Menlo Park City Council
May 12, 2026

City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov City Council

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 5/12/2026
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 Nash called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

B. Roll Call

Present: Combs, Nash, Schmidt (remote), 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 C. Agenda Review
None.

D. Public Comment
• Ron Snow requested follow-up from a community meeting about how residents report burglaries and in support of the resources provided on the Menlo Park Police Department website.

E. Presentations and Proclamations
E1. Presentation: Youth Poetry Voices celebration
Library and Community Services Supervisor Rose Waldman introduced the item.

The youth poets presented their poems.

E2. Presentation: Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee made the presentation (Attachment).

E3. Proclamation: Mental Health Month (Attachment)
Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation (Attachment).

E4. Proclamation: Affordable Housing Month (Attachment) Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.

City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov Housing Manager Tim Wong accepted the proclamation (Attachment).

F. Consent Calendar
F1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for April 14, 2026 (Attachment) F2. Consider and adopt a resolution renewing Chapter 2.70 of the Menlo Park Municipal Code entitled military equipment use ordinance, renewing the Menlo Park Military Equipment Use Policy, and finding that, based on the 2025 Menlo Park Police Department annual military equipment report, each type of military equipment identified in that report complies with the standards of approval set forth in Menlo Park Police Department policy 708.7 and Government Code Section 7071(d) (Staff Report #26-073-CC)
F3. Receive and file the investment portfolio quarterly reports for Dec. 31, 2025 (Staff Report #26-074-CC)
F4. Consider and adopt a resolution approving the preliminary engineer’s report for the Menlo Park Landscaping Assessment District and adopt a resolution intending to order the levy and collection of assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2026-27 (Staff Report #26-077-CC)
F5. Authorize the city manager to execute an amendment to the Animal Control agreement between the County of San Mateo and cities for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026 (Staff Report #26-080-CC)
ACTION: Motion and second (Taylor/ Wise), to approve the consent calendar, passed unanimously.

G. Study Session
G1. Provide direction on public safety priority for fiscal year 2026-27 (Staff Report #26-079-CC) Police Chief Norris made the presentation (Attachment). • Maya Sewald spoke in support of the study session and hiring additional police officers. • Pam D. Jones spoke in support of the traffic enforcement and being cautious with the use of AI (artificial intelligence) and new technology.

The City Council received clarification on home safety assessments, coordination with the County Sherrif’s Office, collaboration with agencies across the state, timing as a factor for rise in burglary, metrics on response prioritization by type/severity, ratio of proactive and reactive patrols, response times and their relation to staffing and deployment, and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) implementation, operation, and accountability.

The City Council discussed surge patrolling, public perception of crime, photo enforcement, coordination with public works, zero emission landscape equipment (ZELE) workload and next steps.

The City Council directed staff to assess staffing and deployment, review and strengthen recruitment, selection and the Field Training Program, sustain data driven burglary and other crime prevention through high-profile and saturation patrols, technology use and regional coordination,

City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov support Problem Oriented Policing (POP) and code enforcement capacity as assets for long-term problem-solving, and continue targeted technology investments and accountability measures.

G2. Provide direction on the five-year capital improvement plan (Staff Report #26-081-CC) Public Works Director Azalea Mitch made the presentation (Attachment). • Peter Hoddie requested clarification on Downtown parking lots resurfacing and capital improvement program (CIP) funding aligning with Downtown vibrancy. • Adina Levin spoke on projects needed and requested clarification on when more Downtown Parking Management study and shuttle information will be available. • Jenny Michel spoke in support of the proposed funding recommendations and concerns on the Menlo Park shuttle stops and timing.

The City Council took a recess at 8:37 p.m.

The City Council reconvened at 8:47 p.m.

The City Council received clarification on Middle Avenue Caltrain Crossing funding, Sand Hill tunnel public accessibility, parking plazas 7 and 8 funding, prioritizing new build and maintenance, IT (information technology) master plan, Bayfront Mitigation fund restrictions and usage, cost of Willow Road bike and pedestrian safety project and funding source and the Menlo Children’s Center renovation.

