City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 11/18/2025
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, Wise (AB 2449 – Just Cause)
Absent: Taylor
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
Pulled item H3. for discussion.
D. Public Comment
Marc Pappalardo spoke on concerns to the overnight parking city ordinance and enforcement.
E. Consent Calendar
E1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for October 21, 2025 (Attachment) E2. Receive and file the investment portfolio quarterly reports for Sept. 30 (Staff Report #25-170-CC) E3. Appropriate $651,000 from the General Capital Fund unassigned balance for fiscal year 2025-26 for the San Francisquito Creek Upstream of 101 Flood Protection Project (Staff Report #25-171-CC)
Margaret Bruce spoke in support of the appropriation for the San Francisquito Creek Upstream of 101 Flood Protection Project.
E4. Authorize the city manager to execute agreements with Winner Chevrolet, Inc., Towne Ford, and U-Rock Utility for vehicle and equipment purchases and approve contingency (Staff Report #25-172-CC)
E5. Consider and adopt resolutions to update authorized officers for the Local Agency Investment Fund and the California Employers' Retiree Benefit Trust (Staff Report #25-177-CC)
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Combs), to approve the consent calendar, 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
F. Regular Business
F1. Consider and adopt a resolution to abandon the public right-of-way adjacent to 100 Terminal Ave., while reserving the necessary public utility easement over a portion of the abandoned area (Staff Report #25-179-CC)
Senior Civil Engineer Ebby Sohrabi made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on the timeline of the Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC) construction and prior abandonments.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Nash), to adopt a resolution to abandon the public right-of-way adjacent to 100 Terminal Ave., 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
G. Study Session
G1. Provide direction on phased improvements for public plaza in closed portion of Santa Cruz Avenue along the 600 block (Staff Report #25-175-CC)
Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte made the presentation (Attachment). Marnie Foody provided input on the design of a public plaza for the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue (Presentation).
Ben Eiref provided input on the design of a public plaza for the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue (Presentation).
Laura Melahn provided input on the design of a public plaza for the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue (Presentation).
The City Council received clarification on replacement of immediate needs, providing input on design, visual design continuity throughout Santa Cruz Avenue and event planning and entertainment space.
The City Council discussed public outreach and accessibility considerations, meeting the needs of all community members, repurposing and color palettes, vehicle traffic, storage at the plaza, movable items and overnight security, maintenance of services, games, playground structure and dog park options and quiet seating.
The City Council directed staff to replace picnic tables with steel/modern furniture, including picnic style tables (model 537), small tables and chairs (models 485-30 and 483), flexible benches (model 530) and to install a variety of furniture options for testing by the public.
G2. Provide additional direction on Home Upgrade Services program enhancements to ensure expenditure of the first half of the communitywide electrification project grant funds (Staff Report #25-176-CC)
Sustainability Manager Rachael Londer made the presentation (Attachment). Charles Chapa commented on the Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC) as a great energy City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov model.
Larry Moody spoke in support of the recommendations.
The City Council received clarification on eligibility lists, history of program location eligibility and repercussions of missing March 2026 deadline.
The City Council discussed expanding citywide, allowing staff to regulate where funds are expended within the grant project categories, Belle Haven referral bonus program, e-bikes, timeline for implementation of recommendations, air quality in Belle Haven neighborhood, and the original intent and current state of the program.
The City Council directed staff to explore all recommendations and proceed with those that can be accomplished.
H. Informational Items
H1. City Council agenda topics: December 2025 (Staff Report #25-178-CC) H2. Update on the City’s Urban Water Management 2025 Plan (Staff Report #25-173-CC) Charles Chapa requested more action around rainwater harvesting for residents and city.
H3. Update on the Community Funding Program timeline and process for future funding cycles (Staff Report #25-174-CC)
The City Council discussed the use of city funds and administrative versus direct services costs.
The City Council directed staff to update the application to include the applicants overall budget and administrative and direct services costs.
I. City Manager Report
City Manager Murphy reported out on the upcoming City Council meetings Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec.
16. J. City Councilmember Reports
Vice Mayor Nash reported out on a Peninsula Clean Energy executive meeting.
