City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 8/12/2025
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, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Judi A. Herren C. Agenda Review
None.
D. Public Comment
• Peter Banzhaf spoke in support of the oversized vehicle ordinance enforcement. • Michelle Huang spoke in support of safer streets and daylighting around schools. • Keith Quiggins spoke in opposition of the overnight parking restrictions in the Downtown. • Jacqui Cebrian spoke on concerns related to license plate reader data access. • Victorino Roman spoke on concerns on the limited space at Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC) and need for an additional pool table.
• Alberto T. Garcia spoke on concerns about a lack of progress on the senior requests for the BHCC.
• Glafira Garcia spoke on concerns about the July 30 alarms r and lack of an evacuation plan and in support of additional classes provided by authorized teachers. • Judith Schwartz spoke on concerns about the impacts to the aquatics program and in support of city support of the pools.
• Celia Vilchs requested assistance with parking issues with the apartments on Willow Road. • Rebecca Eastman spoke in support of Team Sheeper and the strong pool community. • Eplanet Thunderstriker spoke on concerns of electronic intelligence (EI) suppressing and providing misinformation impacting civic transparency, democratic engagement and public trust.
E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Presentation: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District update
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board members Karen Holman and Margaret MacNiven made the presentation (Attachment).
E2. Presentation: Annual Complete Streets Commission report out (Presentation)
Complete Streets Commissioner Jacqui Cebrian made the presentation (Attachment). • Adina Levin spoke in support of the completed and upcoming complete streets projects and requested that the city and Complete Streets Commission revisit bike lanes on El Camino Real. • Jenny Michel spoke in support of the completed and upcoming complete streets projects and provided recommendations for the Coleman Avenue pilot.
• Katherine Dumont spoke in support of the completed and upcoming complete streets projects and in support of additional Downtown street safety.
The City Council discussed working with San Mateo County on Coleman Avenue and looking at all city streets as a whole.
E3. Presentation: Annual Parks and Recreation Commission report out (Presentation) Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair Joseph Grass made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council discussed the Menlo Park’s park and recreation activities and events, working across city commissions and increasing interactions with the Youth Advisory Commission F. Advisory Body Vacancies and Appointments
F1. Consider applicants and make an appointment to fill one unexpired vacancy on the Housing Commission (Staff Report #25-111-CC)
Deputy City Clerk Sarah Sandoval introduced the item.
• Theresa Fox spoke in support of their appointment to the Housing Commission. • Pam D Jones spoke in support of Charles Chapa’s appointment to the Housing Commission. • Jenny Michel spoke in support of representation by District and on concerns related to the citizen-initiated ballot measure and Housing Element for Housing Commissioners.
The City Council appointed Charles Chapa to the Housing Commission.
G. Consent Calendar
G1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for June 24, July 7 and July 8, 2025 (Attachment)
G2. Receive and file the investment portfolio quarterly reports for June 30 (Staff Report #25-112-CC) G3. Adopt a resolution approving the fiscal year 2025-26 investment policy for the City and the Successor Agency (Staff Report #25-113-CC)
G4. Authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with San Jose Conservation Corps for ranger services at Bedwell Bayfront Park in an amount not to exceed $231,426 for the first year of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 12, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov service with an option to extend for up to three additional years, depending on performance, that could potentially include expanded services to additional City parks (Staff Report #25-114-CC) G5. Authorize the city manager to purchase library books and media from current vendor Ingram Content Group in total amount not to exceed $130,000 during fiscal year 2025-26 (Staff Report #25-115-CC)
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wise), to approve the consent calendar, passed unanimously.
H. Regular Business
H1. Introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 12.18 of Title 12 (Buildings and Construction) of the Menlo Park Municipal Code to adopt local amendments to the 2022 California Building Standards Code (Staff Report #25-117-CC) Sustainability Manager Rachael Londer and Retired Annuitant – Assistant Community Development Director Ron La France made the presentation (Attachment). • Audra Loh spoke in support of Option 3.
• Dashiell Leeds spoke in support of Option 3.
• John McKenna spoke in support of Option 3.
• Angela Evans spoke in support of Option 3.
• Anne Pernick spoke in support of Option 3.
The City Council received clarification on flex path triggers and measures.
ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Taylor), to accept the cost effectiveness study, and introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adopting local amendments to the 2022 CBSC in Chapter 12.18 of the Menlo Park Municipal Code that include expanded pre-wiring requirements; installation of heat pump space heating equipment instead of air conditioner, or installation of air conditioner with energy efficiency measures; expanded energy efficiencies for single family alterations and additions and include the following modification:
1. Section 4: Effective Date This ordinance shall be in effect thirty (30) days after the date of adoption, and implemented upon the California Energy Commission's approval.
2. Attachment C – update 510 to <= 5%
3. updating section numbers for all attachments and
4. minor formatting changes for consistency,
passed, 4-1 (Combs dissenting).
I. Informational Items
I1. Preparation of a comprehensive cost of services study with Government Consulting Partners, Inc. (Staff Report #25-116-CC)
I2. Police department quarterly update / Q2 April – June 2025 (Staff Report #25-110-CC) (Informe de Personal #25-110-CC) I3. Short-term rental compliance update (Staff Report #25-118-CC) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov I4. City Council agenda topics: August – September 2025 (Staff Report #25-119-CC)
J. City Manager Report
City Manager Murphy reported out on the Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief attendance at the meeting and the final Summer Concert at Fremont Park August 13.
K. City Councilmember Reports
Mayor Combs reported out on National Night Out and meeting with Sister City Galway Mayor Mike Cubbard and City Councilmember Eddie Hoare.
Vice Mayor Nash reported out on Peninsula Clean Energy, Resource and Management Climate Protection Committee and Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) meetings.
L. Adjournment
Mayor Combs adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting September 9, 2025.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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District Introduction and
Update
Karen Holman, Board Member, Ward 5
Margaret MacNiven, Board Member, Ward 6
North Ridge Trail, Purisima Creek Redwoods (Eric Gouldsberry) August 12, 2025
H1-PRESENTATION City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Midpen’s Mission(s)
Midpen’s mission: to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.
On the Coast, Midpen has an expanded mission to acquire and preserve agricultural land of regional significance, preserve rural character and encourage viable agricultural uses of land resources.
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Midpen’s Lands
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Midpen’s Board of Director Wards
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• Public agency, created in 1972 by a grassroots voter initiative • 763,000 constituents (2020) • Elected board: seven directors • Funded primarily through property tax • 27 Preserves in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties • Preserved over 72,000 acres, 250+ miles of trails – Over 15,000 acres of grazing land on the San Mateo Coast • Preserves are free and open to the public every day of the year • Main office in Los Altos + field offices • ~240 employees, ~1000 volunteers • Measure AA: $300 million voter-approved general obligation bond passed in 2014 to support public priorities
Some Midpen Facts
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Nearby Preserves
Photo: Erica Namba
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Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Photo: Evan Collins
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Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
Photo: Eliot Margolies
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La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
Photo: Frances Freyberg
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Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
Photo: Karl Gohl
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Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Photo: Benjamin Orcutt
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Thornewood Open Space Preserve
Photo: Mallie Brathwaite
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Project Updates
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Wildland Fire Resiliency Program
Implementation
Cherry Springs Prescribed Burn, 2024
Photo: Michael Gorman
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Wildland Fire Resiliency Program
For more information visit
openspace.org/what-we-do/projects/wildland-fire-resiliency City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail
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Bay-to-the-Sea Trail
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Highway 17 Crossings
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• Provides opportunities to engage surrounding
communities through educational, enriching
outings and events provided by our partners that
work with underserved demographics. • Designed to allow for the organic building of relationships and is broken into three tiers of
partnership and financial support.
Our outreach partnership program participants
include:
Latino Outdoors at El Corte De Madera (Latino Outdoors) East Palo Alto Library at El Corte De Madera (EPA Library) Vista Center at Rancho San Antonio (Midpen Staff)
Tier 1 - Pilot partnerships
• East Palo Alto Library • Puente de la Costa Sur
• Coastside Children
Tier 2 - Formal contracts
• Bay Area Older Adults
• Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside
• Branching Out Adventures
• Saved by Nature
• Silicon Valley Bike Coalition
• Student Conservation Association • Vista Center for the Blind Tier 3 - Multi-Year, Deeply collaborative
contracts
• Latino Outdoors Increased Engagement
Outreach Partnership Program
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Rodenticide Outreach
For more information visit openspace.org/rodenticides.
