Volume 47
Minutes of October 23, 2024
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – OCTOBER 23, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Mayor Wernikoff called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Councilmember Jeff Aalfs participated remotely from Dakota Dunes Country Club, 960 S Dakota Dunes Blvd., Dakota Dunes, SD 57049. Roll call was taken.
Present: Councilmembers Jeff Aalfs, Mary Hufty, Craig Taylor Vice Mayor Judith Hasko and Mayor Sarah Wernikoff
Absent: None
Others: Interim Town Manager Corie Stocker-Pedalino, Town Attorney Catherine Engberg, Finance Director Tony McFarlane, Interim Planning and Building Director Terrence Grindall, Clerk Consultant Christine Boland
2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
None.
3. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Interim Town Manager Stocker-Pedalino updated the Town Council on several items: a Special Town Council meeting was scheduled on October 30, 2024 to receive a presentation from the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District on the Hawthorns Area Plan, acknowledged the Town’s maintenance crew of Justin Bixby and Scott Weber for their extraordinary work on town events and preparing for winter.
Finally, Interim Town Manager Stocker-Pedalino requested Interim Building and Planning Director Grindall to explain two requirements contained in a technical assistance letter from the State’s Housing and Community Development Department regarding the Town’s Housing Element. He answered questions of the Council.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following members of the public addressed the Town Council:
• Chris Cavigioli
• Bob
• Patty
• Lisa Smith
• Rita Comes
• Kristi Corley
Volume 47
Minutes of October 23, 2024
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Mayor Hasko requested a correction to Consent Agenda to the Minutes of October 9, 2024.
Mayor Wernikoff invited public comment on the Consent Agenda. None was received.
Councilmember Taylor moved approval of the Consent Agenda items b, c, d. e, and f., seconded by Councilmember Hufty. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. a. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of October 9, 2024
Vice Mayor Hasko proposed a correction on Page 3, item 6.b.: Consideration of approving Town Manager Employment Agreement and Budget Amendment, to add:
“A motion was made by Councilmember Aalfs, seconded by Councilmember Hufty, to approve an Employment Agreement with Ms. Stocker-Pedalino and accompanying budget amendment of up to $50,000, subject to review by the Mayor and Vice Mayor, at their weekly meetings.” A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hasko, seconded by Councilmember Taylor to approve Consent Agenda item a, Minutes of October 9, 2024, as amended on Page 3. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. b. Re-approve Regular Meeting Minutes of March 27, 2024 c. Re-approve Regular Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2024 d. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2024
e. Review and Accept Warrant List of October 23, 2024
f. Adopt Resolution No. 2950-2024, Authorizing Charles Schwab to add the Interim Town Manager and Finance Director, and remove former Town Manager, as authorized agents of the Charles Schwab investment account
6. REGULAR AGENDA
a. General Fund Reserve and impacts on current and future year budgets Director of Finance Tony McFarlane, provided an updated budget presentation on the status of the Town budget’s operating and capital budgets, and outlined adjustments and deferments, resulting in a budget deficit of less than $100,000. Further, he discussed several short and long-term options for cost control. No action was taken on the item.
The following members of the public provided comment:
• Carter Warr
• Betsy Morgenthaler
• Nona Chiarello
• Rita Comes
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Minutes of October 23, 2024
• Helen Wolter
• Kristi Corley
Council provided direction to Finance Director McFarlane on four key areas:
• Return with a balanced budget or OK with a slight deficit? The majority of the Town Council directed staff to return with a balanced budget, if at all possible, with no use of affordable housing funds and restrict the use of open space funds for open spaces (not trails.)
• Declare a Fiscal Emergency
A majority of the Town Council did not wish to declare a fiscal emergency or call a Special Election in March, 2025 at that time, estimated at a cost of $100,000. • Consider becoming a Charter Town
A majority of the Town Council would consider converting from a General Law City to a Charter City (Town), as an option in the future, in order for the sole purpose of receiving real estate transfer taxes.
• Other Options Not Considered were discussed:
Lease lease-back of property with County of San Mateo; Shared services with adjacent town(s);
Exploration of updating Utility User Tax for telephone language (requires going to the ballot); and
Annexation of unincorporated Ladera area to Portola Valley.
Mayor Wernikoff read a prepared statement into the record regarding the state of the budget.
7. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
REPORTS
Vice Mayor Hasko provided an update on two ad hoc committees she serves on for affordable housing site evaluation and recruiting firms for selection of an Interim Town Manager. She also reported on a public access working group meeting for the MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Hawthorns project. Councilmember Hufty reported on the California League of Cities annual meeting and the Conservation committee.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wernikoff adjourned the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
Volume 47
Minutes of October 23, 2024
______________________________ _______________________________ Sarah Wernikoff, Mayor Christine Boland, Clerk Consultant Approved by the Town Council at its November 13, 2024 meeting.