The City Council discussed quiet zones, grant funding, utilizing the Downtown Public Amenity fund for Downtown vibrancy, the use of Measure T funds for the Sharon Park pond, and utility underground funding for Plazas 1 and 3.

The City Council directed staff to explore quiet zone funding sources beyond the Downtown Amenities fund, pursue funding the Belle Haven Community Campus microgrid with the state electrification grant and:

Fund $3.8 million in General Capital Fund needs – IT Master Plan, Gatehouse roof, SAFER Bay Fund $0.83 million in Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) needs – Middle Ave. Caltrain Crossing Delay – High Voltage Streetlight Conversion ($2 million) and Caltrain Grade Separation Projects ($2.1 million)
Cancel – Sand Hill Tunnel Rehabilitation Project ($0.39 million) Utilizing other sources of funding – $0.25 million Gas Tax, $1.8 million Bayfront Mitigation Fund, $0.4 million Measure A
Budget reductions – $1.5 million
Add to CIP – Sharon Park Pond Pump Station Replacement – $0.5 million and use Measure T / General Obligation bond proceeds
H. Public Hearing
H1. Conduct a public hearing, rate protest hearing, and consider adoption of a resolution approving maximum increases in rates for the collection, processing, and disposal of waste, recycling, and compost materials for commercial, multi-family, and single-family customers, with annual adjustments (Staff Report #26-075-CC)
Internal Services Manager Eren Romero made the presentation (Attachment).

City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
• Pam D. Jones spoke in opposition of the rate increase.

Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.

ACTION: By acclamation, this item was continued to June 9, 2026, at 6 p.m.

H2. Conduct a public hearing, rate protest hearing, and consider adoption of a resolution approving maximum rate increases for Menlo Park Municipal Water, with annual adjustments including passthroughs of any increases in the costs of wholesale water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and establishing and setting water capacity charges (Staff Report #26-076-CC) Internal Services Manager Eren Romero made the presentation (Attachment).

Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
• Pam D. Jones spoke in opposition of the rate increase. • Arlene Navaro spoke in opposition of the rate increase.

Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.

The City Council received clarification on the errors on the initial public notices and the subsequent corrections.

ACTION: By acclamation, this item was continued to June 9, 2026, at 6 p.m.

H3. Introduce and waive the reading of an ordinance amending the Menlo Park Zoning Map and Title 16, Zoning, of the Menlo Park Municipal Code to add Chapter 16.57 temporarily excluding eligible sites within the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan subdistricts of D (Downtown), SA-W (Station Area West), SA-E (Station Area East), ECR-SE (El Camino Real South-East), and ECRNE-R (El Camino Real North-East Residential Emphasis) that are within 0.25 miles of the Menlo Park Caltrain Station, from Senate Bill (SB) 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act (Staff Report #26-078-CC)
Assistant Community Development Director Kyle Perata made the presentation (Attachment).

Mayor Nash opened the public hearing.
• June Shin spoke in support of Planning Commission’s recommendation for no action from the City Council.
• Adina Levin spoke in support of Planning Commission’s recommendation for no action from the City Council.
• Katherine Dumont spoke in support of Planning Commission’s recommendation for no action from the City Council.

Mayor Nash closed the public hearing.

The City Council received clarification on taking no action and defaulting to Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) effective July 1, 2026, zoning density comparisons, FAR (floor are ratio) mixed use developments,

City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov objective standards under current system compared to SB 79 and neighboring cities actions.

The City Council discussed the Planning Commission recommendation, vision of the Downtown/El Camino Real Specific Plan, potential to maintain object standards and the Planning Commission deliberations.

The City Council directed staff to keep City Council advised of applications submitted pursuant to SB 79.

No action.

I. Informational Items
I1. City Council agenda topics: May – June 2026 (Staff Report #26-082-CC) J. City Manager Report
City Manager Murphy reported out on the Downtown Development Open House May 7 and provided next steps.

