City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 10/22/2024
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 6:05 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs (Remote – Brown Act), Doerr, Nash, Taylor, Wolosin
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Justin Murphy, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren C. Pledge of Allegiance
None.
D. Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
E. Public Comment
Bill Kirsch spoke on concerns related to a lack of street safety measures and in support of speed hump installation on Partridge Avenue.
Nancy Larocca Hedley spoke in support of speed hump installation on Partridge Avenue. Ross Silverstein spoke in support of utilizing the Vision Zero Action Plan as part of re-paving projects to implement safe street measures.
F. Presentations and Proclamations
F1. Proclamation: National Bullying Prevention Month
Mayor Taylor introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
F2. Presentation: Peninsula Clean Energy update
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) Chief Executive Officer Shawn Marshall made the presentation (Attachment).
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov G. Consent Calendar
G1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for September 24, 2024 ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Wolosin), to accept the City Council meeting minutes for September 24, 2024, passed unanimously.
G2. Waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 2.56 “Public Safety Information” of the Municipal Code
ACTION: Motion and second (Doerr/ Wolosin), to waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 2.56 "Public Safety Information" of the Menlo Park Municipal Code updating the City's automated license plate reader regulations, passed 4-1 (Nash dissenting).
H. Study Session
H1. Consider next steps for the Coleman and Ringwood Avenues Transportation Study Senior Transportation Engineer Kristiann Choy and W-Trans Senior Principal Mark Spencer made the presentation (Attachment).
Meredith Bergin Bailey spoke in support of Option 3 short-term and additional long-term solutions.
Shawn Hardin spoke in support of urgency and action for safety measures on Coleman and Ringwood Avenues.
Josh Orth spoke in support of Option 3 short-term and additional long-term solutions. Francesca Segre spoke in support of all short-term and additional long-term solutions. Paarth Delal spoke in support of safety measures for Coleman Avenue. Shadan Mirabedia and Poppy Larkin spoke in support of safety measures for Coleman Avenue. Ross Silverstein spoke in support of safety measures for Coleman Avenue options, one way traffic and protected bike lanes.
Michael Aaron spoke in support of safety measures for Coleman Avenue, one way traffic, removing parking on one side of street and additional traffic calming measures. Vera Winkler spoke in support of safety measures for Coleman Avenue. Ayesha Mehta spoke in support of safety measures for Coleman Avenue. Kevin Rennie spoke in support of Option 3 short-term and additional long-term solutions and additional options for Ringwood Avenue.
Jenny Michel spoke in support of safety options of one way traffic, reducing speed limits to 15 mph (miles per hour), concrete bollards, enforcement of parking and no parking on Ringwood Avenue.
Jacqui Cebrian spoke in support of safety measures on Ringwood Avenue, one way traffic pilot and protected bike lanes.
Nicole Angiel spoke in support of long-term design alternatives and traffic calming measures along all of Coleman Avenue.
Felicia McGrew spoke in support of safety measures.
Ted Sapountzis requested a community survey to understand the needs of the residents. Elaine Salinger provided information on the San Mateo County (County) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) discussion and direction.
Katie Behroozi spoke in support of safety measures for Coleman and Ringwood Avenues.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Cassandra Loftus spoke in support of safety measures on Coleman Avenue. Bill Grier requested clarification on the duration of a one way traffic pilot and how public input on the project will be documented.
Sarah spoke in support of safety measures on Coleman Avenue. Deanna Schroder spoke in support of safety measures on Coleman Avenue. Ken Bozzuto spoke on traffic issues on Coleman Avenue and in opposition of one way traffic. Cyrus Behroozi spoke in support of safety measures along Coleman and Ringwood. Greg Conlon read an article about collisions in Menlo Park and spoke in support of safety measures.
The City Council received clarification on short-term/pilot and long-term options, tree removals resulting from long-term options, lifespan of rubber speed humps, County BPAC recommendations, feedback received from the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, short-term option timelines and short-term/pilot options for Ringwood Avenue.
The City Council took a recess at 8:06 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:16 p.m.
The City Council discussed a one way traffic pilot, removing parking, traffic calming measures on Coleman Avenue, Ringwood Avenue options, County vs. City areas of control, city measures that can be completed without a County pilot, parking removal and resident participation in parking removal option.
The City Council discussed and provided edits to a draft letter to the County and considered including Ringwood Avenue (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on the pilot length, funding from County, school districts concerns, feedback and requirements, expectations and timelines for implementing safety measures, parking permits on Coleman Avenue, garbage pick-ups, speed limits for cars and bikes, Coleman Arms Apartments allotted parking, safe routes funding opportunities, modeling or photo simulation before implementation, neighborhood traffic management plan for surrounding streets and funding.
