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: 10/7/2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Locations: Teleconference and
City Council Chambers
751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Special Session
A. Call To Order
Mayor Combs called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs, Nash, Schmidt, Wise
Absent: Taylor
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 legal counsel – anticipated litigation Initiation of litigation (paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of §54956.9): One potential case Regular Session
D. Call To Order
Mayor Combs called the meeting to order at 6:52 p.m.
E. Report from Closed Session
No reportable action.
F. Agenda Review
The City Council pulled items I2. and L2. for discussion.
G. Public Comment
Pete Colby spoke in support of the solar panels installed at the library, the treescape on El Camino Real (ECR) and increasing greenspace, on concerns of raised grates on ECR near Safeway and parking considerations for new housing developments and requested that benches located at non-activated bus stops be relocated to active bus stops.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov H. Presentations and Proclamations
H1. Proclamation: Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Attachment) Mayor Combs introduced the proclamation.
CORA Community Education Manager Mariluisa Diaz accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H2. Proclamation: Latino Heritage Month (Attachment)
Mayor Combs introduced the proclamation.
San Mateo County Latino/a/x Collaborative Co-Chair Dr. Gabriela Perez accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H3. Proclamation: Cybersecurity Awareness Month (Attachment)
Mayor Combs introduced the proclamation.
Information Technology Manager Danny Daniels accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H4. Presentation: San Francisquito Creek Reach 2 update (Attachment) Executive Director of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFCJPA) Margaret Bruce made the presentation (Attachment).
Jerry Hearn spoke on their experience with creeks and in support of equitable communication, flood and erosion control and the preservation of natural habitats and recreation. Naomi Goodman requested clarification on the alternatives presented by the SFCJPA.
The City Council received clarification on impacts to Woodland Avenue and animal wildlife, next steps and alternative selection timelines and key considerations for Menlo Park.
The City Council discussed the evolving plans of the project, building trust between the SFCJPA and the city and project cost and cost sharing principles.
I. Consent Calendar
I1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for September 9, 2025 (Attachment) I2. Waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance to add the C1-S (Administrative, Professional, and Research District, Special) district, adopt an ordinance to amend the Zoning Map to rezone the project site to the C-1-S district and incorporate a new “X” overlay district and approve the conditional development permit (CDP), and waive the second reading and adopt the development agreement (DA) for the Parkline Master Plan Project located at 201, 301 and 333 Ravenswood Ave. and 555 and 565 Middlefield Rd. (Staff Report #25-154-CC)
Pete Colby spoke on concerns to the designs of buildings, amenities and parking garages for the Parkline project.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov Steve Schmidt spoke on concerns related to the P, S and T buildings, in support of removal of these buildings from this approval and requiring a second application.
The City Council received clarification on maximum amount of non-residential development (1 million square feet), maximum amount of office and research and development (925,000 square feet/ 638,000 without buildings P, Sand T), maximum amount of other non-residential development (75,000 square feet if the office/research is developed at 925,000 and not less), commercial/retail space falling into the non-residential total and not impacted by phasing, examples of amenities for SRI employees and public, environmental impact report (EIR) requirements, the redevelopment of buildings P, S and T to be included in future conditional development permit (CDP) amendment and associated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, fast-tracking eligibility for future permits and the redevelopment of buildings P, S and T requirements under the CDP.
The City Council directed adding to the ordinance that any housing-related permits be fast tracked.
ACTION: Motion and second (Schmidt/ Wise), to approve the consent calendar with the inclusion of a recital to the ordinance in item I2. to fast-track any housing permits, passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
J. Public Hearing
J1. Consider and adopt a resolution approving a variance to reduce the subdivision ordinance front setback requirement for a new one-story, single-family residence at 8 Hermosa Pl. (Staff Report #25-153-CC)
Associate Planner Matt Pruter made a presentation (Attachment).
Mayor Combs opened the public hearing.
Mayor Combs closed the public hearing.
