Volume 47
February 26, 2025
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 26, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Acting Town Attorney Rene’ Ortega confirmed that Mayor Hasko, participating from the location of Torrey Pines Lodge, 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd., Room 411, La Jolla CA 92037, was allowed to participate remotely, under Government Code Section 54953(b), and that all actions of the Council would be taken by roll call vote.
Mayor Hasko called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken by the Clerk.
Present: Councilmembers Rebecca Flynn, Mary Hufty, Helen Wolter, Vice Mayor Craig Taylor and Mayor Judith Hasko
Absent: None
Others: Interim Town Manager Mark Linder, Assistant Town Manager Corie StockerPedalino, Acting Town Attorney Rene’ Ortega, Finance Director Anthony McFarlane, Clerk Consultant Christine Boland
2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
None.
3. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Interim Town Manager Linder announced that the Council would meet in a special meeting on March 12 at 6 p.m. to discuss the updating of its Town priorities. He acknowledged Finance Director McFarlane for maintaining a balanced budget despite challenges. Mr. Linder stated he will continue meeting with Town committee/commission chairs and with the superintendent of schools.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Hasko invited public comment. None was received.
Councilmember Flynn reported on a resident concern regarding a low voltage emergency responder radio communication system issue and hoped it could be resolved.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Agenda items 5a, 5c, and 5e were pulled for further discussion.
Mayor Hasko invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Rita Comes Whitney
• Caroline Vertongen
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February 26, 2025
Vice Mayor Taylor made a motion to approve Consent Agenda items 5.b. and 5.f., seconded by Councilmember Wolter. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. a. Adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2025
Corrections were proposed to the February 12, 2025 meeting Minutes, as follows:
presentation and Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Flynn recommended retaining Wendi Brown Creative Partners (WBCP) in an amount not to exceed $35,000.
Council discussion ensued.
Vice Mayor Taylor made a motion to approve Consent Agenda item 5.a, as amended with the above corrections, seconded by Councilmember Flynn. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
b. Approve Warrant List of February 26, 2025
c. Approve Second Revised and Restated Joint Powers Agreement with the San Mateo Operational Area Emergency Services Council
Councilmember Hufty inquired about the cost aspects associated with the revised agreement.
Councilmember Taylor answered questions of Council.
Mayor Hasko called upon Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, Director of the San Mateo County Emergency Services Council, who addressed the Council regarding components and services provided under the joint powers agreement, including as SMC Alerts, HazMat, and other services.
Public Comment
• Caroline Vertongen
Vice Mayor Taylor made a motion to approve Consent Agenda item 5.c., seconded by Councilmember Hufty. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. d. Adopt Resolution No. 2960-2025, Authorizing a Primary Grant Agreement with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority to be eligible to receive Measure A and Measure W funding for local projects
Finance Director McFarlane stated $174,000 was expected from Measure A and $16,000 from Measure W, respectively.
Vice Mayor Taylor made a motion to approve Consent Agenda item 5.d, seconded by Councilmember Hufty. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
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February 26, 2025
e. Adopt Resolution No. 2961-2025, Approving Shady Trail Renovation Project and acceptance of a donation of $20,000 for trail improvements Vice Mayor Taylor acknowledged the donors for the generous contribution to the project. He proposed adopting the Shady Trail donation process as a model for future contributions, highlighting the necessity to fully allocate all funds so that no balance exists and to establish a clear donation process.
Councilmember Wolter added that some clarification was needed on the donor application.
Vice Mayor Taylor moved to adopt Resolution No. 2961-2025, Approving Shady Trail Renovation Project and acceptance of $20,000 donation for trail improvements, seconded by Councilmember Hufty. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. f. Appoint Kim Cashin to the Emergency Preparedness and the Wildfire Preparedness committees
6. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Presentation and receipt of Mid-Year Budget update
Finance Director McFarlane delivered a comprehensive update on the Mid-Year budget report, covering all funds, revenues, and expenditures. He highlighted a minor deficit of $8,564, while emphasizing that the budget remains largely balanced. Mr. McFarlane emphasized the need for future discussions on staffing, use of consultants, and capital improvement plan priorities.
In response to the Council's comments and inquiries, Mr. McFarlane provided thoughtful answers.
Mayor Hasko invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Betsy Morgenthaler
• Caroline Vertongen
No action was taken on the item.
b. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2962-2025, Establishing an Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024-25, Pursuant to Article XIIIB of the California Constitution Finance Director McFarlane discussed the Appropriations Limit for fiscal year 2024-25 of $5,280,144, and answered questions of Council. He recommended adoption of the Resolution.
Mayor Hasko invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Dale Pfau
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February 26, 2025
7. COLLEAGUE MEMORANDUM / AGENDA SETTING
None.
8. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
REPORTS
Vice Mayor Taylor reported that he attended Peninsula Clean Energy and CalWater meetings.
Councilmember Wolter reported on a City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) subcommittee meeting and the Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting she attended.
Councilmember Hufty reported on a recent meeting with the Mid-Peninsula Open Space District regarding the Hawthorns plan.
Councilmember Flynn reported on attending an SFO Airport Roundtable, Conservation Committee, Emergency Services Council, and two C/CAG meetings.
Mayor Hasko invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Kristi C
• Caroline Vertongen
• Patty D
9. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hasko adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Approved by the Town Council at its March 12, 2025 meeting.