TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
Regular Meeting of the Town Council
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
7:00 PM
HYBRID MEETING
AGENDA
Judith Hasko, Mayor
Craig Taylor, Vice Mayor
Rebecca Flynn, Councilmember
Mary Hufty, Councilmember
Helen Wolter, Councilmember
HISTORICSCHOOLHOUSE - 765PortolaRoad,PortolaValley,CA 94028 Remote Public Comments: Meeting participants are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of the meeting. Please submit your public comments by using the online form, by 1:00 PM on the day of the meeting. Time permitting, correspondence will be uploaded to the website, forwarded to the Portola Valley Town Council for consideration during the meeting and included in the public record. Members of the public may also provide comments in person at the meeting. The agenda and staff report will be posted on the Town’s website by approximately 5:00 PM the Friday prior to the meeting.
In-Person Public Comments: Please fill out and submit a Public Comment card to the Town Clerk or Mayor prior to speaking. The Mayor will call your name at the appropriate time. Each speaker’s time is limited to three (3) minutes. The Mayor reserves the right to limit speakers’ time, depending upon the number of speakers or other circumstances.
Assistance for People with Disabilities: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Town Clerk at (650) 851-1700 or by email at [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the Town to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
2. A.B. 2449 CONSIDERATIONS: Announcements/Consideration and approval of request to attend remotely by Town Council, pursuant to AB 2449 (just cause and emergency circumstances).
3. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
4. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
There are no written materials and the Town Council does not take action under this agenda item.
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Town Council Agenda
May 28, 2025
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Persons wishing to address the Town Council on any subject may do so now. Please submit a speaker’s slip located at the back of the room to the Town Clerk or Mayor, prior to speaking. Please note the Council is not able to undertake extended discussion or action on items not on the agenda. Each speaker’s time is limited to three (3) minutes.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2025
b. Adopt Special Meeting Minutes of May 21, 2025
c. Approve Warrant List of May 28, 2025
7. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Review FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan Budget Development b. Presentation regarding engagement with two Public Outreach and Education Firms for possible revenue ballot measure in November 2026
8. COLLEAGUE MEMORANDUM / AGENDA SETTING
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL
AGENCIES REPORTS
Oral and written reports arising out of Council subcommittee and liaison appointments to both in-town and regional committees and initiatives. The Town Council does not take action under this agenda item.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Town Council meeting will be held on June 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Land Acknowledgement: The Town of Portola Valley acknowledges the colonial history of this land we dwell upon the unceded territory of the Ramaytush (rah-my-toosh) Ohlone, Tamien Nation, and Muwekma (mah-WEK- mah) Ohlone, who endured a human and cultural genocide that included removal from their lands and their sacred relationship to the land. Portola Valley recognizes that we profit from the commodification of land seized from indigenous peoples and now bear the ecological consequences. We seek to understand the impact of these legacies on all beings and to find ways to make repair.
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – MAY 14, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Mayor Hasko called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Roll Call was taken by the Clerk.
Present: Councilmembers Rebecca Flynn, Mary Hufty (7:06 p.m.), Helen Wolter, Vice Mayor Craig Taylor and Mayor Judith Hasko
Absent: None
Others: Interim Town Manager Mark Linder, Town Attorney Catherine Engberg, Finance Director, Anthony McFarlane, Interim Planning and Building Director Terrence Grindall, Clerk Consultant Christine Boland
2. A.B. 2449 CONSIDERATIONS None.
3. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. Proclamation Declaring May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month Mayor Hasko read the Proclamation in its entirety.
4. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Interim Town Manager Linder reported on the following:
• Announced upcoming horse fair
• Updated the Council on the new Town Manager recruitment • Provided a housing element update
• Commended Vice Mayor Taylor on his search and rescue efforts for the missing hiker • Reported that Mayor Hasko was absent on a cancer research fundraising trip
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Hasko invited public comment:
• Rita Comes Whitney
• Councilmember Rebecca Flynn
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Agenda item 6.a. was removed for separate discussion. Motion and Second (Hufty and Taylor), moved approval of Consent Agenda items 6.b., 6.c. and 6.d. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
a. Adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2025
Motion and second, (Taylor and Hufty) moved approval of the April 23, 2025 Minutes. The motion carried 4-0-1 by roll call vote. Mayor Hasko abstained from the vote due to her absence.
b. Adopt Special Meeting Minutes of April 30, 2025
c. Approve Warrant List of April 23, 2025
d. Adopt Resolution No. 2966-2025, Amending the Salary Schedule to reflect a Change in Title of Lead Maintenance Worker to Maintenance Worker III
7. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2967- 2025, Establishing a Donation and Gift Acceptance Policy and Creating a Special Revenue Fund for Undesignated Donations
1. Presentation by Portola Valley Fund, a non-profit organization Finance Director McFarlane presented the report.
Jon Golden, Portola Valley Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was introduced. He provided a presentation on the new donor opportunity through the non-profit organization.
