20260623-cc-eqc-appts — Menlo Park City Council, June 23, 2026

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

SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Date: 6/23/2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom.us/join – ID# 832 1285 7140
City Council Chambers
751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025

EARLY STAFF REPORT RELEASE NOTICE
The following staff report is being released eight days in advance of the City Council meeting:

Consider applicants and make appointments to fill an unexpired vacancy on the Environmental Quality Commission (Staff Report #26-105-CC)
This notice is posted in accordance with Government Code §§54954.2(a) or 54956. Members of the public can view electronic agendas and staff reports by accessing the city website at www.menlopark.gov/agendas and can receive notifications of agenda postings by subscribing at www.menlopark.gov/subscribe. Agendas and staff reports may also be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 650-330-6620. (Posted 6/15/2026)
City Manager's Office

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

STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 6/23/2026
Staff Report Number: 26-105-CC
Advisory Body Vacancies: Consider applicants and make appointments to fill an unexpired vacancy on the Environmental Quality
Commission
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council consider applicants for appointment to an unexpired vacancy on the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC).

Policy Issues
City Council Policy CC-24-004 (Attachment A) establishes the policies, procedures, roles and responsibilities for the City’s appointed advisory bodies, including the manner in which members are selected.

Background
Due to a commissioner resignation, the EQC has an unexpected vacancy which should be filled before the next annual recruitment in April 2027. The vacancy will expire April 30, 2028.

To fill the vacancy, the city clerk’s office conducted a special recruitment from May 18 – June 12, which included digital advertisements in English and Spanish, announcements at public meetings and reaching out to past applicants, culminating in a total of eight applications received.

Following City Council’s appointment, the city clerk’s office will provide onboarding and orientation for the new commissioner. This includes the oath of office, commissioner handbook, introduction of advisory body liaison staff, Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests filing (if applicable) and a copy of the Brown Act.

Analysis
Pursuant to City Council Policy CC-24-004, members must be residents of the City of Menlo Park and serve designated terms of four years or through the completion of an unexpired term or as otherwise designated.

Residency for all applicants has been verified by the city clerk’s office. In addition, CC-24-004 states the selection/appointment process by the City Council shall be conducted open to the public. Nominations will be made and a vote will be called for each nomination in the order received. Applicants receiving the highest number of affirmative votes from a majority of the City Council present shall be appointed. The number of votes for each City Councilmember is limited to the number of vacancies.

The city clerk’s office has compiled all applications received and attached them to this staff report as Attachment B, with the applicants’ personal contact information redacted. The redacted applications are also available for public viewing at City Hall during regular business hours or by request. Additionally, Staff Report #: 26-105-CC

City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov unredacted versions of the applications were made available to the City Council for reference, as applicants were encouraged to contact the City Council to discuss their interest in serving on an advisory body ahead of the June 23 City Council meeting. Table 1 lists all applicants and their residency District. Table 2 lists currently seated members and their residency District.

The City received the following applications, listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Table 1: Applicants by last name
Applicant District
Radhika Anne 4
Sumi Hachmann 2
Dorene Martinez 2
Nabil Saad 4
Takiyah Smith 1
Paul Studemeister 5
Jagan Subbiah 2
Nami Turner 2
Table 1: EQC members by District
Commissioner District Last appointment date Expiration date Nicole Angiel 3 4/29/2025 4/30/2029
Brittany B. Goodwin 1 4/28/2026 4/30/2030
Eduardo Lopez Hernandez 1 4/28/2026 4/30/2030
Susannah Hill 3 4/29/2025 4/30/2027
Brian Kissel 5 4/25/2023 4/30/2027
John McKenna 4 4/16/2024 4/30/2028
Vacant 4/30/2028
Lastly, in lieu of making appointments at this meeting, the City Council also has the option to direct staff to reopen advisory body recruitment at their discretion.

Impact on City Resources
Staff support for advisory bodies and funds for recruitment advertising are provided in the annual budget.

Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Staff Report #: 26-105-CC

City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov Attachments
A. City Council Policy CC-24-004
B. Applications
Report prepared by:

Sarah Sandoval, Deputy City Clerk
Report reviewed by:

Judi A. Herren, Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk

COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES POLICIES AND

PROCEDURES, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
City Council Policy #CC-24-004
Adopted Feb. 13, 2024
Resolution No. 6890
Purpose
To define policies and procedures and roles and responsibilities for Menlo Park appointed commissions and committees.

Authority
Upon its original adoption, this policy replaced the document known as “Organization of Advisory Commissions of the City of Menlo Park.”
Background
The City of Menlo Park currently has seven active Commissions. The active advisory bodies are: Complete Streets Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, Finance and Audit Commission, Housing Commission, Library Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission. Those not specified in the City Code are established by City Council ordinance or resolution. Most of these advisory bodies are established in accordance with Resolution No. 2801 and its amendments. Within specific areas of responsibility, each advisory body has a primary role of advising the City Council on policy matters or reviewing specific issues and carrying out assignments as directed by the City Council or prescribed by law.

Six of the seven commissions listed above are advisory in nature. The Planning Commission is both advisory and regulatory and organized according to the City Code (Ch. 2.12) and State statute (Government Code §65100 et seq., §65300-65401).

The City has an adopted Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy (CC-21-0022), and a Travel, Meal, and Lodging Policy (CC-19-002), which are also applicable to all advisory bodies.

Policies and Procedures
Relationship to City Council, staff and media
 Upon referral by the City Council, the commission/committee shall study referred matters and return their recommendations and advise to the City Council. With each such referral, the City Council may authorize the City staff to provide certain designated services to aid in the study.  Upon its own initiative, the commission/committee shall identify and raise issues to the City Council’s attention and from time to time explore pertinent matters and make recommendations to the City Council.  At a request of a member of the public, the commission/committee may consider appeals from City actions or inactions in pertinent areas and, if deemed appropriate, report and make recommendations to the City Council.  Each commission/committee is required to develop an annual work plan which will be the foundation for the work performed by the advisory body in support of City Council annual work plan. The plan, once finalized by a majority of the commission/committee, will be formally presented to the City Council for direction and approval no later than September 30 of each year and then reported out on by a representative of the advisory body at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting at least annually, but recommended twice a year. The proposed work plan must align with the City Council’s adopted work plan. When modified, the work plan must be taken to the City Council for approval. The Planning Commission is exempt from this requirement as its functions are governed by the Menlo Park municipal code (Chapter 2.12) and State law (Government Code §65100 et seq, §65300-65401).  Commissions and committees shall not become involved in the administrative or operational matters of City departments. Members may not direct staff to initiate major programs, conduct large studies or establish department policy. City staff assigned to furnish staff services shall be available to provide general staff assistance, such as preparation of agenda/notice materials and minutes, general review of department programs and activities, and to perform limited studies, program reviews, and other services of a general staff nature.

Commissions/Committees may not establish department work programs or determine department program priorities. The responsibility for setting policy and allocating scarce City resources rests with the City’s duly elected representatives, the City Council.
 Additional or other staff support may be provided upon a formal request to the City Council.  The staff liaison shall act as the commission/committee’s lead representative to the media concerning matters before the commission/committee. Commission/Committee members should refer all media inquiries to their respective liaisons for response. Personal opinions and comments may be expressed so long as the commission/committee member clarifies that their statements do not represent the position of the City Council.  Commission/Committee members will have mandatory training every two years regarding the Brown Act and

ATTACHMENT A

COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES City Council Policy #CC-24-004 2
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parliamentary procedures, anti-harassment training, ethics training, and other training required by the City Council or State Law. The commission/committee members may have the opportunity for additional training, such as training for chair and vice chair. Failure to comply with the mandatory training will be reported to the City Council and may result in replacement of the member by the City Council.  Requests from commission/committee member(s) determined by the staff liaison to take one hour or more of staff time to complete, must be directed by the City Council.

Role of City Council commission/committee liaison
City Councilmembers are assigned to serve in a liaison capacity with one or more city commission/committee. The purpose of the liaison assignment is to facilitate communication between the City Council and the advisory body.

The liaison also helps to increase the City Council's familiarity with the membership, programs and issues of the advisory body. In fulfilling their liaison assignment, City Councilmembers may elect to attend commission/committee meetings periodically to observe the activities of the advisory body or simply maintain communication with the commission/committee chair on a regular basis.

