City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Date: 12/10/2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Locations: Teleconference and
Belle Haven Community Campus
100 Terminal Ave., 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, Doerr, Nash, Schmidt, Taylor, Wise, 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. Agenda Review
None.
D. Public Comment
John Selling spoke in opposition of the proposed project design at 80 Willow Rd.
E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Presentation: National Association of Energy Service Company Award for the Belle Haven Community Campus
Emily Douglas from ENGIE made the presentation.
F. Consent Calendar
F1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for November 12 and 19, 2024 (Attachment) ACTION: Motion and second (Doerr/ Wolosin), to approve the consent calendar, passed unanimously.
G. Regular Business
G1. Consider and adopt a resolution declaring the canvass of votes cast and results of the General Municipal Election held in the City of Menlo Park Nov. 5, 2024 (Staff Report #24-208-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren made the presentation (Attachment).
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov ACTION: Motion and second (Wolosin/ Doerr), to adopt a resolution declaring the canvass of votes cast and results of the General Municipal Election held in the City of Menlo Park Nov. 5, 2024, passed unanimously.
G2. Recognition of outgoing City Councilmembers
Lynne Bramlett spoke in appreciation of the service of City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin. Kevin Fong from Assemblymember Marc Berman Office and Miles Goodman from State Senator Josh Becker Office spoke in appreciation of the service of City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin.
Francesca Segre spoke in appreciation of the service of City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin.
Katie Behroozi spoke in appreciation of the service of Mayor Taylor and City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin.
Cassandra Matter from County Supervisor Ray Mueller’s Office spoke in appreciation of the service of Mayor Taylor and City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin. Jenny Michel spoke in appreciation for the service of Mayor Taylor and City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin.
Brittani Baxter spoke in appreciation of the service of Mayor Taylor and City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin.
Kathleen and Zoe spoke in support of the Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC) and in appreciation for the service of Mayor Taylor and City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin. Deborah Brown spoke in appreciation of the service of Mayor Taylor.
Mayor Taylor read outgoing City Councilmember Jen Wolosin’s proclamation (Attachment).
City Councilmember Jen Wolosin accepted the proclamation.
Mayor Taylor read outgoing City Councilmember Maria Doerr’s proclamation (Attachment).
City Councilmember Maria Doerr accepted the proclamation.
G3. Recognition of outgoing Mayor
Maya Perkins spoke in appreciation of the service of Mayor Taylor. Maurice Goodman spoke in appreciation of the service of Mayor Taylor and City Councilmembers Doerr and Wolosin.
Vice Mayor Combs read outgoing Mayor Cecilia Taylor’s proclamation (Attachment).
Mayor Cecilia Taylor accepted the proclamation.
G4. Swearing in of new City Councilmembers
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren administered the oath of office to City Councilmembers Jeff Schmidt and Jennifer Wise.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov G5. Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor (Staff Report #24-206-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren accepted nominations for Mayor 2025.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Nash), to appoint Drew Combs as Mayor for a one-year term, passed unanimously.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren accepted nominations for Vice Mayor 2025.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Combs), to appoint Betsy Nash as Vice Mayor for a one-year term, passed unanimously.
G6. Consider and adopt a resolution approving the 2025 City Council regular meeting schedule (Staff Report #24-207-CC)
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Taylor), to adopt a resolution approving the City Council’s 2025 meeting schedule, passed unanimously.
G7. Appoint City Council representatives and alternates to various local and regional agencies, as liaisons to City Council advisory bodies and to standing and ad hoc subcommittees (Staff Report #24-205-CC)
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
The City Council discussed current City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) membership and meeting days.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Wise), to appoint City Councilmember Taylor as primary and Vice Mayor Nash as alternate to C/CAG, passed unanimously.
H. Informational Items
H1. City Council agenda topics: December 2024 – January 2025 (Staff Report #24-209-CC) Charlotte Reed spoke on Downtown parking plazas status update and communications with the public.
The City Council received clarification on current Downtown Parking Plaza public outreach.
H2. Update on the Comprehensive Shuttle Study (Staff Report #24-210-CC) I. City Manager Report
City Manager Justin Murphy thanked City Councilmembers Doerr, Wolosin and Taylor for their service and welcomed City Councilmembers Schmidt and Wise.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov J. City Councilmember Reports
Vice Mayor Nash reported out on the Light Up the Season event.
Mayor Combs reported out on photos with Santa at BHCC.
