for November 7 and 14, 2023 (Attachment) ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Doerr), to accept consent calendar, passed unanimously.
G. Regular Business
G1. Adopt a resolution approving the 2024 City Council regular meeting schedule (Staff Report #23-269-CC)
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item (Attachment).
The City Council discussed the January 2024 meetings.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wolosin), to adopt a resolution approving the 2024 City Council regular meeting schedule, passed unanimously.
G2. Recognition of outgoing Mayor
• Mitch Slomiak spoke in support of Mayor Wolosin's mayoral term. • Pam Jones spoke in support of Mayor Wolosin's mayoral term. • Jenny Michel spoke in support of Mayor Wolosin's mayoral term. • Adina Levin spoke in support of Mayor Wolosin's mayoral term. • Sally Cole spoke in support of Mayor Wolosin's mayoral term.
Vice Mayor Taylor read the proclamation (Attachment).
Mayor Wolosin accepted the proclamation.
G3. Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor (Staff Report #23-277-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item. • Maya Perkins spoke in support of the Mayor and Vice Mayor service and leadership. • Sally Cole requested clarification on the Vice Mayor appointment procedure. • Ray Mueller provided a certificate of recognition from San Mateo County Board of Supervisor and spoke in support of Mayor Wolosin's mayoral term.
• Jenny Michel spoke in support of the Mayor and Vice Mayor service. • Kathleen Daly spoke in support of the Mayor and Vice Mayor service.
The City Council received clarification on the Vice Mayor appointment procedure.
ACTION: By acclamation, the City Council appointed Cecilia Taylor as Mayor (Attachment).
ACTION: By acclamation, the City Council appointed Drew Combs as Vice Mayor (Attachment).
G4. Appoint City Council representatives and alternates to various local and regional agencies and as liaisons and members to City Council advisory bodies (Staff Report #23-280-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wolosin/ Nash), to appoint representatives and alternates to various local and regional agencies and liaisons to advisory bodies, passed unanimously (Attachment).
G5. Appoint City Councilmembers to standing and ad hoc subcommittees and disband inactive ad hoc subcommittees (Staff Report #23-282-CC)
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov The City Council discussed disbanding completed ad hoc subcommittees and creating a Belle Haven Community Campus ad hoc subcommittee.
The City Council directed staff to return with an item in January 2024 identifying purpose statements for reaming subcommittees and establish, appoint and purpose statement for a Belle Haven Community Campus ad hoc subcommittee.
ACTION: Motion and second (Doerr/ Nash), to disband inactive City Council ad hoc subcommittees:
• Aquatics Operator Agreement Negotiations Subcommittee; and • Climate Action Plan Subcommittee Nos. 1-5 Subcommittee; and • Climate Action Plan Subcommittee No. 6 Subcommittee; and • ConnectMenlo Community Amenities Subcommittee; and
• Menlo Park Community Campus Subcommittee,
passed unanimously.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Taylor), to appoint representatives City Councilmembers to standing and ad hoc subcommittees, passed unanimously (Attachment).
G6. Provide direction to the City’s voting delegate regarding regional vacancies for the next City Selection Committee meeting Dec. 15 (Staff Report #23-278-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Taylor), to select Mayor Taylor as the City's voting delegate regarding regional vacancies for the next City Selection Committee meeting Dec. 15, 2023, passed unanimously.
Mayor Taylor reopened item D. Public Comment.
• Edward Schlesinger spoke in support of smoke-free multi housing and tobacco retailer ordinances.
• Miyko Harris-Parker spoke in support of the work performed by City Council and staff.
H. Informational Items
H1. City Council agenda topics: January 2024 (Staff Report #23-281-CC)
H2. Transmittal of city attorney billing (Staff Report #23-279-CC)
I. City Manager Report
None.
J. City Councilmember Reports
City Councilmember Nash reported out on Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Commission vacancies.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2023
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov K. Adjournment
Mayor Wolosin adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi A. Herren These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting of January 9, 2024.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2023
PROPOSED CITY COUNCIL
MEETING SCHEDULE 2024
City Council meetings City Hall closed
Note: meeting dates are subject to change
january
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
february
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1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29
march
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5* 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 april
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
may
S M T W T F S
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5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
june
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 july
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
august
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
september
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
october
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
december
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
november
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5* 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
*March 5 election
*Nov. 5 election
G1-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes December 12, 2023
rorlamation
Honoring Menlo Park Mayor Jen Wolosin
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin was first elected to the City Council in 2020, selected as Vice Mayor for 2022, and served as Mayor in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin led the City through multiple, unprecedented emergencies including winter storms, flooding, and extended, widespread power outages, demonstrating a dedication to providing timely public information, coordinating with and advocating for resources from other agencies, and promoting effective emergency response; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin presided over the annual City Council priority setting workshop that focused the City organization around five top goals including housing, activating downtown, climate action, emergency preparedness, and safe streets, and has worked tirelessly to further enhance the quality of life for all Menlo Park residents; and WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin has advanced housing opportunities for all residents especially through the creation of the Housing Element and the development of below market rate (BMR) housing through the approval of BMR housing agreements for the provision of 56 BMR rental apartment units and 18 for-sale BMR townhome units at 123 Independence Dr.; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin engaged with the public to advance constructive and practical solutions, including amending the Specific Plan to allow street closures on Santa Cruz Avenue and a portion of Ryans Lane for the new streetary outdoor dining program with enhanced public space and bicycle infrastructure improvements; and WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin continued to build the City's reputation as a leader in climate action through a commitment to electrification communitywide through both grant funded programs and zoning updates for existing homes, in municipal operations by expanding use of electric vehicles and electrifying operations, and by requiring zero emission landscape equipment; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin has tirelessly championed safe streets improvements and supported the development of the City's Vision Zero Action Plan and projects to improve safety for all roadway users on El Camino Real, Middle Avenue, Middlefield Road, and more; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin has elevated the influence and brand of the City of Menlo Park by graciously representing the City to a variety of organizations and groups, at community events, and hosting students at City Hall to learn about public service; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin continued to impact Menlo Park through serving on the Climate Action Plan No. 1-5 Subcommittee, Parkline Development Agreement Negotiations Subcommittee, and supported the Library Commission as the City Council liaison; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin amplified her role on City Council by serving on the Association of Bay Area Governments, League of California Cities (Peninsula Division), Palo Alto Community Fund Advisory Board, San Mateo County Council of Cities - City Selection Committee, Caltrain Modernization Local Policy Group, and Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance (Commute.org), further demonstrating her commitment to making streets and sidewalks functional , safe, and comfortable for all users; and WHEREAS, Mayor Wolosin is dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogue and actively encouraging public participation, has exemplified her dedication to Menlo Park by addressing policy issues with insightful independent anaIKsil3, .. n:iaking herself available to residents focusing on the best outcome for the Menlo Park community; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council
recognizes and honors Jen Wolosin for her dedication and se,vice to the Menlo Park c~ mm"~ity.
