City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 9/10/2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Locations: Teleconference and
City Council Chambers
751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Regular Session
A. Call To Order
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Doerr (Remote – Brown Act, exited the meeting at 9:43 p.m.), Nash, Taylor
Absent: Wolosin
Staff: City Manager Justin I. C. Murphy, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren
C. Agenda Review
Staff continued item H1. to the September 25 meeting.
The City Council reordered item K1. to earlier in the agenda.
D. Closed Session
D1. Closed session conference with labor negotiator pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 regarding labor negotiations with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 829, Menlo Park Police Officers’ Association, Menlo Park Police Sergeants’ Association, and Service Employees International Local 521 Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Justin I.C. Murphy, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Administrative Services Director Brittany Mello, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, Human Resources Manager Charla Freckmann, Legal Counsel Charles Sakai, Legal Counsel Genevieve Ng
Call to Order
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Combs, Doerr (Remote – Brown Act, exited the meeting at 9:43 p.m.), Nash, Taylor
Absent: Wolosin
Staff: City Manager Justin I. C. Murphy, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, City
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Attorney Nira Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
E. Public Comment
Aileen Lattmann spoke on concerns to the RVs (recreational vehicles) near businesses.
F. Presentations and Proclamations
F1. Proclamation: National Preparedness Month (Attachment) Jenny and Dev Michel spoke in support for Menlo Park CERT and MPCReady and prioritizing preparedness.
Mayor Taylor introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
Menlo Park CERT and MPCReady representatives accepted the proclamation.
F2. Proclamation: National Service Dog Month (Attachment) Mayor Taylor introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
Paws for Purple Hearts representatives Kalya Apolonio, Megan Franke and Mary Kate Cipollone accepted the proclamation.
F3. Presentation: Annual Parks and Recreation Commission report out (Attachment)
Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair Wonman Lee made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) meeting schedule.
F4. Presentation: Annual Housing Commission report out (Attachment) Housing Commission Chair Nevada Merriman made the presentation (Attachment).
F5. Presentation: Annual Complete Streets Commission report out (Attachment) Complete Streets Commissioner Jacqui Cebrian made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on safe routes to school project timelines and sharing information with students.
G. Study Session
G1. Preliminary review of City-run preschool programs (Staff Report #24-153-CC) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Library and Community Services Director Sean Reinhart, Library and Community Services Manager Natalya Jones and Solutionary Advisors Founder Erik Burmeister made the presentation (Attachment).
Yezenia Guzman spoke in support of child care workers providing insight on the survey.
The City Council received clarification on the survey, bilingual opportunities, groups to be surveyed, focus group participation, city staff input collection, child care hours of operation, the need and goal for the survey and grant and funding options.
The City Council discussed and provided direction related to outreach for the Menlo Park survey (online, paper and bilingual), engaging child care staff input, publicizing and advertising the survey, opportunities to partner with schools for future input, length of the survey, virtual class options, ability to compare to the County’s 2022 survey, age group data, rapidly responding to known changes in the market for child care services, accreditation options, grant opportunities to support child care programs and compensation levels and job classifications for child care staff.
H. Consent Calendar
H1. Authorize the Mayor to sign the City’s response to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report, “Assessing and Reporting Internal Controls in San Mateo County Agencies and School Districts” (Staff Report #24-156-CC)
H2. Authorize the Mayor to sign the City’s response to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report, “Restaurant Exteriors: The Neglected Space” (Staff Report #24-157-CC) H3. Authorize the city manager to purchase library books and media from Ingram Content Group in a total amount not to exceed $128,000 and Baker & Taylor in a total amount not to exceed $130,000 during fiscal year 2024-25 (Staff Report #24-152-CC)
H4. Authorize the city manager to execute agreements with Planet Technologies for Microsoft 365 implementation and migration services and with Dell Technologies for Microsoft 365 licensing (Staff Report #24-159-CC)
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Combs), to approve the consent calendar, with the exception of item H1., passed 4-0-1 (Wolosin absent).
I. Regular Business
I1. Adopt an urgency ordinance to amend Chapter 12.42 [Flood Damage Prevention] of the Menlo Park Municipal Code (Staff Report #24-158-CC)
Associate Engineer Scott Jaw made the presentation (Attachment). Pam Jones spoke in support of the Class 8 rating savings passed to customers and lowering the rating further to increase flood insurance discounts for residents.
