City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov City Council
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Date: 9/15/2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Locations: Teleconference and
City Council Chambers
751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Special Session
A. Call To Order
Mayor Nash called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Combs (remote), Nash, Schmidt, Taylor (remote, exited at 8:10 p.m.), 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. Closed Session
C1. Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation (Paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Gov. Code Section 54956.9) Significant exposure to litigation: One case
Documentation related to this agenda item are attached to this agenda (Attachment) • Ron Schloss spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Azita Martin spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Barbara Coll spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • John Sobes spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Amy Joachim spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Patti Fry spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Erin Craig spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Andie Reed spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Peter Drekmeier spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Carla Posthauer spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • John Nimmo spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Arar Murugan spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Louis Olson spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Matt Hartman spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Josh Orht spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Gail Slocum spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Kip Husty spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Stuart Weiss spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Penny Durham spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Alicia Torregrosa spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Scott Marshall spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd.
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov • Karna Morey spoke in support of the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • S. Meldal spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Kim Johnson spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd. • Jennifer Michel spoke in support of affordable housing. • Lauren Varanese spoke in support of affordable housing at 80 Willow Rd. • Mark Tuschman spoke in opposition to the proposed project at 80 Willow Rd.
C2. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of §54956.9)
Name of case: Mircea Voskerician and
12 Maywood LLC v. CITY OF MENLO PARK
Case No. 26-CIV-05627
C3. Conference with labor negotiators
Government Code Section 54957.6
Labor negotiations with unrepresented management
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Justin I.C. Murphy, City Attorney Nira Doherty, Legal Counsel Charles Sakai
Regular Session
D. Call To Order
Mayor Nash re-called the meeting to order at 8:14 p.m.
E. Report from Closed Session
No reportable actions.
F. Agenda Review
The City Council directed two public comment periods for item J2. the first after item G. and the second at the start of J2. and updated the regular business item order to J2., J4., J5., J1. and J3.
G. Public Comment
• Scott Herscher spoke in support of agendizing a discussion on ALPRs (automated license plate readers).
• Menlo Park Historical Association (MPHA) representative Betty Meissner provided updates on the MPHA.
• Peter Hoddie spoke in opposition of the use of ALPRs.
J2. Consider and adopt a resolution to make the Coleman Avenue Pilot project permanent (Staff Report #26-151-CC)
• Gabriel and Ross Silverstein spoke in support of protected bike lanes on Coleman Avenue. • Evan Bailey spoke in support of bike lanes and including a stop line for bikes at the stop sign. • Kevin Rennie and family spoke in support of bollard protected bike lanes and making the pilot on Coleman permanent.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov H. Presentations and Proclamations
H1. Proclamation: 25th Anniversary of September 11 (Attachment) Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.
• Pam Jones spoke in support of the Menlo Park Fire Protection Districts being dispatched to aid in the 9/11/2001 attacks.
Menlo Park Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Dan Coyle accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H2. Proclamation: Constitution Week (Attachment)
Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.
City Clerk Judi Herren accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H3. Proclamation: National Service Dog Month (Attachment) Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.
Lena Strickling and Birdie from First Responder Therapy Dogs accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
H4. Proclamation: National Preparedness Month (Attachment) Mayor Nash introduced the proclamation.
Public Works Director Azalea Mitch accepted the proclamation (Attachment).
I. Consent Calendar
I1. Accept the City Council meeting minutes for Aug. 5 and 11, 2026 (Attachment) I2. Authorize the city manager to purchase library books and materials from Ingram Content Group in total amount not to exceed $115,000 during fiscal year 2026-27 (Staff Report #26-149-CC) ACTION: Motion and second (Nash/ Wise), to approve the consent calendar, passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
J. Regular Business
The City Council reordered the agenda.
J2. Consider and adopt a resolution to make the Coleman Avenue Pilot project permanent (Staff Report #26-151-CC)
Associate Transportation Planner Casandra Cortez made the presentation (Attachment).
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov • James Loftus spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent, requested additional parking and traffic enforcement and to research street sweeping mechanisms and times to accommodate a bollard protected bike lane.
• Fred Mertz spoke on concerns that the changes made to Coleman Avenue have exacerbated the problems on Santa Monica Avenue and requested a timed bike lane on Coleman Avenue. • Sally Cole spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent including bollard protected bike lanes and concerns on parking issues.
• Derek Makovich spoke on impacts to apartment resident parking and proposed time-enforced parking alternatives.
• Jacqui Cebrian spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent and including protected bike lanes.