K. City Councilmember Reports
City Councilmember Taylor reported out on the Home for All meeting and the Chamber of San Mateo Commerce Progress Seminar.

City Councilmember Schmidt reported out on Assembly Bill 2667.

L. Adjournment
Mayor Nash adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m.

Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting June 9, 2026.

Parks and Recreation Commission and City
Council Presentation
Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee
YAC Menlo Park
E2-PRESENTATION
2 Work Plan
3 What is YAC?
Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee
- Group of Menlo Park Youth- Goals:
- Provide youth perspective to Menlo
Park government
- Bridge generational gap and create
intergenerational dialogue
- Encourage youth participation in
Menlo Park events
- Assist and volunteer at city events
- Mission Statement:
- Striving to create a positive change
in our community
4 Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee
YAC Meetings
- Work on project - Host presentations - Productive discussions- Brainstorm outreach strategy 5 Menlo Park Youth Advisory CommitteeCity Service
What We’ve Done:
- Volunteering at city events- Helping make a positive impact on the Menlo Park Community
- Events include:
- Halloween Hoopla- Light Up the Season- Photos with Santa- Egg Hunt 6 Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee

HALLOWEEN HOOPLA LIGHT UP THE SEASON
7 Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee

PHOTOS WITH SANTA EGG HUNT
8 Menlo Park Youth Advisory CommitteeYAC ATTACK
- Interacted with YAC Committees across
the Bay Area
- Participated in interactive workshops- Led informal discussions- Heard from local leaders through a panel
- Raffle prizes, snacks and more!
9 Menlo Park Youth Advisory CommitteeWhat can YAC do?
- Participating in Futures Commission
projects
- Working more closely with our city- Focusing on youth input in AI policy YAC Project
Menlo Park YAC
11 Library and Community Services
Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee
- Inform the public of library resources
- Social media advertising
- Expand library youth resources
- College prep resources
- Study rooms
12 Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee
Environmental Quality Commission
- Solarpunk project
- Sustainability journal? - Community art installation? - Sustainability drives- Repair and reuse fair- Youth climate ambassadors- Social media- EV subsidies

YAC EQC
Partnership
Menlo Park YAC
14 Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee
- Partnering with the EQC by taking role in events
- Love Our Earth Festival
- Providing EQC with suggestions from a youth
perspective
Volunteering
- Promoting the EQC and their initiatives on our
social media
- Making EQC projects more teen focused and
friendly
Social Media
15 Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee
- “Green Careers” Panel
- Speaker panel aimed to inform the youth
of career opportunities in Environmental Science fields Next YAC season…
- Solarpunk: Collaborative Sustainable Art Project
- Inspired by solarpunk project- Community mural- Sustainable art installation- Group sustainable crafting Sustainability PanelCommunity Art Project
Thank You!
Questions?
Menlo Park YAC
Proclamation
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH – MAY 2026
WHEREAS, mental health conditions are among the most common health conditions and more than half the world’s population will live with a mental health condition in their lifetime; and WHEREAS, in 2021 – 2023, approximately 12.5% of San Mateo County adults had serious psychological distress in the past year and San Mateo County youth grades 7, 9 and 11 reported social emotional distress (25%, 26% and 32%, respectively) in the past 12 months; and WHEREAS, every day, millions of people face stigma related to mental health and substance use conditions and may feel isolated and alone, going years before receiving any help; if left untreated, have life expectancies 25 years shorter than the general population; and
WHEREAS, mental health conditions affect all demographics, though certain communities face inequitable access to services, such as people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, youth, and older adults; and WHEREAS, mental health and substance use conditions are treatable health conditions, and persons who have these conditions can recover and lead full and meaningful lives; and WHEREAS, residents have access to many behavioral health services at no cost. San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) and its contracted network of providers, offer the full spectrum of direct treatment, specialized supports, early intervention, crisis supports and prevention; and WHEREAS, this month is the time to educate ourselves on the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use conditions, professional and self-help resources and self-care practices; and WHEREAS, the 2026 theme, “Mental Health is Ours”, emphasizes the vital importance of community, collective action and holistic support; and
WHEREAS, Menlo Park’s eighth annual Mental Health Month open mic night will be held on May 27 at Café Zoe from 6 – 8 p.m., and all are encouraged 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 May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Menlo
Park.

