City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 4/29/2025
Time: Special City Council Meeting 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Locations: Teleconference and
City Council Chambers
751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025
A. Call To Order
Vice Mayor Nash called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs (remote – Brown Act, exited the meeting at 8:05 p.m.), Nash, Schmidt, Taylor, Wise
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Justin Murphy, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren
C. Closed Session
C1. Conference with real property negotiators pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code §54956.8 Property location: 1215 Chrysler Dr.
City negotiators: Justin I.C. Murphy, Nira Doherty, Lisa Maxwell Negotiating parties: James Albera
Under negotiation: Price, terms of payment, property negotiations C2. Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation (Paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Cal. Gov. Code §54956.9) Significant exposure to litigation: Two cases
C3. Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation Initiation of litigation (paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Cal. Gov. Code §54956.9) One potential case
D. Call To Order
Vice Mayor Nash re-called the meeting to order at 5:56 p.m.
E. Roll Call
Present: Combs (remote – Brown Act, exited the meeting at 8:05 p.m.), 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
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov F. Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
G. Agenda Review
The City Council pulled item K3. for discussion.
H. Presentations and Proclamations
H1. Proclamation: Recognizing Jon Johnston (Attachment)
Vice Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
Jon Johnston accepted the proclamation.
H2. Proclamation: Autism Acceptance Month (Attachment)
Vice Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at Menlo Park City School District Stephanie Sheridan accepted the proclamation.
H3. Proclamation: National Poetry Month (Attachment)
Vice Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
President of Library Foundation Jim Rowe accepted the proclamation.
H4. Proclamation: West Bay Model Railroad Association 75th anniversary (Attachment) Vice Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation (Attachment).
President of West Bay Model Railroad Association Don Burch accepted the proclamation.
I. Public Comment
• Glafira Garcia requested a response to a submitted petition related to senior services and care at the Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC).
• Victor Rowan spoke in support of an additional billiards table and senior services at BHCC. • Alberto T. Garcia spoke in support of accessibility and emergency plans and procedures at BHCC.
• Jeffrey Shore requested a City Council study session to discuss Menlo Park specific aspects of the San Francisquito Creek flood control project alternatives before the end of June. • Kim Novello spoke on housing projects in the city and requested the City Council to consider planning and impacts to the neighborhood and infrastructure. • Sarah Sisbot spoke on concerns of impacts to parking and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible parking for Downtown Parking plaza housing. • Romain Taniere spoke on concerns related to signage and safety issues of Willow Road and Highway 101 and Newbridge Street.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov • Peter Banzaf spoke on the recreational vehicles (RVs) on Bohannon Drive and the newly effective parking ordinance and in support of enforcement of current zoning/parking ordinances. • Brian Cason spoke in support of enforcement of the newly effective parking ordinance. • Adina Levin spoke on pedestrian access and ADA accessibility if housing is added to Downtown, in support of housing on Downtown parking plazas and in support identifying safe RV parking.
• Collette provided Spring Egg Hunt attendee feedback.
J. Advisory Body Vacancies and Appointments
J1. Consider applicants and make appointments to fill vacancies on various advisory bodies (Staff Report #25-058-CC)
Deputy City Clerk Sandoval made the presentation.
• Nicole Angiel spoke in support of their serving on the Environmental Quality Commission. • William Oursler spoke in support of their serving on the Housing Commission. • Andreas Judas spoke in support of their serving on the Library Commission. • Desta Raines spoke in support of their serving on the Environmental Quality Commission. • Daniel Yule spoke in support of their serving on the Library Commission. • Leith Abdulla spoke in support of their serving on the Library Commission. • Caitlin Darke spoke in support of their serving on the Housing Commission. • Jayanta Dey spoke in support of their serving on the Environmental Quality Commission. • Katherine Dumont spoke in support of their serving on the Housing Commission. • Scott Herscher spoke in support of their serving on the Complete Streets Commission.
