City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 9/24/2024
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 and exited the meeting at 7:48 p.m.), Nash, Taylor, Wolosin (Remote – AB 2449 Just Cause)
Absent: None
Staff: Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, Assistant City Attorney Mary Wagner, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren C. Agenda Review
The City Council pulled item F3.
D. Public Comment
John Butler spoke in support of the Suicide Prevention Coalition. Lucas Chin spoke in support of food security and requested resources for “fridge hosting” sites.
E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Proclamation: National Recovery Month (Attachment)
Mayor Taylor introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee Member John Butler accepted the proclamation.
E2. Proclamation: Suicide Prevention Month (Attachment) Jenny Michel conducted a moment of silence for suicide victims for San Mateo County residents and in support for outreach and care for those facing depression.
Mayor Taylor introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee Member John Butler accepted the proclamation.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov F. Consent Calendar
F1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for August 27, 2024 (Attachment) F2. Authorize the city manager to execute a maintenance agreement with Environmental Systems Inc. for the preventative maintenance and repair services for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems preventative maintenance services and repairs and approve an appropriation of $25,000 in unassigned funds from the general fund (Staff Report #24-167-CC) F3. Approve advisory body annual work plans for the Complete Streets Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, Finance and Audit Commission, Housing Commission, Library Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission (Staff Report #24-168-CC) The City Council discussed the Finance and Audit Commission (FAC) work plan items nos. 6. and 8, Library Commission (LC) work plan item no. 4 and Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) work plan item no. 3.
The City Council directed the following updates to the FAC, LC and PRC work plans:
FAC – Remove work plan items nos. 6., Research opportunities to increase diverse occupancy of commercial vacant Downtown real estate to increase City revenues and 8., Identify potential alternative revenue sources and potential expense mitigation opportunities. LC – Remove work plan item no. 4., Support and advise on topics pertaining to the City’s childcare programs and related educational programs.
PRC – Remove work plan item no. 3., Support and advise the efforts of the Youth Advisory Committee.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Nash), to approve advisory body annual work plans for the Complete Streets Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, Finance and Audit Commission, Housing Commission, Library Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, with amendments to the FAC, LC and PRC work plans, passed unanimously.
F4. 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 #24-169-CC)
F5. Adopt a resolution amending City Council Policy CC-19-002 Travel, Meal and Lodging Policy (Staff Report #24-172-CC)
F6. Adopt a resolution to authorize the city manager to execute a loan agreement, secured promissory note, deed of trust – leasehold, and below market rate housing agreement and declaration of restrictive covenants, each substantially in the form attached, with MidPen Housing Corporation with respect to a loan in the amount of $2 million from the below market rate housing special revenue fund (Fund 222) for the construction and development of affordable housing at 795 Willow Rd., and approve the appropriation of $2 million from the below market rate housing special revenue fund (Fund 222) in the fiscal year 2024-25 budget for the construction and development of affordable housing at 795 Willow Rd. (Staff Report #24-173-CC) ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Combs), to approve the consent calendar, with the exception of item
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov F3., passed unanimously.
G. Public Hearing
G1. Consider and adopt resolutions amending the General Plan to include an Environmental Justice Element and to update the Safety Element (Staff Report #24-165-CC) (Presentation) (Informe de Personal #24-165-CC)
Senior Planner Calvin Chan made the presentation (Attachment).
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing.
Jenny Michel spoke in support of the action guide and the Planning Commission recommendations.
Pam Jones spoke in support of the process, results and focuses on anti-displacement measures.
Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing.
The City Council received clarification on Nuestra Casa and Save the Bay’s suggestions (Attachment) for Safety Program S1.M, EJ Program 2.E and Environmental Justice Element funding.