K. Adjournment
Mayor Combs adjourned the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting December 16, 2025.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
RESOLUTION TO ABANDON PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY –
100 TERMINAL AVE.
Senior Civil Engineer Ebby Sohrabi
F1-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025
June 23, 2020, a portion of the Terminal
Avenue public right-of-way was vacated
City acquired land adjacent to the
Terminal Avenue right-of-way from PG&E
An additional 4,689 square foot portion of
the Terminal Avenue right-of-way was
planned to be abandoned and integrated
into the BHCC site to created one unified
parcel
PROJECT BACKGROUND
2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
LOCATION MAP
3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Recommended action
– Adopt a resolution to abandon the public right-of-way adjacent to 100 Terminal Ave.
– Reserve a necessary public utility easement to preserve access to the existing utilities.
Future
– Staff will return to City Council to delineate and establish the public utility easement in the future.
NEXT STEPS
4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
THANK YOU
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
The 600 Block
Public Plaza Project
Stephen Stolte, Assistant City Manager
1 G1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 9 of 40
Agenda
Community outreach results Project phases Phase one improvements – site furnishings Complementary efforts downtown 2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 10 of 40
City Council feedback
July 8: City Council study session and initial design concept; direction to launch outreach
Nov. 18: City Council study session on:
- Phases of the project - Site furnishings for phase one improvements - Furniture order and installation 3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 11 of 40
Community outreach
Community outreach was
conducted Sept. to Oct.
- Two tabling events - Two pop-up events at the site- Online feedback form Over 260 participants provided
feedback
www.menlopark.gov/600block
4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 12 of 40
Community feedback – online form
5 Online form – design elements ranked as very important Outdoor seating 86%Traffic barrier 82%Lighting 81%Planters and canopies 79%Shade canopies 74%Accessibility considerations 70%Bike parking spaces 67%Mid-block crosswalk 53%Play area for children 48%Events and programming 48%Art installations 43% City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 13 of 40
Community feedback – outreach events
6 High level summary of feedback at events
Define zones with planters and benches for activities and sensory-friendly uses Create flexible gathering areas and a mix of seatingInstall shade sails, umbrellas, and string lights for both day/night useDesign engaging, modern spaces using murals and art appealing to all ages City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 14 of 40
Project phases
Phase 1 – 3 months
- Install temporary ADA ramp - Order and install site furnishings - Refine design concept - Launch call for public art proposals
Phase 2 – 3-6 months
- Larger projects including lighting,
public art, landscaping, stage
Phase 3 – TBD
- Mid-block crosswalk
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 15 of 40
Site furnishings
8 Install multiple fixed and movable options in the short term and gather feedback as design is finalized
Recommendation to install combination of stationary
tables/benches and movable tables/chairs
Furniture to review includes:
- Tables with attached or fixed seating - Large benches - Individual chairs and small tables - High seating to define edges City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 16 of 40
Site Furnishing Options
Geoff Bradley, M-Group
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 17 of 40
Table 537 – Wood Grain Recycled Plastic, Steel Table
Table Size – 4’ – 6’ (ADA Accessible)Price Range - $2,430 to $2,970 (Price would vary depending on the seating material, finish, and size selected)
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 18 of 40
Table 443-62 – Steel Table and Benches
Table Size – 6’ – 8’ (ADA Accessible)Price Range – $5,770 for 6’ Steel Table and Two Benches $6,425 for 8’ Steel Table and Two Benches
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 19 of 40
Bench 282/283
Size – 6’ – 8’ longPrice Range – $1,780 for 6’ Aluminum Bench with Steel Seat $1,710 for 6’ Aluminum Bench with No Arms and Steel Seat$2020 for 8’ Aluminum Bench with Steel Seat$1,950 for 8’ Aluminum Bench with No Arms and Steel Seat City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 20 of 40
Table 198 – Oval shaped Steel Table
Table Size – 4’, 6’, 8’ (ADA Accessible)Price Range – $2,690 for 4’ Poly Lumber Table, Steel Seats $3,270 for 6’ Poly Lumber Table, Steel Seats$3,820 for 8’ Poly Lumber Table, Steel Seats City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 21 of 40
Bench 530
Price Range – $1,630 Steel Connecting/Stacking Block with Poly Lumber Seating $1,650 Steel Connecting/Stacking Block with Wooden Grain Poly Lumber Seating
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 22 of 40
Bench 523
Size – 6’ – 8’ longPrice Range – Price is unavailable. Since it is tailor-made and depends on the length of the bench.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 23 of 40
High Table - Steel Table with Aluminum
Table Size – 6’ – 8’ (ADA Accessible)Price Range – PENDING City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 24 of 40