Betsy Nash, Mayor
May 12, 2026
AGENDA ITEM E-3
Page E-3.1
Proclamation
AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH – MAY 2026
WHEREAS, housing affordability in San Mateo County and the greater Bay Area is a critical issue; and WHEREAS, a 2025 San Mateo County Affordable Housing Needs Report prepared by California Housing Partnership cites that approximately 23,000 low-income renter households in San Mateo County do not have access to an affordable home; and
WHEREAS, median rent in California has increased 44% since 2000 while median renter household income has only increased 11%; and
WHEREAS, adequate housing opportunities for people at all income levels enhance community life and vitality by providing a stable living environment, which is important for both personal and communal growth; and WHEREAS, the City of Menlo Park continues to prioritize the production of new affordable housing development as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of existing affordable homes in our community to meet the needs of our residents and region; and
WHEREAS, Menlo Park has taken meaningful actions towards the preservation and production of affordable housing, including the commitment of over $6.6 million from the City’s Below Market Rate Housing (BMR) Fund for various affordable housing activities and participation in a multi-city affordable housing nexus study, which will evaluate the impact of new development on the need for affordable housing; and WHEREAS, Menlo Park is dedicated to advancing the preparation and implementation of an anti-displacement strategy, a key program in the Housing Element and Environmental Justice Element, to ensure that community members can stay in their homes and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, this Affordable Housing Month, City staff invite all residents and community members to attend the Housing and Neighborhood Resource Fair on Saturday May 16 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Belle Haven Community Campus; 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 May 2026 as Affordable Housing Month in Menlo Park.

Betsy Nash, Mayor
May 12, 2026
AGENDA ITEM E-4 Page E-4.1
STUDY SESSION –

PUBLIC SAFETY IN MENLO PARK
Police Chief Dave Norris
1 G1-PRESENTATION
Public Safety Overview FY 2026–27
 Overview of Community
Feedback
 Crime and Other Data for a
picture of progress
 Staffing and Recruitment Operational Picture –
Beyond the Data
 Technology Improvements Future Considerations  Informed Request:

Feedback and Direction
2 Community Feedback
 Concerns about burglaries Desire for more patrol
visibility
 Commentary about ALPRs Response time questions Request for reassurance Downtown Vibrancy 3 Crime Trend Overview – 2022-2025
 Person crime down 20% Property crime down 14% Property Crime drop exceeds national trends
4 Burglary Picture – 2023-2025
 Total burglaries fell each year
(204
→ 150
→ 130)
 Auto burglary dropped sharply
(-74% since 2023)
 Commercial burglary steadily
declined
 Bicycle burglaries increased,
residential burglaries remained fairly stable
 MPPD proactivity and regional
coordination impact Res Burgs
*
5 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES Early 2026 spike normalized
 13 (Jan-Feb), 2 (Mar-Apr)
Response Times
 Overall response times
increased 45% since 2022
 Priority-1 response times
stayed stable (± 45 sec)
 Call volume remained flat
across all four years
 Rising times reflect capacity
constraints, not demand
6 Patrol Strategy
 High-visibility patrols and
stops are part of our daily practice
 Problem-Oriented-Policing
strategies are used for trending issues
 Technology and agency
partners are a big help
7 IDEAL PERCENTAGE IS 40% PROACTIVE AND 60% REACTIVE- McCabe, 2017 and 2012, - ICMA and IACP Staffing Snapshot
 2020 – Reduced from 54 to
44 sworn
 Now - 73 total FTE / 47 sworn
- 65% in Patrol- 35% in Specialties
 Ratio (Officers per 1000 pop.)
aligns regionally
- 1.45 (using 32,500 pop.)
 Six vacancies + 3 in FTP
- One more in June Academy
8 Recruitment & Training
 2021-2026
- 439 applicants → 30 hires- 50% completion rate- Not unlike national trends  Pipeline improvements
underway
- Reviewing Recruitment,
Academy Rigor, Field Training Program
9  Deeper review is needed
to identify improvement strategy
Technology Improvements
 Officer Tech – Radios, Tasers,
Body Worn & Dash Cams
 Crime Tech – ALPRs,
Investigative Software
 Dispatch Tech – Consoles
- Consider T1 replacement
*
 Problem-Oriented Technology
- CCTV Trailer Pilot - ALPR
10 ALPR Privacy – Audit and Accountability
 MPPD operating to policy –