• Christy Petes spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent including bollard protected bike lanes.
• Anthony Smolek provided alternate parking options and requested a protected bike lane pilot. • Andrew Ehrich spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent and a bollard protected bike lane.
• Matthew Rascoff spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent including a bollard protected bike lane and the removal of speed cushions from the bike lanes. • Desmond and Jenny Michele spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent including a k-rail or bollard protected bike lane and the removal of speed cushions from the bike lanes.
• Tom Philbrick spoke on the need for a sidewalk on Santa Monica and concerns on blind spots for motor vehicles.
• Shopa spoke on concerns that the changes made to Coleman Avenue have exacerbated the problems on Santa Monica Avenue.
• Nayeli spoke in support of making the Coleman Avenue pilot permanent including a protected bike lane and on concerns about the street parking removal.
The City Council received clarification on speed cushions in the bike lane, curbs, the County side of Coleman Avenue project timeline and challenges with bollards.
The City Council discussed Santa Monica Avenue parking impacts and safety, curb transitions near the County side, bollards on Encinal Avenue, specialized street sweepers for streets with bollards and a bike lane on the southbound side of Coleman Avenue.
The City Council directed staff to research street sweepers for streets with bollards, include in the Santa Monica Avenue parking effort 1) potential bollards for awareness of the bike lane and 2) further improvements on the southbound portion to improve safety at the intersection of Coleman Avenue and Willow Road.
ACTION: Motion and second (Schmidt/ Nash), to adopt a resolution to make the Coleman Avenue Pilot project permanent, passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
J4. Consider and adopt a resolution to approve the successor agreement between the City of Menlo Park and the Service Employees International Union, Local 521, for regular and temporary employees expiring June 30, 2029 (Staff Report #26-148-CC) J5. Consider and adopt a resolution to amend the salary schedule effective Sept. 20, 2026 (Staff Report #26-153-CC)
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov Administrative Services Director Brittany Mello introduced items J4. and J5.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Wise), to adopt a resolution to approve the successor agreement between the City of Menlo Park and the Service Employees International Union, Local 521, expiring June 30, 2029, passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
ACTION: Motion and second (Wise/ Schmidt), to adopt a resolution to amend the City of Menlo Park salary schedule effective Sept. 20, passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
J1. Approve advisory body annual work plans for the Complete Streets Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, Finance and Audit Commission, Housing Commission, Library Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission (Staff Report #26-150-CC) Deputy City Clerk Sarah Sandoval made the presentation (Attachment).
The City Council discussed the importance of commission work plans having clearly defined goals and tying to City Council priorities, the Complete Streets Commission reviewing e-bike restrictions and downtown circulation, the Finance and Audit Commission coordinating a budget forum for members of the public and cross collaboration between commissions.
ACTION: Motion and second (Schmidt / Wise), to approve the annual work plans for the following advisory bodies:
• Complete Streets Commission
• Environmental Quality Commission
• Finance and Audit Commission
• Housing Commission
• Library Commission
• Parks and Recreation Commission,
passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
J3. Authorize the city manager to execute a single source agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for an integrated public safety technology platform (Staff Report #26-152-CC) Police Commander Wilson Lau made the presentation (Attachment). • Peter Hoddie spoke in opposition of the use of automate license plate readers (ALPRs) for police vehicle dash cams.
The City Council received clarification on the use of ALPRs with dash cams.
The City Council discussed the 10-year compared to 5-year agreement options regarding hardware and the need for future City Council approval of ALPR implementation.
ACTION: Motion and second (Combs/ Wise), to authorize the city manager to execute a single source 10- year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the police department's integrated public safety technology platform and require City Council approval for activation of the ALPR technology, passed 4-0-1 (Taylor absent).
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.gov K. Informational Items
K1. City Council agenda topics: September – October 2026 (Staff Report #26-154-CC) K2. Update on fiscal year 2025-26 year-end status (Staff Report #26-155-CC) L. City Manager Report
City Manager Murphy reported out on the Coastal Clean Up Day event Sept. 19.
M. City Councilmember Reports
M1. Mayor Nash report (Attachment)
City Councilmember Schmidt reported out on the vehicle license fee (VLF) progress, provided an update on Assembly Bill 762 and on the Commute.org meeting.
N. Adjournment
Mayor Nash adjourned the meeting at 10:50 pm.
Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk Judi Herren
These minutes were approved at the City Council meeting October 13, 2026.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
, rot1am l
RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
WHEREAS, September 11 , 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11 , 2001, in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York City, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, the tragedy of that day was met with extraordinary courage, as firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel ran toward danger to save others, and as countless Americans, including residents of Menlo Park, came together in service to their neighbors and their country; and WHEREAS, the City of Menlo Park joins communities across the nation in honoring the memory of all who were lost, and in expressing enduring gratitude to the first responders, service members and volunteers whose sacrifice and resolve continue to inspire us twenty-five years later; and WHEREAS, this milestone anniversary offers an opportunity for our community to pause in remembrance, to reflect on the unity and resilience that emerged from tragedy and to recommit ourselves to the values of compassion, service and civic responsibility that strengthen us as neighbors; and WHEREAS, with this observance after twenty-five years, comes an opportunity for our community to acknowledge this day with appropriate reflection, gratitude and acts of service in memory of those we lost; 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 recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11.
~Al.J,
-.:sy Nash, Mayor
September 15, 2026
AGENDA ITEM H-1
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 Page 7 of 39 r a ti
RECOGNIZING CONSTITUTION WEEK
WHEREAS, September 17, 2026, marks the two hundred and thirty-ninth anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America at the Constitutional Convention in Philaf elphia; and WHEREAS, Public Law 915 authorizes the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest and longest-standing written constitution in the world, and contains provisions on the structure of our federal government, separation of powers, and individual and civil rights; and
WHEREAS, in structuring the constitution, the founders recognized the potential for necessary change, and included a constitutional amendment process to effect desired change; and WHEREAS, Constitution Week is a time for citizens to re-acquaint themselves with the constitution, reflect on the history of the United States and its governance, and our rights and our responsibilities under law and the constitution; 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 September 17 - 23 as Constitution Week in Menlo Park.
AGENDA ITEM H-2
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 Page 8 of 39 r ti
NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH SEPTEMBER 2026
WHEREAS, service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, including but not limited to retrieving objects, assisting with balance, giving seizure or diabetic or other medical alerts and assisting those with psychiatric disabilities or visual impairments; and
WHEREAS, service dogs also serve our nation's wounded warriors suffering from conditions such as posttraumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, and provide companionship to their humans while inspiring confidence that allows their humans to better manage disabilities and live fuller lives; and WHEREAS, service dogs, service dog trainers, and service organizations empower people with disabilities to lead lives with greater independence by providing best-in-class training, ongoing follow-up services and a deeply committed community of support; and
WHEREAS, before being paired with a human, each service dog requires months of training and practice, and before dogs are placed as potential companions, they must be raised in an environment that is conducive to learning; and
WHEREAS, across America, hundreds of canines are raised by volunteer puppy raisers each year who agree to provide a safe environment, attend classes, teach manners and basic commands, provide for food, veterinary expenses, and transportation and agree to give up the puppy after an 18-month time period; and WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month aims to highlight the benefits of service dogs and the laws protecting them, as well as the invaluable impact service dogs have on the lives of people living with disabilities; and WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month is also a time to celebrate the extraordinary work of service dogs, who dedicate their lives to help their human companions, and those who work with service dogs across the world; 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 September 2026 as National Service Dog Month in Menlo
Park.
13.&M-
- - tsy Nash, Mayor
September 15, 2026
AGENDA ITEM H-3
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 Page 9 of 39 rorla at
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH SEPTEMBER 2026
WHEREAS, emergencies and disasters-including earthquakes, floods, wildfires, severe weather, extreme heat, poor air quality, power outages and other hazards-can occur at any time and may affect the health, safety and well-being of the Menlo Park community; and
WHEREAS, preparedness is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of residents, businesses, schools, community-based organizations, first responders and all levels of government; and WHEREAS, individuals and families can improve their ability to withstand and recover from emergencies by understanding local hazards, signing up for San Mateo County (SMC) Alert, creating an emergency plan, assembling essential supplies, safeguarding important documents and knowing their evacuation zone; and WHEREAS, businesses and organizations strengthen community resilience by developing continuity plans, preparing employees, protecting critical information and planning for disruptions to utilities, transportation, communications and supply chains; and
WHEREAS, the City of Menlo Park works throughout the year to strengthen emergency preparedness through public education, employee Disaster Service Worker training, Emergency Operations Center readiness, emergency planning, regional partnerships, hazard mitigation and coordination with community organizations; and
WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month provides an important opportunity to encourage everyone in Menlo Park to take practical steps before an emergency occurs and to consider the needs of children, older adults, people with disabilities, individuals with access and functional needs and pets; and WHEREAS, a prepared and connected community is better able to protect lives, maintain essential services, support neighbors and recover from emergencies and disasters; 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 September 2026 as National Preparedness Month in
Menlo Park.
