City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 12/17/2024
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 Combs called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Nash, Schmidt, Taylor, Wise
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
The City Council updated item F1. to a Regular Business item.
The City Council reordered item G5. to come after G1.
D. Public Comment
• Lynne Bramlett announced their retirement from MPC (Menlo Park Community) Ready.
E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Presentation: RethinkWaste 2024 poster contest winner (Attachment)
RethinkWaste Environmental Education Associate Reyna Oceguera introduced the item.
La Entrada Middle School 6th grade student Arielle Hoffer made the presentation (Attachment).
F. Consent Calendar
The City Council updated item F1. and moved to a Regular Business item.
F1. Adopt a resolution to amend the salary schedule effective Jan. 12, 2025 (Staff Report #24-211-CC) G. Regular Business
F1. Adopt a resolution to amend the salary schedule effective Jan. 12, 2025 (Staff Report #24-211-CC)
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.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Nash), to adopt a resolution to approve the following amendments to the City of Menlo Park salary schedule effective Jan. 12, 2025:
1. Salary adjustments related to market-based equity adjustments per the memorandum of understanding between the City and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 829;
2. A corresponding salary adjustment to one classification represented by the Service Employees International Union, Local 521, and the corresponding confidential position, to maintain internal alignment within an adjusted job family; and
3. A market-based equity adjustment for the executive assistant to the city manager classification; and
4. Salary adjustments for two temporary positions related to the 2025 minimum wage requirements, passed unanimously.
G1. Consider applicants and make an appointment to fill a vacancy on the East Palo Alto Sanitary District Subsidiary District Advisory Committee (Staff Report #24-212-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item. • Jagan Subbiah spoke in support of their application.
Applicant Daniel Pedreiro withdrew their application.
The City Council directed staff to follow-up with the City of East Palo Alto on reporting requirements to Menlo Park City Council.
The City Council made an appointment to fill a vacancy on the East Palo Alto Sanitary District Subsidiary District Advisory Committee:
• Dianne Otterby
The City Council reordered the agenda.
G5. Accept the Comprehensive Shuttle Study Report (Staff Report #24-216-CC) Senior Transportation Engineer Kristiann Choy and Nelson/Nygaard Senior Associate Planner Marvin Ranaldson made the presentation (Attachment).
• Sally Cole spoke in support of accepting the report.
• Manzanita Works Chief Executive Officer Mila Zelkha spoke in support of a Menlo Park Transportation Management Association (TMA).
• Jenny Michel spoke on difficulties navigating the Menlo Shuttle and schedule and in support of a TMA.
• Lizbeth King spoke in support of accepting the report and suggested cost per ride review. • Pam Jones requested clarification on the demographics in the report.
The City Council received clarification on the changes in costs for the base services and the service improvements, TMA opportunities, costs per rider, Hispanic demographics in the report, a gap of coverage on Bay Road between Willow Road and Marsh Road, Redi-wheels impact reports by jurisdiction and grant funding.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov The City Council discussed marketing and signage, the shuttle stop at Coleman Avenue and Willow Road and impacts and tradeoffs related to costs.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wise/ Schmidt), to accept the Comprehensive Shuttle Study report to comply with the Study's grant funding requirements, passed unanimously.
G2. Appoint City Council representatives and alternates to various local and regional agencies and as liaisons and members to City Council advisory bodies (Staff Report #24-213-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wise), to appoint representatives and alternates to various local and regional agencies and as liaisons to advisory bodies, passed unanimously (Attachment).
G3. Appoint City Councilmembers to various standing and ad hoc subcommittees (Staff Report #24-214-CC)
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
The City Council directed staff to postpone appointments to the Community Grant Funding Committee until restarting the program.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Wise), to make appointments to various standing and ad hoc subcommittees and disband inactive City Council ad hoc subcommittee, passed unanimously (Attachment).
G4. Provide direction to the City’s voting delegate regarding regional vacancies for the next City Selection Committee meeting Dec. 20 (Staff Report #24-215-CC) Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren introduced the item.
The City Council discussed City Selection Committee meeting candidates.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Taylor), to select Mayor Combs and, as alternate, City Councilmember Schmidt as the City's voting delegate regarding regional vacancies for the next City Selection Committee meeting Dec. 20, passed unanimously.