Public Comment:
• Rita Comes Whitney
• Jane Wilson
• Betsy Morgenthaler
Discussion ensued.
Motion and second (Taylor and Hufty) moved approval of Resolution No. 2967-2025 Establishing a Donation and Gift Acceptance Policy and Creating a Special Revenue Fund for Undesignated Donations, with a request for policy review at the mid-year budget cycle review (Feb 2027). The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. b. Receive Annual Housing Element Progress Report for 2024 Interim Planning & Building Director Grindall provided an annual update on the Housing Element and answered questions of Council.
Mayor Hasko invited public comment:
Public Comment:
• Ronny Krashinsky
• Karen Askey
• Kristi C
Motion and second (Hufty and Taylor) moved acceptance of the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for 2024. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
8. COLLEAGUE MEMORANDUM / AGENDA SETTING
None.
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
REPORTS
Councilmembers reported on several regional and local meetings they attended recently.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hasko adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
____________________________ _____________________________ Judith Hasko, Mayor Christine Boland, Clerk Consultant
Submitted to the Council for approval on May 28, 2025
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – MAY 21, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Mayor Hasko called the meeting to order at approximately 5:43 p.m. Roll call was taken.
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
2. CLOSED SESSION
a. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE – Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Title: Town Manager
Mayor Hasko invited public comment on the agenda item. None was received.
The Council adjourned to a Closed Session at 5:43 p.m. No action was taken on the agenda item.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hasko adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
_________________________ _____________________________ Judith Hasko, Mayor Christine Boland, Clerk Consultant
Submitted to the Town Council for approval at its May 28, 2025 regular meeting.
______________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Tony McFarlane, Finance Director
DATE: May 28, 2025
RE: Review and Accept Warrant List
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Review and accept the following Warrant List for the month of April:
05/28/2025 Warrant List
REPORT SUMMARY
The following table lists warrant activity by date, tracks starting and ending warrant numbers, and total amount of warrants issued.
The following table lists payments by fund.
Date
Ending
Warrant #
Warrant 5/14/2025 5141 5172 32 310,406.31 5/29/2025 5/14/2025 5140 Attached are Warrant Lists for:
Prior Warrant List
Type of Warrant Date
Starting
Warrant #
Ending
Warrant #
Total
Warrants Amount
Warrants
Released
Fund Date Amount
General 5/28/2025 146,938.22
Grants 5/28/2025 118,688.77
Open Space 5/28/2025 3,100.00
Customer Deposits 5/28/2025 41,679.32
Total $ 310,406.31
Payments by Fund
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
The following table lists the warrants issued as EFT/ACH payments. EFT/ACH payments are recurring payments for contributions related to retirement and deferred compensation, workers’ compensation premiums, and utilities, etc.
The following table lists the warrants that were voided and the reason for the voided transaction.
The following table lists the warrants issued outside of the scheduled warrant list cycle for various reasons, such as processing error, reissuing a voided check, or employee separation.
DISCLOSURE
The Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons project was completed in May. This phase of the project is estimated to cost $227K and is funded by a $161K grant from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority and matching funds of $66K from Measure W.
Total costs to date for this phase of the project totals approximately $180K. Inclusive in this amount is engineering/project management cost of $28,625 and construction costs of $151,400.
For additional information on any item disclosed in this report, please contact the Finance department directly at [email protected].