City Councilmembers should be sensitive to the fact that they are not participating members of the commission/committee, but are there rather to create a linkage between the City Council and commission/committee. In interacting with commissions/committee, City Councilmembers are to reflect the views of the City Council as a body. Being a commission/committee liaison bestows no special right with respect to commission/committee business.

Typically, assignments to commission/committee liaison positons are made at the beginning of a City Council term in December. The Mayor will ask City Councilmembers which liaison assignments they desire and will submit recommendations to the full City Council regarding the various committees, boards, and commissions which City Councilmembers will represent as a liaison. In the rare instance where more than one City Councilmember wishes to be the appointed liaison to a particular commission, a vote of the City Council will be taken to confirm appointments.

City Staff Liaison
The City has designated staff to act as a liaison between the commission/committee and the City Council. The City shall provide staff services to the commission/committee which will include:
 Developing a rapport with the Chair and commission/committee members  Providing a schedule of meetings to the city clerk’s office and commission/committee members, arranging meeting locations, maintaining the minutes and other public records of the meeting, and preparing and distributing appropriate information related to the meeting agenda.  Advising the commission/committee on directions and priorities of the City Council.  Informing the commission/committee of events, activities, policies, programs, etc. occurring within the scope of the commission/committee’s function.
 Ensuring the city clerk is informed of all vacancies, expired terms, changes in offices, or any other changes to the commission/committee.
 Providing information to the appropriate appointed official including reports, actions, and recommendations of the committee/commission and notifying them of noncompliance by the commission/committee or chair with City policies.
 Ensuring that agenda items approved by the commission/committee are brought forth in a timely manner taking into consideration staff capacity, City Council priorities, the commission/committee work plan, and other practical matters such as the expense to conduct research or prepare studies, provided appropriate public notification, and otherwise properly prepare the item for commission/committee consideration.  Take action minutes; upon agreement of the commission, this task may be performed by one of the members (staff is still responsible for the accuracy and formatting of the minutes)  Maintain a minute book with signed minutes
Recommendations, requests and reports
As needed, near the beginning of City Council meetings, there will be an item called “Advisory Body Reports.” At this time, commissions/committees may present recommendations or status reports and may request direction and support from the City Council. Such requests shall be communicated to the staff liaison in advance, including any written materials, so that they may be listed on the agenda and distributed with the agenda packet. The materials being

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provided to the City Council must be approved by a majority of the commission/committee at a commission/committee meeting before submittal to the City Council. The City Council will receive such reports and recommendations and, after suitable study and discussion, respond or give direction.

City Council referrals
The city clerk shall transmit to the designated staff liaison all referrals and requests from the City Council for advice and recommendations. The commissions/committees shall expeditiously consider and act on all referrals and requests made by the City Council and shall submit reports and recommendations to the City Council on these assignments.

Public appearance of commission/committee members
When a commission/committee member appears in a non-official, non-representative capacity before the public, for example, at a City Council meeting, the member shall indicate that they are speaking only as an individual. This also applies when interacting with the media and on social media. If the commission/committee member appears as the representative of an applicant or a member of the public, the Political Reform Act may govern this appearance. In addition, in certain circumstances, due process considerations might apply to make a commission/committee member’s appearance inappropriate. Conversely, when a member who is present at a City Council meeting is asked to address the City Council on a matter, the member should represent the viewpoint of the particular commission/committee as a whole (not a personal opinion).

Disbanding of advisory body
Upon recommendation by the Chair or appropriate staff, any standing or special advisory body, established by the City Council and whose members were appointed by the City Council, may be declared disbanded due to lack of business, by majority vote of the City Council.

Stipends
Per Government Code §36506, the City is authorized to pay appointed Planning Commissioners by resolution. The City Council has adopted a resolution with an amount not to exceed $200 per month per Planning Commissioner. Per the IRS (Internal Revenue Services), “public officer” also includes appointed members of advisory boards and committees and commissions. The Planning Commission stipend is taxable income and each member will receive a W-2.

Meetings and officers

1. Agendas/notices/minutes
 All meetings shall be open and public and shall conduct business through published agendas, public notices and minutes and follow all of the Brown Act provisions governing public meetings. Special, canceled and adjourned meetings may be called when needed, subject to the Brown Act provisions.  Support staff for each commission/committee shall be responsible for properly noticing and posting all regular, special, canceled and adjourned meetings. Copies of all meeting agendas, notices and minutes shall be provided to the City Council, city manager, city attorney, city clerk and other appropriate staff, as requested.  Original agendas and minutes shall be filed and maintained by support staff in accordance with the City’s adopted records retention schedule.
 The official record of the commissions/committees will be preserved by preparation of action minutes.

2. Conduct and parliamentary procedures
 Unless otherwise specified by State law or City regulations, conduct of all meetings shall generally follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
 A majority of commission/committee members shall constitute a quorum and a quorum must be seated before official action is taken.
 The chair of each commission/committee shall preside at all meetings and the vice chair shall assume the duties of the chair when the chair is absent.
 The role of the commission/committee chair (according to Roberts Rules of Order): To open the session at the time at which the assembly is to meet, by taking the chair and calling the members to order; to announce the business before the assembly in the order in which it is to be acted upon; to recognize members entitled to the floor; to state and put to vote all questions which are regularly moved, or necessarily arise in the course of the proceedings, and to announce the result of the vote; to protect the assembly from annoyance from evidently frivolous or dilatory motions by refusing to recognize them; to assist in the expediting of business in every compatible with the rights of the members, as by allowing brief remarks when undebatable motions are pending, if they think it advisable; to restrain the members when engaged in debate, within the rules of order, to enforce on all occasions the observance of order and decorum among the members, deciding all questions

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of order (subject to an appeal to the assembly by any two members) unless when in doubt he prefers to submit the question for the decision of the assembly; to inform the assembly when necessary, or when referred to for the purpose, on a point of order to practice pertinent to pending business; to authenticate by their signature, when necessary, all the acts, orders, and proceedings of the assembly declaring it will and in all things obeying its commands.

3. Lack of a quorum
 When a lack of a quorum exists at the start time of a meeting, those present will wait 15 minutes for additional members to arrive. If after 15 minutes a quorum is still not present, the meeting will be adjourned by the staff liaison due to lack of a quorum. Once the meeting is adjourned it cannot be reconvened.  The public is not allowed to address those commissioners present during the 15 minutes the commission/committee is waiting for additional members to arrive.  Staff can make announcements to the members during this time but must follow up with an email to all members of the body conveying the same information.
 All other items shall not be discussed with the members present as it is best to make the report when there is a quorum present.

4. Meeting locations and dates
 Meetings shall be held in designated City facilities, as noticed.  All commissions/committees with the exception of the Planning Commission, and Finance and Audit Commission shall conduct regular meetings once a month. Special meetings may also be scheduled as required by the commission/committee. The Planning Commission shall hold regular meetings twice a month and the Finance and Audit Commission shall hold quarterly meetings.  Monthly regular meetings shall have a fixed date and time established by the commission/committee. Changes to the established regular dates and times are subject to the approval of the City Council. An exception to this rule would include any changes necessitated to fill a temporary need in order for the commission/committee to conduct its meeting in a most efficient and effective way as long as proper and adequate notification is provided to the City Council and made available to the public.

The schedule of Commission meetings is as follows:
 Complete Streets Commission – Every second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.  Environmental Quality Commission – Every third Wednesday at 6 p.m.  Finance and Audit Commission – Third Thursday of every quarter at 5:30 p.m.,  Housing Commission – Every first Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.  Library Commission – Every third Monday at 6:30 p.m.
 Parks and Recreation Commission – Every fourth Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.  Planning Commission – Twice a month on a Monday at 7 p.m.

Each commission/committee may establish other operational policies subject to the approval of the City Council.

Any changes to the established policies and procedures shall be subject to the approval of the City Council.