99.97% compliance over 14,000 searches in 2025
- Zero misuse found
 Compliant with the requirements
of SB 34 (sharing regulations)
 Since corrections to external
search functions in August 2025, all sharing agencies are in compliance (credit to Flock) 11 MPPD continues to maintain a “Transparency Portal” on the web for easy access to information about ALPR sharing and data ALPR Impact
15 Examples from 2025 Locating Dangerous Individuals
- Felony warrants, weapons suspects, fast ID
 Recovering Stolen Vehicles &
Property
- Stolen cars & property recovered, regional coordination  Rapid High-Risk Response
- Robbery case solved, juvenile located, weapon call
stabilized, community-assisted capture
12  Just from this sampling of cases:
- 8 stolen vehicles located/recovered- 3 major weapon-related incidents resolved
- 6 wanted individuals located and arrested- Multiple felony-level cases solved, including robbery, hit-and-run, narcotics, and theft
- Multi-agency collaboration with EPA PD,
Palo Alto, Los Altos, Fremont PD, Foster City PD, and CHP - Significant community wins, including
locating a missing juvenile and recovering more than $2,400 in stolen goods Non-Criminal Enforcement and Alternatives
 ZELE doubled Code Enforcement
demand
 ONP enforcement restored through
dedicated staffing
 CWCRT Clinician calls doubled;
strong outcomes in crisis response
 CSOs absorb non-sworn calls,
parking, and online reports
 Alternatives reduce sworn workload
and improve availability
13 How Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Works
- Case Study
 Using the RV issue from
2024-2025 as an example

1. Define and analyze the issue2. Identify the internal and external resources needed

3. Deploy a plan, and constantly
reassess and revise if needed

4. Memorialize successes
14 Over 60 RVs reduced to zero, and sustained for over 10 months- Total Collaboration between City Departments, County Resources, Nonprofit NGOs, and Community Allies Future Needs
 Evaluate drones Responsible AI
- Tech - Deliberate,
thoughtful exploration and experimentation before implementation *
 Monitor/study
development impacts for appropriate staffing
15 Requested Direction from City Council
16  Consider a staffing and deployment
assessment.
 Strengthen recruitment, selection, and The Field
Training Program to improve the hiring to retention strategic process.  Sustain data-driven burglary prevention,
technology use, and regional coordination.
 Support POP and Code Enforcement capacity
for long-term problem-solving.
 Continue targeted technology investments and
accountability measures (ALPR audits, ethical use, communications & tech upgrades).

Comments and Questions
This is a lot of
content, and we know there is plenty more to discuss…
We are open to any
comments or questions!
Thank You!
17 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
2026-2031
Azalea Mitch, Public Works Director
G2-PRESENTATION
AGENDA
 Capital Improvement Plan
- Objectives
 Funding sources Prioritization New funding requests Budget shortfalls and options Five-year outlook Feedback and questions

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP)

FUNDING PROPOSAL OBJECTIVES
 Address FY 2025/26 funding shortfalls while prioritizing new funding requests for FY 2026/27
- General Capital Fund (-$4.5 million), Menlo Park Community Campus Fund (-$0.7 million), Transportation Impact Fee Fund (-$3.9 million)  Measure A funding availability for capital projects Review of CIP staffing capacity  Present a funding plan that considers delaying, canceling, identifying other sources of funding, and budget reductions