The City Council made appointments to fill vacancies on the Complete Streets, Environmental Quality, Finance and Audit, Housing, Library, Parks and Recreation and Planning Commissions:
Complete Streets Commission:
Scott Herscher – term expiring April 30, 2029
Kevin Rennie – term expiring April 30, 2029
Environmental Quality Commission:
Nicole Angiel – term expiring April 30, 2029
Susannah Hill – term expiring April 30, 2027
Finance and Audit Commission:
Brian Altman – term expiring April 30, 2029
Jayanta Dey – term expiring April 30, 2029
David Emery – term expiring April 30, 2029
Laura Melahn – term expiring April 30, 2029
Vamsi Velagapudi – term expiring April 30, 2029
Housing Commission:
Katherine Dumont – term expiring April 30, 2029
Kevin Kranen – term expiring April 30, 2029
William Oursler – term expiring April 30, 2029
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Carol Wong – term expiring April 30, 2029
Library Commission:
Daniel Yule – term expiring April 30, 2029
Parks and Recreation Commission:
Yongdan Chunyu – term expiring April 30, 2029
Shipa Patel – term expiring April 30, 2029
Planning Commission:
Ross Silverstein – term expiring April 30, 2029
K. Consent Calendar
K1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for March 25, 2025 (Attachment)
K2. Request for travel authorization for City Councilmember (Staff Report #25-059-CC) ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wise), to approve the consent calendar except item. K3., passed unanimously.
K3. Award a construction contract to Rapid Services, LLC dba Rapid Grading Services for the Middle Avenue Complete Streets project (Staff Report #25-061-CC) • Laura Melahn spoke in support of traffic calming and safety measures in the Allied Arts neighborhood.
• Janet Poses spoke in support for traffic calming and safety measures in the Allied Arts neighborhood.
• Sally Cole in support of traffic calming measures on Middle Avenue, requested retaining the flashing beacon crosswalk at Arbor Road and decreasing built-up elements. • Paul Sullivan spoke in support of a crosswalk at Arbor Road, an all-way stop at Arbor Road and College and adding traffic calming measures in the Allied Arts neighborhood. • Bill Kirsch spoke in support of the proposed remediation on Middle Avenue, adjustments presented by previous speakers and in support of additional traffic calming measures in the Allied Arts neighborhood.
• Chase Renzon spoke in support of Middle Avenue bike lanes, signage pilot and additional traffic calming measures in the Allied Arts neighborhood.
The City Council discussed the design of the project (Attachment) and signage in Allied Arts neighborhood.
The City Council received clarification on the raised crosswalk and flashing beacon crosswalk, solar power versus hardwired crosswalks, distance between speed humps/raised crosswalks and additional traffic calming measures throughout Allied Arts.
The City Council directed staff to:
• Relocate the proposed rapid flashing beacon at the Arbor Road intersection from the Church crosswalk to the Lyle Park crosswalk.
• Remove of the proposed rapid flashing beacon at Yale.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov • Relocate the proposed speed feedback sign near the driveway to Safeway Plaza to a location further west on Middle Avenue near the Kenwood Drive intersection.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Taylor), to award a $1,507,400 construction contract to Rapid Services, LLC dba Rapid Grading Services for the Middle Avenue Complete Streets project, approve a contingency in the amount of $230,000 (held by the City), passed 4-0-1 (Combs absent).
L. Regular Business
L1. Consider and adopt a resolution authorizing the removal of parking on Coleman Avenue and installation of a stop sign at Coleman Avenue and Santa Monica Avenue (Staff Report #25-060-CC)
Associate Transportation Planner Casandra Cortez made the presentation (Attachment). • Nicole Angiel spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Kevin Rennie spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Jay Shurtz spoke in opposition of the removal of parking on Coleman Avenue and provided suggestions on other traffic calming measures.
• Kim Novello spoke in support of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues and in opposition of the parking removal.