The City Council received clarification on the variance to a subdivision requiring City Council approval.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Wise), to adopt a resolution to approve the request for a variance to reduce the subdivision ordinance front setback requirement to allow the construction of a new one-story, single-family residence in the R-1-S (Single Family Suburban Residential) zoning district at 8 Hermosa Pl., passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
K. City Council Initiated Items
K1. Request by City Councilmember Wise for a future agenda topic (Staff Report #25-151-CC)
City Councilmember Wise introduced the item.
Gregory Faris spoke in support of the annexation of the Menlo Park triangle (Attachment). Jenny Michele spoke in support of the annexation of the Menlo Park triangle. Pam Jones spoke in support of the annexation of the Menlo Park triangle.
The City Council discussed granting a fee waiver to allow the triangle to annex into the City, consideration at annual goal setting and opportunity costs.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 menlopark.gov ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Wise), to prepare a formal staff report with a determined level of staff resources and timing for City Council consideration, passed 3-1-1 (Nash dissenting and Taylor absent).
L. Informational Items
L1. City Council agenda topics: October – November 2025 (Staff Report #25-152-CC) L2. City Council fiscal year 2025-26 work plan update (Staff Report #25-150-CC)
The City Council received clarification on the project timeline.
The City Council discussed actions taken related to the Public Plaza on the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue.
M. City Manager Report
None.
N. City Councilmember Reports
Mayor Combs reported out on the State of the City Oct. 23.
Vice Mayor Nash reported out on Peninsula Clean Energy and Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency meetings, a vice mayor event and the upcoming Menlo Park City School District Board meeting Oct. 9 (Attachment).
City Councilmember Schmidt reported out on Sustainability San Mateo County meeting.
O. Adjournment
Mayor Combs adjourned the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting November 4, 2025.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
Proclamation
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARNESS MONTH OCTOBER 2025
WHEREAS, more than one in three women, one in four men, and one in two transgender individuals experience some form of physical or sexual violence and/or stalking by their intimate partner in their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, the marginalization of certain groups in society, including undocumented individuals, transgender individuals and people living with disabilities, increases their vulnerability to domestic violence; and WHEREAS, CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) staff provided more than 10,000 critical services in the past year, ensuring survivors have access to safety, advocacy, and healing; and WHEREAS, CORA provided over $1 million in client cash assistance, including subsidized rent, security deposits and a range of emergency expenses, from car repairs to storage costs; and WHEREAS, in San Mateo County, 121 adults and children were provided emergency shelter, including stays in safe houses and motels, and 144 adults and children were provided longer term rental assistance to escape their abusers last year; and
WHEREAS, 606 adults and children received therapy to help them with domestic violence-related trauma, and CORA fielded 2,092 requests for legal assistance; and
WHEREAS, Menlo Park, alongside San Mateo County, recognizes the critical need for county-wide services that support the diverse needs of all residents; and
WHEREAS, intimate partner violence continues to be among the most under-reported crimes and San Mateo County is committed to eliminating all forms of intimate partner abuse; and WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about and encourage all residents of Menlo Park to do their part to help rid our community of intimate partner violence; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Drew
Combs, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and recognize October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in
Menlo Park.
Drew Combs, Mayor
October 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM H-1 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Proclamation
LATINO HERITAGE MONTH SEPT. 15 – OCT. 15, 2025
WHEREAS, Latino Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, is a time to honor and celebrate the immeasurable contributions and unique stories of the Latino/a/x community; and WHEREAS, Californians know that our strength and prosperity lie in our state’s diversity, including the more than 15 million Latino/a/x Californians with roots that can be traced across the Americas, indigenous communities of Latin America, Africa and beyond; and
WHEREAS, generations of Latino/a/x people throughout history have helped build our state and local community as we know it, standing against inequalities and injustices and shaping social, political and economic landscapes at all levels; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that Latino/a/x people have always been and will always be deeply rooted in California’s history, identity and success, contributing to local vibrancy and growth every day as teachers and business owners, scientists and soldiers, farmworkers and first responders, artists and activists, colleagues, neighbors and friends; and
WHEREAS, we also recognize the persistent disparities and disproportionate challenges that Latino/a/x residents face, including anti-immigrant movements fueled by misinformation and hate, and supported by laws, policies and rulings that ignore the humanity, the civil rights and many contributions of the Latino/a/x community; and
WHEREAS, this month and every month let us honor and celebrate the rich history, culture, tradition and indelible value of the Latino/a/x community, as well as the vital importance of diverse, multicultural and equitable cities where all are welcome; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Drew
Combs, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and recognize Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2025 as Latino Heritage Month in
Menlo Park.