K. Adjournment
Mayor Combs adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting January 14, 2025.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2024
Adopt resolution declaring the results of
the Nov. 5 election Judi A. Herren
G1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 5 of 12
BACKGROUND
June 1 – resolution calling candidate election for Districts 3 and 5 July 9 – resolution submitting a TOT ballot measure Nov. 5 – Election Day Dec. 5 – results received 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 6 of 12 Jeff Schmidt, District 3 – 2,379 votes
Jennifer Wise, District 5 – 2,485 votesDISTRICTS 3 AND 5 ELECTION RESULTS 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 7 of 12
TOT BALLOT MEASURE
Measure CC – passed 13,009 Ordinance will go into effect Dec. 20 Tax will increase 12% to 15.5% – Phased in over two years– 14% being the rate charged beginning Jan. 1, 2025– 15.5% being the rate charged beginning Jan. 1, 2026 TOT collection to begin Jan. 1, 2025
4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 8 of 12
THANK YOU
City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 9 of 12 roclamation
Honoring Menlo Park City Councilmember
Jen Wolosin
WHEREAS, in November 2020, City Counci!member Wolosin was elected District 3's first representative on the Mento Park City Council, then unanimously selected by her colleagues to serve as Vice Mayor for 2022 ai1d Mayor for 202J; and
• :. ,~., •• • WHEREAS; City Councilrnemter Woios!n has ccm.:Jsiently demonstrated her to commitment to , ::.. : .. ; __ safe streets by supporting projects to irnpn::y,,. ,3 saf:~ty for all roadway users on El Camino Real, ,•: Middle Avenue and Midd!efieid Road, and providirin essential insight on the City's Vision Zero ' r : Action Plan, which aims to elirnin£:te all traffi r:: fatalities and serious injuries by 2040; and WHEREAS, alongside prioritizing safe streets for Bl! ages and abilities, City Councilmember Wolosin has also championed housing affordability and accessibility, equity, sustainability, good governance and civic engagement; and
• WHEREAS, City Counci!member Wolosin h ;.Js represented the City on the governing bodies of commute.org, the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), and the Caltrain Modernization Local Policy Group and as the City Council liaison to the City's Finance and Audit and Library Commissions;
WHEREAS, as Mayor, City Councllmember Wolosin also represented Menlo Park on the , • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Palo Alto Community Fund Advisory Board, the League of California Cities (Peninsula Division) and the San Mateo Council of Cities - City Selection Committee; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated representative of District 3, City Councilmember Wolosin has consistently kept constituents and community members informed with newsletters, thorough in their content and providing beneficial information on a regular basis; and WHEREAS, City Councilmember Wolosin's thoughtful leadership, ability to articulate and implement a vision, compassion, advocacy, and attention to detail have contributed greatly to the City Council's ability to conduct business wilh accountability and transparency to City residents; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the
City Council recognizes and honors Jen Wolosin for
her dedication and service to the Menlo Park
community. ,
e;-.... o..;.
Cecilia Taylo , Mayor
December 10, 2024
G2-PRESENTATION
City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 10 of 12 rorlamation
Honoring Menlo Park City Councilmember Maria Doerr
WHEREAS, City Councilmember Doerr was appointed to represent District 5 on the Menlo Park City Council in January 2023, becoming the youngest City Councilmember in the city's history; and
WHEREAS, City Councilmember Doerr has used her experiences, background, and community input to provide thoughtful and valuable feedback to City staff on important initiatives such as the City's Housing Element and zoning updates, electrification programs for residents, adoption of the City's first Vision Zero Action Plan, safe street improvements, and the Environmental Justice Element and Safety Elements; and
WHEREAS, City Councilmember Doerr has represented the City on the governing bodies of regional organizations, including the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) Board of Directors and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo (C/CAG) Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, City Councilmember Doerr also served as a City Council liaison to the City's Planning, Finance and Audit, and Housing Commissions; and WHEREAS, City Councilmember Doerr has consistently sought to make local government more accessible and engaging for residents of all ages through public weekly office hours at Woodside Bakery, which were attended by residents and appreciated by neighbors; and WHEREAS, City Councilmember Doerr, in her free time, participated in youth-led summits, Spanish-only panels on local government, and school classes, among other things, to help residents find channels to engage in the local decisions that affect them; and WHEREAS, City Councilmember Doerr's collaborative, friendly, and engaged leadership has been a great benefit to the City and its citizenry, encouraging participation, accessibility and meaningful dialogues around important issues and key initiatives; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the
City Council recognizes and honors Maria Doerr for
her dedication and service to the Menlo Park
community. ,-'\ C __ :t,• ~----- c:~
Cecilia Tay~
December 10, 2024
City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 11 of 12 roclamation
Honoring Menlo Park Mayor Cecilia Taylor
WHEREAS, Mayor Taylor was first elected to the City Council in 2018, served as Vice Mayor in 2019 and Mayor in 2020 and again as Vice Mayor in 2023 and Mayor in 2024; and WHEREAS, Mayor Taylor has always worked diligently to further enhance the quality of life for all Menlo Park residents, prioritizing housing, safe streets and climate action; and WHEREAS, a proponent of equity across the city, Mayor Taylor engages with community members where they are, attending many community events, making herself available to residents, liaising with local advocates and encouraging youth participation in City initiatives; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the City Council adopted the 2023-2031 General Plan Housing Element, updates to the Safety Element and its first Environmental Justice Element, which identifies and addresses public health risks and environmental justice concerns, thus fostering the well-being of residents living in underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also updated its procedure manual, implemented traffic improvements as part of the Vision Zero Action Plan, directed a survey of childcare needs in Menlo Park and made strides toward affordable housing and electrification; and WHEREAS, Mayor Taylor, as part of the Belle Haven Community Campus Ad Hoc Subcommittee, working with staff, stakeholders, and residents, saw to fruition the completion and opening of the Belle Haven Community Campus; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Taylor also served on the Community Grant Funding Subcommittee, Commonwealth 3 Development Agreement Negotiations Ad Hoc Subcommittee, and supported the Complete Streets Commission as the City Council liaison; and WHEREAS, Mayor Taylor represented the City 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, Home for All and as liaison to the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise District (OneShoreline); and WHEREAS, Mayor Taylor consistently demonstrates her commitment to Menlo Park by encouraging transparency and accountability, prioritizing outreach to residents, and championing those who may be unsung and unheard in community conversations; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the
City Council recognizes and honors Cecilia Taylor for
her dedication a~ ice to tl:lal.Menlo Park
community.
Drew Combs, Vice Mayor
December 10, 2024
G3-PRESENTATION
City Council Special Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 12 of 12