5. Off-premises meeting participation
While technology allows commission/committee members to participate in meetings from a location other than the meeting location (referred to as “off-premises”), off-premises participation is discouraged given the logistics required to ensure compliance with the Brown Act and experience with technological failures disrupting the meeting. In the event that a commission/committee member believes that their participation is essential to a meeting, the following shall apply:
 Any commission/committee member intending to participate from an off-premise location shall inform the staff liaison at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.
 The off-premise location must be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting.  Agendas must be posted at the off-premise location.
 The off-premise location must be accessible to the public and be ADA compliant.  The commission/committee member participating at a duly noticed off-premises location does not count toward the quorum necessary to convene a meeting of the commission/committee.  For any one meeting, no more than one commission/committee member may participate from an off-premise location.
 All votes must be by roll call.

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6. Selection of chair and vice chair
 The chair and vice chair shall be selected in May of each year by a majority of the members and shall serve for one year or until their successors are selected.
 Each commission/committee shall annually rotate its chair and vice chair.

G. Memberships
Appointments/Oaths
 The City Council is the appointing body for all commissions/committees. All members serve at the pleasure of the City Council for designated terms.
 All appointments and reappointments shall be made at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, and require an affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the City Council present.  Before taking office, all members must complete an Oath of Allegiance required by Article XX, §3, of the Constitution of the State of California. All oaths are administered by the city clerk or their designee.  Appointments made during the middle of the term are for the unexpired portion of that term.

Application and selection process
 The application process begins when a vacancy occurs due to term expiration, resignation, removal or death of a member.
 The application period will normally run for a period of four weeks from the date the vacancy occurs. If there is more than one concurrent vacancy in a Commission, the application period may be extended. Applications are available from the city clerk’s office and on the City’s website.  The city clerk shall notify members whose terms are about to expire whether or not they would be eligible for reappointment. If reappointment is sought, an updated application will be required.  Applicants are required to complete and return the application form for each commission/committee they desire to serve on, along with any additional information they would like to transmit, by the established deadline.

Applications sent by email are accepted.
 After the deadline of receipt of applications, the city clerk shall schedule the matter at the next available regular City Council meeting. All applications received will be submitted and made a part of the City Council agenda packet for their review and consideration. If there are no applications received by the deadline, the city clerk will extend the application period for an indefinite period of time until sufficient applications are received.  Upon review of the applications received, the City Council reserves the right to schedule or waive interviews, or to extend the application process in the event insufficient applications are received. In either case, the city clerk will provide notification to the applicants of the decision of the City Council.  If an interview is requested, the date and time will be designated by the City Council. Interviews are open to the public.
 The selection/appointment process by the City Council shall be conducted at a City Council meeting. The city clerk will ask each City Councilmember for their nominations; the number of nominations is limited to the number of vacancies. The candidate that receives a majority of nominations will be appointed. If there is a tie, multiple rounds of voting will occur.
 Following a City Council appointment, the city clerk shall notify successful and unsuccessful applicants accordingly, in writing. Appointees will receive copies of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment policies, and disclosure statements for those members who are required to file under State law as designated in the City’s Conflict of Interest Code. Copies of the notification will also be distributed to support staff and the commission/committee chair.
 An orientation will be scheduled by the city clerk following an appointment (but before taking office) and a copy of this policy document will be provided at that time.

Attendance
 A compilation of attendance will be submitted to the City Council at least annually listing absences for all commissions/committee members.
 Absences, which result in attendance at less than two-thirds of their meetings during the calendar year, will be reported to the City Council and may result in replacement of the member by the City Council.  Any member who feels that unique circumstances have led to numerous absences can appeal directly to the City Council for a waiver of this policy or to obtain a leave of absence.  While it is expected that members be present at all meetings, the chair and staff liaison should be notified if a member knows in advance that they will be absent.

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 When reviewing commissioners for reappointment, overall attendance at full commission meetings will be given significant consideration.

Compensation
 Members shall serve without compensation (unless specifically provided) for their services, provided, however, members shall receive reimbursement for necessary travel expenses and other expenses incurred on official duty when such expenditures have been authorized by the City Council (See Policy CC-19-002).

Conflict of interest and disclosure requirements
 A Conflict of Interest Code has been updated and adopted by the City pursuant to Government Code §87300 et seq. Copies of the conflict of interest code are filed with the city clerk. Pursuant to the adopted Conflict of Interest Code, members serving on the Complete Streets Commission, Housing Commission, and Planning Commission are required to file a Statement of Economic Interest with the city clerk to disclose personal interest in investments, real property and income. This is done within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter. A statement is also required within 30 days after leaving office.  If a public official has a conflict of interest, the Political Reform Act may require the official to disqualify themselves from making or participating in a governmental decision, or using their official position to influence a governmental decision. Questions in this regard may be directed to the city attorney.

Qualifications, compositions, number
 In most cases, members shall be residents of the City of Menlo Park and at least 18 years of age.  Current members of any other City commission/committee are disqualified for membership, unless the regulations for that advisory body permit concurrent membership. Commission/Committee members are strongly advised to serve out the entirety of the term of their current appointment before seeking appointment on another commission/committee.
 Commission/Committee members shall be permitted to retain membership while seeking any elective office.

However, members shall not use the meetings, functions or activities of such bodies for purposes of campaigning for elective office.
 There shall be seven (7) members on each commission/committee.

Reappointments, resignations, removals
 Incumbents seeking a reappointment are required to complete and file an application with the city clerk by the application deadline. No person shall be reappointed to a commission/committee who has served on that same body for two consecutive terms; unless a period of one year has lapsed since the returning member last served on that commission/committee (the one-year period is flexible subject to City Council’s discretion).  Resignations must be submitted in writing to the city clerk, who will distribute copies to City Council and appropriate staff.
 The City Council may remove a member by a majority vote of the City Council without cause, notice or hearing.

Term of office
 Unless specified otherwise, the term of office for all commission/committees shall be four (4) years unless a resignation or a removal has taken place.
 If a person is appointed to fill an unexpired term and serves less than two years, that time will not be considered a full term. However, if a person is appointed to fill an unexpired term and serves two years or more, that time will be considered a full term.
 Terms are staggered to be overlapping four-year terms, so that all terms do not expire in any one year.  If a member resigns before the end of their term, a replacement serves out the remainder of that term.

Vacancies
 Vacancies are created due to term expirations, resignations, removals or death.  Vacancies are posted by the city clerk in the City Council Chambers bulletin board and on the city website.  Whenever an unscheduled vacancy occurs in any commission/committee, a special vacancy notice shall be posted within 20 days after the vacancy occurs. Appointment shall not be made for at least 10 working days after posting of the notice (Government Code §54974).
 On or before December 31 of each year, an appointment list of all regular advisory commissions/committees of the City Council shall be prepared by the city clerk and posted in the City Council Chambers bulletin board and

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on the City’s website. This list is also available to the public (Government Code §54972, Maddy Act).

Roles and Responsibilities
Complete Streets Commission
The Complete Streets Commission is charged primarily with advising the City Council on realizing the City's adopted goals for complete streets, vision zero, climate action plan, and provide input on major land use and development projects as it relates to transportation. The Complete Streets Commission's responsibilities include:
 To advance the goals of the city’s newly adopted climate action plan by making alternatives to driving safer and more attractive
 Advise City Council on the implementation of the transportation master plan.  Continue to advocate for and advise the City Council on planning and installing pedestrian and bicycle rail crossing and safe cycling/pedestrian infrastructure.
 Continue to support City Council in ongoing initiatives to improve access to Downtown and support downtown businesses.
 Continue to support the implementation of the Safe Routes to School strategy and advocate for community engagement, program continuity and engineering implementation.  Continue to support City Council’s role as a stakeholder with regard to regional multi-modal and transportation demand management programs projects to increase
Environmental Quality Commission
The Environmental Quality Commission is committed to helping the City of Menlo Park to be a leading sustainable city that inspires institutions and individuals and that is well positioned to manage present and future environmental impacts, including the grave threat of climate change. The Environmental Quality Commission is charged primarily with advising the City Council on matters involving climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability.. Specific focus areas include:
 Climate Action Plan - Advise and recommend on the implementation of the climate action plan.  Climate Resilience and Adaptation - Ensure that our most vulnerable communities have a voice in policies and programs to protect their communities from environmental impacts.  Urban Canopy - Leverage best practices to advise/recommend on the preservation of heritage trees, city trees and expansion of the urban canopy; and make determinations on appeals of heritage tree removal permits.  Green and Sustainable Initiatives – Support sustainability initiatives, as needs arise, which may include city-led events, habitat protection, healthy ecology, environmental health protection, healthy air, surface water runoff quality, water conservation and waste reduction.