ATTACHMENTS
1. 05/28/2025 Warrant List Certification
Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Purpose Amount
5/28/2025 5142 Bank of America General Various April Credit Card Charges $ 5,683.31 5/28/2025 5144 CalPERS General Various April Contributions, May UAL 31,025.51 5/28/2025 5151 Missionsquare Retirement General Various April Employee Deductions 1,824.50 5/28/2025 5154 Navia Benefit Solutions General Various April Employee Deductions 283.33 5/28/2025 5158 State Comp Insurance Fund General Various May Premium 2,600.08 5/28/2025 5166 Amazon Capital Services General 610 April Office Supplies 130.56 Warrants issued as ACH/EFT
Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Reason Amount
Warrants Voided
Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Purpose Amount
Warrants Issued Outside of a Scheduled Warrant List
Date Warrant # Issued to Fund Dept Purpose Amount
5/28/2025 5170 St. Francis Electric Grant 710 Rapid Flashing Beacons $ 118,688.77 Disclosure
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
Warrant Disbursement Journal
May 28, 2025
Claims totaling $310,406.31 having been duly examined by me and found to be correct are hereby approved and verified by me as due bills against the Town of Portola Valley.
Date _____________________________ ________________________________ Corie Stocker, Assistant Town Manager
Motion having been duly made and seconded, the above claims are hereby approved and allowed for payment.
Signed and sealed this (Date) _____________________
_______________________________ _________________________________ Anthony McFarlane, Finance Director Mayor
apachreg Town of Portola Valley mmagahiz 05/21/2025 14:05 Page 1 Check Register
Check Vendor Vendor Name Check Check BW CheckNumber Number Amount Date TypeChecks for Cash Account: 910-11011-000 5141 41 AT&T 310.30 05/28/255142 44 BANK OF AMERICA 5,683.31 05/28/25 EFTPS5143 78 CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO 13,299.08 05/28/255144 80 CALPERS 31,025.51 05/28/25 EFTPS5145 124 COMCAST 758.31 05/28/255146 129 COTTON SHIRES & ASSOC. INC. 5,515.08 05/28/255147 135 CSG CONSULTANTS INC 17,332.00 05/28/255148 195 GOOD CITY COMPANY 51,083.75 05/28/255149 203 GREEN HALO SYSTEMS 114.00 05/28/255150 209 HARRY COUNCELL 2,500.00 05/28/255151 218 MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT 1,824.50 05/28/25 EFTPS5152 234 J. W. ENTERPRISES 546.88 05/28/255153 295 LYNX TECHNOLOGIES INC 525.00 05/28/255154 330 NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS 283.33 05/28/25 EFTPS5155 403 RON RAMIES AUTOMOTIVE INC. 1,251.33 05/28/255156 437 SMALL BUSINESS BENEFIT PLAN TR 2,128.20 05/28/255157 445 STANDARD INSURANCE CO. 541.47 05/28/255158 448 STATE COMP INSURANCE FUND 2,600.08 05/28/25 EFTPS5159 505 WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTR 20,953.22 05/28/255160 545 W H DEMPSEY ENGINEERING LLC 3,100.00 05/28/255161 713 COSMOS ROOFING 1,000.00 05/28/255162 730 URBAN PLANNING PARTNERS INC 875.00 05/28/255163 1016 SHUTE, MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 20,232.55 05/28/255164 1091 BOUCHER LAW, PC 6,532.00 05/28/255165 1145 EOIN MATTHEWS 100.00 05/28/255166 1152 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 130.56 05/28/25 EFTPS5167 1159 MICHELLE MAGAHIZ 13.37 05/28/255168 1216 WIZIX TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. 163.44 05/28/255169 1223 ELIZABETH MARTELLI 107.03 05/28/255170 1235 ST. FRANCIS ELECTRIC, LLC 118,688.77 05/28/255171 1257 QUINTANA CONSTRUCTION 1,000.00 05/28/255172 1258 SUNRUN INSTALLATION SERVICES 188.24 05/28/25Check totals: 268,859.02ACH totals:EFTPS totals: 41,547.29Wire transfer totals:Payment Manager totals:GRAND TOTALS 310,406.31
Check totals: 268,859.02
ACH totals:EFTPS totals: 41,547.29Wire transfer totals:Payment Manager totals:GRAND TOTALS 310,406.31
.