The City Council received clarification on ways to lower the rating further.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Nash), to adopt an urgency ordinance amending Section 12.42 [Flood Damage Prevention] of Chapter 12 [Buildings and Construction] to bring the design and installation of manufactured homes into compliance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program and find adoption of ordinances exempt from review under §15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act, passed 4-0-1 (Wolosin absent).
I2. Adopt a resolution approving the fiscal year 2024-25 investment policy for the City and the Successor Agency (Staff Report #24-160-CC)
Assistant Administrative Services Director Jared Hansen made the presentation (Attachment).
ACTION: Motion and second (Doerr/ Nash), to adopt a resolution approving the fiscal year 2024-25 investment policy for the City and the Successor Agency, which has been amended to incorporate language on responsible investing related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, passed 4-0-1 (Wolosin absent).
I3. Appoint a City Councilmember to the Parkline Development Agreement Negotiation Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Staff Report #24-161-CC)
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren made the presentation.
The City Council received clarification on the current status and duration of the charge for the subcommittee.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Taylor), to appoint Vice Mayor Combs to the Parkline Development Agreement Negotiation Ad Hoc Subcommittee, passed 4-0-1 (Wolosin absent).
K. City Council Initiated Items
The City Council reordered the agenda.
K2. Direction on the West Menlo Triangle annexation (Staff Report #24-155-CC) City Councilmember Doerr introduced the item.
The City Council received clarification on the fees, deposits and costs related to annexation and steps for annexation.
Gregg Faris with donated time from Robert Faris spoke in support of the annexation of the West Menlo Triangle.
Adina Levin spoke in support of the consideration of the annexation of the West Menlo Triangle at the appropriate time.
Executive Officer of LAFCO Rob Bartoli provided clarification on resident survey and protest proceedings required by LAFCO.
Ethan Edwards spoke in support of the annexation of the West Menlo Triangle.
The City Council received clarification on hiring a consultant for this project.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov The City Council discussed speed limit signage and current City Council priorities.
No action.
K1. Direction on homelessness/unhoused population in Menlo Park (Staff Report #24-154-CC) Mayor Taylor introduced the item.
Adina Levin spoke in support housing the homeless/unhoused population in Menlo Park. Aileen Lattman spoke in support of housing the homeless/unhoused population in Menlo Park.
The City Council received clarification on current City Council priorities and varying levels of approaches to the homeless/unhoused concern.
The City Council discussed hiring a consultant to assess the needs of the homeless/unhoused concern within the City.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Nash), to establish a Homeless/Unhoused Ad Hoc Subcommittee and appoint Mayor Taylor and Vice Mayor Combs, passed 3-0-2 (Doerr and Wolosin absent).
J. Informational Items
J1. City Council agenda topics: September – October 2024 (Staff Report #24-162-CC) J2. Plan to establish an advisory committee to the governing body of the East Palo Alto Sanitary District Subsidiary District (Staff Report #24-163-CC)
J3. City Council fiscal year 2024-25 work plan (Staff Report #24-164-CC) L. City Manager Report
City Manager Justin Murphy reported out on the Coleman/Ringwood Avenues study update and upcoming Coastal Cleanup day.
M. City Councilmember Reports
None.