Finance and Audit Commission
The Finance and Audit Commission is charged primarily to support delivery of timely, clear and comprehensive reporting of the City’s fiscal status to the community at large. Specific focus areas include:
 Review the process for periodic financial reporting to the City Council and the public, as needed  Review financial audit and annual financial report with the City’s external auditors  Review of the resolution of prior year audit findings  Review of the auditor selection process and scope, as needed Housing Commission
The Housing Commission is charged primarily with advising the City Council on housing matters including housing supply and housing related problems. Specific focus areas include:
 Community attitudes about housing (range, distribution, racial, social-economic problems)  Programs for evaluating, maintaining, and upgrading the distribution and quality of housing stock in the City  Planning, implementing and evaluating City programs under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
 Review and recommend to the City Council regarding the Below Market Rate (BMR) program  Initiate, review and recommend on housing policies and programs for the City  Review and recommend on housing related impacts for environmental impact reports  Review and recommend on State and regional housing issues  Review and recommend on the Housing Element of the General Plan

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Library Commission
The Library Commission is charged primarily with advising the City Council on matters related to the maintenance and operation of the City’s libraries and library systems. Specific focus areas include:
 The scope and degree of library activities
 Maintenance and protection of City libraries
 Evaluation and improvement of library service
 Acquisition of library materials
 Coordination with other library systems and long range planning  Literacy and ESL programs
Parks and Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission is charged primarily with advising the City Council on matters related to City programs and facilities dedicated to recreation. Specific focus areas include:
 Those programs and facilities established primarily for the participation of and/or use by residents of the City, including adequacy and maintenance of such facilities as parks and playgrounds, recreation buildings, facilities and equipment
 Adequacy, operation and staffing of recreation programs  Modification of existing programs and facilities to meet developing community needs  Long range planning and regional coordination concerning park and recreational facilities Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is organized according to State Statute.  The Planning Commission reviews development proposals on public and private lands for compliance with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
 The Commission reviews all development proposals requiring a use permit, architectural control, variance, minor subdivision and environmental review associated with these projects. The Commission is the final decision-making body for these applications, unless appealed to the City Council.  The Commission serves as a recommending body to the City Council for major subdivisions, rezoning’s, conditional development permits, Zoning Ordinance amendments, General Plan amendments and the environmental reviews and Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Agreements associated with those projects.  The Commission works on special projects as assigned by the City Council.

Special Advisory Bodies
The City Council has the authority to create standing committees, task forces or subcommittees for the City, and from time to time, the City Council may appoint members to these groups. The number of persons and the individual appointee serving on each group may be changed at any time by the City Council. There are no designated terms for members of these groups; members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

Any requests of city commissions or committees to create such ad hoc advisory bodies shall be submitted in writing to the city clerk for City Council consideration and approval.

Procedure history
Action Date Notes
Procedure adoption 1991 Resolution No. 3261
Procedure adoption 2001
Procedure adoption 2011
Procedure adoption 2013 Resolution No. 6169
Procedure adoption 2017 Resolution No. 6377
Procedure adoption 6/8/2021 Resolution No. 6631

COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES City Council Policy #CC-24-004 9
Adopted Feb. 13, 2024
Resolution No. 6890

Procedure adoption 3/1/2022 Resolution No. 6706
Procedure adoption 3/8/2022 Resolution No. 6718
Procedure adoption 9/20/2022 Resolution No. 6776
Procedure adoption 1/10/2023 Resolution No. 6803
Procedure adoption 6/27/2023 Resolution No. 6840
Procedure adoption 2/13/20024 Resolution No. 6890
DISTRICT 4
Advisory body application

MFNIO PARK
Submitted on
Receipt number
Related form version
Applicant's full name (first and last)
Desired advisory body (check all that apply)
Advisory body preference
10 June 2026, 11:35AM
230
17 Radhika Anne
Environmental Quality Commission
Environmental Quality Commission
Applicant interest, experience and qualifications
Education
Civic affiliations and community activities, including service on other advisory bodies, commissions or committees
Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of each advisory body you are applying to and how your personal community or professional experience relate to these
responsibilities
Describe why you want to serve on your preferred advisory body and what you hope to accomplish as a member
Master's in Electrical Engineering
As a Girl Scout Leader, I actively supported youth development for 5+ years
For STEM education, including organizing and running the science fair at our elementary school in Menlo Park. I was a co-chair for 5+ years.

Part of school safety leads for a year for kids cycling to school safely.

I understand that the Environmental Quality Commission advises the City of Menlo Park on sustainability, climate action, and environmental policies that enhance the community's quality of life. As a technology professional and active community volunteer, I am committed to promoting sustainable practices and bringing a practical, community-focused perspective to the Commission's work.

Having lived in Menlo Park with my family for over 20 years, I would like to give back to the community that has given us so much. As a member of the Environmental Quality Commission, I hope to contribute to thoughtful sustainability initiatives and help ensure Menlo Park remains a healthy, environmentally
responsible, and vibrant place for future generations.
1 or 3

ATTACHMENT B

1. Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and how your personal, community
or professional experience relates to these responsibilities.

2. Please tell us about your views of the Planning
Commissions relationship with the City Council and the
Commission’s relationship with City staff?

3. What is your understanding of the time commitment that is necessary in order to be well prepared for Planning
Commission meetings?

4. What major issues do you foresee the Planning
Commission dealing with and what would the
Commission’s role be in dealing with these issues?

5. What is your familiarity with the El Camino
Real/Downtown Specific Plan and what are your ideas
about how the implementation can be a success? Please
include an explanation of what you define as success.

Planning Commission questionnaire
Email
Cell phone
Home phone
Business phone
Address 1
Address 2
City Menlo Park
State CA
Zip code 94025
Contact and residency information
2 of 3
Business address
Number of years as a Menlo Park resident 25years
Current City Council district District 4
How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply)
Nextdoor
If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the
following information on the city website (please select at least one):

Cellphone: No
Business phone: No
Home phone: No
Email: Yes
The City Council often makes appointments to various
bodies during the same meeting. Are you willing to be
appointed to a body other than the ones you have chosen? Yes
Supplemental information
I agree
Signature
Application acknowledgement and submittal
3 of 3
Advisory body application
Submitted on 10 March 2026, 10:57AM
Receipt number 201
Related form version 16
Applicant's full name (first and last) Sumi Hachmann
Desired advisory body (check all that apply) Environmental Quality Commission Parks and Recreation Commission
Advisory body preference
Education I hold an MBA and Masters in Environment and Resources from Stanford University, as well as a BS in Social Studies from Harvard University.

Civic affiliations and community activities, including service on other advisory bodies, commissions or committees
I currently serve on the Site Design Committee at Laurel Elementary School, guiding decisions around the design of the new campus. I’m involved as a home room parent for my child’s class, which I’ve done in previous years as well. I have also served as a parent coach for my children’s AYSO soccer and school basketball teams.

Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of each advisory body you are applying to and how your personal community or professional experience relate to these responsibilities The Parks & Recreation commission is responsible for advising the City Council on issues related to programs and facilities for recreation. This includes operations, maintenance, staffing, programming, and long-term planning. The Environmental Quality commission is responsible for advising the City Council on issues related to sustainability and environmental impact.

This includes programs such as: the Climate Action Plan, the Climate Resilience and Adaption plan, the Urban Canopy, and other sustainability initiatives.

Serving on both of these commissions requires the ability to:
- Evaluate complex tradeoffs, such as balancing short- and long-term priorities, budget and resource constraints, program impacts on resident wellbeing, and environmental considerations.
- Understand and analyze resident needs through data such as surveys, usage patterns, and community engagement.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with fellow commissioners, City Council members, staff, and the public.

My professional experience has prepared me well for these responsibilities.

I’ve spent the last 10+ years leading product management teams at startups and most recently at Google. This involves end-to-end execution of large scale initiatives including initial product concept design, understanding customer needs, analyzing data, developing a spec with consideration for numerous tradeoffs, securing resources, aligning stakeholders amidst organizational complexity, executing projects on time, experimenting and adapting to changing circumstances, and evaluating outcomes.

