City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov City Council
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 4/14/2026
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 Nash called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs (remote – Brown Act, arrived at 5:42 p.m., exited at 6:42 p.m., arrived at 7 p.m.), Nash, Schmidt, Taylor, Wise
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Justin Murphy, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), City Attorney Nira Doherty, Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi A. Herren
C. Closed Session
C1. Conference with labor negotiators
Government Code Section 54957.6
Labor negotiations with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 829, Service Employees International Local 521, and Service Employees International Union Local 521 – Temporary Employees Unit
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Justin I.C. Murphy, Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Administrative Services Director Brittany Mello, Extra Help Retired Annuitant – Human Resources Director Sue Rush, Legal Counsel Charles Sakai Regular Session
D. Call To Order
Mayor Nash recalled the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m.
E. Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
F. Agenda Review
None.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov G. Public Comment
Marjory Ruiz Hidalgo spoke on a non-emergency safety reporting application for PG&E. Joaquin Jimenez spoke on their candidacy for San Mateo County Supervisor of District 3. Mukta Dhanuka spoke on the need for habitability compliance for renters (Attachment). Gerald Moreno spoke on safety concerns from bushes encroaching on sidewalks.
H. Presentations and Proclamations
H1. Proclamation: Arbor Day (Attachment)
Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.
Senior Patrol Leader, Scouting America Troop 109 Evan Chamness accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H2. Proclamation: Earth Day (Attachment)
Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.
Founder and Director of Carbon Cutout Nicole Angiel accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H3. Proclamation: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (Attachment) Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.
Police Chief David Norris accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
I. Special Business
I1. Planning Commission applicant introductions (Applications) City Clerk Herren introduced the item.
Miyko Harris-Parker spoke in support of appointing Meridith Rohr to the Planning Commission. Pam D. Jones spoke in support of appointing Meridith Rohr to the Planning Commission.
Planning Commission applicants Jeff Berkes, Nancy LaRocca Hedley, Ron Renwick, Meredith Rohr and Jennifer Shindler introduced themselves to the City Council.
The City Council discussed the role of Planning Commission.
J. Consent Calendar
J1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for March 10, 2026 (Attachment) J2. Consider and adopt a resolution to reduce the Utility Users Tax (continuation at 0%) (Staff Report #26-054-CC)
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov J3. Award a construction contract to Radius Earthwork, Inc. for the Bay and Pierce Road Improvement project (Staff Report #26-051-CC)
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wise), to approve the consent calendar, passed unanimously.
K. Regular Business
K1. Introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 5.80 (Massage Businesses) of Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) of the City of Menlo Park Municipal Code, relating to the regulation of massage businesses (Staff Report #26-052-CC) Police Commander Tony Dixon made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) fingerprinting and Department of Justice (DOJ) impacts to certification.
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wise), to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance (Attachment A) adding Chapter 5.80 (Massage Businesses) of Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) of the Menlo Park Municipal Code, relating to the regulation of massage businesses, passed unanimously.
K2. Receive and file report on labor relations and receive public input on upcoming labor negotiations with Service Employees International Union Local 521, Service Employees International Union Local 521 – Temporary Employees Unit, and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 829 (Staff Report #26-049-CC)
Administrative Services Director Brittany Mello made the presentation (Attachment). Brandon Palominos Mancilla spoke in support of market-rate wages for city employees. Juan Quinonez spoke in support of market-rate wages for city employees. Alyssa Allen spoke in support of permanent full-time opportunities for Menlo Children’s Center employees.
ACTION: Motion and second (Schmidt/ Nash), to receive and file report on employee compensation and receive public input on upcoming labor negotiations with Service Employees International Union Local 521 (SEIU), SEIU – Temporary Employees Unit, and American Federal of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 829 (AFSCME), passed unanimously.
K3. Approve fiscal year 2026-27 budget principles (Staff Report #26-055-CC) Assistant Administrative Services Director Fenny Lei made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council received clarification on two-tier options for the principles.
The City Council discussed additional guardrails for the principles, re-ranking tiers of the principles, visibility of City Council funding allocations, additional reporting for financial ties to City Council priorities, reordering the principles and whether or not to prioritize the principles (Attachment).
The City Council directed staff to provide more frequent informational staff reports focused on
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov budget updates (not more than quarterly), defining the rationale for the ordering of the principles and listing principles with the use of bullets as opposed to letters to help indicate that there is not a priority order.
ACTION: Motion and second (Wise/ Taylor), to approve budget principles for fiscal year 2026-27, passed unanimously.
L. Informational Items
L1. City Council agenda topics: April – May 2026 (Staff Report #26-056-CC) L2. Update on the City’s fiscal year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan (Staff Report #26-053-CC) M. City Manager Report
City Manager Murphy reported out on the May 7 community open house for downtown parking plazas proposals and the release of the project bid for the Willow/101 interchange landscaping project.