• Gabriel Silverstein and Sara Kwasnick spoke in support of bike lanes on Coleman Avenue and a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues.
• Katherine Dumont spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Francesca Serge spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Cassandra Lopez spoke on concerns about the absence of language around traffic calming measures and in support of speedbumps and 6’ red curb at driveways and parking enforcement. • Josh and Miles Spira spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Victoria and Sasha Woo spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Athena Ierokomos spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Meredith Bergin Bailey spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Ross Silverstein spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue, the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues, additional traffic calming measures and the addition of narrow lane lines on Coleman Avenue and requested clarification of bike lane demarcation at San Mateo County portion of Coleman Avenue. • Jenny Madrid spoke in opposition of the removal of parking on Coleman Avenue and in support of other traffic calming measures.
• Don Takis spoke in support of a three way stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues and bike safety and in opposition of the removal of parking and requested parking enforcement. • Tony Smolek spoke in support of three way stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues and bike safety and in opposition to the removal of parking and requested parking enforcement. • Meredith Pressfield spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues. • Adina Levin spoke in support of the pilot to remove parking on Coleman Avenue and the installation of a stop sign at Coleman and Santa Monica Avenues and in opposition of temporary bike lanes.
The City Council received clarification on rubberized speed cushions, impacts of parking removal, and the pilot installation timeline.
The City Council discussed traffic and safety concerns on Coleman Avenue, parking enforcement and no parking signage.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wise/ Schmidt), to adopt a resolution to authorize the removal of parking from the north side of Coleman Avenue and authorize the installation of a stop sign at Coleman Avenue and Santa Monica Avenue to allow for the implementation of the Coleman Avenue pilot project in summer 2025, passed 4-0-1 (Combs absent).
L2. Consider and adopt resolution to repeal the short-term closure of a portion of Ryans Lane between Crane Street and Escondido Lane to vehicles (Staff Report #25-065-CC)
Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte made the presentation (Attachment). • Pete Colby spoke in support of reopening Ryans Lane.
The City Council received clarification on delivery to restaurants with and without street closure, special event permit for outdoor closure of Ryans Lane and the potential use of Crane Street for outdoor dining for Carpaccio.
The City Council discussed postponing reopening until after summer 2025 and impacts of closure to neighboring businesses.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wise/ Nash), to adopt a resolution to repeal Resolution No. 6866 that created a short-term street closure of Ryans Lane, for an approximately 40-foot long portion between Crane Street and Escondido Lane, to vehicle traffic, based on the completion of construction for Clark's Oyster Bar, passed 4-0-1 (Combs absent).
L3. Consider and adopt a resolution to reduce the Utility Users Tax (Staff Report #25-062-CC) Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte introduced the item.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wise), to adopt a resolution extending the reduction of the Utility Users Tax to 0% pursuant to §3.14.130 of the Menlo Park Municipal Code, passed 4-0-1 (Combs absent).
M. Informational Items
M1. City Council agenda topics: May 2025 (Staff Report #25-063-CC) M2. Communitywide electrification program: Home Upgrade Services progress report (Staff Report #25-064-CC)
The City Council received clarification on eligibility requirements and re-reviewing previously City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov denied applicants.
N. City Manager Report
City Manager Murphy reported out on the May 4 Bike Rodeo at Flood Park.
O. City Councilmember Reports
O1. City Councilmember Schmidt report (Attachment)
City Councilmember Taylor reported out on appointment to San Francisco Bay Development Commission.
Vice Mayor Nash reported out on the Encinal Bike Ride for Earth Day and Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) meeting and a Downtown cleanup event.
City Councilmember Schmidt reported out on Encinal Bike Ride for Earth Day and the Commute.org (Attachment) meeting and Love Our Earth event.