I also have experience leading long-term strategic planning initiatives that consider organizational goals, customer needs, and resource availability.

Much of my work focuses on leading clear decision-making in environments Applicant interest, experience and qualifications
1 of 4
DISTRICT 2
characterized by tradeoffs and diverse stakeholder perspectives.

Earlier in my career, I worked in user research, where I gained direct experience in survey design, data analysis, and methods for understanding user needs. I began my career at McKinsey & Company, where I developed a strong foundation in strategy, analysis, and communication.

My personal experience has also given me insight and a deep care and appreciation for the matters pertinent to these commissions.

Parks and Recreation: My family are very active users of programming and facilities in Menlo Park, including:

I and my husband are regular swimmers with the Menlo Masters swim team My children take swim lessons and attend swim camp through Menlo Swim and Sport
Our children have also participated in the gymnastics program We use both the Burgess and Belle Haven pools regularly throughout the year for our entire family
We frequently visit parks throughout the city with our family, and participate in City festivities like the Tree Lighting ceremony
Our children’s sports teams use Menlo Park city parks, through Stanford Strikers and the youth basketball league
Environmental Quality: I am also personally committed to sustainability and climate action. Our household recently completed a full electrification project, including installing solar panels and transitioning to electric systems such as a heat pump and electric water heating. I deeply value the city’s urban tree canopy and recognize the important role city policies and programs play in preserving Menlo Park’s natural beauty. I have also volunteered in local cleanup efforts, including trash collection along San Francisquito Creek.

Describe why you want to serve on your preferred advisory body and what you hope to accomplish as a member
My preferred advisory body is the Parks and Recreation Commission. As mentioned, I love our city’s recreational facilities and programs and experience their direct impact on our family and community’s quality of life on a daily basis. I want to help ensure the success of these facilities and programs. If appointed, I would hope to contribute by:
- Helping guide productive and sustainable partnerships with program providers, especially the operations of our city pools. - Supporting thoughtful decisions about programming and facility use that balance resident needs, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. - Bringing a data-driven and collaborative approach to evaluating programs and identifying opportunities to improve access and impact.

More broadly, I am interested in becoming more involved in public service as I enter the next phase of my career. Serving on a commission would give me valuable firsthand experience with how the City operates and allow me to contribute meaningfully to the community where my family lives.

As a resident who benefits daily from Menlo Park’s parks and recreation programs, I care deeply about their continued success. I would bring a thoughtful, data-driven, and collaborative approach to the work of the commission, with the goal of helping ensure that the city’s recreational facilities and programs remain vibrant, accessible, and sustainable for years to come. I would be honored for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective in service of the community through the City of Menlo Park.

1. Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and how your personal, community or professional experience relates to these responsibilities.

2. Please tell us about your views of the Planning Commissions relationship with the City Council and the Commission’s relationship with City staff?
Planning Commission questionnaire
2 of 4

3. What is your understanding of the time commitment that is necessary in order to be well prepared for Planning Commission meetings?

4. What major issues do you foresee the Planning Commission dealing with and what would the Commission’s role be in dealing with these issues?

5. What is your familiarity with the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan and what are your ideas about how the implementation can be a success? Please include an explanation of what you define as success.

Email
Cell phone
Home phone
Business phone
Address 1
Address 2
City Menlo Park
State CA
Zip code 94025
Business address
Number of years as a Menlo Park resident 16
Current City Council district District 2
How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply) Email Local newspaper
If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the following information on the city website (please select at least one):

Cellphone: No
Business phone: No
Home phone: No
Email: Yes
The City Council often makes appointments to various bodies during the same meeting. Are you willing to be appointed to a body other than the ones you have chosen?
Yes
Contact and residency information
Application acknowledgement and submittal
3 of 4
I agree
Signature
4 of 4
DISTRICT 2
V. Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Program (2014 - 2019)
- Co-Founder, National Alumni Advisory Council (2014 - 2016) - Board Member (2016 - 2019)
VI. German Corporation for International Cooperation - GIZ (2014) Business Development Advisor
Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of each advisory body you are applying to and how your personal community or professional experience relate to these
responsibilities
My understanding of the responsibilities of the EQC is to advise the City Council on how best to enable Menlo Park to mitigate, manage and adapt to climate change, and to become a model of excellence for other cities as it relates to issues of sustainability.

My professional experience aligns with these responsibilities. I am a sustainability focal point for BNP Paribas, the leading global bank for sustainable finance. As a member of two internal, bankwide, expert groups on sustainability I have worked to integrate ESG principles into our banking practices.

My knowledge of sustainable finance and business is
complemented by my background in public policy and providing community outreach and free legal services to families. I am certified by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and have sat on the ESG Working Group for the international Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT) where we pioneered industry guidelines on sustainable trade finance.

Describe why you want to serve on your preferred advisory body and what you hope to accomplish as a member
Helping communities pursue a more sustainable way of life that protects resources and the environment for future generations is core to who I am. I seek to support the City Council in helping residents and businesses identify and implement practical, evidence-based sustainability measures by leveraging innovative ideas and best practices, advancing communication and
engagement with the community and fostering public-private sector cooperation.

I hope to regularly inject fresh, new ideas to the EQC and help the Council remain informed about global best practices and sustainability trends by tapping into my global network. I also seek to assist the Council in making sustainability more accessible and attractive to the community. To achieve this, I aim to enhance communication and outreach efforts, especially to those who may be uninformed or skeptical about the importance of sustainability for the future of Menlo Park.
2 of 4

1. Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and how your personal, community
or professional experience relates to these responsibilities.

2. Please tell us about your views of the Planning
Commissions relationship with the City Council and the
Commission’s relationship with City staff?

3. What is your understanding of the time commitment that is necessary in order to be well prepared for Planning
Commission meetings?

4. What major issues do you foresee the Planning
Commission dealing with and what would the
Commission’s role be in dealing with these issues?

Planning Commission questionnaire
Email
Cell phone
Home phone n/a
Business phone n/a
Address 1
Address 2
City Menlo Park
State CA
Zip code 94025
Business address
Contact and residency information
3 of 4
Number of years as a Menlo Park resident Since August 2024 Current City Council district District 2
How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply)
City website
Email
Other: Recommendations to apply from a Complete the Streets Commissioner and an EQC Commissioner
If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the
following information on the city website (please select at least one):

Cellphone: No
Business phone: No
Home phone: No
Email: No
The City Council often makes appointments to various
bodies during the same meeting. Are you willing to be
appointed to a body other than the ones you have chosen? No
Supplemental information
I agree
Signature
Application acknowledgement and submittal
4 of 4

Describe why you want to serve on your preferred advisory body and what you hope to accomplish as a member
My air quality monitoring scientific & operational expertise allows me to provide the EQC members with all the scientific (literature, luminaries network) & operational (GHG monitoring,
measurements & quantifications) support needed to execute on the CAP & meet the set goals of GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (90% CO2e reduction compared to 2005). My priority initiative would be the introduction of an Anti-Idling Ordinance proposal to reduce idling vehicles tailpipes' harmful emissions.

This ordinance, if approved, will protect our children's & our community's health: 1- During school drop off/pick up congestion 2- Address the increasingly noticeable phenomenon of idling rideshare vehicles waiting for their next pick up call.

Vehicle idling, nationwide, accounts for ~2% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions which contributes substantially to poor local air quality. This prop, if enacted, is also directly tied to attaining EJ element priority#3 & the City's CAP 2030 set goal.

1. Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and how your personal, community
or professional experience relates to these responsibilities.

2. Please tell us about your views of the Planning
Commissions relationship with the City Council and the
Commission’s relationship with City staff?

3. What is your understanding of the time commitment that is necessary in order to be well prepared for Planning
Commission meetings?

4. What major issues do you foresee the Planning
Commission dealing with and what would the
Commission’s role be in dealing with these issues?