N. Adjournment
Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting October 8, 2024.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
roclamation
National Preparedness Month
WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month, observed annually in September, promotes awareness and encourages individuals, families, and communities to prepare for emergencies and disasters; and WHEREAS, disasters and emergencies can strike unexpectedly and impact individuals, families, businesses, and communities, highlighting the critical importance of preparedness; and WHEREAS, California is prone to major disasters and often suffers severe fires during summer seasons which residents may only have minutes before they must evacuate; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park and the surrounding areas are also subject to major floods and everyone lives in an area with some flood risk; and
WHEREAS, California has the highest risk of earthquakes in the United States, and secondary disasters following earthquakes may include fires, structural collapse, downed power lines, flooding and extended utility outages; and
WHEREAS, when disaster-strikes, the Bay Area may sustain catastrophic damage to buildings, roads and airports, and bridges and infrastructure may be down for days or weeks; and WHEREAS, having a plan, understanding risks, and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the impact of emergencies and improve recovery efforts; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park residents must be prepared in their residences with the peace of mind that they and their families are ready to weather major emergencies; and WHEREAS, getting to know our neighbors ahead of a disaster and having a plan to work together until outside help can arrive helps to reduce the potential for emotional and physical pain and suffering that compounds when a disaster strikes, and can lessen the burden on our first responders; and
WHEREAS, the time it takes for our city to recover following a significant emergency will be greatly reduced by a well-prepared community, and the people of Menlo Park have a role in preparedness, from creating emergency plans and assembling emergency kits to staying informed about potential hazards and participating in local preparedness events; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Cecilia Taylor, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and the City, do hereby recognize September as National
Preparedness Month and encourage all residents to engage in preparedness activities, share information with others, and take steps to safeguard themselves and their communities.
C:: Cecilia Taylor, Mayor
September 10, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 Page 6 of 72 rorlamation
National Service Dog Month
WHEREAS, service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, including but not limited to retrieving objects, assisting with balance, giving seizure or diabetic or other medical alerts, and assisting those with psychiatric disabilities or visual impairments; and WHEREAS, service dogs also serve our nation's wounded warriors suffering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, and provide companionship to their humans while inspiring confidence that allows their humans to better manage disabilities and live fuller lives; and
WHEREAS, service dogs, service dog trainers, and service organizations empower people with disabilities to lead lives with greater independence by providing best-inclass training, ongoing follow-up services, and a deeply committed community of support; and
WHEREAS, before being paired with a human, each service dog requires months of training and practice, and before dogs are placed as potential companions, they must be raised in an environment that is conducive to learning; and WHEREAS, across America, hundreds of canines are raised by volunteer puppy raisers each year who agree to provide a safe environment, attend classes, teach manners and basic commands, provide for food , veterinary expenses, and transportation, and agree to give up the puppy after an 18-month time period; and WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month aims to highlight the benefits of service dogs and the laws protecting them, as well as the invaluable impact service dogs have on the lives of people living with disabilities; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Cecilia
Taylor, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and the City, do hereby recognize September as
National Service Dog Month, celebrate the extraordinary work of service dogs and those who work with service dogs across the world, and encourage all to join us in honoring these special heroes who dedicate their lives to help their human companions.
C: e
Cecilia Taylor, Mayor
September 10, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024 Page 7 of 72
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
(PRC) UPDATE ON 2023-2024 WORK PLAN
PRC Vice Chair Wonman Lee
AGENDA ITEM F-3 Page F-3.1 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
Primary goals
– Providing a forum for public information and discussion about City park and recreation issues and facilitate robust public comment and participation at commission meetings
– Supporting and advising the development and launch of the Menlo Park Community Campus (Now the Belle Haven Community Campus) – Facilitate goals laid out in the 2019 Parks and Recreation Facility Master Plan
Additional goals include
– Advise on the maintenance and upgrade of recreational facilities – Periodically receive staff presentations and reports about major service areas and programs
– Review and advise on updates to the department strategic plan – Annually review departmental budget proposal
PRC WORK PLAN 2023-24 INCLUDES 8
GOALS
2 Page F-3.2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
3 Page F-3.3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
As requested by the City Council, the PRC heard feedback from hundreds of commenters at multiple meetings of the PRC and several joint meetings with the Library Commission (LC) relating to the naming of the Belle Haven Community Campus. The PRC also acted as a public forum and received community input for the addendum to the Parks and Recreation Facility Master Plan for pickleball.
GOAL 1: ACT AS A PUBLIC FORUM
4 Page F-3.4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
5 Page F-3.5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Reviewed, advised and/or recommended programming and
policies for the new multigenerational facility at 100 Terminal Avenue
Jointly with the LC the PRC offered recommendations on the naming of the facility
The PRC continues to monitor operations at the BHCC:
– Staff presented an update regarding programs and services at BHCC in May 2024 – Community response to the new center and pool has been overwhelmingly positive
– Feedback from users is being collected and reviewed on a monthly basis GOAL 2: SUPPORT AND ADVISE THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MENLO PARK
COMMUNITY CAMPUS (NOW BHCC)
6 Page F-3.6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
7 Page F-3.7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
The PRC heard from hundreds of commenters during a few meetings in reference to the addendum to the Parks and
Recreation Facility Master Plan for pickleball.