The City Council directed Nuestra Casa and Save the Bay’s suggestions:
Not included were updates to EJ Policy EJ2.3, EJ Program EJ2.E and Safety Program S1.M Included were updates, with staff recommended modifications, to EJ Program EJ5.A, EJ Action Item EJ2.E.1, EJ Action Item EJ2.E.2, Safety Policy S1.14 and Safety Policy S1.18 The City Council also directed highlighting City efforts for advancing equity and Environmental Justice through addressing existing and potential environmental health risks; including identifying, acknowledging, and addressing racial disparities in the housing market in Program EJ5.G; including reference to Beechwood School in Action Item EJ3.E.1; and including advancement of equity, mobility, reducing air pollution, and increasing bicycle and pedestrian safety in Program EJ6.D.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Nash), to adopt resolutions to amend the General Plan to include an Environmental Justice Element and to update the Safety Element, and determine the actions are addressed in a previously-certified subsequent environmental impact report under the California Environmental Quality Act, as recommended by the Planning Commission, the updates suggested by Nuestra Casa and Save the Bay with modifications, direction provided by City Council and staff to proceed with administrative edits as needed, passed unanimously.
G2. Consider and adopt a resolution approving a variance to reduce the subdivision ordinance front setback requirement for an addition to an existing two-story, single-family residence at 600 Kenwood Dr. (Staff Report #24-166-CC)
Senior Planner Chris Turner made the presentation (Attachment).
Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Wolosin), to adopt a resolution to approve the request for a variance to reduce the subdivision ordinance front setback requirement to allow the construction of a front porch addition to an existing two-story, single-family residence in the R-1-U (Single Family Urban Residential) zoning district at 600 Kenwood Dr., passed 4-0-1 (Doerr absent).
H. Regular Business
H1. Adopt resolutions to approve side letters of agreement amending the memoranda of understanding between the City of Menlo Park and the Service Employees International Union Local 521, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Local 829, Menlo Park Police Officers’ Association, and Menlo Park Police Sergeants’ Association to modify medical premium contributions for 2025 (Staff Report #24-170-CC)
Administrative Services Director Brittany Mello made the presentation. Sokny Sy spoke in support of the side letters of agreement amending the memoranda of understanding (MOU).
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Wolosin), to adopt resolutions to approve side letters of agreement amending the MOUs between the City of Menlo Park and the Service Employees International Union Local 521, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 829, the Menlo Park Police Officers’ Association, and the Menlo Park Police Sergeants’ Association to modify the City’s medical premium contributions for the plan year beginning Jan. 1, 2025, passed 4-0-1 (Doerr absent).
I. Informational Items
I1. City Council agenda topics: October 2024 (Staff Report #24-174-CC) I2. Communitywide electrification program: Home Upgrade Services progress report (Staff Report #24-171-CC)
Menlo Spark Executive Director Brian Schmidt spoke in support of the progress on electrification.
J. City Manager Report
Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte reported out on the Housing Commission recruitment and the City Hall re-roofing project for solar installation.
K. City Councilmember Reports
City Councilmember Nash reported out on the C/CAG Resource Management and Protection Committee and Emergencies Services Council meetings.
Mayor Taylor reported out on the Bay Adapt Local Elected Regional Taskforce meeting.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov L. Adjournment
Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting October 22, 2024.
Proclamation
Recognizing September as
National Recovery Month
WHEREAS, National Recovery Month, recognized annually in September, spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health; and WHEREAS, treatment and prevention providers across the communities of San Mateo County have dedicated themselves to promoting recovery, saving lives, destigmatizing and educating the public about substance use and co-occurring disorders; and WHEREAS, every day, in Menlo Park, community members and neighbors of all ages seek treatment for substance use and mental health disorders and begin the road to wellness and recovery in a system that emphasizes behavioral health as an essential part of overall health; and
WHEREAS, San Mateo County continues to support Recovery Month’s mission to improve the lives of those living with these disorders, to celebrate individuals in recovery and to acknowledge those working to provide integrated recovery services; and WHEREAS, prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible; and WHEREAS, while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming substance use and co-occurring disorders are significant and valuable to individuals, families, and communities. People can and do recover; and WHEREAS, this year, the national theme, "Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” highlights the ways integrated care, a strong sense of community, sense of purpose and leadership all play a role in recovery; 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 proclaim September 2024 as Recovery Month. Let us remember there are multiple pathways to
recovery and let us remember everyone’s journey results in their own unique experience of recovery.