N. City Councilmember Reports
Mayor Nash reported out on the Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) meeting, the San Mateo County Sustainability awards, Sister City Galway luncheon and the vehicle licenses fee (VLF) backfill rally.
City Councilmember Schmidt reported out on the April 14 Planning Commission meeting.
O. Adjournment
Mayor Nash adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi A. Herren These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting May 12, 2026.
at
NATIONAL ARBOR DAY -APRIL 24, 2026
WHEREAS, National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of April each year by many states across the country for the community planting of trees; and
WHEREAS, trees greatly benefit the health of our community and health of our planet, support our wildlife and local ecosystems and pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, which mitigates global warming; and WHEREAS, the special importance of trees in urban areas must be maintained to improve air quality, provide shade, prevent erosion of topsoil and sedimentation in waterways, maintain climatic balance and decrease wind velocities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Menlo Park was historically forested by stands of oak, bay and other trees; and WHEREAS, the preservation and planting of trees is necessary to preserve the scenic beauty and historical value of trees, and to promote the continued health and welfare of our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Menlo Park is well known for its numerous and beautiful trees which truly enhance the desirability of Menlo Park as a place to live, work and play; and WHEREAS, the City's urban canopy is expertly and professionally maintained by the Public Works tree team; and
WHEREAS, this is the twenty-seventh anniversary of City of Menlo Park being recognized as a member of the Arbor Day Foundation's "Tree City USA" group; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Betsy
Nash, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and celebrate April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in Menlo Park.
~)(,,..J. sy Nash, Mayor
April 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM HI-1
,,
tla atl
RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2026 AS EARTH DAY
WHEREAS, Earth Day has been celebrated globally since 1970 to unite communities around protecting our common environment to ensure future generations will have a safe and sustainable future; and WHEREAS, the theme for Earth Day 2026, "Our Power, Our Planet" focuses on the importance of renewable energy and aiming to triple global electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the City Council adopted a climate action plan with the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030; and
WHEREAS, all people of this Earth, no matter their country, gender, income, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or abilities, have a right to live in a healthy environment; and WHEREAS, in 2024, following three years of community outreach and engagement, the City of Menlo Park adopted its first General Plan Environmental Justice (EJ) Element, which aims to implement communityidentified priorities and actions that identify and address public health risks and environmental justice concerns as well as foster the well-being and resilience of City residents living in underserved communities; and WHEREAS, local cities, including Menlo Park, are working to address the climate crisis including the creation of Peninsula Clean Energy, which supplies 100% carbon-free electricity for all Menlo Park customers; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park is also home to businesses certified through the San Mateo County Green Business Program, which recognizes local businesses and organizations that have taken meaningful steps to conserve resources, prevent pollution and protect public health; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park's success in reducing the greenhouse gas responsible for climate change and presence in Silicon Valley gives it a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership and set an example for other cities to take climate action with innovative, comprehensive and expeditious approaches; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park is a co-sponsor of the "Love Our Earth Festival," to be held April 25 at the Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School and encourages all community members to attend; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Betsy
Nash, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and celebrate April 22, 2026 as Earth Day in Menlo Park.
~')1,...&..- st Nash, Mayor
April 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM H-2
orla ati
NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK,
APRIL 12 - 18, 2026
WHEREAS, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (NPSTW) is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service and sacrifice; and WHEREAS, all 911 centers, including emergency communications centers (ECCs), public safety answering points (PSAPs), public safety communications centers (PSCCs), emergency operations centers (EOCs), and other public safety command centers, are a critical component of emergency communications and provide critical, life-saving emergency services to the public; and WHEREAS, telecommunicators are the first voice you hear when you dial for help, often keeping callers calm and providing life-saving guidance-from how to administer CPR to how to assist someone giving birth-when emergency personnel are on the way; and
WHEREAS, behind the scenes, highly trained telecommunicators interpret an ever-increasing array of information transmitted with 911 calls, which enables emergency personnel to better locate and assist those who are in distress, and also actively plan, coordinate and direct the response activities of these personnel, especially when multiple agencies are involved; and
WHEREAS, as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, communities are encouraged to review best practices for making emergency calls, such as directing non-emergency phone calls to nonemergency phone numbers, providing accurate details and location information, staying calm, speaking clearly and not hanging up when calling by mistake; and
WHEREAS, this week is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel across the nation who serve our communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Betsy
Nash, Mayor of the City of Menlo Park, on behalf of the City Council and City, do hereby proclaim and celebrate April 12 - 18, 2026 as National Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week in Menlo Park.