FUNDING THE CIP
 Seven project categories
- City Buildings and
Systems, Parks and Recreation, Environment, Streets and Sidewalks, Stormwater, Transportation, Water  General Fund
- $4.9 million average
annual transfer (2018-25)
 Enterprise Fund: Water Grants
 Special Revenue Funds
- Gas Tax - Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account - Transportation Impact Fee- Construction Street Impact Fee - Landfill Post-Closure - Recreation In-Lieu fees - Measure T recreation bonds - Downtown Public Amenity Fund - Community Amenity Fund - Heritage Tree In-Lieu Fees - Landscaping Assessment District for street-tree related sidewalk repairs
- Downtown Parking Permits - Measure A & W (San Mateo County ½ cent sales tax for transit and traffic congestion relief projects)

PRIORITIZING THE CIP
 City Council Priorities
- Climate action – mitigation, adaptation, and resilience - Downtown vibrancy- Housing - Public safety- Safe Routes  Existing projects
- In construction- Final designs completed - Repair / replace infrastructure that is in poor condition  Funding Availability Staffing

CAPITAL PROJECT DELIVERY
Assistant Public
Works Director
Senior
Engineer
Senior Project
Manager
Associate
Engineer
Project Manager
(VACANT)
Project Manager
(VACANT)
Senior
Engineer
Associate
Engineer
Associate
Engineer
(VACANT)
Assistant
Engineer
(VACANT)
Provisional
Project Manager
(VACANT)
Senior
Construction
Inspector
Coordination with:

Transportation Division
Maintenance Division
Other City departments
Community / Public
Assistant Director
10 Engineers / Project Managers (5 vacancies, 50%)
1 Construction Inspector
FY 2026-27 NEW CIP FUNDING REQUESTS
 66 CIP Projects $12.4 million in
new funding requests
- $4.3 million streets- $3.5 million water- $1.5 million stormwater
- $1.3 million
transportation
- $1 million buildings
FY 2026-27 GENERAL CAPITAL FUND

REQUESTS
 $2.3 million (19% of total)
- $0.3 million City Buildings
(Major) – Gatehouse roof
- $0.5 million IT Master Plan- $1.5 million SAFER Bay
 $1.5 million in staff time

FUTURE CONSTRUCTION

FUNDING REQUESTS
 Caltrain Quiet Zone Project
Construction
- $5 million for construction
• $0.25 million for CPUC studies from
Downton Public Amenity Fund ($1.4 million balance)
- Bid, obtain cost certainty, return to
City Council for appropriation
- Grant application
 Plaza 8 Resurfacing
- $0.5 million for construction- Bid, obtain cost certainty, return to City Council for appropriation

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS - STRATEGY
 Delay – request funds in the future Cancel – forgo efforts and release funding back into the fund balance
 Other funding sources – consider the use of other funds Budget reductions – reduce adopted budgets to align with staffing levels
 Modify scope of work - modify designs to reduce construction costs

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND Delay – High Voltage Streetlight Conversion at Linfield Oaks to FY 2027/28 ($2 million)
 Cancel – Sand Hill Tunnel Rehabilitation Project ($0.39 million)  Other sources of funding to replace General Capital Fund - Sidewalk Repair Program, $0.25 million Gas Tax

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND Bayfront Mitigation Fund - Established to account for the collection of special assessments related to the City's Bayfront area and has approximately $7 million in fund balance. - Kelly Park Turf and Track Replacement, $0.5 million for the design and installation of shade structures and athletic equipment - Menlo Park Community Campus Clean Infrastructure - $0.27 million- Bedwell Bayfront Park Entrance Improvements (Phase 1) - $0.32 million, would be grant reimbursed