Cecilia Taylor, Mayor
September 24, 2024
AGENDA ITEM E-1 Page E-1.1
Proclamation
Recognizing September as
Suicide Prevention Month
WHEREAS, Menlo Park has joined the county, state, and country in honoring Suicide Prevention Month in September, which included National Suicide Prevention Week from September 8 – 14 and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, to spread the message that suicide can be prevented; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, over 10,000 calls were received by the San Mateo County Crisis Line run by StarVista Crisis Center; and
WHEREAS, suicide is a preventable national and state public health problem with no single cause and suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed the coping abilities of a person struggling with a mental health condition; and WHEREAS, no single suicide prevention program or effort is appropriate for all populations or communities and therefore we must also acknowledge and address the disparity in access to mental healthcare for underrepresented groups and advocate for ending these disparities by encouraging culturally informed and evidence-based mental healthcare and services; and
WHEREAS, residents can play a role in suicide prevention by supporting local Suicide Prevention Month every September and working within their communities to learn how to discuss suicide without increasing the risk of harm; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park residents are also urged to play a role in supporting each other and preventing suicide by knowing the signs of suicide, finding the words to communicate, and reaching out to local 24/7 resources, including our local San Mateo County StarVista Crisis Hotline (650-579-0350) or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 or 1-800-273-TALK); and
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 designate September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month and call upon everyone in our community to find their role in suicide prevention.
Cecilia Taylor, Mayor
September 24, 2024
AGENDA ITEM E-2 Page E-2.1
GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND
SAFETY ELEMENTS – ADOPTION
Senior Planner Calvin Chan
G1-PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION AGENDA
Summarize project milestones and community
outreach
Highlight Environmental Justice (EJ) and Safety
Elements refinements
Review Planning Commission recommendations Staff Recommendation:
– Adopt resolutions to amend the General Plan to include an EJ Element and update the Safety Element
– Determine actions are addressed in previously-certified subsequent environmental impact report (SEIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
PROJECT MILESTONES AND
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
4 General Plan
Open Space/
Conservation
Circulation
Land Use
Noise
Environmental
Justice*
Safety*
Housing*
The General Plan
guides the future
development and
uses of land across
the community.
* Housing Element
Update Project
component
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
5 April 2022Neighborhood profiles ofEnvironmental Justice considerationsDecember 2022Initial draft EJ and Safety elementsApril 2024Revised draft EJ and Safety elementsAugust 2024Adoption draft EJ and Safety elements
ROAD TO ADOPTIONDOCUMENT MILESTONES
Summer 2021
Pop-up meetings Community meetingSpring 2022 Community meeting Focus groups SurveyWinter 2023 Community meetings 6 ROAD TO ADOPTIONCOMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PUBLIC MEETINGS Summer 2023
Planning Commission and City Council
joint study session
Summer 2024 Community meetings Planning Commission and City Council study sessions
Fall 2024 Planning Commission and City Council
adoption hearings
7 Priorities developed from community
outreach and engagement in the Belle Haven and Bayfront neighborhoods EJ Element identifies and elevates