H. Informational Items
H1. City Council agenda topics: January 2025 (Staff Report #24-217-CC) I. City Manager Report
City Manager Murphy reported out on the next City Council meeting Jan. 14, 2025.
J. City Councilmember Reports
Mayor Combs reported out on the Photos with Santa at Belle Haven Community Campus event City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2024
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov and the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority meeting.
Vice Mayor Nash reported out on downtown housing input.
K. Adjournment
Mayor Combs adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting January 28, 2025.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2024
E1-PRESENTATION City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2024
2025 City Council assignments
MAYOR ASSIGNMENTS 2025 Primary 2025 Alternate
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Drew Combs Betsy Nash League of California Cities (Peninsula Division) Drew Combs Betsy Nash Palo Alto Community Fund Advisory Board
San Mateo County Council of Cities and City Selection Committee Drew Combs Betsy Nash
REGIONAL BOARD MEMBERS
Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) and San Francisco Bay Area Regional Water System Financing Authority
REGIONAL ASSIGNMENTS 2025 Primary 2025 Alternate
Caltrain Modernization Local Policy Group Jennifer Wise Drew Combs City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Cecilia Taylor Betsy Nash HEART Board Member Agency Committee (MAC) Jeff Schmidt Drew Combs Home for All
Meta Local Community Fund Cecilia Taylor Betsy Nash
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) Community Choice Energy Betsy Nash Jennifer Wise Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance (Commute.org) Jeff Schmidt Drew Combs San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Drew Combs Cecilia Taylor San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District
San Mateo Operational Area Emergency Services Organization (Emergency Services Council) Drew Combs Cecilia Taylor SFO Airport/Community Roundtable Drew Combs Cecilia Taylor South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA) Jeff Schmidt Cecilia Taylor Stanford Community Resources Group Betsy Nash Jennifer Wise
ADVISORY BODY LIAISONS
Complete Streets Commission
Environmental Quality Commission
Finance and Audit Committee
Housing Commission
Library Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission
Planning Commission
OUTSIDE AGENCY LIAISONS 2025 Member 1 2025 Member 2
Searsville Advisory Group Betsy Nash Jennifer Wise
San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise District (FSLR, OneShoreline) Cecilia Taylor Betsy Nash *appointed Dec. 17, 2024 to serve through June 30, 2029 **appointed Dec. 12, 2023 to serve through Dec. 31, 2025 Jeff Schmidt
Cecilia Taylor
Catherine Carlton**
Drew Combs
Drew Combs
2025 Member
Betsy Nash*
2025 Member
Cecilia Taylor
Betsy Nash
Drew Combs
Jeff Schmidt
Jennifer Wise
G2-PRESENTATION
G4-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2024
2025 City Council assignments
CITY COUNCIL STANDING SUBCOMMITTEE 2025 2025 Notes Purpose Community Grant Funding Committee Postpone until
restart
Postpone untilrestart
Meets annually, typically in Nov. or Dec. Evaluate annual requests for human service needs grant funds.
The Community Grant Funding subcommittee meets to review and make recommendations to the City Council on how best to allocate the funding.
ACTIVE CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES 2025 2025 Notes Purpose Belle Haven Community Campus Subcommittee (ad hoc subcommittee) Update purpose in 2025Taylor
Update purpose in 2025Wise
Established Jan. 9, 2024 Support and advise BHCC grand opening planning and preparation including: local neighborhood history interpretive installations and displays; a potential documentary project; developing dedication plaque options for City Council
consideration; grand opening celebrations; and aquatic
programing.
Commonwealth 3 Development Agreement Negotiations Subcommittee (ad hoc committee) Disband Disband Established Mar. 28, 2023 Advise on the negotiation of the development agreement for the Commonwealth Building 3 office project at 162-164 Jefferson Dr.
Homeless/Unhoused Subcommittee (ad hoc committee) Return in 2025 Return in 2025 Established Sept. 10, 2024 Requesting a study session on homelessness/unhoused population in Menlo Park. This includes, encampments, persons sleeping on the ground, sleeping in a car, sleeping in RV’s, etc. I am concerned that the colder and wetter months are near.