The City Council directed staff to:
Proceed with implementation of a pilot bikeway installation on Coleman Avenue in the City, which would include removal of parking on one side; and Proceed with implementing traffic calming measures in the City, as quickly as possible; and Proceed with implementing an all-way stop sign at Coleman Avenue and Santa Monica Avenue; and
Authorize the Mayor to approve and sign a letter to San Mateo County advocating for implementation of a one-way pilot on Coleman Avenue between the City/County border and Ringwood Avenue in order to provide space for people walking and biking; and Return to City Council to accept the Coleman-Ringwood Avenues Transportation Study final report.
I. Regular Business
I1. Consider and adopt a resolution to amend the salary schedule effective Dec. 1, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Administrative Services Director Brittany Mello introduced the item.
The City Council discussed living wages for teachers and city staff.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wolosin/ Doerr), to adopt a resolution to amend the City of Menlo Park salary schedule effective Dec. 1, passed 4-1 (Taylor dissenting).
J. Informational Items
J1. City Council agenda topics: November 2024
J2. Communitywide electrification program: Home Upgrade Services progress report Pam Jones requested clarification on Habitat for Humanity and Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) programs application process and questions.
The City Council discussed age qualifications and concerns on application required documentation for legacy residents and including equity included in the Climate Action Plan.
K. City Manager Report
City Manager Justin Murphy reported out on Halloween Hoopla, Pumpkin Splash at the City pools and the Trunk or Treat events.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren reported on current recruitment for the East Palo Sanitary District Advisory Committee.
L. City Councilmember Reports
None.
M. Adjournment
Mayor Taylor adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting November 12, 2024.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
roclamation
National Bullying Prevention Month
WHEREAS, People of all races, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities and cultures should feel safe and welcome in Menlo Park; and WHEREAS, bullying or peer abuse is physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional harm or intimidation intentionally directed at a person or group of people; and WHEREAS, bullying is also shunning, alienation and social exclusion or the act or rejecting someone from sports or interpersonal interactions; and WHEREAS, bullying occurs in neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, places of business, and through technology, such as the Internet and cell phones; and WHEREAS, various researchers have concluded that bullying is the most common form of violence, affecting millions of Americans annually; and WHEREAS, targets of bullying are more likely to acquire physical, emotional, and learning problems and people who are repeatedly bullied often fear such activities as riding the bus, going to school or work, and attending community activities; and WHEREAS, people who bully are at greater risk of engaging in more serious violent behaviors and people who witness bullying often feel less secure, more fearful, and intimated; and
WHEREAS, Menlo Park schools, students, parents, recreation programs, religious institutions, and community organizations are encouraged to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our communities safer for all people; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Cecilia Taylor, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, do hereby proclaim October as National Bullying Prevention month and urge all residents and City staff to acknowledge the serious issue of bullying, educate themselves on the impacts of bullying in our community and to strive to eliminate bullying in all its forms in our community; and C::""·: O ; L~
Cecilia Taylor, Mayor
October 22, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024 Page 5 of 47 Menlo Park
Council Briefing
October 22, 2024Shawn MarshallChief Executive Officer
AGENDA ITEM F-2
Page F-2.1
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Page F-2.2
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Putting our
Customers First
Page F-2.3
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How it works
Page F-2.4
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Peninsula Clean Energy
Supporting energy affordability9 Our customers have saved $163M on electricity since 2016
9 This year, the Board amended PCE's
rate design to reflect cost of service
with goal of ongoing affordability for
our customers
9 Board approved $68M community
reinvestment package
9 Awarded $530K to 16 nonprofits for
public education on bill discounts & energy programs
5 Page F-2.5
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Committed to decarbonizing our supply
Emissions factor: (lbs CO2e/MWh)
Page F-2.6
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Supporting home
electrification• PCE's 0% loan provides $10k towards
home electrification
• Easy application and monthly repayment
on utility bill
• Over 600 loans issued since 2023
• Customer rebates: 3000+ appliances
installed since 2021 (5x increase!)