P. Adjournment
Vice Mayor Nash adjourned the meeting at 9:41 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting May 27, 2025.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
rotlamation
RECOGNIZING FIRE MARSHAL JON JOHNSTON
WHEREAS, Jon Johnston began his career with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District (MPFPD) in July 2000 as a Fire Protection Specialist beginning with public education and completing the Bars on Windows Program; and
WHEREAS, Jon worked his way up the ranks and was promoted to Fire Inspector/Investigator, performing construction inspections, plan review, hazardous materials inspections, fire investigations and code enforcement and was promoted to Fire Marshal in 2014; and WHEREAS, as Fire Marshal, Jon Johnston provided proactive prevention education in the community, educating homeowners on fire mitigation and home hardening techniques and established strong partnerships between the Fire District and the cities he's served using a collaborative approach and exceptional ability to find common ground; and
WHEREAS, in 25 years of service, Jon Johnston helped bring down fires to less than 2% annually, helped reduce the use of fireworks by 50%, and led UAS teams to the Tubbs Fire, Carr Fire and Camp Fire to aid in quicker recovery from devastating wildfires; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career with the MPFPD, Jon has also served with several organizations, including as the Northern CA Fire Prevention Officer Public Education Co-Chair from 2003 to 2007, Executive Board Member of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation from 2010 to 2011, San Mateo County Fire Prevention Officers President from 2012 to 2016, Kiwanis International member and as High School Key Club advisor at Menlo-Atherton High School from 2005 to 2013; and
WHEREAS, Jon Johnston co-founded Menlo Park Relay for Life and founded the Menlo Park Fire Pancake Breakfast, which has raised over $250,000 over 24 years. In 2009, he was awarded the Menlo Park Golden Acorn award and San Mateo County Lions Club Service award; and WHEREAS, at the April 15 MPFPD board meeting, several colleagues and community members spoke in appreciation and celebration of Jon's numerous contributions to his community, to fire prevention education and to public safety; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Betsy
Nash, Vice Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby recognize Jon
Johnston for 25 years of service at the Menlo Park Fire Protection District and congratulate him on his retirement. ~)1o.,(_
Bet~ ;yCfash, Vice Mayor
April 29, 2025
AGENDA ITEM H-1
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 8 of 48 rorlamation
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH APRIL 2025
WHEREAS, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex, lifelong developmental condition, is the fastestgrowing developmental disability in the United States, impacting a vast majority of Americans either through relatio
_nships or direct experience; and
WHEREAS, support needs across the autism spectrum are vastly diverse and each individual with autism experiences it differently, but together, autistic people make industries, communities, and our nation stronger; and
WHEREAS, despite this, autistic people continue to face obstacles when seeking employment, health care, education and housing, and the immense contributions of people with autism are often overlooked; and WHEREAS, Autism Acceptance Month not only honors the contributions of people on the autism spectrum and the autism community to our nation and the world, but also calls on all of us to work together toward fostering greater awareness, understanding and inclusion, thus creating a world where everyone in the autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it; and WHEREAS, autism acceptance means respecting the rights and humanity of all autistic people, centering the perspectives and needs of autistic people with intellectual disabilities, non-speaking autistic people, and autistic people with the highest support needs - not by speaking over them, but by listening and looking to them as leaders; and
WHEREAS, autism acceptance also means recognizing the ways ableism and racism interact in our society, following the leadership of autistic people of color, and making anti-racism a core part of the work that we all must do to promote safety and acceptance for every member of our community; and WHEREAS, we must move beyond acceptance - to representation, celebration, and liberation, learning more about the experiences of autistic people from autistic people, and building more welcoming and inclusive communities to support people with autism; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Betsy
Nash, Vice Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and
celebrate April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month in Menlo Park.