apapdinv2 mmagahiz Town of Portola Valley Page 1
14:06 05/21/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 05/28/2025 to 05/28/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice Number Date Number Amount Invoices
Paid
Vendor: 41 AT&T
05/28/25 5141 April Statement 310.30 62.27 000023434089 April Statement 185.76 000023434090April Statement 62.27 000023434091 Vendor: 44 BANK OF AMERICA
5142 April Credit Card Statement 5,683.31 5,683.31 1388-APR25 Vendor: 78 CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO
5143 Water Service 4/12/25 - 5/09/25 13,299.08 13,299.08 APR-2025 Vendor: 80 CALPERS
5144 May UAL CLASSIC 31,025.51 10,777.17 100000017908043 May UAL PEPRA 184.67 100000017908054April Retirement- CLASSIC 5,694.68 100000017857733April Retirement- PEPRA 14,368.99 100000017857754 Vendor: 124 COMCAST
5145 WIFI-5.16.2025-6.15.2025 758.31 516.07 7290-MAY25
WIFI-5.21.2025-6.20.2025 242.24 1945-JUN25
Vendor: 129 COTTON SHIRES & ASSOC. INC.
5146 April 25 Applicant Charges 5,515.08 2,995.08 525180 April 25 Applicant Charges 2,520.00 525181
Vendor: 135 CSG CONSULTANTS INC
5147 Mar Code Enforcement, Bldg Svcs, In House Plan 17,332.00 15,772.00 MAR-2025 Apr Code Enforcement 1,560.00 APR-2025
Vendor: 195 GOOD CITY COMPANY
5148 Planning Consultant Services - April 2025 51,083.75 51,083.75 4144 Vendor: 203 GREEN HALO SYSTEMS
5149 May Hosting & Access 114.00 114.00 5717
Vendor: 209 HARRY COUNCELL
5150 Horse Fair - 3+ Hours Carriage Driving 2,500.00 2,500.00 MAY-17-2025 Vendor: 218 MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT
5151 Deferred Comp - May 15, 2025 1,824.50 1,824.50 MAY-202515 Vendor: 234 J. W. ENTERPRISES
5152 Handicap Unit Rental & Services 546.88 315.44 266055 Handicap Unit Rental & Services 231.44 266056
.
apapdinv2 mmagahiz Town of Portola Valley Page 2
14:06 05/21/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 05/28/2025 to 05/28/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
Vendor: 295 LYNX TECHNOLOGIES INC
5153 GIS Professional Services in Apr 2025 525.00 525.00 10403 Vendor: 330 NAVIA BENEFIT SOLUTIONS
5154 Navia Benefit 05/15/2025 283.33 283.33 05152025
Vendor: 403 RON RAMIES AUTOMOTIVE INC.
5155 2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 1,251.33 605.76 80409 Apr Fuel Statement 645.57 G20250430-03
Vendor: 437 SMALL BUSINESS BENEFIT PLAN TR
5156 Dental/Vision 2,128.20 2,128.20 JUN-2025
Vendor: 445 STANDARD INSURANCE CO.
5157 LTD/Life Premium 541.47 541.47 2025-MAY
Vendor: 448 STATE COMP INSURANCE FUND
5158 Premium 5/06/2025-6/06/2025 2,600.08 2,600.08 1002558371 Vendor: 505 WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTR
5159 4/01/25-4/30/25 Fire Mitigation Crew Support 20,953.22 20,953.22 WFPDCREW-202504 Vendor: 545 W H DEMPSEY ENGINEERING LLC
5160 Mow Spring Down Mowing Mar 3,100.00 1,550.00 2100
Mow Spring Down Mowing Apr 1,550.00 2101
Vendor: 713 COSMOS ROOFING
5161 Deposit Refund - 244 Canyon Dr 1,000.00 1,000.00 BLDR0224-2025 Vendor: 730 URBAN PLANNING PARTNERS INC
5162 PVHE Housing Element Update Mar 875.00 875.00 21029-250228 Vendor: 1016 SHUTE, MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP
5163 April Legal Service 20,232.55 20,232.55 APR-25-SMW Vendor: 1091 BOUCHER LAW, PC
5164 10/01/23-10/31/23 Legal Services 6,532.00 6,532.00 1872 Vendor: 1145 EOIN MATTHEWS
5165 Picnic Rental Deposit Refund 100.00 100.00 PROF-25-23 Vendor: 1152 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC
5166 Office Supplies Phone Case Keyboard Mouse - May 6 25 130.56 130.56 1FW3-NK7W-CNF3
.
apapdinv2 mmagahiz Town of Portola Valley Page 3
14:06 05/21/25 Paid Invoices by Date
From: 05/28/2025 to 05/28/2025
Check Check Special Information Net Check Total Invoice NumberDate Number Amount Invoices Paid
Vendor: 1159 MICHELLE MAGAHIZ
5167 13.37 13.37 FRMR-25-3
Vendor: 1216 WIZIX TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.