&1a~ tsv , Nash, -- Mayor
April 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM H-3
Introduce and waive the first reading of an
ordinance adding Chapter 5.80 (Massage
Businesses) of Title 5 (Business Licenses and
Regulations) of the City of Menlo Park Municipal
Code, relating to the regulation of massage
businesses
William Dixon, Police Commander
1 K1-PRESENTATION
Background
In 2012 and 2014, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted an amendment to the San Mateo County Massage Businesses Ordinance. The amendment established clearer operational standards and updated rules for hearings and appeals, restricts business transfers during penalties. All other jurisdictions within San Mateo County with substantial commercial areas have adopted the model ordinance.
2 Purpose of Proposed Ordinance
To protect the public health, safety, and welfare by providing for the orderly regulation of massage therapy services, discouraging prostitution and related illegal activities carried on under the guise of massage therapy, and establishing certain sanitation, health, and operational standards for massage businesses. 3 Proposed Ordinance Requirements
All individuals practicing massage therapy for compensation be Certified Massage Practitioners by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). All businesses that provide message therapy for compensation employ only CAMTC Certified Massage Practitioners AND obtain a valid City of Menlo Park Registration Certificate. Miscellaneous operating and physical establishment
requirements.
4 California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)
“CAMTC is a private nonprofit public benefit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. CAMTC’s volunteer Board of Directors is a diverse group of professionals and interested stakeholders who seek to protect the public and elevate the profession.” CAMTC issues voluntary certifications to massage
professionals that meet the requirements established in California Business and Professions Code, section 4604. 5 Update since publishing
Typographical change to Section 5.80.020 (h) of ordinance:“Health Officer” means a representative from the County of San Mateo Department of Environmental Health or designee and/or a person designated by the City of Menlo Park to conduct health and safety inspections pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code, Menlo Park Municipal Code Section 1.04.010 (4), or their authorized representatives or designees. 6 Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance (Attachment A) adding Chapter 5.80 (Massage Businesses) of Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) of the Menlo Park Municipal Code, relating to the regulation of massage businesses 7 Thank You
Questions?
8 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
Principles
Fenny Lei, Assistant Administrative Services Director
1 K3-PRESENTATION
Agenda
Budget principles Forecast Budget development calendar City Council approval and direction 2 3
Budget Principles
Proposed Budget Principles
Staff presents the below budget principles for fiscal year 2026-27 to ensure the city manager’s proposed budget reflects the City Council’s foundational budget values.1. Promote the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability2. Provide city services and infrastructure that contribute to quality of life in Menlo Park
3. Manage revenue sources and grant accounting
4 User Fee Cost Recovery
Equity-focused approach balancing cost recovery with
access and community benefit
Three tiers: low (0-30%), mid (30-70%), high (70-100%) Higher recovery for individual/regulatory services; lower for community-wide services
Some services are intentionally subsidized to advance equity and community goals
Proposed fees developed in alignment with existing cost recovery policy
5 1. Promote the City’s long-term fiscal
sustainabilityA. Continue to fund the strategic pension reserve when financially feasible and utilize it as a tool for rate stabilization. Annual payments toward the CalPERS Net Pension Liability will be based on the required contributions identified in the actuarial reports, maintaining progress toward reducing the unfunded accrued liability (UAL). Implement the annual payment necessary in the budget to achieve amortization of the CalPERS Net Pension Liability in accordance with the actuarial 15-year amortization schedule. This is consistent with the City Council’s previously adopted budget principle to plan for an accelerated reduction of the unfunded accrued liability (UAL).B. Invest in technologies that minimize low value-add processes, increase transparency in communications and most efficiently utilize our talented staff.
C. Strive to achieve City Council cost recovery goals for fee-based services, including implementing annual fee updates as necessary to reflect changes in the cost of providing services, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI), personnel costs, or other relevant cost indices.
D. Continue to evaluate the most cost-effective method to provide services at a specified level that provides the City with flexibility in all economic conditions, including the use of contracted services, shared services, and regular and limited-term employees. 6 1. Promote the City’s long-term fiscal
sustainabilityE. Proactively manage the loss of institutional knowledge by documenting procedures, practices and processes and succession planning efforts including the ability to provide for overlap in critical positions at the discretion of the city manager.
F. Incorporate programs and initiatives that strengthen Menlo Park’s standing as an employer of choice to retain highly qualified personnel.
G. Address the City’s structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures through immediate and ongoing actions to stabilize the General Fund reserve and restore long- term fiscal sustainability. Evaluate the long-term structural balance of revenues and expenditures to maintain a sustainable General Fund.