~ )ht, E3 Nash, J ice Mayor
April 29, 2025
AGENDA ITEM H-2
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 9 of 48 rorlamation
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL POETRY MONTH - APRIL 2025
WHEREAS, launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets' integral role in our culture and in our lives; and WHEREAS, National Poetry Month highlights the legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets, celebrates the pleasures and benefits of reading poetry and calls attention to the important role poetry plays in literacy and education; and
WHEREAS, poetry takes many forms, from traditional rhymed stanzas to spoken word performances, from folk song lyrics to hip-hop verses and many other modes; and WHEREAS, poetry has produced some of our nation's leading creative artists and has inspired other artists in fields such as music, theater, film, dance and the visual arts; and WHEREAS, poetry is an essential part of arts and humanities education, literary and creative expression, community pride and development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Menlo Park celebrates youth creative expression and recognizes the important role poetry plays in inspiring our youth and creating a vibrant community; and WHEREAS, on April 22, the Menlo Park Library held a Poetry Night event in celebration of National Poetry Month, hosted by local poet Charlotte Muse; and
WHEREAS, this April, the Menlo Park Library and Menlo Park Library Foundation accepted submissions for the annual Youth Poetry Voices exhibition, some of which will be presented to the City Council at the May 13 City Council meeting; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Betsy
Nash, Vice Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and
celebrate April 2025 as National Poetry Month in Menlo
Park.
BQ;,,.,,}fo.L
- Bet:;J.l _ ash, Vice Mayor
April 29, 2025
AGENDA ITEM H-3
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 10 of 48 roclamation ,.: · •
I•~ I:
WEST BAY MODEL RAILROAD Assoc~ 75th:ANNIVERSARY
Y'(,H~~~A~. tt,~ West Bay Model Rail~oad Associatjo~. (WBMRA) was founq_ec.l in 194 aS. a ~enter_for model , .. f?ilroad1ng enthusiasts and has been in its.cur(~nt lgcqtiq:11 near R.avenswoo~ f,ve)-JLJe since 195!); a; d •• '· :
' . ' ' ! ' : ;, ' ' ' .• . . . • , · • ' • • • •• • ·., • ' • ' ; • . ' . - ., , WHE.REAS, the first building served as a supply repository for the troops at Camp Fremont during World War I, accommod~ting the 41 st National Guard Infantry, Division, the[l the US Army 1 ~th lnfa.rtr~ Division and later the US Army 8th Infantry Division and was l()_cated on the prqperty now occupied by Menlo Schools and C9llege; and • •• • ••
WHEREAS, as the former Railway Express Agency (REA) depot, the location provided the southern peninsula distribution point for package and freight and was the rnain wa·y to ship packages until 1975; a_nd • " .
'
.
WHEREAS, from 1947 to 1950 the layout accommodated 0, S and HO scale model railroads. In 2012 a new design plan was introduced with VVIFI DCC (Digital Command Control) and controllers for a layout completely dedicated to HO scale trains. Construction began in 2013, and the full layout operation was completed in 202:3; and
WHEREAS, over 220 community members attended the 75th Anniversary celebration of the WBMRA on March 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, during the celebration, 6 model trains simultaneously wound their way through the three-peninsula HO landscape with 2 trains on sidings switched in every hour, and 23 members of the WBMRA operated trains, monitored the layout and conversed with visitors; and WHEREAS, the WBMRA holds open houses every first and third Saturday of the month from 1 - 4 p.m. ; donations are not required but are encouraged to help the WBMRA continue providing the HO train layout experience to the public; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Betsy
Nash, Vice Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby recognize the 75th Anniversary of the West Bay Model Railroad Association.
AGENDA ITEM H-4
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 11 of 48 Direction to staff on the design of the
Middle Complete Streets project:
1. Relocate the rapid flashing beacon at the Arbor
intersection from the Church crosswalk to the Lyle Park crosswalk.
2. Remove the rapid flashing beacon at Yale intersection.
3. Relocate the speed feedback sign near the driveway to Safeway Plaza to a location further west on Middle Ave. near the Kenwood Dr. intersection.