community priorities
Priority #1: Provide safe, sanitary, and stable homes (Goal EJ5)Priority #2: Promote access to high quality and affordable food (Goal EJ4)Priority #3: Reduce pollution exposure and improve air quality (Goal EJ2)COMMUNITY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES
PREPARING FOR
ADOPTION
REVISIONS AND FEEDBACK LOGS
Records feedback from study sessions Identifies how comments addressed for the adoption draft EJ and Safety Elements
9 #
[EJ/Safety]
element
location
April 2024
draft page
number
August 2024
adoption
draft track
changes
page number
August 2024
adoption
draft clean
copy page
number
Key
topic(s)
Revision
and/or
feedback
notes
Identifier number
What section or item is at issue
Page within draft last reviewed in Study Sessions
Page within track changes document
Page within clean (no track changes) document
Subject of revision or feedback
Direction and/or feedback provided
Relevant notes and, where applicable, direct quotes of revisions made
EJ ELEMENT ACTION GUIDE
Separate, complementary
document outside of the General Plan
Tool to manage and
coordinate City efforts to address EJ goals, policies, and programs Responds to:
– Changing community needs– Funding opportunities– Ongoing community outreach 10 EJ ELEMENT ACTION GUIDE
HIGHLIGHTED UPDATES
New Action Item EJ7.E.1
– Provide environmental safety resources at BHCC and consider having a concierge or dedicated staff/resources to provide outreach Revised Program EJ7.J
– Increase opportunities for accountability and reporting New Program EJ7.K
– Action Guide updating process and ongoing outreach
New Program EJ7.L
– City Council considers EJ priorities during annual priority/goal setting workshop 11
PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION
Revise Action Item EJ6.D.6:
Expand the network of safe, accessible, and appealing pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including pedestrian connections within and in between neighborhoods. Poles, signs, or other impediments in the center of sidewalks should be modified to improve accessibility and sidewalk safety. Pursue improvements for public transit users and pedestrians where feasible, including, but not limited to, bus shelters, benches, shade structures, and lighting to support alternative transportation.Revise Action Item EJ6.D.7:Install and regularly maintain adequate lighting to encourage walking and safe travel at night. This may begin with installation on Ivy Drive, Hamilton Avenue, Chilco Street, Newbridge Street, and at public buildings at Parks. It should continue after subsequent community outreach that identifies other streets and locations with inadequate lighting, prioritizing underserved communities. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS 13 NEXT STEPS
Develop online EJ Element Action Guide Annual reporting on EJ efforts City Council consideration of community-identified EJ priorities during annual priority and goal setting workshop Staff Recommendation:
– Adopt resolutions to amend the General Plan to include an EJ Element (Att. A) and update the Safety Element (Att. B) – Determine actions are addressed in previously-certified subsequent environmental impact report (SEIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
THANK YOU
ELEMENTOS DE JUSTICIA AMBIENTAL Y SEGURIDAD
DEL PLAN GENERAL – RECOMENDACIÓN PARA
ADOPCIÓNEl planificador principal Calvin Chan
G1-PRESENTACIÓN
AGENDA DEL DIA
Resumen de hitos del proyecto y compromiso
comunitario
Tratar los ajustes de los Elementos de Justicia
Ambiental y Seguridad
Revisar recomendaciones de la Comisión de
Planificación
Recomendaciones:
– Adoptar resoluciones recomendando que el Consejo Municipal enmienda el Plan General para incluir un Elemento de Justicia Ambiental y actualizar el Elemento de Seguridad – Determinar si estas acciones son tratadas bajo el Informe de Impacto Ambiental posterior previamente certificada según CEQA.