Staff is proposing the following addition related to the service level and resource alignment:H. Focus available resources on essential and legally mandated services, while regularly assessing other programs for alignment with City priorities, service levels, and fiscal capacity. 7 2. Provide city services and infrastructure that
contribute to quality of life in Menlo ParkA. Implement ordinances and City Council adopted initiatives and strategies to contribute to the quality of life in Menlo Park now and in the future.B. Proactively maintain and improve existing infrastructure to minimize maintenance costs, decrease the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the City’s long-term disaster and climate resilience.C. Strive to balance the resources and requirements of each area of the city in an equitable manner through the use of using equitable tools and ongoing collaboration with the Countywide Equity Working Group.
D. Evaluate one-time revenues for their highest and best use, prioritizing investments for long-term gains in financial sustainability and enhancing quality of life for the community. Evaluate one-time revenues for highest and best investment recognizing the benefit of leveraging near term investments for long-term gains in financial sustainability and/or quality of life. 8 2. Provide city services and infrastructure that
contribute to quality of life in Menlo ParkE. Commit to continuous improvement in the communication of City financial information through a variety of media acknowledging that the City’s professional staff and consultants are obligated to conform to accounting and reporting standards in order to provide balanced financial information that informs policymakers.
F. Strategically identify and align financial resources to implement City Council-identified top goals.
9 3. Manage rRevenue sources and grant
accountingA. State the fund’s surplus/(deficit) balance to show annual results and use of fund balance.
B. Limit budget appropriations for capital projects to those with secured funding. Appropriations shall not exceed available funding and will be adjusted if funding is reduced. Identify revenue sources for the initial year of all capital projects.
C. Prioritize adoption of balanced budgets to maintain the fiscal integrity of all funds. Use of fund balance is permitted only to the extent that the year-end balance remains positive. Ensure a fund's fiscal year-end balance estimate is positive.Staff is proposing the following addition related to one-time revenuesD. One-time revenues should be used for one-time expenditures and not for ongoing commitments, to minimize the risk of creating or exacerbating structural deficits. 10 11
Five Year Forecast
Forecast Assumption Changes
Revised vehicle license fee (VLF) backfill to 0 for fiscal year 2026-27 and out-years, decreased revenue by 1.9 million Increased transient occupancy tax (TOT) to align with current trend by 0.8 million
Increased licenses and permits and other revenues by 0.5 million
12 Structural Deficit
13 80 85 90 95
100 105 110
FY26-27 Proposed FY27-28 Forecast FY28-29 Forecast FY29-30 Forecast FY30-31 Forecast Millions
Five Year Forecast – Base Scenario
Total Revenues Total Expenditure
Approximately $9.4 million annual structural deficit
Structural Deficit (With Proposed Fee
Adjustments)
14 80 85 90 95
100 105 110
FY26-27 Proposed FY27-28 Forecast FY28-29 Forecast FY29-30 Forecast FY30-31 Forecast Millions
Updated with Proposed Fee Adjustments
Total Revenues Total Expenditure
Approximately $4.7 million annual structural deficit
15 Budget Development
Calendar
Budget Development Calendar
16 Date Description
City Council reviews and approves budget principlesUpdate on capital improvement plan (CIP) April 14
Master Fee Schedule public hearing and adoptionCity Council workshop final report review April 28May 20 Budget portal open to publicMay 28 Public budget workshopJune 9 Budget public hearingJune 23 Budget adoption City Council Approval and Direction
Approve the fiscal year 2026-27 budget principles
17 18
Thank You
SUGGESTED
ORDER 1. Promote the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability A G. Address the City’s structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures through immediate and ongoing actions to stabilize the General Fund reserve and restore long-term fiscal sustainability.
B H. Focus available resources on essential and legally mandated services, while regularly assessing other programs for alignment with City priorities, service levels, and fiscal capacity.
C
D. Continue to evaluate the most cost-effective method to provide services at a specified level that provides the City with flexibility in all economic conditions, including the use of contracted services, shared services, and regular and limited-term employees.
D
C. Strive to achieve City Council cost recovery goals for fee-based services, including implementing annual fee updates as necessary to reflect changes in the cost of providing services, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI), personnel costs, or other relevant cost indices.
E F. Incorporate programs and initiatives that strengthen Menlo Park’s standing as an employer of choice to retain highly qualified personnel.
F
E. Proactively manage the loss of institutional knowledge by documenting procedures, practices and processes and succession planning efforts including the ability to provide for overlap in critical positions at the discretion of the city manager.
G B. Invest in technologies that minimize low value-add processes, increase transparency in communications and most efficiently utilize our talented staff.
H
A. Continue to fund the strategic pension reserve when financially feasible and utilize it as a tool for rate stabilization. Annual payments toward the CalPERS Net Pension Liability will be based on the required contributions identified in the actuarial reports, maintaining progress toward reducing the unfunded accrued liability (UAL).
K3-ATTACHMENT