K3-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes April 29, 2025
City Council | April 29, 2025
Coleman Avenue Pilot ProjectConsider and adopt a resolution authorizing the removal of parking on Coleman Avenue and installation of a stop sign at Coleman Avenue and Santa Monica Avenue L1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 13 of 48
Agenda
Project area Background Project overview Visual renderings City Council action City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 14 of 48
Pilot Project Area
Legend
= City limits= Project area
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 15 of 48
Background
Spring 2022:
Coleman and
Ringwood Avenues
Transportation Study
project kick off
Oct. 22, 2024:
City Council direction
to proceed with
improvements in
City’s portion through
a pilot
Nov. 19, 2024:
City Council accepted
the Coleman and
Ringwood Avenues
Transportation Study
March 12:
Complete Streets
Commission
feedback
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 16 of 48
City Council Direction
Project elements: A bike lane westbound (toward Ringwood Avenue) A shared lane with people biking and people driving eastbound (toward Willow Road) No parking on the north side of Coleman Avenue to allow sufficient roadway space for bike lane A stop sign on Coleman Avenue at Santa Monica Avenue Traffic calming measures (rubberized speed cushions) to reduce speeds of people driving Figure: Pilot option 5B from the Coleman and Ringwood Avenues Transportation Study City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 17 of 48
Overnight Parking
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 18 of 48
Visual Renderings of Pilot
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 19 of 48
Visual Renderings of Pilot
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 20 of 48
Visual Renderings of Pilot
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 21 of 48
Pilot Schedule
City Council approval of parking removal and installation of stop sign•April 29 Existing conditions data collection•May 2025
Installation of pilot•Summer 2025
Pilot evaluation•May 2026
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 22 of 48
City Council Action
• Consider and adopt a resolution authorizing the removal of parking on Coleman Avenue and installation of a stop sign atColeman Avenue and Santa Monica Avenue City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 23 of 48
Thank you
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 24 of 48
Resolution to repeal the
short-term closure of Ryans LaneStephen Stolte, Assistant City Manager L2-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 25 of 48
Ryans Lane short-term closure
Oct. 10, 2023: City Council enacted short-term closure to allow temporary outdoor dining by Carpaccio until end of construction of Clark’s Oyster Bar
March 22: City Council discussed downtown street closures at the annual priority-setting workshop; directed staff to return withagenda items City manager extended the closure through April 30 based on construction timeline; staff notified and met with Carpaccio April 14 and 21: City Council received correspondence from Carpaccio and Clark’s Oyster Bar Menlo Park / MML Hospitality City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 26 of 48
Ryans Lane – businesses
Map provided to
City Council onOct. 10, 2023
Additional
business namesadded in bluetext
Informal survey
of businesses inMarch indicatedpreference toopen RyansLane 1115 Chestnut (MenloShirt Laundry
& Dry
Cleaners)
1127 (ChristianScience ReadingRoom)
1129(Angela’s)
1131(MPAKarate)
1141 Chestnut
(Coffeebar)
1133(Shypulski)
1135(Kendra’sSpa)
Vacancies
(Closed)(Now open)
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 27 of 48
Ryans Lane – closure area
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 28 of 48
Ryans Lane – outdoor dining
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 29 of 48
Options for next steps
City Council adopts
resolution to repeal RyansLane short-term closure
Staff coordinate with
businesses, removebarriers, monitor safetyconditions
City Council considers longterm closure as a future
agenda item
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025 Page 30 of 48
The Bay Area’s Transit Funding Crisis
Commute.org
Sebastian Petty, [email protected]
April 16, 2025
O1-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes April 29, 2025
The effects of the pandemic are dramatic and ongoing.