• One-stop-shop electrification concierge
services upcoming
Robert and Teri Whitehair
2023 All-Electric Leaders
Page F-2.7
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Margarita Mendez
Program participant
Accelerating the transition toelectric transportation• Over 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed in our service territory since 2021; 4,500 more in pipeline • 650 customer rebates issued for used EVs
since 2021
• Over 1,000 e-bike rebates since 2021
Page F-2.8
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Partnering with our member
agencies• County-wide Climate Action Plan funding• GovEV: EV fleet support to meet CARB clean fleet standards + EV charging infrastructure
• GovPV:
o Round 1: 12 projectso Rounds 2-3: 30-40 projects with 6MWh battery • GovBE: Local Govt Electrification Program
• New This Year - Member Agency Energy Grants
Page F-2.9
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Menlo Park Highlights
• 15,898 active PCE accounts; 98% participation rate• $12.5M saved by Menlo Park customers since 2016• Councilmembers Betsy Nash and Maria Doerr represent Menlo Park on the PCE Board of Directors
School and Community Partnerships• 6 Youth Climate Ambassadors from Menlo Park• Support of Menlo Park City School District with decarbonization of facilities
• Sponsorship of Love Our Earth Festival, Menlo Park
Juneteenth Celebration, and Clean Air Day at TIDE Academy Love Our Earth Festival at Menlo Atherton High School
Page F-2.10
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
Going Electric in Menlo Park
• 354 electric appliance rebates• 44 e-bike rebates and 35 used EV rebates• 114 EV chargers installed with 236 in pipeline• Partnership to electrify homes in Belle HavenCity of Menlo Park Partnership• $786K available through member agency grants• Electric municipal fleet vehicles and solar PV system under development at City facilities
• Electrification of Belle Haven Child Development
Center through GovBE incentives
Learn more: PenCleanEnergy.com/community/menlo-park
Belle Haven Child Development Center
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
New developments
in 2024
Page F-2.12
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
New developments in 2024
• Enhanced programs and services to make
electrification easier and more affordable
• Incremental approach to 100% renewable energy
by 2030 in order to keep customer rates low
• Service to San Mateo County Community College
District began in July 2024
• Service to Caltrain in September • Currently updating our Strategic Plan • Upcoming: In house customer care center and electrification concierge services
• Customer-centric approach to everything we do!
Page F-2.13
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
From our team to yours: Thank you!
Page F-2.14
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 22, 2024
COLEMAN AND RINGWOOD AVENUES
TRANSPORTATION STUDY
Senior Transportation Engineer Kristiann Choy
H1-PRESENTATION City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
• Study overview • Long-term alternatives • Short-term options • Stakeholder feedback • Cost estimates • City Council direction AGENDA
2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
STUDY AREA
3 Study goal
Develop a community
preferred plan for
both corridors to
improve mobility for
active modes of
transportation and
improve safety for all
roadway users.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
Key Concerns
Lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities
Speeding
Illegal parking and lack of crossing opportunities
STUDY OVERVIEW
4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
LONG-TERM
ALTERNATIVES
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
RINGWOOD AVENUE
LONG-TERM DESIGN ALTERNATIVE
7 Bike lanes
(protected
near
schools)
with offstreet
pathway
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
COLEMAN AVENUE (MENLO OAKS)
LONG-TERM DESIGN ALTERNATIVE
8 Bike lanes
with offstreet
pathway
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
COLEMAN AVENUE (CITY)
LONG-TERM DESIGN ALTERNATIVE
9 Bike boulevard with
shared use pathway
and parking on one
side
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
SHORT-TERM OPTIONS
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
Bulleted list
Bulleted list
– Second level
– Second level
• Third level
SUMMARY OF PILOT OPTIONS FOR
COLEMAN AVENUE
11 Jurisdiction Extents Option
San Mateo
County
Ringwood Ave. to
City border (approx.
Riordan Place)
1. Turn restrictions
2. Through traffic restriction
(road closure)
3. One-way (toward
Ringwood Ave.)
4. Traffic calming
City of
Menlo Park
City border (approx.
Riordan Place)
to Willow Rd.