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Measure AA 10th Anniversary - 2024
Progress since 2014
Preserved over 9,600 acres of open space
4,200 acres opened to the public at five preserves/preserve areas Opened 31.4 miles of trails to public access, with 10+ miles in construction, and 19+ miles of new trails in the planning stages
Opened 3 new parking areas, creating a total of 126 new parking spaces (Karl Gohl)
Thank you for your
trust in us!
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Join Us! Midpen Events Calendar
Find us at openspace.org/events
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Questions?
openspace.org
[email protected]
Sign up for eNews at:
openspace.org/enewsletter
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Complete Streets Commission
2024-25 Report Out
Jacqui Cebrian, Commissioner
1 E2-PRESENTATION City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Agenda
2024-2025 work plan
Project highlights
2 January 8, 2025 - Complete Streets Commission meeting City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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2024-25 work plan
3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Middle Avenue Complete Streets Project
Reviewed traffic calming measures that are currently being implemented as part of the Middle Avenue resurfacing project. 4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Coleman Avenue Pilot Project
Reviewed Pilot Project design,
along with pilot project methods
of observation and measures of
success
5 Pilot Project Implementation Photos
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UC Berkeley SafeTREC Assessment
SafeTREC report was received Sept 2024
Projects from this report have been
selected for grant funding for
implementation
6 Images captured during field assessment
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Project and Program Review
Willow Road Class IV
Citywide Shuttle Program
7 Willow Road Class IV Renderings
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8 Thank you!
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Parks and Recreation
Commission: Update on
2024-2025 Work Plan
PRC Vice Chair Joseph Grass
1 E3-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 36 of 63 PRC work plan 2024-25 includes 11 goals
Primary goals
- Providing a forum for public information and discussion about City park and recreation issues and facilitate robust public comment and participation at commission meetings - Supporting and advising the recreation program development and operations of the Belle Haven Community Campus
- Reviewing progress toward the goals in the 2019 Parks and Recreation Facility Master Plan
2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 37 of 63 PRC work plan 2024-25 includes 11 goals
Additional goals include
- Participating in park and recreation facility tours- Advising on the maintenance and upgrade of recreational facilities- Receiving staff presentations and reports about major service areas and programs
- Annually review departmental budget proposal - Reviewing public-facing recreation policies and recommending updates - Maintaining a 12-month schedule of planned commission agenda items- Review and advising on potential synergies with or support from other City departments
3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 38 of 63 4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 39 of 63 Goal 1: Act as a Public Forum
The PRC heard feedback from hundreds of commenters at multiple meetings of the PRC and at joint meetings with the Library Commission (LC). Public comments touched on a range of topics including but not limited to: aquatics, tennis and pickleball courts, athletic fields, and Bedwell Bayfront Park. The PRC advised the development of a citywide survey on libraries, recreation and parks in March; and reviewed the survey results in May and July. The PRC reviewed the results of a citywide survey on aquatics in November, 2024.
5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 40 of 63 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 41 of 63 Goal 2: Support and Advise
Program development and operations of the Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC)
The PRC continues to receive updates on BHCC:
- Staff presented an update regarding operations at BHCC in July.- Feedback from users is being collected and reviewed monthly. 7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 42 of 63 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 43 of 63 Goal 3: Review Progress
Toward goals in the 2019 Park and Recreation Facility Master Plan
- The PRC received a presentation about the athletic field allocation process in July.
- The PRC received updates about the Kelly Park turf and track renovation project in October 2024.
- The PRC received a presentation on parks policy enforcement in September, 2024.
9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 44 of 63 10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 45 of 63 Summary of Additional Areas of Focus
Updated PRC work plan Selected new chair and vice chair Reviewed draft RFP for park ranger services Departmental policies reviewed:
- Facility Rental Policy- Signage Display Policy
Received presentations from staff on aquatics annual report Received an update on LCS Strategic Plan goal, CAPRA Accreditation Convened an ad hoc committee to support planning for a 5K fun run
Provided a monthly forum for public transparency and input related to park and recreation services in Menlo Park 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 46 of 63 Recognizing Parks and Recreation Commissioners
2024-2025
- Kevin Dawkins- Dawn Emms- Joseph Grass- Wonman Lee (Vice Chair)- Peter Joshua (Chair)- Michelle Sherman- Justin Van Buren 12 2025-2026
- Yongdan Chunyu- Kevin Dawkins- Joseph Grass (Vice Chair)- Wonman Lee (Chair)- Shilpa Patel- Michelle Sherman- Justin Van Buren City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 47 of 63 13 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 48 of 63 Ongoing Commission Tasks for 2024-2025
Onboarding new commissioners
- One commissioner joined in May 2024- Three of the commissioners joined in July 2024 Collaboration and coordination with the Library Commission on topics of common interest such as programs and services at Belle Haven Community Campus Support the work of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) 14 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 49 of 63 15 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 50 of 63 Moving Forward
The PRC will continue to support operations at the Belle Haven Community Campus
PRC will continue to support vibrant and relevant community centers and recreation services for Menlo Park residents Parks and Recreation Commission is looking forward to City Council’s feedback on their 2025-2026 work plan
Thank you for your support!