5168 Printer 163.44 45.77 484648
Printer 117.67 466352
Vendor: 1223 ELIZABETH MARTELLI
5169 Mileage Reimbursement 107.03 107.03 FRMR-25-4
Vendor: 1235 ST. FRANCIS ELECTRIC, LLC
5170 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Proj:2024-PW02 118,688.77 118,688.77 24056002 Vendor: 1257 QUINTANA CONSTRUCTION
5171 Deposit Refund - 150 Corte Madera#A 1,000.00 1,000.00 BLDR0109-2021 Vendor: 1258 SUNRUN INSTALLATION SERVICES
5172 Deposit Refund - 135 Crescent Ave 188.24 188.24 BLSP0015-2022 Check Date Totals 310,406.31
Grand Total 310,406.31
______________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Tony McFarlane, Finance Director
DATE: May 28, 2025
RE: FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan Budget Development RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Town Council provide direction regarding the development of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan Budget
REPORT SUMMARY
A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a fiscal management tool used to coordinate the location, timing, and funding of capital improvements over a multi-year period, usually 5 years. Capital improvements for the Town refer to major, non-recurring expenditures related to roads and right of way, parks and fields, open space, and buildings and facilities. The CIP includes a description of each project, estimated timeline, funding, and ongoing costs.
Preparation of the CIP is closely linked to the preparation of the Town’s annual operating budget. It is usually adopted in conjunction with the annual budget. Projects identified for years outside the current year budget are not authorized until the annual budget for those years is adopted. These outlier projects then serve as a future planning tool where these projects are subject to further review and modification.
The CIP is a powerful tool for implementing Council priorities, strategic plan, or other planning elements. Capital investments such as road improvements, purchase of open space can have a substantial impact on the Town’s growth and development.
As stated earlier, capital improvements are major, non-recurring expenditures.
Categories include the following,
1. Purchase of major equipment
2. Acquisition of land for a public purpose
3. Construction, expansion, or major renovation of a public building or facility
4. Related planning, engineering, design, appraisal, or feasibility costs.
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
The following is a list of proposed projects.
Road and Right of Way Projects
1. 2025 Road Resurfacing
2. Storm Drain System Assessment
3. Emergency Storm Drain Repairs
4. Sausal Dr Speed Bumps
Parks & Fields Projects
1. Ford Field Bathroom Design
2. Town Courts Resurfacing
3. Bocce Ball
Open Space Projects
1. Valley Oak Trail Bridges
2. Emergency Trails Rehabilitation
3. Dwight Crowder Path Bridge
Building & Facilities Projects
1. Town Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades
2. Town Hall Sheriff Substation
3. Town Hall IT Upgrades
4. Schoolhouse IT Upgrades
Funding sources for CIP projects include the following, Fund 401 – General Fund transfer
Fund 201 – Grants
Fund 203 – COPS Grant
Fund 206 – Gas Tax/RMRA
Fund 211 – Measure A
Fund 212 – Measure M
Fund 213 – Measure W
Fund 221 – Park in-lieu
Fund 222 – Inclusionary in-lieu
Council will receive further detail on each project during the presentation of this item.