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS

GENERAL CAPITAL FUND - MEASURE T
 Other sources of funding to replace General Capital
Fund: Sharon Park Pond Pump Station Replacement - $0.5 million (not in CIP )
 $38 million in General Obligation Bonds under
Measure T to renovate and expand the City's parks and recreation facilities  $12.7 million were allocated
- Belle Haven Community Campus, Burgess playground,
Willow Oaks Park improvements and the Burgess Park Playground  $2.7 million balance remains
- $724,000 were planned to be used for the CPP008 Menlo Children’s Center (MCC) Renovation evaluation
- $950,000 for the Bedwell Bayfront Park Entrance
Improvements

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS

GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
 Budget reductions ($1.5 million)
- City Buildings Minor, $0.3 million- Aquatic Center Maintenance, $0.5 million
- Sport Field Renovations, $0.2
million
- Utility Ungrounding, $0.5 million

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS

GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
 Bayfront Mitigation Fund
- Could be used to address the
funding shortfall associated with expenditures for the construction of the Belle Haven Community Campus and Menlo Park Community Campus Infrastructure project (solar panels, microgrid) ADDRESSING SHORTFALLSMENLO PARK COMMUNIY CAMPUS FUND- $0.7 million

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE (TIF) FUND New funding request - $0.83 million for Middle Ave. Caltrain Crossing
 Delay – Caltrain Grade Separation
($2 million)
 Other sources of funding to
replace TIF
- Sharon/Eastridge Oak/Oak Knoll
Safety and Santa Cruz Ave. and Sand Hill Road Corridor projects -$0.42 million Measure A

ADDRESSING SHORTFALLS
TIF

MEASURE A
 San Mateo County sales tax voterapproved, funds pedestrian and bicycle projects, shuttle programs, and railroad/street grade separations.  The City receives approximately $1.2
million a year.
 Rising costs to fund City’s shuttle
program are likely to exceed Measure A revenue, limiting funding ability for capital projects.  Staff will return to City Council at a future
date to discuss options.

Water
ReservoirWillow Rd.

Burgess Pool
$6 - 8 million in ongoing needs a year
Streets, buildings, aquatics, water, traffic
5 Year CIP Outlook
High Voltage,Street Resurfacing Program

FUTURE ITEMS
 Construction funding requests:
- Plaza 8 Resurfacing ($0.5
million)
- Caltrain Quiet Zone ($5 million)
 City Council direction:
- Shuttle program- Willow Road Pedestrian and
Bicycle Safety project
- San Francisquito Reach 2
Improvements

CITY COUNCIL FEEDBACK AND DIRECTION
 Fund $3.8 million in General Capital Fund needs - IT Master Plan, Gatehouse roof, SAFER Bay
 Fund $0.83 million in TIF needs - Middle Ave. Caltrain Crossing  Delay - High Voltage Streetlight Conversion ($2 million) and Caltrain Grade Separation Projects ($2.1 million)
 Cancel – Sand Hill Tunnel Rehabilitation Project ($0.39 million)  Other sources of funding - $0.25 million Gas Tax, $1.8 million Bayfront Mitigation Fund, $0.4 million Measure A
 Budget reductions - $1.5 million
 Add to CIP - Sharon Park Pond Pump Station Replacement - $0.5 million, could use Measure T / General Obligation bond proceeds Thank you
1 Eren Romero, Internal Services Manager
Public Hearing of Solid Waste Rate
Increases for 2026 through 2031
H
1-PRESENTATION

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS
 March 10 Staff recommended solid waste rate increases for the next five fiscal years:
• For single-family residential customers, monthly bundled rates (including 64- gallon recycling and 96-gallon compost containers) would increase by 6%annually, averaging an additional $3 to $4 per month. • For commercial and multi-family the increases vary.
 March 16 Proposition 218 notices were mailed out. Due to errors, however, the notices had to be mailed out again which required rescheduling of the public hearing.  Tonight Staff recommends that the City Council open the public hearing, receive and consider comments as part of the public record, take no final action on the proposedsolid waste rates at this time, and continue the public hearing to June 9.  June 9 Conduct the public hearing to hear protests and adopt resolution setting new rates for the next five years.
 July 1 New rates would become effective with annual adjustments for the next five years. 2 Thank you
3 1
Public Hearing of Menlo Park
Municipal Water Rate Increases for
2026 through 2029
Eren Romero, Internal Services Manager
H2-PRESENTATION