5. Bike lane westbound,
shared lane eastbound
6. Narrow bike lanes both
directions
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
TURN RESTRICTION
12 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
THROUGH TRAFFIC RESTRICTION
13 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
ONE WAY
14 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
TRAFFIC CALMING
15 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
BIKE LANE WESTBOUND
16 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
BIKE LANE WESTBOUND CROSSSECTIONS
17 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
NARROW BIKE LANES
18 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
NARROW BIKE LANES CROSS-SECTION
19 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
STAKEHOLDER
FEEDBACK
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
Feb. 14 meeting
Ringwood Avenue
– Evaluate left turn restriction from Ringwood Avenue to Menlo Atherton High School
– Improve drainage
– Increase enforcement
Coleman Avenue
– Add all way stop at Santa Monica
– Explore other traffic calming measures to supplement pilot – Explore parking removal options for bike lane during a pilot
COMPLETE STREETS COMMISSION
FEEDBACK
21 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
Sept. 17 meeting
– Heard comments from community members about the project – Majority of comments supported one-way pilot option
– No action taken
Oct. 17 meeting
– Discussed draft letter to board of supervisors
– Approved letter supporting quick build efforts on Coleman Avenue
COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
22 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
Community led petition supporting one-way pilot shared in Spring Sept. 25 Letter from School District representatives supporting one-way pilot option
ONE-WAY PILOT SUPPORT
23 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES
24 Street Description Cost estimate
Coleman Short-term - pilot options $60,000 - $200,000
Coleman Long-term - County $3,700,000
Coleman Long-term - City $3,900,000
Ringwood
Long-term - separated bike
path on north side (City and
County)
$8,000,000
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES
PILOT OPTIONS
25 Description Cost estimate - City
Turn restrictions $41,000
No thru traffic restriction $50,500
One way pilot – county section $41,000
Traffic calming only $62,500
City section – bike lane, shared
lane $137,000
City section – narrow bike lanes $117,000
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
Potential future actions Considerations
1. Accept the final report
• Would conclude this phase of the project as any
pilot option or the long-term alternative would need
additional design and budget.
2. Express support for the one-way pilot within the
County section
• Received the most support and can be installed in
a shorter time frame.
• Would use temporary materials so it can be easily
removed if not successful
3. Remove parking on one side to facilitate
bicycle improvements within City section
• Would allow for installation of narrow bike lanes
or bike lane in one direction and sharrows in the
other direction.
4. Install traffic calming measures within City
section • These would primarily be adding speed tables
5. Install stop sign at Santa Monica Avenue
• Does not meet stop sign warrants and would
impede the through bicycle movement.
• Provides clear right of way designation for those
crossing Coleman to access bus stops.
6. Pursue long-term option
• Expensive and would not be installed quickly.
• Would need to look at funding sources such as
grants to implement
REQUESTED DIRECTION FROM
CITY COUNCIL
26 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
THANK YOU
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024
DRAFT
Dear President Slocum, Vice President Canepa, Supervisor Corzo, Supervisor Mueller, Supervisor Pine and Other Interested Parties,
The City of Menlo Park greatly appreciates our long-standing partnership with the County of San Mateo. We believe that our mutual constituents and our many shared stakeholders benefit when we work together to solve long-standing challenges in our community. This is especially true as it relates to the safety of our children on streets that have multijurisdictional complexities. To that end, we are truly grateful to have had our two public agencies work so well together over the last two years in the joint Coleman and Ringwood Avenues Transportation Study.
It is the position of the Menlo Park City Council that it is time to move from studying the ongoing problems on Coleman Avenue to taking action on a potential solution. The City of Menlo Park is looking to make a variety of street improvements on the City portion of the street, including the removal of parking on one side of the street to facilitate bicycle improvements, installing traffic calming measures and installing a new stop sign at Santa Monica Avenue. We feel that it is time for the County to also move forward on its segment. This letter is to convey our support for the one-way pilot within the County section of Coleman Avenue.
The one-way pilot is a relatively low-cost opportunity to make space on Coleman for all modes of travel. The pilot leaves in place vehicular traffic flow from Willow Road to Ringwood Avenue, minimizing impacts to drivers for morning drop offs at Menlo-Atherton High School and Lower Laurel Elementary. While many who participated in the study favored widening Coleman Avenue and/or completely blocking off Coleman at the County line, many others found both of those too impactful for trees and/or vehicular flow. The one-way pilot has emerged as the compromise option that most are willing to try. If the pilot ends up being unsuccessful, the use of temporary materials will enable it to be easily removed if necessary.
We would like to acknowledge a request that President Slocum and Supervisor Mueller made at a meeting with Vice Mayor Combs and Councilmember Wolosin, as well as County and City staff. At this meeting, the supervisors requested that resolutions be requested from the Menlo Park City School District Board and the Sequoia Union High School District Board. In the place of these resolutions, the superintendents and principals of these school districts submitted letters of support for the one-way pilot. It is our understanding that at least MPCSD does not have a practice of taking positions on street design. We also feel that there have been many noticed public meetings that have discussed the one-way option and that the public has had ample opportunity to have their thoughts heard. Your agendizing of this topic will be yet another chance for people to share their opinions. Please do not make school district resolutions a prerequisite for agendizing this topic.
We urge the Board of Supervisors to move this project forward as soon as possible to the next phase of development. Let’s be the ones to make this happen.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2024