Council will also be asked to provide direction on the following,
1. Approve projects for FY 2025-26 CIP development.
2. Prioritize projects for FY 2026-27 and subsequent years.
3. Delegate projects to appropriate committees for further development.
4. Designate approved projects eligible for fundraising.
ATTACHMENTS
1. CIP Schedule
Category
Project Amount 401 201 203 206 211 212 213 221 222 Other Future 2025 Street Resurfacing $ 900,000 156,903 - - 114,967 421,130 57,000 150,000 - - - - Storm Drain Assessment 50,000 50,000 - - - - - - - - - - Storm Drain Repairs 20,000 20,000 - - - - - - - - - -
Sausal Dr Speed Bumps - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total - Roads & Right of Way $ 970,000 226,903 - - 114,967 421,130 57,000 150,000 - - - - Ford Field Bathroom - Design $ 9,600 1,600 8,000 - - - - - - - - - Town Courts Resurfacing 30,000 - 30,000 - - - - - - - - - Bocce Ball Courts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total - Parks & Fields $ 39,600 1,600 38,000 - - - - - - - - - Valley Oak Trail Bridges $ 70,973 - 70,973 - - - - - - - - - Trail Rehabilitation 20,463 20,463 - - - - - - - - - -
Dwight Crowder Path Bridge - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total - Open Space 91,436 20,463 70,973 - - - - - - - - - Town Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades $ 64,000 64,000
Sheriff Substation 50,000 50,000
EV Charging Station -
Town Hall IT Upgrades 50,000 50,000
Schoolhouse IT Upgrades 150,000 150,000
Total - Buildings & Facilities 314,000 50,000 214,000 50,000 - - - - - - - - Total - CIP Budget 1,415,036 298,966 322,973 50,000 114,967 421,130 57,000 150,000 - - - - Buildings & Facilities
Town of Portola Valley
Schedule of Proposed CIP Projects
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Funding
Parks & Fields
Open Space
Roads & Right of Way
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
____________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Mark Linder, Interim Town Manager
Corie Stocker-Pedalino, Assistant Town Manager
DATE: May 28, 2025
RE: Presentation regarding engagement with two Public Outreach and Education Firms for possible revenue ballot measure in November 2026
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Town Council receive a presentation and provide direction to the Town Manager related to engagement with two Public Outreach and Education Firms for a possible revenue ballot measure in November 2026.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
One of the Town Council’s priorities is to fully consider options for financial stability and quality service. The Finance Committee is evaluating pros and cons for a variety of options and will provide that information in a report to the Town Council. Two options for ongoing increased revenue involve a possible ballot measure in November 2026.
Both options generate approximately $1 million annually. This is the minimum required to secure greater financial stability.
One of the options is a real estate transfer tax, which is used interchangeably with documentary transfer tax. The transfer tax requires that the Town have a charter. That charter can be simple and requires voter approval, along with a transfer tax approval.
The second is a parcel tax. A parcel tax also requires voter approval. In my experience, and when one considers recent experiences in cities of St. Helena and Benicia, a lesson learned is the importance of top-quality advice, guidance, planning, and information.
Two local firms possess a solid track record in helping to test messages, conducting statistically valid surveying/polling, and organizing and implementing a successful community wide effort are Godbe and Lew Edwards. Godbe Research is based in Burlingame. Bryan Godbe is a recognized and successful survey/polling organization.
One recent example of its work is his work with the Portola Valley School District.
Catherine Lew of Lew Edwards is an experienced and successful organizer, and manager of revenue ballot efforts. Lew Edwards is based in Oakland. Many San Mateo County local government agencies have used Lew Edwards. Lew Edwards has an over 95% success rate. The first step is to determine the current level of community support and what messages may impact that support. This is information the Council needs to have useful, quality conversation and decision about the next steps.
Each of these firms is interested in working with the Town of Portola Valley. Taking advantage of their experience, expertise, and knowledge is an important step to gather the information the Council needs. It is important to gather information and make decisions regarding a November 2026 ballot measure within the next five to six months.
I am seeking Council direction as to whether I should enter into agreements with these two firms. Each proposal is within the Town Manager’s signing authority of $45,000.
The Town Attorney will review and collaborate on each contract. After engagement with each firm and contract completion, the contracts will be available on the Town website.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact for the two separate contracts is approximately $30,000 for Godbe Research firm and up to $40,000 for Lew Edwards. I believe this is an investment in the Town’s future worth making.
______________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Councilmember Flynn
DATE: 05/08/2025
RE: C/CAG Governing Board Meeting 05/08/2025
ACTION ITEMS:
For Public Works Dept: ***CONTACT SMC OFFICE of SUSTAINABILITY for low cost services for municipalities*** for a new HPWH for Town Buildings and kitchen appliance electrification for small businesses and school districts
Safe Routes to School – many programs available but require applications and champions. Can be applied for by a school district or municipality.
MEETING NOTES:
Receive an update on the San Mateo County Safe Routes to School Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Safe Routes to school –City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) partnered with the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) to administer the countywide Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. SRTS Program Coordinator Theresa Vallez-Kelly presented the FY 2023-2024 report.
Only PV, Hillsborough didn’t participate in any STSP programs. Note that teacher Dylan Taylor was killed while biking to Encinal in Menlo Park this past week.
Programs funded include Bike racks, flashing beacons, signage, crossing guard, bike shed, crosswalk, bike maintenance skills.