c-~·~~ 1 +-'-' 1..;ec111a Taylor, Vice Mayor
December 12, 2023
G2-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes December 12, 2023 Page 6 of 9 VOTE #1 BN DC MD CT JW Total
0 0
0 Cecilia Taylor 11111 5
0 VOTE #1 BN DC MD CT JW Total
11 1 3
11 2
0 Cecilia Taylor 0
Jen Wolosin 0
ONE (1) REGULAR TERMS ENDING 12/2024
Drew Combs
Betsy Nash
Jen Wolosin
Maria Doerr
1 CANDIDATE - ONCE A CANDIDATE HAS A
VICE MAYOR
Terms expire December 2024 - 1 APPOINTMENT
Betsy Nash
Maria Doerr
EACH CITY COUNCILMEMBER CAN VOTE FOR
1 CANDIDATE - ONCE A CANDIDATE HAS A
MAJORITY, THE VOTING IS COMPLETE
ONE (1) REGULAR TERMS ENDING 12/2024
MAYOR
Terms expire December 2024 - 1 APPOINTMENT
Drew Combs
G3-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes December 12, 2023
2024 City Council assignments
MAYOR ASSIGNMENTS 2024 Primary 2024 Alternate
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Cecilia Taylor Drew Combs League of California Cities (Peninsula Division) Cecilia Taylor Drew Combs Palo Alto Community Fund Advisory Board
San Mateo County Council of Cities and City Selection Committee Cecilia Taylor Drew Combs
REGIONAL BOARD MEMBERS
Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) - through June 25, 2025 and San Francisco Bay Area Regional Water System Financing Authority REGIONAL ASSIGNMENTS 2024 Primary 2024 Alternate
Caltrain Modernization Local Policy Group Jen Wolosin Drew Combs City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Jen Wolosin Maria Doerr HEART Board Member Agency Committee (MAC) Maria Doerr Drew Combs Home for All
Meta Local Community Fund Betsy Nash Cecilia Taylor
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) Community Choice Energy Betsy Nash Maria Doerr Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance (Commute.org) Jen Wolosin Drew Combs San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Drew Combs Cecilia Taylor San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District
San Mateo Operational Area Emergency Services Organization (Emergency Services Council) Betsy Nash Jen Wolosin SFO Airport/Community Roundtable Drew Combs Cecilia Taylor South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA) Betsy Nash Cecilia Taylor Stanford Community Resources Group Betsy Nash Maria Doerr
ADVISORY BODY LIAISONS
Complete Streets Commission
Environmental Quality Commission
Finance and Audit Committee
Housing Commission
Library Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission
Planning Commission
OUTSIDE AGENCY LIAISONS 2024 Member 1 2024 Member 2
Searsville Advisory Group Betsy Nash Maria Doerr
San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise District (FSLR, OneShoreline) Cecilia Taylor Betsy Nash *appointed on Dec. 12, 2023 to serve through Dec. 31, 2025 Maria Doerr
Cecilia Taylor
Catherine Carlton*
Cecilia Taylor
Drew Combs
2024 Member
Maria Doerr
2024 Member
Cecilia Taylor
Betsy Nash
Maria Doerr
Maria Doerr
Jen Wolosin
G4-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes December 12, 2023
2024 City Council assignments
CITY COUNCIL STANDING SUBCOMMITTEE 2024 Primary 2024 Alternate NotesCommunity Grant Funding Committee Cecilia Taylor Drew Combs Meets annually, typically in Nov. or Dec.ACTIVE CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES 2024 Member 2024 Member NotesCommonwealth 3 Development Agreement Negotiations Subcommittee (ad hoc committee) Cecilia Taylor Betsy Nash Established on Mar. 28, 2023Parkline Development Agreement Negotiations Subcommittee (ad hoc committee) Jen Wolosin Maria Doerr Established on Mar. 28, 2023 G5-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes December 12, 2023 Page 9 of 9