Parkline Development Agreement Negotiations Subcommittee (ad hoc committee) Taylor Schmidt Established Mar. 28, 2023 Advise on the negotiation of the development agreement for Parkline mixed-use project at 333 Ravenswood Ave.
G3-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 7 of 31 Menlo Park
Shuttle Study
December 17, 2024City Council
G5-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 8 of 31 Background
1 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 9 of 31
BACKGROUND
Current Shuttle Program Two commuter routes
o Marsh and Willow Shuttle connect Caltrain
with business parks
Two community routes
o Crosstown is a fixed route connecting
residents with retail, medical, and recreation destinations o Shoppers’ Shuttle is a curb-to-curb route
supplementing Crosstown
o Shoppers’ Shuttle must be reserved at least
one day in advance
Shuttle Vehicles
o Seat 20 to 28 passengerso Wheelchair-accessibleo Front-mounted rack for two bicycles 3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 10 of 31
BACKGROUND
Program Details Administration
o Joint contract with SamTrans,
Commute.org
o Vehicles and drivers provided by MV
Transportation
Funding
o Combination of grants, City Measure A
funds, developer fees
o Grant agencies: SMCTA, C/CAG, MTCo FY23-25: ~$1,500,000 in grant funding 4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 11 of 31
FUNDING
Current Funding Sources and Budget of the Program
5 Shuttle Funding Sources Current Budget FY2023-2025
Crosstown Shuttle
60% C/CAG Grant40% MTC Lifeline Grant $874,000
Shoppers’ Shuttle 100% City funds $150,400Marsh Road Shuttle 75% C/CAG Grant25% City funds (Measure A and Developer fees) $379,000
Willow Road Shuttle
75% C/CCAG Grant25% City funds (Measure A and Developer fees) $341,900
Total $1,746,200
61%
19%
20%
C/CAG Grant City fundsMTC Lifeline
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 12 of 31 Study Overview
2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 13 of 31 Shuttle Study
Comprehensive shuttle study launched in
2023
Funded by $153,000 Caltrans Sustainable
Communities Transportation Planning grant
Consultant-led shuttle study looked at ways
to increase ridership, serve desired destinations, and improve cost efficiency 7 STUDY OVERVIEW
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 14 of 31
STUDY OVERVIEW
Study Objectives Analyze riders’ travel patterns and needs that were impacted by COVID-19
Identify innovative solutions, such as
microtransit or ride-hailing partnerships, that are feasible in the complex fiscal environment Provide recommendations that reflect the
changes that have occurred in Menlo Park; and serve large and small businesses, people with disabilities, older adults, low-income residents, and commuters 8 Primary Tasks: Existing Conditions Current and Future Travel Analysis Community Outreach and Input Summary Service Alternatives Service RecommendationsSupporting Tasks: Shuttle Fee Assessment Funding Opportunities and Partnerships City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 15 of 31 What We Heard
3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 16 of 31 Summary of Engagement - Main Themes
1. Improving Shuttle Services: The input emphasizes the need to enhance shuttle services by increasing frequency, accessibility, and visibility
2. Education and Information Dissemination: The input
discusses the importance of raising awareness about the shuttle program
3. Visibility: The shuttle program needs to be more visible to the public
4. Integration with Other Services: Suggestions were made to combine the shuttle service with Transit Pass and Bay Pass and partner with SamTrans or microtransit
5. Use of Technology: Users have requested an app allowing them to input their location and destination and receive directions on how to use the shuttle
6. Inclusivity: There is concern that unincorporated areas are not being considered and a desire for these areas to be included in the shuttle service 10 ENGAGEMENT
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 17 of 31
ENGAGEMENT
Key Takeaways: Service Recommendations Community Members Supported the Recommendations: Members of the TAC and the public supported the changes to the Midday Community shuttles. Concerns About Service to the Marsh Road Area:
There were concerns about users accessing the Marsh Road area due to increased travel time for those users. The Lack of Accessible On-Demand Options:
Participants in the public meeting had concerns about the lack of accessible on-demand options due to the lack of wheelchair-accessible TNC vehicles in the area. Support for Changes to Shuttle funding and
Governance: Participants in the Co-Creation session supported the concept of a Transportation Management Association (TMA) to manage the shuttle program and an expansion of Shuttle funding to enable additional mobility programs and investments. 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 18 of 31 Service Recommendations
4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 19 of 31 Service Recommendations
The Preferred Service Plan was developed to
operate with existing financial resources and costs but to better align existing service with demographic and travel changes in Menlo Park. In the longer term, the service improvements
identified in the Future Service Plan are recommended if additional financial resources can be identified. A Reduced Service Plan is also provided if
funding reductions or cost increases require a reduction in service. 13 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 20 of 31 Focus on bidirectional
service.