Planning Commission questionnaire
Email
Cell phone
Contact and residency information
2 of 4
Home phone
Business phone
Address 1
Address 2
City Menlo Park
State CA
Zip code 94025
Business address
Number of years as a Menlo Park resident 23 years
Current City Council district District 4
How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply)
Email
If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the
following information on the city website (please select at least one):

Cellphone: No
Business phone: No
Home phone: No
Email: Yes
The City Council often makes appointments to various
bodies during the same meeting. Are you willing to be
appointed to a body other than the ones you have chosen? No
Supplemental information
I agree
Signature
Application acknowledgement and submittal
3 of 4
DISTRICT 1
resilience. Living and working in the Bay Area has given me firsthand awareness of the environmental challenges facing our region, including climate, sustainable transportation, urban growth, water conservation, and wildfire risk. I care deeply about maintaining Menlo Park’s quality of life while supporting policies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility for future generations. I believe successful environmental policy requires balancing technical feasibility, community input, and long-term sustainability goals. I would bring a collaborative mindset, a willingness to listen, strong leadership experience, and a deep commitment to public service to the Commission’s work.

1. Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and how your personal, community
or professional experience relates to these responsibilities.

2. Please tell us about your views of the Planning
Commissions relationship with the City Council and the
Commission’s relationship with City staff?

3. What is your understanding of the time commitment that is necessary in order to be well prepared for Planning
Commission meetings?

4. What major issues do you foresee the Planning
Commission dealing with and what would the
Commission’s role be in dealing with these issues?

Planning Commission questionnaire
Email
Cell phone
Home phone
Business phone
Contact and residency information
2 of 3
Address 1
Address 2
City Menlo Park
State CA
Zip code 94025
Business address
Number of years as a Menlo Park resident 2 Months
Current City Council district District 1
How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply)
City website
If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the
following information on the city website (please select at least one):

1. Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and how your personal, community
or professional experience relates to these responsibilities.

2. Please tell us about your views of the Planning
Commissions relationship with the City Council and the
Commission’s relationship with City staff?

3. What is your understanding of the time commitment that is necessary in order to be well prepared for Planning
Commission meetings?

4. What major issues do you foresee the Planning
Commission dealing with and what would the
Commission’s role be in dealing with these issues?

Planning Commission questionnaire
Email
Cell phone
Home phone
Business phone
Address 1
Address 2
City Menlo Park
State CA
Contact and residency information
2 of 3
Zip code 94025
Business address
Number of years as a Menlo Park resident More than 25 years Current City Council district District 5
How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply)
Email
If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the
following information on the city website (please select at least one):

Cellphone: No
Business phone: No
Home phone: No
Email: Yes
The City Council often makes appointments to various
bodies during the same meeting. Are you willing to be
appointed to a body other than the ones you have chosen? Yes
Supplemental information Studemeister Resume June 2026.pdf I agree
Signature
Application acknowledgement and submittal
3 of 3
Paul Studemeister

Page 1 of 3 ends

Paul Studemeister, CEG, PG, QSD/QSP, QISP
Paul Studemeister is a California-licensed Engineering Geologist with over 25 years of experience managing projects in California involving due diligence, environmental assessment, subsurface investigation, remediation, and regulatory compliance. Clients include retail service stations, commercial and industrial facilities, general contractors, as well as the public sector.

His field experience includes stormwater inspections and sampling; construction environmental monitoring; logging borings; soil/soil vapor/groundwater sampling; installation of groundwater and vadose monitoring/extraction wells; vapor extraction and groundwater treatment systems; source removal and remedial excavation oversight; and preparation of workplans and reports.

He engaged with stakeholders to plan, negotiate, execute, and monitor environmental aspects of property redevelopment and construction projects.

He has prepared environmental specifications, permit applications and cost proposals for projects, and supervised staff, contractors, and vendors. He has practical experience in Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), hazardous materials audits, and mitigation, and environmental and health-&- safety. He has General Permit experience that includes the preparation of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) and designing Best Management Practices (BMPs) at construction and industrial sites.

Experience
Investigation and Remediation of Sites impacted by Releases of Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Halogenated Solvents, Metals and Other Contaminants Under consulting services agreements of up to $500,000, Paul Studemeister conducted soil, soil vapor, and groundwater investigations and remediation at retail service stations, dry cleaners, and commercial/industrial sites. Tasks included tank and source removal oversight, waste management, soil, soil vapor, and groundwater sampling via exploratory borings and well installation, site remediation, risk assessment, and report preparation. He coordinated vendors, field staff, tenants, and contractors, and interfaced with regulatory agencies to achieve the most desirable outcomes. Challenges included minimizing tenant disruption, drilling and trenching inside occupied buildings, assessing long-term risk, and completing projects in time and within budget.

CEQA/NEPA Specialty Services, Northern California
Paul Studemeister participated in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the $28-million San Joaquin Pipelines (SJPLs) project. He also participated in the Initial Study Report for SFPUC’s SJPLs Rehabilitation Project. For the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, he prepared chapters for the Prescribed Fire Program EIR encompassing twenty-six (26) open space preserves.

Experience
25+ Years
Employment History
LEE, Schutze & Aurora :

Environnemental Consultant,
07/2020 – 06/2026
Green Environment, Inc.: Project
Manager, 06/2003 – 07/2020
Stanford Linear Accelerator
Center: Environmental Assessor,
05/2002 – 06/2003
LEE, Inc.: Sr. Environmental
Scientist, 12/1994 – 05/2002
The Bentley Co.: Project Manager,
03/1993 – 12/1994
EVAX Technologies, Inc.: Project
Manager, 03/1990 – 03/1993
Construction Technology
Laboratories, Inc.: Research
Scientist, 09/1985 – 01/1990
Education
B.A. Geology, UC Berkeley
Ph.D. Geology, University of
Western Ontario
Certifications
40-Hr. OSHA HAZWOPER with 8-
Hr. Annual Refresher
Engineering Geologist: CEG #1746
Professional Geologist: PG #4635
Qualified Stormwater Practitioner/
Qualified Stormwater Developer:

QSP/QSD #01189
Qualified Industrial Stormwater
Practitioner, QISP #01157
Application Skills:

Microsoft Word/Excell/Teams
Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
Paul Studemeister

Page 2 of 2 ends

Experience (Continuation)
Biosolids Digester Facilities Project, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Southeast Water Pollution
Control Plant, San Francisco, CA
Under a consulting services agreement (32900.OP,
$300,000) with the General Contractor on the $990-
million project, Paul Studemeister prepared the preconstruction environmental plans (Dust Control, Waste Management, HazMat, Renewable Diesel, Asbestos
Mitigation, Emission Minimization, and Health-& Safety) for the construction project. He oversaw plan
implementation, and monitored air quality during utilities trenching, soil disturbance, and test-piling operations.

SFPUC Sunol Valley Water Treatment Plant Expansion
and Treated Water Reservoir Project, Sunol, CA
Nearing completion of the $140-million facilities
improvement project, Paul Studemeister collaborated
with engineers and the plant operator to update the
environmental plans to reflect new chemical facilities and processes, and new regulations. Under a consulting
agreement (CS229.D TO 16 & 17, $200,000), the plant’s
Hazardous Materials Business Plan, Spill Prevention,
Control and Countermeasure Plan, Site-Specific Best
Management Practices Plan, Operation & Maintenance
Plan, and California Accidental Release Prevention Plans were updated. He reviewed facility operations, trained
plant personnel, assessed chemical use/storage and spill prevention, reviewed regulations, and prepared the plans.

Long-Term Improvements Project (WD-2596), Harry
Tracy Water Treatment Plant, SFPUC, San Bruno, CA
Under a consulting services agreement (CS-971.C, $31,000 fee), Paul Studemeister prepared the program SWPPP for
SFPUC’s $300-million project. He conducted a
reconnaissance of the construction site, reviewed plans and specifications, developed erosion and sediment
control measures and BMPs, identified potential pollutant sources, drainage patterns and receiving water risk. Under a separate consulting services agreement, he collaborated with engineers and the plant operator to update the SPCC Plan for the standby-power generator and diesel fuel
storage tanks. He updated the HazMat Plan, reviewed
facility documents, interviewed and trained plant
personnel, participated in a comprehensive site
inspection, assessed chemical use/storage and spill
prevention/control, and reviewed regulations.

Master Plan Project, San Francisco International Airport (Airport), San Francisco, CA
During the $2.4-billion Master Plan Project, Paul
Studemeister updated the Airport’s stormwater pollution prevention program under a consulting services
agreement ($300,000/yr. fee). The project included new
terminals, reconfigured freeway access, BART
connections, cargo and hanger construction, new hotel,
car rental and parking facilities, and utility improvements.