Bf{jy Nash, Mayor
September 15, 2026
AGENDA ITEM H-4
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 Page 10 of 39 Consider and adopt a resolution to make the
Coleman Avenue Pilot project permanent
1 Casandra Cortez, Associate Transportation Planner
J2-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Agenda
Project background Pilot evaluation
- Analysis of data- Public feedback survey
Complete Streets Commission
recommendation
Staff recommendation and next steps
2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Project background
3 Council direction to
consider and return
with improvements
through a Pilot
Oct. 2024
Council accepted
final ColemanRingwood Avenues
Transportation
Study
Nov. 2024
Complete Streets
Commission review
Pilot and proposed
evaluation
March 2025
Council adopted a
resolution for
parking removal
and stop sign
installation
April 2025
Pilot installed
Aug. 2025
The Pilot was designed with the goal of
reducing speeds and installing dedicated facilities for people biking Coleman Avenue Pilot Project included:
- Parking removal from the north side of
Coleman Avenue
- Bike lane northbound (towards Ringwood
Avenue)
- Traffic calming through rubberized speed
cushions
Stop sign at Coleman Avenue and Santa
Monica Avenue installed
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Pilot evaluation overview
Pre-pilot data collected in May 2025 Pilot data collected in May 2026 Evaluation included an analysis of:
- Vehicle volumes- 85th percentile speeds- Parking occupancy counts- Peak hour intersection volumes- Bike rack counts- Pedestrian intersection counts Public feedback survey
4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Summary of pre-pilot and pilot data
5 Evaluation category Trend Data collection locations Notes Coleman Ave. b/w Santa Monica Ave. and Coleman Decrease at all locationsPl.
Vehicle volumes
Coleman Ave. b/w Santa Monica Ave. and Coleman Decrease or no differencePl. 85th percentile speed
Coleman Ave., Coleman Pl., Santa Monica Ave., Decrease at all locationsGilbert Ave.
Parking occupancy counts
Coleman Ave. and Willow Rd., Coleman Ave. and Increase at all locationsSanta Monica Ave.
Peak hour intersection volumes: bikes
Increase at Menlo Atherton High SchoolDecrease at Lower and Upper School Menlo-Atherton High School, Laurel School Lower Campus, Laurel School Upper Campus Bike rack counts
Coleman Ave. and Willow Rd., Coleman Ave. and Increase at all locationsSanta Monica Ave.
Pedestrian intersection counts
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Public feedback survey: Before and after Pilot installation Majority stated the visibility of people crossing Coleman Avenue at Santa Monica Avenue as neutral to excellent (98%)
- 59% increase from before the Pilot installation
Majority stated safety for people biking as neutral to excellent (86%) - 64% increase from before Pilot installation
Some stated parking availability on Coleman Avenue as very poor or poor (36%)
- 16% increase from before Pilot installation
Some stated parking availability on neighborhood streets as very poor or poor (25%)
- 10% increase from before Pilot installation
Speeds: 50% stated driver speed has decreased slightly, 35% stated driver speed has decreased significantly, 12% stated driver speed has not changed 6 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Public feedback survey: Pilot next steps
Survey asked about preferred next steps for the
Pilot
- 79% support making the pilot permanent (retain
traffic calming through asphalt speed cushions, bike lane, and parking removal) - 15% support retaining traffic calming through
asphalt speed cushions, but removing the bike lane and restoring parking on the north side of Coleman Ave - 6% support removing the pilot elements including
traffic calming, bike lane, and restoring parking
7 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Other comments
Rubberized speed cushions feel uncomfortable to ride over as a bicyclist More parked cars on Santa Monica Avenue causing pedestrians and bicyclists to use the travel lane and reduce visibility for residents backing out of their driveways Bicyclists “spilling” into the travel lane from the bike lane when riding two or more abreast
Bicyclists “squeezed” between parked cars and travel lane Maintenance concerns due to more parked cars on the south side of Coleman Avenue
Parking availability for people with disabilities walking distances to their homes
Parking enforcement for overnight parking, parking in bike lane, and 72- hour parking
8 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Complete Streets Commission recommendation
Complete Streets Commission recommended to City Council to make the pilot permanent and to direct staff to:
- Install bollards in the bicycle lane at speed cushion and crosswalk locations- Extend the speed cushions to the edge of the bicycle lane rather than the curb- Evaluate narrowing the southbound travel lane to provide a bicycle buffer 9 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Pilot design
10 Bicyclist biking over speed cushion on Middle Ave.
Staff recommends following the
City’s standards for speed cushions
Bollards would impede street sweeping
at the bike lane
Damaged bollards would require
ongoing maintenance
City’s design standard for speed
cushions extend through the bike lane to prevent vehicle encroachment Asphalt speed cushions less abrupt
than rubberized
Speed cushions installed throughout
the City
Bollards at Middlefield Rd./Woodland Ave.