Provide new transportation options
Minimize non-productive route segments
Modify service to more effectively serve Belle Haven and the Bayfront Streamline service and reduce duplication
Improved frequency and span of service
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Service Considerations
14 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 21 of 31
PREFERRED SERVICE PLAN
Preferred Service Plan
Benefits More frequent peak service to Belle Haven, the Bayfront, and Stanford Medical Center
Faster service to Caltrain for Belle Haven and
Sharon Heights
Direct Service on Santa Cruz Ave Corridor Subsidized TNC/rideshare service is available to more residents
Disadvantages
• Longer travel times for commuters • Revised routing may require a longer walk to access stops
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 22 of 31 Commuter Shuttle
• Weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Every 30 Minutes
Markets Served• Stanford Medical
Center
• Menlo Park Caltrain
• Belle Haven • Willow and Marsh
Road Business Parks
Community Shuttles• Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Every 60 Minutes
Markets Served• Sharon Heights• Central Menlo Park• Stanford Medical Center
• Menlo Park Caltrain• Belle Haven
COMMUTER ROUTE
16 Willow Road Shuttle Stanford Medical Ctr – Menlo Park Caltrain – Bayfront M1
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 23 of 31
COMMUNITY SHUTTLES
17 East Shuttle
Stanford Medical Ctr – Menlo Park Caltrain – Belle Haven M2 West Shuttle
Sharon Heights – Central Menlo Park – Menlo Park Caltrain M3
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 24 of 31 TNC/Rideshare Program
TNC/Rideshare fills the transportation gap for Menlo Park Seniors and the Disabled. TNC/rideshare replaces Shoppers Shuttle for residents over 65 years old
Service fills the need for Medical Transportation Service would extend to surrounding communities for registered users
Proposed Fare of $4, City covers the remaining
ride cost up to $20. Rider is responsible for a cost above $24 18 SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 25 of 31
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Comparison of Preferred Service Plan and Existing Service 19 Shuttle Existing Service Preferred Service Plan Key ChangesCommuter Marsh and Willow Shuttles with 60-minute headways in the commute peak periods, with one-directional service One route with 30-minute headways and bi-directional service Combined route that allows for stops on the return trips but longer routes for riders destined for the business areas along Marsh Road.
Community Crosstown with 90-minute headways, all day service Midday East Midday West Two shuttle routes with a transfer at Caltrain and 60- minute headways.Community Door to Door Shopper’s Shuttle operates on four days1 a week in the
morning
Transportation Network Companies (TNC) such as Uber, Lyft Operates more days and hours but includes a fare. Vehicles are not currently wheelchair accessible. 1 Shoppers’ Shuttle operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 26 of 31 Commission Feedback and Next
Steps
5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 27 of 31 Commission Feedback
Recommended City Council accept the Comprehensive Shuttle Study and requested staff to highlight: § Information about ridership and costs per passenger
Information on potential ridership increase with the
recommended changes
Need for additional marketing to increase
awareness of the shuttle
§ Alternatives for wheelchair-access users of the
Shoppers Shuttle if it were replaced by Transportation Network Company (TNC) service and Other ways to fund the commuter shuttle
21 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 28 of 31
NEXT STEPS
Action Recommended and Next Steps Accept Comprehensive Shuttle Study Provide Feedback on Shuttle Recommendations
Staff returns to City Council in early
2025 with shuttle recommendations to respond to grant call for projects 22 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 29 of 31 Questions?
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 30 of 31 Thank you
Marvin Ranaldson, Nelson\[email protected] City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 31 of 31