Recent data collection efforts (required of all grant recipients) have shown fewer cyclists, more walkers to school. Concerns: lack of sidewalks, no crossing guards, unsafe intersections, too much traffic on the route, speeding traffic. Travel tally dashboard – can choose a school and get data including info from parent surveys.
School travel fellowship program– personnel, parents, + an engineer – create demonstration projects – such as hardened centerline to prevent u-turns at drop off, curb extensions, murals in the street to slow
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
C/CAG Governing Board
traffic (Martin elem school SSF); EPA (Notre Dame)- temporary traffic circle, SPOKES program training on repairs, walk audit facilitator Training with Mark Fenton.
Other achievements and programs:
Alta Consulting created a booklet – Slowing speeds in school zones.
Worked with Stanford Out Voice App – pictures and the comments and creates a map of hot spots – citizen scientists. Citizen Science Leadership Academy course created – train students to use the app. Combine with a walk audit.
Held Golden Sneaker contest – 2-week contest on how many students can walk or bike to school – get visit from therapy dog.
Bike bus with parents and students ; Created Puzzle Book; Working with eBikes Sense to draft materials for safe eBiking.
Ruby Bridges walk to school day – 600K participated last year in 1700 schools across the US. 60 schools in SMC.
Parent driving issues – Parents are often the ones who don’t follow the rules and are rushing or on their phones while dropping off kids.
$800K budget for next year.
Receive a presentation on the San Mateo County Energy Watch Program and the partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Susan Wright – SMC Sustainability Department Free services for county residents and municipalities; Public Education campaign for residents Energy watch – PGE and C/CAG, funded by ratepayers, 2009 – hard to reach customers – reduce GHG, Short term projects: id projects and connect customers with programs; Long term: develop policies to reduce emissions
Programs: install HPWH for local governments – Facilities working group for jurisdictions***. Cataloging of onsite gas appliances *** Also work with school districts and small businesses including kitchen electrification for restaurants - ***CONTACT SMC OFFICE of SUSTAINABILITY for low cost services for municipalities***
RICAPS climate collaborative – working with cities on a MTC grant for EV charging infrastructure – Community sites for the grant (Portola Valley participated with 3 other towns and received the grant) C/CAG budget
Some accomplishments and programs: Countywide Vision zero for local streets, Baywheels – first/last mile program; 92/101 repairs; Smart Corridor Project; managed lanes north of 380; Direct connector 92/101 planning
Stormwater improvements, rain barrel program, sustainable streets projects Ebike strategy and policy plan; Autonomous vehicles; Smart corridor complete in fy26 SSF; Stormwater – municipal regional stormwater permit negotiations
Budget recap – slower start to some projects, later start to planning studies Call for Projects soon:
• OBAG4 – MTC $20-30 million over 4 year period
The One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program is the policy and programming framework for investing federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STP), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ), and other fund programs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
• State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) ($30 m) The STIP is a multi-year capital improvement program of transportation projects on and off the State Highway System, funded with revenues from the State Highway Account and other funding sources. The STIP is composed of two sub-elements: the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) and the Interregional Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP).
• $2.2 M TDA article 3 (Transportation Development Act Article 3) for bicycle and pedestrian projects
Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA 3) funds are made available through State funds and are distributed by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to C/CAG on a formula basis. As the program administrator for San Mateo County, C/CAG issues a call for project nominations for eligible bicycle and/or pedestrian projects within the county.
Eligible applicants include the 20 cities, the County, and any joint powers agencies in San Mateo.
• $1 million TFCA special projects
• $2.2 M lifeline transportation program
Legislative update
May revise – less rosy than earlier budget (greater economy problems and fires in LA) MTC funding requesting $30 m – Bay area housing finance authority – will run out of money in 2 years – looking into a regional housing bond. (Smc rhna 45,000 with 19,000 bmr’s); Doorways program – unified affordable housing portal - seeking $15 revolving loan fund for seed funding for affordable housing fund – C/CAG supports the request
AB 1085 – banning License plate obscuring– significant impact on tolls and license plate readers – C/CAG supports
Regional transportation measure – public transportation post covid losses being analyzed and polling data available in early July – Opt in agency – special C/CAG meeting necessary – may cancel early July meeting and hold the ccag meeting later in July – half a cent – citizens’ initiative – (50+1)– November 2026 – Bay Pass – transit coordination.