Bicyclist biking over speed table on Willow Rd.
Bicyclist biking over speed table on Willow Rd.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Pilot design
11 Staff recommends maintaining the current
Pilot design and not narrowing the southbound lane
The width allows bicyclists to avoid the door zone
and queued cars on Coleman Avenue
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
City Council action requested and next steps
12 City Council action requested
- Staff recommends City Council to consider and adopt a resolution to make the Coleman Avenue Pilot project permanent
Next steps
- Rubberized speed cushions would be replaced with asphalt- Staff can address parking concerns on Santa Monica Avenue through a separate effort
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Thank you
13 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Annual advisory body work
plans for 2026-27
Sarah Sandoval, Deputy City Clerk
1 J1-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Annual advisory body work plans
Overview Work plan highlights Staff recommendation City Council feedback Work plan approval 2 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Overview
City Council Policy #CC-24-004:
- policies and procedures - roles and responsibilities- requires an annual work plan in support of the City Council work plan and City Council approval no later than Sept. 30 of each year. 3 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Current advisory bodies
Complete Streets Commission (CSC) Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) Finance and Audit Commission (FAC) Housing Commission (HC) Library Commission (LC) Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC)*The Planning Commission is exempt from this requirement per Menlo Park municipal code and State law 4 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Highlights – CSC, EQC, FAC
CSC – updated goal no. 6, deferral of development project review pilot program to 2027-28 work plan cycle
EQC – updated language to goal no. 4, inclusion of
environmental justice
FAC – new goal no. 6, provide education and collect input on revenue generation and cost recovery strategies
5 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Highlights – HC, LC, PRC
HC – updated goal no. 2, addition of a second commission meeting at the Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC)
LC – updated goal no. 5, advising on potential future service or resources gaps due to anticipated increased patronage
PRC – expansion of goals related to review of the Parks and Recreation Facility Master Plan, liaising with affinity groups, continuation of fun run event and tracking community feedback 6 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Recommendation
Approve work plans for CSC, EQC, FAC, HC, LC and PRC Direct additions, omissions or other edits to the language of the proposed 2026-27 Commission work plans.
Once approved
- Advisory body liaison staff will bring final City Council-approved work plans back to the advisory bodies
- Final approved work plans will serve as the foundation of advisory body efforts and initiatives for 2026-27
- In 2027, a representative from each advisory body will report out to the City Council on work plan progress and accomplishments
7 City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
8 Thank you
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Axon Technology
Agreement
Wilson Lau, Police Commander
J3-PRESENTATION
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Recommendation
Authorize the city manager to execute a 10-year consolidated agreement with Axon.
Combine the department’s existing Axon agreements into one long-term agreement.
Establish predictable pricing and planned equipment replacement cycles.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
What we use today
This agreement renews and consolidates technology already used by the Department: Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) – officer-worn video. Fleet – in-car dash cameras and rear-seat cameras. Evidence.com – digital evidence storage and management. Interview Room – recorded interview system. TASER – less-lethal conducted-energy devices. Redaction Assistant – assists staff with redacting video and digital evidence for release.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
What the renewal provides
Continued body-worn camera and docking-station refreshes. Scheduled Fleet / in-car camera and TASER replacement cycles under the 10-year option.
BWC translation in 50+ languages, helping officers communicate directly with community members during routine field contacts.
Additional workflow capabilities include automatic transcription, Community Link and automated evidence organization.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
5-Year vs. 10-Year Option
5-Year 10-Year
Estimated total (including tax) $1,225,346 $2,446,231Average annual cost $245,069 $244,623Term 5 years 10 years Tax-inclusive annual comparison: the 10-year option averages approximately $446 less per year.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Why the 10-Year Option?
Provides long-term price certainty. Includes scheduled Fleet and TASER replacement cycles, reducing the need for separate capital requests.
Keeps the estimated annual cost essentially flat while providing a predictable technology roadmap.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Long-Term agreement protections
If Axon does not meet its obligations and does not correct the problem after written notice, the agreement provides a path to terminate.
If future City funding is not appropriated or legally available, the agreement provides a non-appropriation termination mechanism.
City’s convenience.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Requested City Council action
Approve the 10-year Axon agreement. Maintain the Department’s integrated public-safety technology platform. Provide predictable costs and planned equipment replacement over the term.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026