The PRC reviewed data and key considerations for the
addendum, including recommendations related to tennis and pickleball user fees.
The PRC recommended that the City Council accept the
addendum with some adjustments to the key considerations based on public comment.
GOAL 3: FACILITATE GOALS LAID OUT IN
THE 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION
FACILITY MASTER PLAN
8 Page F-3.8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
9 Page F-3.9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Updated PRC work plan
Selected new chair and vice chair
Departmental policies reviewed:
– Community Event Sponsorship Policy
– Scholarship Policy
Recommended the library and community services department strategic plan 2024-26
Provided a monthly forum for public transparency and input related to park and recreation services in Menlo Park
SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL COMMISSION
AREAS OF FOCUS IN 2023-24
10 Page F-3.10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
2023-24
– Aurora Brosnan (Vice Chair)
– Mayrin Bunyagidj (Chair)
– Jessica Gilmartin
– Peter Joshua
– Wonman Lee
– Kelsey Theriault
– Kate Wessel
2024-25
– Kevin Dawkins
– Dawn Emms
– Joseph Grass
– Wonman Lee (Vice Chair)
– Peter Joshua (Chair)
– Michelle Sherman
– Justin Van Buren
RECOGNIZING PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSIONERS
11 Page F-3.11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
12 PICS
Page F-3.12 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Onboarding new commissioners
– One commissioner joined in May 2024
– Three of the commissioners joined in July 2024
Collaboration and Coordination with the LC
– Next joint meeting scheduled for December 2024
– We anticipate coordinating and collaborating with the LC as needed to address ongoing operation of the Belle Haven Community Campus
ONGOING COMMISSION TASKS
FOR 2023-24
13 Page F-3.13 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
14 Page F-3.14 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
MOVING FORWARD
The PRC will continue to support operations at the Belle Haven Community Campus
PRCwill continue to support vibrant and relevant community centers and recreation services for Menlo Park residents
Parks and Recreation Commission is looking forward to City Council’s feedback on their 2024-2025 work plan
Thank you for your support!
15 Page F-3.15 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
THANK YOU
Page F-3.16 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
HOUSING COMMISSION
2024 Annual Update
1 AGENDA ITEM F-4 Page F-4.1 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
• We are affordable housing advocates.
• We make recommendations to the City Council on issues related to housing policy, implement Council policy decisions, and represent the City where needed on housing matters.
• We are a conduit of information out to the community about affordable housing programs and a conduit of information back from the community regarding housing matters to the City Council.
MISSION STATEMENT
2 Page F-4.2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
HOUSING COMMISSION
3 Chair – Nevada Merriman
Vice Chair – Jackie Campos
Commission Members:
• Chelsea Onap
• Heather Leitch
• Virginia Portillo
• Jessica Beeli Schroeder
• Hadrien Trempont
Page F-4.3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Recommended BMR agreement terms
Reviewed and recommended BMR Guideline revisions
Received updates from Samaritan House and Project
Sentinel
Collaborated on Housing Resource Fair in celebration
of Affordable Housing Month
Held regular, special and subcommittee meetings
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
4 Page F-4.4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Staff to hold a study session to provide input and development parameters
Expedite processing
Offer Council suggestions and direction
DOWNTOWN PARKING LOT UPZONING
5 Page F-4.5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Issue BMR NOFA later this year
Recommend amendments to BMR Guidelines
Develop new 2025 work plan
Support City Council by providing timely, useful input Provide input in the development of the Parking lots sites
NEXT STEPS
6 Page F-4.6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
WORK PLAN PROGRESS
7 Item Status
BMR housing – compliance oversight In progress
Housing Element implementation – State compliance Met, ongoing Housing projects – awareness of upcoming projects Met, ongoing Community advocacy for affordable housing Met, ongoing
Collaborate with area housing agencies and advocates In progress Housing outreach and support In progress
Become more involved in housing policy and funding opportunities Met, ongoing Become involved in the NOFAs Met, ongoing
Review annual BMR Report Met, ongoing
Propose a new regular meeting schedule Met
Review quarterly reports from Hello Housing Met, ongoing Prioritization of Enhanced Housing Program Policies Met, ongoing Review and recommend housing policy action Met, ongoing Page F-4.7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
COMPLETE STREETS COMMISSION
(CSC) 2023-24 REPORT OUT
CSC Commissioner and former Chair (2023-24) Jacqui Cebrian AGENDA ITEM F-5 Page F-5.1 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
2023-24 work plan
Project highlights
Moving forward (2024-25 work plan)
AGENDA
2 Sept. 13, 2023 – CSC
meeting