He revised the Airport’s industrial SWPPP to include new terminals, maintenance facilities, and fueling centers; developed monitoring and sampling plans; audited Airport tenants; and prepared Annual SWPPP reports. He revised
the Airport’s construction SWPPP; developed sampling
and monitoring plans; monitored BMPs; and prepared
Annual SWPPP reports. During the four (4) year
agreement, he provided:
• Senior level review of submittals to the Airport from contractors, tenants, and regulatory agencies.
• Environmental design and inspection services.
• Participated in monthly meetings at the Airport.

Environmental Site Assessment (ESAs), San Francisco
Major’s Office of Housing, San Francisco, CA
Paul Studemeister completed Phase I and II ESAs of four (4) properties to assess conditions prior to redevelopment into affordable housing. Phase I included visual
reconnaissance, review of historical documents and
databases, and identification of recognized environmental conditions. Phase II included exploratory borings, soil and groundwater sampling, and risk assessment.

Stormwater Services for Tahoe Asphalt, Lake Tahoe, CA
In 2023, Paul Studemeister prepared the SWPPP for the
Fredericksburg Gravel Pit in Markleeville, California to meet the State Construction General Permit and to
address concerns identified by the Regional Water Board.

Additionally, reviewed the SWPPP for the Tahoe Asphalt
Plant in South Lake Tahoe and the BMPs designed to meet the State Industrial General Permit. Conducted follow-up annual SWPPP inspections of both sites.

Request for Proposals (RFPs), Aurora Environmental
Services, San Francisco, CA
In response to RFPs from private and public sectors, prepared proposals for stormwater, environmental investigation, HazMat assessment, and remediation. Interfaced with team members, vendors, and contractors, secure qualifications, estimating, bid management, and team development.

startups in neuro-medicine, cybersecurity, sports/events ticketing platforms and most pertinently to the current application to EPASD, in novel, cheap electrolytic technology to recycle and reuse the worst sewage water (pit latrines to septic tanks) including for drinking purposes in rural and urban areas in third world countries where there are no public sewers and water has become scarce. Additionally, with direct relevance to my application here, together with my ex-Stanford Professor Dad who has previously built, developed and sold 100s of homes and retail shops in 3 countries (Singapore, USA and India) we have recently bought, next door to our 25 year home, 6 EPASD district Menlo Park homes on 2 lots of about an acre total and are in the permitting process to redevelop them into more affordable 11 homes.

The above being a general overview, I provide additional details below.

From an early age, I spent many seasons in the Sierra Nevada’s, learning to ski by age 2 and hike tall mountains by age 3-4 when I climbed up & down 11,000 ft over three days through 33 miles of Yosemite’s Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne near & along the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir – the primary fresh water source for over half of the San Francisco Bay Area. By age 6, I was the youngest to climb Mt.

Whitney (14,000 ft.) - the tallest mountain in the continental USA, and by age 7, became the youngest to ever climb Mt. Kilimanjaro - the tallest mountain in Africa, as well as the youngest to climb up to 20,000 feet in history (receiving commendation by President Bill Clinton). By age 8, I was a national-level skier before switching to solo sailing, and by age 10 became the best youth sailor west of Mississippi River (western half of USA) and one of the youngest to ever become scuba-certified (recently achieving PADI Rescue Diver status).

Academically, with high ACT and AP scores, I was accepted to UC Berkeley at age 10, becoming the youngest student to ever be accepted to college. There, I majored in Molecular & Cellular Neurobiology and graduated by age 16 near the top of my class. In addition to extensive training in both biology, chemistry and physics theory and experimentation, I also conducted publishable computational biology research on protein folding & evolution in Berkeley HHMI investigator Prof. Michael Eisen’s lab (who unsuccessfully ran for California Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat in 2018 to restore non-partisanship towards and public confidence in the role of science in policy making) and practiced graduate-level CRISPR-Cas9/genetic editing techniques in Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna’s lab.

Additionally, in my final semester at Berkeley, I led my team to 1st place in a series of prestigious entrepreneurship challenge competitions and startup accelerators against hundreds of Stanford and Berkeley computer science students, MBAs and professors. Gaining the support of senior, mostly C-suite, executives at Oracle, Wells Fargo and Intuit, I raised $500K in seed funding to develop blockchain technology to enable estate planning and auto-execute wills and trusts (although this was put on hold due to key team members contracting COVID).

Undeterred, I soon joined a neuro-medtech device manufacturing & research startup that sells its novel, miniaturized EEG-recording/brainmonitoring systems (hardware, wearable recording device, software, and chemicals that are 10X smaller and cheaper than existing, legacy platforms) to 300 hospitals across the US. Upon joining as an intern and with the company on the verge of bankruptcy, I assisted the new management in their successful multi-year turnaround. Initially, I recreated two years of accounts previously mismanaged by a fired bookkeeper, recovered unbilled, uncollected revenue & eliminated unnecessary expenses totaling >$50k and corrected financial statements that misled investors and cost them millions of dollars eventually being promoted to Controller/Assistant CFO. Upon reaching profitability, we turned our attention to the underlying processes and technology. First, I helped streamline the company’s organizational structure and improve employee training. Second, I assisted in overhauling FDA compliance, updating thousands of pages admin, safety, compliance, testing, quality, 2 of 7
and manufacturing procedures in a 24/7, 3-month on-site marathon effort to avoid shut down after years of failed inspections and an FDAmandated recall due to sub-supplier contamination. Third, I reorganized intellectual property to support new R&D, managing tens of patents & trademarks and collated the findings from 30 different research projects undertaken over almost two decades. Fourth, I introduced new, costsaving manufacturing equipment and project-managed the design, development and FDA clinical trialing of the first-ever, disposable, infant EEG-recording headset (likely needed by 1 in 10 births nationwide) to improve monitoring and outcomes for neonates in the ICU, successfully leading a team of three – with support from Harvard Medical School researchers who encouraged the project – through the pandemic.

On the side, I also spent several months in manual construction to assist in and manage the remodel of multiple houses in the Willows, working with minimum-wage handymen to lift 80 lb.-cement bags; paint fences/houses; fix sprinkler systems & sewers/plumbing; build decks; lay flooring, roofing & patios; landscape, plant 100+ plants (bamboo, fruit, maple, lavender & tulips), cut/prune (large) trees, install gutters & electricals, and replace 50 ft of plumbing lines.

Interested in pursuing further research utilizing these technologies, I attended University of Oxford to investigate neurodevelopment, improve neonatal surgery and develop AI-detection algorithms for sports concussions and Autism. While in England, I also gained an MBA from Oxford’s Said Business School (SBS) as the youngest MBA student (accepted at age 18, graduated at 20) in the history of MBAs. During my studies, I also led the Oxford rocketry club build and launched test rockets with the UK Space Agency in their development of Europe’s first rocket launch facility in the Scottish isles near the Arctic Circle.

Returning to the United States, my primary focus has been towards fundraising and scaling leading various water recycling and cybersecurity startups. The first is a startup whose mission is to sustainably recycle wastewater into drinking water in infrastructure-poor, developing regions with a plug-and-play, infrastructure-as-a-service business model leveraging its proprietary, world-leading titanium chemistry technology.

The unit itself is easily movable, being the size of a small shipping container and thus obviating the need for expensive, infrastructureintensive, industrial-sized sewage treatment facilities and networks of pipes. Instead, the unit electrolytically treats the sewage on the spot and generates fresh, drinking water for immediate reuse or to be pumped into the ground to recharge the stressed and often depleted groundwater tables/aquifers - all at a cost of just a several cents per gallon.

Recently, the water-recycling company has secured contracts to treat and recycle to drinking water quality the sewage & wastewater of hundreds of hotels owned by major, Western brands in India, Thailand and the Middle East. Flexible in application, the units have also been used to process palm oil effluent of the world’s leading producers in Malaysia & Indonesia as well as biomedical wastewater by the United Nations in their refugee camps in Nepal and the ongoing Israel-Gaza war/humanitarian crisis. In addition to reducing pollution in globally critical rainforests and improving public health by eliminating waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery that are leading causes of illness and death, the unit’s energy efficiency (requiring only electricity) greatly reduces carbon emissions particularly in places where people currently rely on cutting down trees to gain firewood to boil water every day.

