Volume 46
Minutes of April 24, 2024
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - APRIL 24, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Mayor Wernikoff called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. Interim Town Clerk Ramirez called the roll call.
Present: Councilmembers Jeff Aalfs, Mary Hufty, Criag Taylor, Vice Mayor Judith Hasko and Mayor Sarah Wernikoff
Absent: None
Others: Town Manager Sharif Etman, Town Attorney Catherine Engberg, Assistant Town Manager Corie Stocker, Administrative Services Manager Cindy Rodas, Interim Town Clerk Diego Ramirez
2. STUDY SESSION
a. State of the Town and Financial Outlook
Town Manager Etman provided a high-level look at the financial condition of the Town, entitled “State of the Town,” noting a growing structural deficit, for numerous reasons. Mr. Etman discussed all revenues and expenditures of the town and the need to plan for additional revenue generation measures to offset growing expenses. He stated the annual budget would be presented in June, with a revision presented in September. George Savage, chair of the Finance Committee, stated the process going forward is a good one, as outlined by the Town Manager.
Councilmembers entered into a question and answer session with Town Manager Etman.
The following members of the public addressed the Town Council:
• Mida Jones
• Caroline Vertongen
• Peter Lipman
• Rita Comes
• Greg Franklin
• Kristi Corley
3. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting convened at 7:25 p.m.
4. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
None.
Volume 46
Minutes of April 24, 2024
5. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Town Manager Etman welcomed Romeo Herrara, new Building and Planning Director, congratulated the 2024 Volunteer of the Year, Patti Dewes, and thanked John Biggs for professional his expertise. Finally, Mr. Etman announced a new Finance Director is expected to joint Town Hall soon.
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following members of the public addressed the Town Council:
• Tim Clarke
• Liv Madhani
• Caroline Vertongen
• Rita Comes
• Dave Strohm
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Wernikoff asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda:
Councilmember Aalfs made a motion, seconded by Mayor Wernikoff, to approve the Consent Agenda items a and b. Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote. a. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2024 b. Approval of Warrant List for April 10, 2024
8. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Accept Town Council Priorities
Assistant Town Manager Stocker reviewed the following Town Council Priorities, as discussed at the March 18, 2024 priority setting retreat. • Fiscal responsibility and long-term viability;
• Safety;
• Responsible Land Use;
• Organization Efficiency and Effectiveness; and
• Environmental Sustainability.
Assistant Town Manager Stocker provided suggestions on how to achieve each goal.
The following members of the public provided comment:
• Kristi Corley
Mayor Wernikoff called the question. Councilmember Taylor moved approval of the five Town Council priorities, seconded by Councilmember Aalfs. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Volume 46
Minutes of April 24, 2024
b. Adopt a Resolution Clarifying the Policy regarding the Procedures for Councilmembers to Request Future Council Agenda Items
The Council reviewed at great length the procedures for requesting future agenda items. The proposed resolution contained two ways to place an item on the agenda, either by a request of the Town Manager or by a vote of a majority of Town Council.
The following members of the public provided comment:
• Rita Comes
• Caroline Vertongen
• Kristi Corley
Mayor Wernikoff asked for a motion to approve Item 8 b. Councilmember Hufty made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Aalfs, to adopt a Resolution No. 2948-2024, Clarifying the Policy regarding the Procedures for Councilmembers to Request Future Council Agenda items. The motion passed 4 - 1, with Vice Mayor Hasko dissenting.
9. COUNCIL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL AGENCIES REPORTS Councilmembers Aalfs and Hufty reported on their respective subcommittees, Evacuation Plan and Conservation.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wernikoff adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:48 p.m. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Sarah Wernikoff, Mayor Diego Ramirez, Interim Town Clerk Readopted by the Town Council at its October 23, 2024 meeting.