HITOS DEL PROYECTO Y
COMPROMISO CÍVICO Y COMUNITARIO
4 Plan General
Espacio
Abierto/Conservación
Circulación
Uso de Terreno
Ruido
Justicia
Ambiental*
Seguridad*
Vivienda*
El Plan General
guía decisiones
relacionadas al
tema de cada
elemento
mencionado aquí,
con efectos en toda
la comunidad
* Parte de la
Actualización del
Elemento de
Vivienda
ELEMENTOS DEL PLAN GENERAL
Abril 2022
Perfiles de Vecindarios para Consideraciones de Justicia AmbientalDiciembre 2022Borrador Inicial de los Elementos de Justicia Ambiental y SeguridadAbril 2024Borradores Ajustados de los Elementos de Justicia Ambiental y SeguridadAgosto 2024Borrador para Adopción de los Elementos de Justicia Ambiental y Seguridad CAMINO HACIA LA ADOPCIÓNHITOS DE DOCUMENTACIÓN
5 Verano 2021
Reuniones informales comunitarias Reunión comunitariaPrimavera 2022 Reunión comunitaria Grupo de discusión EncuestaInvierno 2023 Reuniones comunitarias 6 CAMINO HACIA LA ADOPCIÓNCOMPROMISO COMUNITARIO Y REUNIONES PUBLICAS Verano 2023 Sesión de estudio – Comisión de
Planificación y Consejo Municipal
Verano 2024 Reuniones comunitarias Sesiones de estudio – Comisión de Planificación y Consejo Municipal
Otoño 2024 Reuniones para la adopción de los
elementos del Consejo Municipal y la Comisión de Planificación Prioridades fueron desarrolladas a
partir del compromiso comunitario y cívico en los vecindarios de Belle Haven y Bayfront El Elemento de Justicia Ambiental
identifica y eleva estas prioridades comunitarias
Prioridad #1: Proveer hogares seguros, sanitarios y estables (Objetivo EJ5)Prioridad #2: Fomentar el acceso a comida asequible y de alta calidad (Objetivo EJ4)Prioridad #3: Reducir la exposición a contaminación y mejorar la calidad del aire (Objetivo EJ2)PRIORIDADES IDENTIFICADAS POR LA COMUNIDAD 7 PREPARANDO PARA ADOPCIÓN
REGISTRO DE COMENTARIOS Y
MODIFICACIONES
Grabar comentarios de sesiones de estudio Identificar como los comentarios fueron tratados y/o solucionados en los Elementos Actualizados
9 #
[JA/Seguridad]
Ubicación en
Elementos
Abril 2024
Numero de
Pagina
dentro el
Borrador
Agosto 2024
Numero de
Pagina en el
Borrador para
Adopción con
Rastreador de
Cambios
Agosto 2024
Numero de
Pagina en el
Borrador
para
Adopción
sin
Rastreador
de Cambios
Tema(s)
Claves
Comentari
o y/o
Modificaci
ón
Notas
Número de Identificación
¿Cuál sección o programa está en cuestión?
Pagina dentro el último borrador actualizado desde las últimas sesiones de estudio Pagina dentro el documento con rastreador de cambios
Pagina dentro el documento sin rastreador de cambios
Tema del comentario o modificación
Instrucciones y comentarios recibidos
Notas relevantes y también donde se aplica citas directas de modificaciones GUÍA DE ACCIÓN DEL ELEMENTO DE
JUSTICIA AMBIENTAL
Documentos separados que
se complementan fuera del Plan General en si
Herramienta para manejar y
coordinar los esfuerzos de la ciudad para tratar objetivos, políticas, y programas de Justicia Ambiental Responde a:
– La evolución de necesidades de
la comunidad
– Oportunidades de
financiamiento
– Compromiso comunitario
continuado
10 ACTUALIZACIONES DESTACADAS SOBRE LA GUÍA DE
ACCIÓN DEL ELEMENTO DE JUSTICIA AMBIENTAL
Nueva Medida EJ7.E.1
– Proporcionar recursos para la seguridad ambiental en el BHCC y considerar obtener un conserje o personal dedicado para ofrecer alcance comunitario Programa Modificado EJ7.J
– Aumentar oportunidades para mantener responsabilidad e informes Nueva Medida EJ7.K
– Guía de Acción proceso de actualización y alcance comunitario en curso Nuevo Programa EJ7.L
– Consejo considerara prioridades de Justicia Ambiental durante el taller anual para la solidificación de prioridades/objetivos
11 RECOMENDACIÓN DE LA
COMISIÓN DE PLANIFICACIÓN
Modificar Articulo de Acción EJ6.D.6:
Ampliar la red de instalaciones de peatón y ciclismo seguras, accesibles y atrayentes, incluyendo conexiones de peatón dentro y entre vecindades. Postes, señalamientos, y/o otros impedimentos hacia el centro de banquetas serán modificados para mejorar el acceso y seguridad. Buscar mejoras para usuarios de transito publico y peatones donde factible, incluyendo pero no limitado a, paradas de camión, bancas, estructuras de sombra, y iluminación para apoyar transporte alternativo.Modificar Articulo de Acción EJ6.D.7:Instalar iluminación y darle mantenimiento regular adecuada para fomentar caminar y recorrer de manera Seguro por la tarde-noche. Estoy puede comenzar con instalación sobre Ivy Drive, Hamilton Avenue, Chilco Street, Newbridge Street, y en edificios públicos sobre Parks. Deberá continuar después compromiso cívico y comunitario que identifica otras calles y lugares con iluminación inadecuada, priorizando comunidades subtendidas.