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS
 March 10 Staff recommended water rate increases for the next three fiscal years • Revenue increases of 4.25% for the fist two years and 4.5% for third year• A typical single-family home would see an increase of 15% on their bill in the first year, followed by increases of 4.2% to 4.5% in subsequent years.  March 16 Proposition 218 notices were mailed out. Due to errors, however, the notices had to be mailed out again which required rescheduling of the public hearing.  Tonight Staff recommends that the City Council open the public hearing, receive and consider comments as part of the public record, take no final action on the proposed water rates atthis time, and continue the public hearing to June 9.  May 25 Water rate objection deadline. June 9 Conduct the public hearing to hear protests and adopt resolution setting new rates for the next three years.
 July 1 New rates become effective with annual adjustments for the next three years. 2 Thank you
3 Senate Bill 79
Temporary Exemption Ordinance
Kyle Perata, Assistant Community Development Director
1 H3-PRESENTATION
Overview
 SB 79 background Implementation options City Council recommended action Next steps 2 Background
 SB 79 (Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act) - Becomes effective on July 1, 2026- Overrides local development standards • Higher density, intensity (square footage), and height - Establishes multifamily development as a permitted use on sites zoned for residential, commercial, and mixed-uses
- Applies to sites near qualifying transit stops
• Upzoning is based on a tiered approach• Menlo Park Caltrain station is a Tier 1 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) stop 3 SB 79 development potential
 Additional incentives
and concessions beyond state density bonus law
- Cities not required to
grant height limit increases unless 100% lower income project 4 Table 1: SB 79 Tier 1 allowances
FAR Allowable max density Max height Location
95 feet 160 du/ac 4.5 Adjacent
(within 200 feet)Within 0.25 mile 75 feet 120 du/ac 3.5 Within 0.5 mile 65 feet 100 du/ac
3 Menlo Park Caltrain and SB 79 Applicability
 Tier 1 TOD stop Menlo Park
population less than 35,000
- 0.25-mile radius
applies
5 SB 79 project eligibility
 Eligibility requirements
- Housing development project- Minimum five units- Minimum density: 30 du/ac or minimum set by zoning, whichever is greater
- Max average unit size of 1,750 sf- No hotel use- Meet minimum affordability requirements • Local inclusionary ordinance applies if requires more affordable units or deeper affordability
- Demolition of rent-controlled units heavily restricted 6 Approaches to implementation
 Adopt an exemption ordinance (staff recommendation) Rezone all TOD eligible sites to allow 50% of SB 79 default density and FAR
 Prepare a TOD Alternative Plan No action
7 Proposed SB 79 exemption ordinance
 Maintain current development standards in Menlo Park’s downtown and El Camino Real corridor
- Allow city time to consider other options (e.g., TOD Alternative Plan)  Exempt applicable sites in Downtown/El Camino Real Specific Plan subdistricts:
- D (Downtown) - SA-W (Station Area West)- SA-E (Station Area East)- ECR-SE (El Camino Real South-East)- ECR-NE-R (El Camino Real North-East Residential Emphasis) • Except for sites within 200 feet of a station entrance 8 Staff Recommendation
 Introduce and waive the reading of an ordinance to amend the Menlo Park Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance to temporarily exclude eligible sites within the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan that are within one-quarter mile of the Menlo Park Caltrain Station from SB 79 - Planning Commission recommended the City Council not adopt the temporary exemption ordinance
9 Conclusion and next steps
 If ordinance is introduced
- Second reading and adoption scheduled for May 19- Staff to submit ordinance to HCD for review  If ordinance is adopted on May 19
- Ordinance becomes effective June 18, 2026
• Prior to SB 79’s effective date (July 1, 2026)
10 Thank you
11