Drew Combs, Mayor
October 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM H-2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Proclamation
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH OCTOBER 2025
WHEREAS, the City of Menlo Park recognizes that it plays a vital role in identifying, protecting its residents from and responding to cybersecurity threats that may have significant impact to our individual and collective safety and privacy; and
WHEREAS, critical infrastructure (i.e., financial services, educational institutions, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care and emergency response systems) is increasingly reliant on the support of information systems and technology; and
WHEREAS, cybersecurity education and awareness are crucial for everyone, including large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations, the home user and anyone who connects to the internet, be it with a computer, mobile phone, or other internet-connected device; and
WHEREAS, monitoring your accounts, being conscientious of what you share online, keeping computer software up to date, creating unique passwords and changing them regularly, installing antivirus programs and firewalls and using mobile devices and other internet-connected devices safely, are ways people and organizations can protect themselves from phishing, viruses, ransomware, other types of malware, financial loss and loss of sensitive data; and
WHEREAS, maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play, and awareness of essential cyber hygiene will improve the security of the City of Menlo Park’s information, infrastructure and economy; and
WHEREAS, all are encouraged to reduce online risks by learning about cybersecurity so they can put that knowledge into practice in their homes, schools, workplaces and businesses; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Drew
Combs, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and recognize October 2025 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Menlo
Park.
Drew Combs, Mayor
October 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM H-3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
San Francisquito Creek
Joint Powers Authority
Reach 2 Project Status
Presentation to
City of Menlo Park
City Council
October 7, 2025
AGENDA ITEM H-4 Page H-4.1 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
What is The San Francisquito
Creek Joint Powers Authority?
Five Members
Created in 1999 to address
flooding impacting multiple
jurisdictions
Collaboratively plan, design, and
coordinate funding for flood risk
reduction projects
Completed Reach 1 Project at Friendship Bridge
Page H-4.2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Project Goals
Protect To What Level?
Up to the “Flood of Record” (~7,200 cubic
feet per second (cfs) or a 70-year event)
Protect How Many Properties?
~ 857 in Menlo Park
~ 1,252 in East Palo Alto
~ 2,943 in Palo Alto
Provide What Other Benefits?
Enhance creek habitat
Protect trees as much as possible
Add recreation opportunities
Modeled flooding extents at a 7,200 cfs storm, similar to the 1998 “Flood of Record”. Results are preliminary and uses a draft hydraulic model pending USACE certification.
Page H-4.3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Alternative 1
• Pope Chaucer Bridge replaced
• Widening (both banks) – 4600 LF
• Fixed floodwalls (average 1-3.5
feet high)
Alternative 2
• Pope Chaucer Bridge
replaced
• Widening (left bank only) –
2300 LF
• Fixed floodwalls (average 2-4
feet high)
Alternative 3
• Pope Chaucer Bridge
modification with culverts
• Widening (both banks) – 4600
LF
• Fixed floodwalls (average 1-3.5
feet high)
Alternative 4
• Pope Chaucer Bridge
modification with culverts
• Widening (left bank only) –
2300 LF
• Fixed floodwalls (average 2-4
feet high)
4 Summary of WRA Report Alternatives
Page H-4.4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Draft WRA Alternatives Evaluation Report – Project
Elements
• Channel Widening – “No Regrets”
• Remove natural and constructed pinch
points in the channel.
• Optimally widen where access and
rights-of-way make construction easier
• Add toe-of-bank log crib structures for
stabilization and habitat enhancement.