RECOMENDACIONES DE LA COMISIÓN DE PLANIFICACIÓN
13 SIGUIENTES PASOS
Crear versión digital del Guía de Acción del Elemento de Justicia Ambiental para publicar en la página web de la ciudad Informe anual sobre esfuerzos tratando la Justicia Ambiental Consideración del Consejo Municipal de Prioridades de Justicia Ambiental identificadas por la comunidad durante el taller anual para solidificar prioridades y objetivos Recomendación de Personal:
– Adoptar resoluciones que modifican el Plan General para incluir el Elemento de Justicia Ambiental (Anexo A) y actualizar el Elemento de Seguridad (Anexo B) – Hacer la determinación que estas acciones son tratadas en el Reporte de Impacto Ambiental posterior previamente certificado (SEIR) bajo la Ley de Calidad Ambiental de California (CEQA)
GRACIAS
Menlo Park City Council
701 Laurel St.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Re: Comments on the Menlo Park Environmental Justice Element and Safety Element Dear City Councilmembers,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the Menlo Park Environmental Justice (EJ) Element and Safety Element update. Save The Bay works across the Bay Area region to advocate for smart climate resilience policies. Nuestra Casa works to uplift Latino families in East Palo Alto and the mid-peninsula through community education, leadership development, and advocacy. We endeavor to create communities where homes and infrastructure are protected from flooding, where nature-based solutions are prioritized, and where frontline communities are partners in climate solutions.
We appreciate the city’s outreach and engagement efforts in drafting the EJ and Safety Elements. We are glad to see that the drafts address the various risks associated with flooding including sea level rise, groundwater rise, extreme storms, and contaminated sites; encourage urban greening and nature-based solutions; and address the equity implications of climate resilience. We encourage you to include the following line edits in the final EJ Element and Safety Element in order to further ensure that Menlo Park is resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Sincerely,
David Lewis
Executive Director
Save The Bay
Miriam Yupanqui
Executive Director
Nuestra Casa de East Palo Alto
Policy or
Action #
Recommended Changes
Black text indicates existing language in the EJ and Safety Element drafts. Red text indicates line-edits that we
recommend including in the final EJ and Safety Elements.
Additional Supporting Information
EJ Policy 2.3 Advance jurisdiction-wide collaboration to continually refine nature-based climate solutions that sequester carbon,
manage stormwater, reduce sea level risks, restore
ecosystems, mitigate flooding, and conserve biodiversity The staff recommendation was to remove this policy
because of similarities to Policy 2.1. However, we
recommend retaining this policy as Policy 2.1 doesn’t
explicitly commit to nature-based solutions to sea level rise and flood hazards.
EJ Program
2.E
Review the City's Green Infrastructure Plan and update, as necessary, to incorporate environmental justice. Focus on Underserved Communities and implement programs in this
Element, in coordination with related regional efforts.
