Volume 47
March 8, 2023
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 8, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Aalfs called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Interim Town Clerk Kari Chinn called the roll call.
Present: Councilmembers Judith Hasko (attending remotely from London), Mary Hufty, Craig Taylor, Vice Mayor Sarah Wernikoff and Mayor Jeff Aalfs
Staff Present: Town Manager Jeremy Dennis, Town Attorney Cara Silver, Interim Assistant Town Manager Corie Stocker, Planning Director Laura Russell and Interim Town Clerk Kari Chinn
2. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Town Attorney Cara Silver reported out on two previous closed sessions held.
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Valerie Baldwin
• Rita Comes
• Karen Askey
• Jon Silver
• Jean Chappo
• Leslie Christ
4. PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Receive a Presentation from Assemblyman Marc Berman
Assembly Member Marc Berman provided an update on his legislative activities, including several bills he had worked on. He answered questions of the Council and the public.
5. STUDY SESSION
a. Hold a Study Session with the Town Lobbyist
Audrey Ratajczak, Cruz Strategies, the Town's lobbyist, provided an update on legislative activity and highlighted important bills introduced in the current session.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Aalfs invited public comment on the Consent Agenda. • Jon Silver
• Rita Comes
• Leslie Kriese
• Caroline Vertongen
Requests were made to remove 6a, 6c, 6e and 6f for separate discussion.
Volume 47
March 8, 2023
M/S (Wernikoff/Hufty) moved approval of Consent Agenda items 6b and 6d. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
a. Approval of Action Minutes for the Regular Meeting of February 22, 2023 Council Member Hasko requested a correction to the minutes on Page 1, item 3, Oral Communications, for the spelling of Vic Schachter.
M/S (Taylor/Hufty) moved to approve 6a, Minutes of February 22, 2023, as amended. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. b. Approval of Warrant List
c. Approval of Amendment to Two Contracts with Urban Planning Partners for the Housing Element and Safety Element
Planning Director Laura Russell provided explanations on the contract amendments, and provided a visual illustration. Ms. Russell answered questions of Council.
M/S (Wernikoff/Hufty) moved to approve Consent Agenda item 6c. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
d. Approve Charter Amendment to the Geological Safety Committee to Include a Regular Meeting Schedule
e. Approve Charter Amendment to the Wildfire Prevention Committee to Remove a Liaison from the Emergency Preparedness Committee and to Lower the Membership from Seven to Five Members
M/S (Taylor/Wernikoff)) moved to approve Consent Agenda item 6e. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
f. Approve the Re-Write and Update of the Open Space Charter Amendment This item was tabled for the next meeting on March 22, as the correct version of the charter amendment was not included in the current meeting packet.
Councilmember Taylor noted that the wrong attachment was included in the packet. The item was tabled to a future meeting.
Public Comment
• Kristi C
7. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Accept Colleagues Memo from Vice Mayor Sarah Wernikoff Entitled “Founders Award for Lifetime Contributions to the Town of Portola Valley” Vice Mayor Wernikoff presented the nomination of Sue Crane for the inaugural Portola Valley Founders Award for Lifetime Contributions. She highlighted Ms.
Crane's extensive involvement in town affairs, including her service on various committees, the Town Council, and as mayor. Council members expressed strong support for the nomination.
Volume 47
March 8, 2023
M/S (Taylor/Hufty) moved to approve the nomination of Sue Crane for the Portola Valley Founders Award for Lifetime Contributions. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
b. Adoption of FY 2023-24 Council Priorities
Interim Assistant Town Manager Stocker presented a draft of Council priorities for discussion. The Council engaged in a lengthy debate about the structure, wording, and content of the priorities. They ultimately agreed on four main priorities:
● Safety
● Fiscal Responsibility and Accountable Governance
● Forward Thinking Planning
● Sustainable and Resilient Town
The Council also discussed focus areas under each priority and the process for involving town committees in further developing and implementing these priorities. They agreed to present the priorities to committees at their next meetings and gather feedback on potential projects that align with the priorities.
No action was taken on the priorities. The Council consensus was to continue refining the goals moving forward.
8. COUNCIL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL AGENCIES REPORTS Council Member Taylor reported on requests from the Emergency Preparedness Committee regarding the relocation of AM radio equipment, advisory signs for emergency information, and exploring Starlink as a backup internet option.
Councilmember Hufty reported on the Bicycle Pedestrian and Traffic Safety and Conservation committees, held recently.
9. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Town Manager Dennis announced that the Sheriff's Office would be holding a public meeting at the Town Center on March 23 discuss recent burglaries, provide home safety tips, and answer questions from residents.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Aalfs adjourned the meeting at approximately 12:05 a.m. ________________________
Jeff Aalfs, Mayor
_____________________________
Corie Stocker, Interim Asst. Town Mgr.
Submitted for approval to the Town Council at its June 25, 2025 regular meeting