• Add floodwalls from upstream of
Pope-Chaucer Bridge to Highway 101
• Remove the existing Pope-Chaucer
Bridge and replace with an open-span
design.
Conceptual rendering of channel widening, floodwall, and walking trail near Cooley Ave and Woodland Ave
Page H-4.5 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Draft Alternatives Evaluation Report – Key Findings
Key findings –
• No single evaluated action can
meet project goals
• Widening in key locations is
beneficial, but cannot reach
project goals alone
• Replacing the Pope-Chaucer
Bridge brings benefits and risks
• Middlefield Rd. Bridge is also a
problem area and will be added
to the project scope.
Picture of a concrete structure creating a pinch point that would be removed during channel widening
Page H-4.6 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Current Project Activities
Additional Due
Diligence Studies:
• Bypass tunnel(s)
• Resolve questions or
concerns about project
elements
Top: Stormwater conveyance tunnel
proposed in Harris County, TX
Bottom: Retractable flood barrier
Page H-4.7 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
• Planning and Design for a comprehensive project
• Confirm draft evaluation using the USACE
Existing Conditions Model/FWOP model.
• Conclude evaluations of potential bypass
• Final Alternatives Evaluation Report
• Board selection of the suite components of the
Reach 2 project
• USACE CAP205 – integrate project components
• Develop a cost share principles and framework
• Move forward with design and engineering, additional
CEQA, and permitting.
• Implementation to start with elements in existing EIR.
Anticipated Next Steps
8 Concrete terrace at Site 2
Temporary wooden parapet at University Ave
Page H-4.8 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
You can learn more about the SFCJPA and our projects on our website: www.sfcjpa.org SFCJPA Project Staff Contacts:
• Margaret Bruce, Executive Director: [email protected] • Tess Byler, Senior Project Manager: [email protected] • Denean Ni, Project Manager: [email protected]
Page H-4.9 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
8 Hermosa Pl. Variance
Matt Pruter, Associate Planner
1 J1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025 Page 17 of 32
Site conditions
2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025 Page 18 of 32
Subdivision ordinance front setback
Title 15 – Subdivision
Ordinance
Applies to existing lots with a
curved frontage
- Front setback – point where the
lot meets minimum lot width
3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025 Page 19 of 32
Variance request
Proposed new
residence
- Front setback of ~57
feet per Subdivision Ordinance
- Proposed setback of
42 feet
- 20 feet is front
setback per Zoning Ordinance
- Limited
encroachments
4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025 Page 20 of 32
Subdivision ordinance variance findings
15.32 Variances – 15.32.020 Criteria for granting
1. Will not constitute a special privilege2. Special circumstances apply to the subject property3. Carries out the spirit of the subdivision ordinance Recommend adoption of a resolution approving the variance 5 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025 Page 21 of 32
Thank you
6 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025 Page 22 of 32
West Menlo Triangle
Annexation
Greg Faris
2042 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park
October 7, 2025
K1-PUBLIC COMMENT City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025
Menlo Park is a product of annexation
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
Where is the Triangle?
Triangle
Menlo Park
Menlo
Park Menlo
Park
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
The Triangle
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
80% Neighbor support for annexation in the triangle
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
Annexation timeline
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Initial
discussions
with City
Manager
Annexation
Application
Submitted
City Council Agendized
Discussions
Application Status Active Hold Active Hold ?
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
Major improvements on Alameda
June 2021 October 2025
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
Financial aspects
• Remaining expenses to complete annexation are modest
• These costs will be rapidly repaid through new tax revenue City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
Conclusions
• Annexation has made Menlo Park the strong city it is today • Triangle is prime candidate for annexation – it is surrounded by Menlo Park
• Annexation has tremendous neighborhood support
• Infrastructure is brand new or recently resurfaced
• Tax revenue quickly recovers modest costs
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2025
PCE Rebates for Heat Pumps
Heat Pump Water Heater$2,500 rebate
Heat Pump Heating & Cooling$1,500 rebate
Zero Percent Loan$10,000 Loan
Additional: $1,000 for income-qualified, $1,000 for electrical panel upgrade
N-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 32 of 32