16 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 51 of 63 Thank you!
17 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 52 of 63 Building code local amendments
Presented by Ron La France, Extra Help Retired Annuitant Assistant Community Development Director Rachael Londer, Sustainability Manager H1-PRESENTATION
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 53 of 63 Background
The California Building Standards Code (CBSC) is updated every three years and cities are allowed to adopt local amendments Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), TRC consultants, and the investor-owned utility funded statewide reach codes program team support cities in developing local amendments to the Energy Code and CALGreen City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 54 of 63 Options
1) Expanded pre-wiring requirements(Attachment A) 2) Expanded pre-wiring requirements and installation of heat pump (HP) space heating equipment instead of air conditioner (AC), or installation of air conditioner with energy efficiency measures also known as AC to HP (Attachment B) 3) Recommended: Expanded pre-wiring requirements and
air conditioner (AC) to heat pump (HP), and flex path (Attachment C) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 55 of 63 Recommendation
Consider options for amending the 2022 California Building Standards Code (CBSC), accept the cost effectiveness study, and introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adopting local amendments to the 2022 CBSC in Chapter 12.18 of the Menlo Park Municipal Code that include:
- expanded pre-wiring requirements; - installation of heat pump space heating equipment instead of air conditioner, or installation of air conditioner with energy efficiency measures; - and expanded energy efficiencies for single family alterations and additions.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 56 of 63 Expanded pre-wiring
Updates would expand existing
requirements to:
- Ensure conduits for future electric
appliances are installed with electrical and other work (kitchen, laundry, garage/water heater closet) - Require conduit installation with
outdoor gas appliances (BBQ, heaters, pool heater)
- There are exceptions
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 57 of 63 Air conditioner (AC) to heat pump (HP)
Requires the installation of heat pump space heating equipment instead of air conditioner, or installation of air conditioner with energy efficiency measures;
- There are exceptions
Prepares residents for Bay Area Air District rules beginning Jan. 1, 2027 Same level of cooling, with additional heating option in a single piece of equipment - Does not require removal of gas heating equipment
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 58 of 63 Flex path
Amends the Energy Code to require expanded energy
efficiencies for single family alterations and additions with an estimated project cost of $100K or more - There are exceptions
Energy efficient measures and electrification:
- Installing insulation (attic, wall, floor, around accessible hot water piping)
- Replace fuel gas water heater with heat pump water heater- Complete a Home Energy Score or Home Energy Audit report and implement one or more recommendations included in report - Replace all screw in incandescent and CFL lamps with lamps of efficiency of 45 lumens per watt or greater
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 59 of 63 Edits
Minor formatting errors Section 4: Effective Date
- This ordinance shall be in effect thirty (30) days after the date of adoption, and implemented upon the California Energy Commission’s approval. Attachment A, B, and C
- Under 4.106.5.1, updating section numbers to 4.106.5.1.1, 4.106.5.1.2,
4.106.5.1.3
Attachment C:
- 4.507.3 typo that reads 510 when it should read <= 5% City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 60 of 63 Timeline of next steps
After adoption, staff will file the ordinance with California Building Standards Commission
Pre-wiring is effective 30-days after adoption AC to HP and flex path shall be in effect thirty (30) days after the date of adoption, and implemented upon the California Energy Commission’s approval.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 61 of 63 Recommendation
Consider options for amending the 2022 California Building Standards Code (CBSC), accept the cost effectiveness study, and introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adopting local amendments to the 2022 CBSC in Chapter 12.18 of the Menlo Park Municipal Code that include:
- expanded pre-wiring requirements; - installation of heat pump space heating equipment instead of air conditioner, or installation of air conditioner with energy efficiency measures; - and expanded energy efficiencies for single family alterations and additions.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 62 of 63 Thank you
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 63 of 63