Table 485-30 – Round Steel Table
Table Size – 30” (ADA Accessible)Price Range – $620 for 30” Steel Table $805 for 30” Steel Table with
Wood GrainPoly Lumber
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 25 of 40
Chair 481
Price Range – $700 Steel Chair with Arms
$620 Steel Chair with No Arms
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 26 of 40
Chair 483
Price Range – $630 Steel Chair with Arms
$550 Steel Chair with No Arms
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 27 of 40
Tolix Style Metal Outdoor Chair
Price Range – $55 Steel Chair with Arms
$69 Steel Chair with No Arms
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 28 of 40
City Council feedback
(1) Preferences for furniture:
- Stationary tables and benches- Movable tables and chairs (2) Direction to proceed with ordering initial mix of furniture (3) Any additional feedback on the project City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 29 of 40
Complementary efforts in downtown
Garbage and recycling receptacles Water fountains Sidewalk cleanliness Newspaper racks Irrigation equipment and landscaping Wooden kiosks and former telephone booths Bicycle parking Note: Staff will develop webpage for overall downtown efforts with timelines and status updates City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 30 of 40
Next steps
Order and install furniture Refine design concept
- Incorporate past feedback (e.g., adjust placement of stage and children’s play area)
- Address road curvature - Estimate pricing for improvements to assist with bidding the project City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025 Page 31 of 40
Home Upgrade Services
program enhancements
Rachael Londer, Sustainability Manager
G2-PRESENTATION City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes November 4, 2025
Funding background
State grant of $4.5 million to be expended by December 2027 on communitywide electrification
First half of funds ($2.25 million) to be expended by March 2026
Feb. 2023: Agreement with Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) to electrify homes in Belle Haven through its Home Upgrade Services program
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Home Upgrade Services program background
No-cost installation of the following measures for
eligible residents
- Must live in a Belle Haven home of 1-4 units, household and/or homeowner at or below 120% of area median
income, PCE customer, electrifying at least one major
appliance
March 2025: Initiated first round of program
enhancements
- Offering solar and battery systems
- Providing ~20 rental electrification bundles
- Expanding to rental homes and to households at or
below 120% of area median income
- Electrifying Belle Haven Child Development Center
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Outreach highlights
City staff & Menlo Spark volunteer canvassing
Outreach activity City activity PCE activity
Tabled at community events
in Belle Haven
15 1
Presented at community
meetings
14 0
Hosted community workshop 1 planned 55 attendees
Canvassing – doors knocked
on
90 476
Posted on social media 15 N/A
Published Weekly Digest 21 N/A
Sent direct mail 1,260 883
Direct phone calls 83 N/A
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Home Upgrade participation
Heat pump water heater
Participation status Oct. 2025 To date
(Sept. 2024 –
Oct. 2025)
Scheduled home
assessments
10 86
Completed home
assessments
1 58
Signed participation
agreements
1 38
Projects completed 2 17
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Projected expenditure of first half of grant
Existing programs Projected spend by Mar 2026
Home upgrades with PCE $1,132,210
Marketing and outreach $55,592
Rental bundle program with Belle Haven Community
Development Fund $93,000
Knob and tube pilot (2 homes) $108,600
Solar and battery projects (2 homes with project proposals) $60,000 Belle Haven Child Development Center electrification $120,000 Total and projected expenditures $1,569,402
Anticipated remaining funds $680,598
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Staff recommendation for communitywide electrification
program enhancements
Option Recommendation Potential cost
A Expand the program citywide $450,000
B Offer a citywide matching rebate program $72,000
C Provide rebates for e-bikes and electric vehicles (EVs) $80,000 D Add solar and battery to all homes with signed participation agreements $190,000
E Increase budget for rental electrification bundles $93,000 F Partner with additional community based organizations $80,000 G Create referral bonus program $10,000
Total $975,000
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Recommendation
City Council to provide additional direction on Home Upgrade Services program enhancements:
- expanding the program citywide
- offering matching rebates
- increasing budget for solar and battery and rental electrification bundles - partnering with additional community based organizations - creating a referral bonus,
- ensure expenditure of the first half of the communitywide electrification project grant funds by March 31, 2026
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025
Policy direction
How should the city plan to spend remaining funds before the March 2026 deadline?
Should staff advance all recommendations?
If demand exceeds our estimates, should staff return to City Council or have flexibility?
Can rebates or referral bonuses be increased or decreased based on participation?
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2025