Page F-5.2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
2023-24 WORK PLAN
3 Complete Streets Commission work plan
# Goals/priorities Tasks
1 Transportation Master Plan (TMP)
• Evaluate key corridors for TMP project
prioritization
• Advise on Middle Avenue Complete
Streets Project
2 Development projects • Provide input on impact to transportation networks
3 Citywide transportation policies/programs
• Evaluate driveway stopping sight distance
• Advise on transportation impact analysis
guidelines
4 Downtown access programs • Improve access and support downtown businesses
5 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program • Provide guidance for the program 6 Multimodal and transportation demand
management (TDM) programs
• Advise on regional multimodal and TDM
projects
Page F-5.3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Buffered bike lanes and pedestrians crossing improvements along Middle Avenue, by removing on-street parking on both sides. Ongoing pilots
– Nealon Park frontage parking
– Blake Street temporary closure
MIDDLE AVENUE
COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT
4 Page F-5.4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Developing implementation plan
Lowering speed limits on Menlo
Park streets
VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN
5 Page F-5.5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
High-turnover parking spaces (15-min)
Loading zone
Beechwood school priority parking
BELLE HAVEN COMMUNITY CAMPUS
PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN
6 Page F-5.6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Low cost safety measures
citywide
QUICK-BUILD PROJECTS
Willow Road and Alma Street 7
University Drive and Menlo
Avenue
Page F-5.7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Transportation Master Plan:
– Evaluate and propose key transportation corridors for project prioritization – Advise and make recommendations on the Middle Avenue Complete Streets Project including ongoing pilots for Nealon Park frontage parking and Blake St. temporary closure
– Advise and make recommendations on the Middlefield Road Safe Streets Project Citywide transportation policies/programs:
– Evaluate citywide bike rack inventory and make recommendations – Advise on Vision Zero strategies and program implementation – Evaluate driveway stopping sight distance policy
– Advise on implementation of Senate Bill 413 (i.e., crosswalk daylighting law)
MOVING FORWARD
2024-25 WORK PLAN (1 OF 2)
8 Page F-5.8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
Safe routes strategies:
– Participate in the Safe Routes to School task force and advocate for community engagement, program continuity and design implementation – Support projects serving other community based destinations (e.g., work, shop and recreation)
Major development projects
– Evaluate impact on public streets, safety, and transportation accessibility. Support downtown businesses
MOVING FORWARD
2024-25 WORK PLAN (2 OF 2)
9 Page F-5.9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2024
THANK YOU
Page F-5.10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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REVIEW OF CITY-RUN PRESCHOOLS
City Council, September 10, 2024
G1-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
2 Staff recommends that City Council provide direction to staff to:1. Assess the current landscape of preschool enrollment throughout Menlo Park
2. Survey Menlo Park families on their specific early learning and childcare needs
3. Explore future partnerships and programming to support the City’s diverse ecosystem of preschools
4. Develop strategies for adapting the City’s preschool programming to meet the community’s evolving needs while ensuring the financial sustainability of the program
RECOMMENDATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
3 Staff has developed a proposed timeline for completing the analysis, final report and recommendations. PROPOSED TIMELINE Timeline* ActivityJune – September Preliminary research and analysisSept. 10 City Council study session and direction to staffSept. 14 – Oct. 6 Menlo Park parent survey openNov. 12 City Council review survey results; direction to staffFebruary 2025 Preschool program analysis, final report and recommendations to City Council
* All dates and activities are tentative and are subject to change.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
4 The City engaged the services of Menlo Park-based education consulting firm Solutionary Advisors to provide: Early learning services ecosystem review and analysis Historical analysis of and forecasting for city preschool programs Analysis of a city-designed and executed early learning and care needs survey for Menlo Park parents and stakeholders
Comparative impact/benefit and cost analysis of potential models for delivering preschool childcare at the City's facilities Recommendations for partnership and grant opportunities to support the City's preschool programs
EARLY LEARNING AND CARE ANALYSIS
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19 Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction to:1. Assess the current landscape of preschool enrollment throughout Menlo Park
2. Survey Menlo Park families on their specific early learning and childcare needs
3. Explore future partnerships and programming to support the City’s diverse ecosystem of preschools