Regarding cybersecurity, I am currently involved with three companies – the current world leader in brand protection, cyberfraud/fake products and phishing company whose customers include ~300 companies (incl.

OpenAI), Britain’s oldest cybersecurity consulting firm that advises the UK’s largest companies, hospitals, energy producers and sewage management firms, and a fast-growing startup that specializes in quantum-proof encryption to address data privacy.
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Civic affiliations and community activities, including service on other advisory bodies, commissions or committees
Sports:

At age 12, I also took two years off from my university studies to focus full-time on my sailing career where I represented Team USA twelve times internationally, eventually reaching the top 2 in my age group nationally and top 10 internationally in the under-15 class. I then spent the next several years sailing high-performance, foiling catamarans (sailing boats similar to those used in the America’s Cup) as a member of the US Olympic Development team with many coaches and teammates competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Through these experiences, I was able to travel to all 50 US states, 2 of the 4 US Protectorates/Territories, and over 75 countries across 5 continents (staying at least a few days in each, and weeks in dozens of them), including visiting hundreds of world-class museums and staying with hunter-gatherer ‘bushmen’ deep in Africa.

Civic Participation & Elections
When I was 8-10 years old, I door-knocked on 4,000 houses for several local Menlo Park, California city elections and distributed flyers & encouraged voting in a non-partisan, regardless of political affiliation to improve voter turnout. In fact, on a few occasions, my twin brother and I faced hostility from a handful of residents even in Menlo Park – a harbinger of politics today. While at Oxford, I also assisted a fellow MBA classmate and MP candidate (as his Chief of Staff) to successfully navigate municipal elections, the intra-party vetting process and eventually campaign for Parliament despite the chaos of Brexit and COVID.

Public Health:

I was a Covid-19 Tester & Lab Tech in the first, US Covid Seroprevalence study conducted by Stanford Medical School and the local San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties. I participated in many different roles, from testing patients to organizing & streamlining the whole process onsite, greatly improving efficiency & safety. Although highly controversial, the study results were featured in the NY Times, Washington Post, CNN etc., and advised White House Covid Policy, with volunteers like me receiving acknowledgments in the final paper. (One of the Stanford professors who authored the effort has been recently selected to become the next Director of the NIH (and responsible for all government-funded medical research) as one of the incoming Trump Administration’s least controversial picks – go figure. :) With my twin, I personally funded a charitable expansion of the neuromedtech company's prior Cerebral Malaria research that is becoming the new WHO standard-of-care & has the potential to reduce global childhood mortality by 8%. Using cheaper equipment, generic drugs, EEG software & telemedicine, we were able to cut costs from $10K to just $10 per life saved and held discussions with Health Ministers in Africa & South America and major NGOs like the Gates Foundation.

Scouting & Community Service:

From ages 5-12, I was heavily involved with the local Cub (finished program 2 years early with almost all possible badges earned) and Boy Scout (achieved rank of 1st class within 2 years before focusing on sailing) programs. As a Scout, I participated in and helped lead 20-30 charitable outings including
flag planting at the Golden Gate National Cemetery every Memorial Day (where we each hand-planted American flags in front of hundreds of headstones to honor fallen veterans), building tens of play structures for Habitat for Humanity, 2nd Harvest Food Bank’s canned food drives, collecting trash at Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks, and assisting and Xmas caroling for the elderly at local senior living homes. I subsequently was part of the 50-student MA student council team that collected one of America’s largest high-school-run canned food drives collecting 250,000+ lbs.

Music:

Played Saxophone for 6+ years in Oak Knoll Elementary, Hillview Middle 4 of 7
and Menlo-Atherton (MA) High School concert/marching/pep bands and choir, performing in multiple annual Menlo Park downtown Halloween parades and seasons of pep band & half-time entertainment for home MA football games. Also performed 3x with MA’s state-ranked concert/jazz band at Disneyland.

Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of each advisory body you are applying to and how your personal community or professional experience relate to these
responsibilities
Again, while the following was written with the EPASD position in mind, the arguments made below would reflect my general interests and abilities in serving on the Environmental Quality Commission:

Given my wide-ranging experiences and accomplishments, I would be able to serve as an advisory board member to support and promote the following:
• Provide firm oversight into the new, consolidated water district on behalf of Menlo Park residents. Given my experience in helping turn around mismanaged startup companies where I helped investors and management eliminate tens of thousands of dollars in wasteful spending and uncollected revenues (as Controller/CFO), identify millions of dollars in unaccounted-for-losses (as Bookkeeper), and successfully assist creditors in recouping millions lost in fraud (part of which I selfrepresented without a lawyer in court), I would be well-equipped to spot & prevent frivolous & illicit spending in the future.
• Given my studies and varied experiences in chemistry, biology, medical technology & manufacturing, FDA regulation, public health, and waterrecycling/wastewater management, I would bring relevant, subject matter expertise and a tech-approach to the advisory body representative of tech entrepreneurship that Silicon Valley is known for. • Support innovation with a focus on climate change, public health and cybersecurity. Simply maintaining dated infrastructure systems is unlikely to be enough to address these critical issues. New ideas and approaches will be needed to address questions like:
o How can we reduce our carbon footprint, conserve water in the face of growing droughts, and promote climate resiliency? My experiences with low cost, low emissions and low infrastructure spend water purification technology in Asia, the Middle East and Africa would enable me to investigate new ways of playing our part against climate change. And as a longtime sailor on the San Francisco Bay (including in our nearby Bair Island and Ravenswood wetlands) and neighbor within 2 blocks of the away the already flood-prone San Francisquito Creek, I would provide a local perspective on flooding and sea-level rise.
o One of the most effective ways public health officials could track the pandemic was by measuring COVID levels in sewage systems. What other ways could we leverage our sewage system to better inform us about future pandemics? Additionally, as more biotech laboratories are being constructed in the Bay Area, what additional safeguards are being implemented to ensure that biowaste or pathogens generated by these labs are being properly treated?
o Cyber-attacks are only becoming more damaging and frequent with the rise of AI and greater geopolitical tension, and aging infrastructure, often overlooked, that provide basic services are the often the weakest links.

Cyber companies I work with have experience successfully hardening the water-infrastructure of many large European cities (including Rome’s modern aqueducts) and US energy pipelines.
• As a local resident born at Stanford Children’s Hospital and raised in the Willows who also oversees many rental properties and single-family home construction projects (with considerable experience in residential plumbing and having also dealt with Menlo Park’s planning/permitting office) - I can help balance the concerns of local residents and promote a higher quality of life and affordability for current & new families with those of developers and municipalities seeking a business friendly climate. • As a young person and outsider to city politics, I would be able to provide a fresh perspective on the advisory board. New energy and ideas are needed, and the focus should be on residents and the community, not long-standing, interpersonal disagreements between career politicians.

Describe why you want to serve on your preferred advisory Ultimately, from my diverse range of accomplishments, skills and 5 of 7

How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply) Email If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the following information on the city website (please select at least one):

Cellphone: Yes
Business phone: No
Home phone: No
Email: Yes
The City Council often makes appointments to various bodies during the same meeting. Are you willing to be appointed to a body other than the ones you have chosen?
Yes
I agree
Signature
Application acknowledgement and submittal
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DISTRICT 2
and next generations of residents.

1. Describe your understanding of the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and how your personal, community
or professional experience relates to these responsibilities.

2. Please tell us about your views of the Planning
Commissions relationship with the City Council and the
Commission’s relationship with City staff?

3. What is your understanding of the time commitment that is necessary in order to be well prepared for Planning
Commission meetings?

4. What major issues do you foresee the Planning
Commission dealing with and what would the
Commission’s role be in dealing with these issues?

Planning Commission questionnaire
Email
Cell phone
Home phone
Business phone
Address 1
Address 2
City Menlo Park
State CA
Zip code 94025
Contact and residency information
2 of 3
Business address
Number of years as a Menlo Park resident 30
Current City Council district District 2
How did you hear about this opportunity (check all that apply)
Other: From the city staff
If I am appointed, the City is authorized to post the
following information on the city website (please select at least one):

Menlo Park City CouncilJune 23, 2026

Menlo Park City Council
June 23, 2026