Update as necessary to ensure that planned green
infrastructure projects consider future flood conditions.
As extreme storms, sea level rise, and groundwater rise become more common, green infrastructure should be
designed to accommodate and mitigate future flooding.
EJ Program
5.A
Identify and resolve, to the extent feasible, any potential toxic soil contamination in residential developments,
particularly in Underserved Communities. Identify potential closed (remediated) contaminated sites at risk of
groundwater rise or sea level rise. Work with CBOs and
frontline communities to advocate for contaminated sites to be remediated at a level that protects community health under current and future flood conditions.
Table EJ-8 references the 2015 San Mateo County
Vulnerability Assessment which did not identify any
contaminated sites in residential developments.
However, the Vulnerability Assessment only includes
open (non-remediated) sites and not remediated sites
(Pg. 76). Remediated sites should be tracked as well,
since existing remediation measures may not account
for rising sea levels and groundwater levels.
EJ Action
2.E.1
Support efforts by other agencies to abate hazardous,
polluted, or toxic sites. Align with community members to advocate for oversight agencies to clean up hazardous,
polluted, or toxic sites. Advocate for Encourage incorporating sea-level rise and groundwater rise in their remediation decisions.
The city can be an ally in ensuring that oversight
agencies and responsible parties are transparent with
residents and remediate sites to the highest level to
protect public health.
EJ Action
2.E.3
Prioritize comprehensive undergrounding of utilities in Underserved Communities on private and public property to promote resilience. Consider the impact of shallow
groundwater rise on underground utilities.
Safety Policy
S1.14
Geotechnical Studies. Continue to require site-specific geologic and geotechnical studies for land development or construction in areas of potential land instability as shown on the State and/or local geologic hazard maps or identified through other means. Consider potential liquefaction risk under future groundwater rise conditions.
Shallow groundwater can exacerbate risk of liquefaction.
Safety Policy
S1.18
Potential Exposure of New Residential Development to
Hazardous Materials. Minimize risk associated with
hazardous materials by assessing exposure to hazardous
materials of new residential development and sensitive
populations near existing industrial and manufacturing areas.
This should include an assessment of open and closed
contaminated sites at risk of sea level rise or groundwater rise.
Some remediation measures used in closed
contaminated sites (such as capping contaminated soil
with concrete) may not account for rising sea levels and groundwater levels.
Safety
Program
S1.M
Sea Level Rise Planning. Collaborate with other agencies to develop a sea level rise plan as part of a subregional San Francisco Bay shoreline resiliency plan that is subject to approval by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and
Development Commission, as applicable, on or before
January 1, 2034. As part of this collaboration, consider and implement OneShoreline recommendations, as appropriate, to plan for future conditions impacted by climate change including those related to sea level rise. Create sea level rise and groundwater rise overlay zones that establish retrofit and building standards to ensure critical infrastructure (including underground infrastructure) and new
developments are resilient to future flood risk.
The OneShoreline Planning Policy Guidance includes
recommended language for establishing sea level rise
and groundwater rise overlay districts.
G2 – 600 KENWOOD DR. VARIANCE
Senior Planner, Chris Turner
G2-PRESENTATION
Title 15 – Subdivision
ordinance
Applies to existing lots with a
curved frontage– Front setback - point where the lot
meets minimum lot width
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE FRONT SETBACK REQUIREMENT
2 Proposed addition
– 40 sf porch in front of the house– Proposed front setback of ~21 feet– Complies with zoning ordinance standards
600 Kenwood Dr.
– Front setback of ~40 feet per
subdivision ordinance
VARIANCE REQUEST
3 15.32 Variances - 15.32.020 Criteria for Granting
1. Will not constitute a special privilege2. Special circumstances apply to the subject property3. Carries out the spirit of the subdivision ordinance Recommend approval of the varianceSUBDIVISION ORDINANCE VARIANCE FINDINGS 4 THANK YOU