Volume 47
November 13, 2024
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 13, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Mayor Wernikoff called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Town Attorney Engberg announced that Councilmember Hufty would be participating remotely and established her remote participation under the law. Roll call was taken:
Present: Councilmember Jeff Aalfs, Mary Hufty, Craig Taylor, Vice Mayor Judith Hasko, and Mayor Sarah Wernikoff
Absent: None
Others: Interim Town Manager Stocker-Pedalino, Finance Director Anthony McFarlane, Interim Planning and Building Director Terrance Grindall, Planning and Building extra help Jon Biggs, Interim Town Engineer Brian Frus, and Clerk Consultant Christine Boland
2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. Presentation of Proclamation to Scott Weber, Maintenance Worker II, upon his 25th Anniversary with the Town of Portola Valley
Mayor Wernikoff read a Proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Scott Weber, Maintenance Worker II, upon his 25th anniversary with the Town. Interim Town Manager Stocker-Pedalino provided heartfelt comments to Mr. Weber and expressed her utmost appreciation for his years of service.
Mr. Weber thanked the Town Council for the recognition and stated it has been a pleasure working for the town for the past 25 years. He thanked the Council, present and former staff most notably, the late Skip Struthers who assisted him in the beginning of his career.
b. Presentation by Peninsula Clean Energy
Shawn Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), presented a brief presentation on what PCE does and the services they provide. Ms.
Marshall answered questions of Council.
3. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Interim Town Manager Stocker-Pedalino provided several updates: She acknowledged Mr. Weber again, that the Stanford Portola Terrace project would be heard by the Planning Commission on November 18 and Town Council on December 5, 2024, the results of the off-leash dog survey was posted to the Town’s website, and acknowledged Mayor Sarah Wernikoff and Councilmember Jeff Aalfs on their last regular meeting on the Town Council and for their years of dedication to the Town.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following members of the public provided comment:
• Rita Comes
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November 13, 2024
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Mayor Hasko requested to discuss Consent Agenda items 5b and 5g separately.
Councilmember Aalfs moved to approve Consent Agenda items 5a, c – f, and h – r, seconded by Councilmember Taylor. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. a. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of October 30, 2024
b. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2024
Vice Mayor Hasko pointed out a typographical error on Page 11. Vice Mayor Hasko moved approval of Consent Agenda item 5.b., seconded by Councilmember Taylor. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. c. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of February 5, 2024
d. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of October 30, 2023
e. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of August 3, 2023
f. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of August 2, 2023
g. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of July 18, 2023
Vice Mayor Hasko pointed out a typographical error on Page 16. Vice Mayor Hasko moved approval of Consent Agenda item 5.g., seconded by Councilmember Taylor. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. h. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of May 9, 2023
i. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2023
j. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of March 15, 2023
k. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2023
l. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2023 m. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of January 31, 2023
n. Review and Accept Warrant List of November 13, 2024
o. Adopt Resolution No. 2952-2024, Designating Positions and Disclosure Obligations for the Town’s Conflict of Interest Code
p. Adopt Resolution No. 2953-2024, Authorizing Award of the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Project (Project No. 2024-PW02)
q. Receive and File the FY 2020-21 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report r. Approve Memorandum of Understanding with County of San Mateo/County Manager Volume 47
November 13, 2024
6. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Revise Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget
Finance Director, Tony McFarlane, presented a revised budget based on discussions and direction from the Council at the last Council meeting. He described the adjustments in order to achieve a balanced budget.
Mayor Wernikoff opened the public hearing and invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the Council:
• Nona Chirarello
• David Cardinal
• Carolyn Vertongen
• Kristi Corley
Finance Director McFarlane answered questions of Council on several topics. The public hearing was closed.
Following Council discussion, Councilmember Taylor moved to adopt Resolution No. 2954-2024, Adopting the Revised Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget beginning July 1, 2024. with an amendment of adding back $20,000 for staff development. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Aalfs and carried by unanimously by roll call vote.
7. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Review of Portola Valley’s Wildfire Hardening Rules
John Biggs, Planning and Building department, provided a presentation regarding the “50/50” rule under the Town’s Wildfire Hardening section of the Municipal Code and explained what triggers the requirements. Woodside Fire Marshall Kimberly Giuliacci, addressed the Council and provided further explanation. relative to the fire hardening ordinance.
Mayor Wernikoff invited public comment. The following members of the public addressed the Council:
• Carter Warr
• Rebecca Flynn
Three options were presented by staff and after extensive Council discussion, staff was directed to evaluate the Town’s wildfire hardening code – 50% Rule and develop recommendations that result in fewer projects being subject to the Wildfire Hardening rules. Council asked staff to return with an ordinance for consideration. b. Receive Update on California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) October 16 Letter of Technical Assistance
Interim Planning and Building Director Grindall reviewed components of the October Volume 47
November 13, 2024
16, 2024 technical letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Assistance regarding how to remedy two issues and enable certification of the Town’s Housing Element.
Mayor Wernikoff invited public comment. The following members of the public address the Council:
• Rebecca Flynn
• Caroline Vertongen
• Kristi Corley
8. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
REPORTS
Councilmember Aalfs reported on an Emergency Preparedness meeting held recently.
Vice Mayor Hasko reported on several items: Conservation meeting, the Geologic committee did not have a quorum, San Mateo County Board of Supervisor Ray Mueller held a successful in community hall, regarding the insurance, interim manager recruitment.
9. COLLEAGUE’S MEMO
Mayor Wernikoff discussed the Colleague’s memorandum regarding including the addition of a Finance Committee member to the Ad Hoc affordable Housing Site Evaluation Committee.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:06 p.m.
_______________________________ _____________________________ Sarah Wernikoff, Mayor Christine Boland, Clerk Consultant Approved by the Town Council at its December 11, 2024 meeting.