4. Develop strategies for adapting the City’s preschool programming to meet the community’s evolving needs while ensuring the financial sustainability of the program.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
THANK YOU
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
ADOPT AN URGENCY ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER
12.42 FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION OF THE MUNI CODEAssociate Engineer Scott Jaw I1-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
BACKGROUND
The City participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS)
– The City has maintained a CRS Class 8 rating since 2020 • Allows property owners a 10% discount on flood insurance rates – The local ordinance does not meet the Class 8 prerequisite • Requires freeboard elevation for manufactured homes
2022 California Building Standards Code adopted November 2022 – Requires one foot above base flood elevation for all residential buildings and structures in the flood hazard area • Does not directly address manufactured homes.
– This ordinance amendment clarifies this requirement.
2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
Adopt an urgency ordinance amending Section 12.42 Flood Damage Prevention
– Protection of public health, safety and general welfare.– To bring the design and installation of manufactured homes into compliance with the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
RECOMMENDATION
3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
THANK YOU
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 INVESTMENT POLICY
Assistant Administrative Services Director Jared Hansen I2-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
BACKGROUND
The City’s investment policy is reviewed and adopted annually. City Council last adopted the policy Aug. 15, 2023. On July 18, the Finance and Audit Commission recommended approval with no changes. On Aug. 13, the City Council reviewed the policy and directed staff to return with a revised draft incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and identifying any potential impacts. – Currently, the City reports on ESG ratings on a quarterly basis and ESG principles help guide investment decisions, but these guidelines have not been formally incorporated into the investment policy. 2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
SUMMARY OF
PROPOSED CHANGES
Proposed language drafted in collaboration with the City’s investment advisor, Insight Investment.
Language comparable to other local jurisdictions. Proposed changes add one new section on responsible investing and amend two sections to reference this new section.
3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
PROPOSED CHANGES –
RESPONSIBLE INVESTING
New section related to responsible investing:
– “The City is committed to the principles of responsible investing which emphasize environmental stewardship, social responsibility and good governance on the part of all corporate issuers. While these principles are subordinate to the key investment objectives of Safety, Liquidity and Yield noted above, the City’s investment choices are guided by the idea that community well-being is enhanced by (a) a commitment to environmental sustainability, including but not limited to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy initiatives; (b) fair labor practices and equal rights regardless of sex, race, age, disability or sexual orientation; and (c) good governance which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and ethical business conduct. As such, the City manages its investment portfolio as an ESG sensitive portfolio that takes into account the different aspects of responsible investing. Direct investment in securities from issuers that are involved in the production of fossil fuels, firearms or tobacco products is prohibited.” 4
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
PROPOSED CHANGES –
RESPONSIBLE INVESTING
Amends two sections to reference the new responsible investing section: Medium-term notes update:
– The purchase of these securities are subject to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations as outlined in the section on responsible investing. Prime commercial paper update:
– The purchase of these securities are subject to ESG considerations as outlined in the section on responsible investing.
5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
There is no impact to the City’s existing investment portfolio because:
– The City does not hold any securities involved in the production of fossil fuels, firearms or tobacco products.
– The proposed amendments do not require the City to divest of any existing investments.
– The principles of safety, liquidity and yield will continue to be the primary drivers of investment decisions, factoring in ESG principles when evaluating new corporate investments. Responsible investing impacts investment decisions related to corporations; a maximum of 55% of the portfolio.
6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving the fiscal year 2024-25 investment policy for the City and the Successor Agency, which has been amended to incorporate language on responsible investing related to ESG principles. 7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024
THANK YOU
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024