Source: MTC, December 2024
Bay Area Transit - Monthly Trips
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Transit’s Changing Funding and Revenue Mix
SPUR analysis of National Transit Database
2019
$3.4 Billion in operating expenditures
501 million annual trips
2021
$3.3 Billion in operating expenditures
128 million annual trips
2023
$3.9 Billion in operating expenditures
284 million annual trips
Federal Funds State Funds Local Funds Fares and Other
Sources of Operating Funding
for Bay Area Transit
Bay Area
counties
generate $1.1
billion for
transit
annually
through localoption sales
taxes
3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Some of the Bay Area’s biggest operators are facing an
existential funding crisis.
~$320 million 2026+ ~$380 million 2026+
23% of operating budget 36% of operating budget
~$75 million 2026+ ~$60 million 2026+
27% of operating budget 12% of operating budget
Numbers monitored and updated regularly - updated
April 2025
- These four agencies represent 80% of all ridership in the region - City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
BART could drop from 4,200 trains per week
to just 500 trains per week.
Sergio Ruiz for SPUR
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
BART may
have no other
option than to
shut down 2 of
its 5 lines.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
If BART runs out of funding, drivers will sit in traffic for an extra 12+ hours per week on average.
Sergio Ruiz for SPUR
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Caltrain’s Ridership is growing fast post-electrification… …but not fas t enough to avoid service cuts
Sergio Ruiz for SPUR
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
SFMTA could cut almost 30% of MUNI service,
reduce fare discounts, and shrink the streets
division.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Increased investment in quality of service is working
SFMTA customer satisfaction is the highest it
been in 20 years! 72% of customers rated
SFMTA as good or excellent, This is in large
part because of significant transformations over
the last 5 years.
■ Higher frequency on core lines to shorten wait
times.
■ Fastest roll-out of transit priority improvements
to improve speed and reliability in history.
■ Increased investments in maintenance and
repair to ensure reliability and cleanliness.
■ Increased fare inspectors and fare compliance.
10 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
● BART’s customer satisfaction is at its highest
level in 10 years . 73% of respondents are “very or
somewhat satisfied with BART”. Up 6% s ince
2022
● Crime on BART in 2024 was down 17% from 2023
and cus tomer s atis faction has increas ed to its
highes t level in 10 years . Violent crime in SF went
down 14% in the same period
● BART is running s horter trains to reduce cos ts and
increas e s afety, and added 59 public safety
personnel to s tations and police cars .
11 BART has worked to improve service quality and
financial efficiency
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Operators have made significant cuts and maximized
revenues to lessen the shortfalls, totaling hundreds of millions in savings.
● Holding vacancy rates (as high as 22%)
● Defunding hundreds of positions
● Reducing fare evasion by hiring fare inspectors and installing new fare gates ● Changing service offerings to maximize ridership
● Adding transit priority to optimize costs and grow ridership ● Renegotiating contracts
● Consolidating functions
● Deferring capitalized maintenance and capital projects …But these improvements and cost saving measures alone are not going to address the coming fiscal cliff
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Bay Area Residents Use Transit to Get to
Work
MTC Bay Area 2023-2024 Transit Rider Snapshot
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Downtown San Francisco cannot recover
if people cannot get downtown.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
And Office Vacancy Rates Around the Region will Continue to Struggle
Joint Venture Silicon Valley - 2024 Q3 Commercial
Space Report
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
Without public transit, the region’s economic
competitiveness will erode.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
New Revenues for Transit - Three Approaches
● 2025 State Budget Request
○ $2 billion statewide,$750 to Bay Area
○ Bridges near term funding gaps anticipated prior to potential ballot measures ● 2026 Multi-County Measure
○ Enabling legislation SB 63 (Wiener, Arreguín)
○ Sales tax levy in 3-5 counties raising upward of $560 million annually ○ Funding would go to BART, MUNI, AC Transit and Caltrain + transit transformation investments
○ Includes financial efficiency study requirement
● San Francisco - specific revenue approaches
○ Example options presented at MUNI funding working group ○ Details still TBD
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025
18 How you can help - State Budget Ask
● Consider signing on to the
coalition support letter for the
budget ask!
● Speak with your state reps in
support
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2025