Peninsula Clean
Energy Update
Town of Portola Valley
April 22, 2026
Generation Delivery Savings
Moving Local Climate Goals Forward in Portola Valley
10 Years of Local Impact,
Delivered Together
• Lower costs
• Clean energy
• Infrastructure investment
• 12 EV chargers at Ladera Country Shopper
• $64k to support energy efficiency at town
facilities
$1.4M in bill savings...
7 free days of electricity per year
for each household
A Decade of Delivery in Portola Valley
$784k in community reinvestment
Bill credits, solar system credits, customer
rebates, and Zero-interest loans
100% clean energy sources
Provided from solar, wind, hydro & geothermal
Our role has expanded
…to long-term partnerships that
help customers make energy
investment decisions for their homes
and businesses.
From electricity provider
focused on greening the grid while
maintaining lower rates....
Focus on Portola Valley
What's Ahead
• Continued rate savings, currently at
~10% discount
• New residential solar+ storage roll out
• Upcoming EV fleet opportunities
• 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
And coming soon!
The spirit of the West meets the power & promise of Light PCE becomes WestLight Energy
Same great agency, great new chapter
Support Our Next Chapter
Our Ask Tonight
• Approve the JPA amendment that
reflects our new name
• Help us clearly communicate the
change to customers
• Join us in marking our 10-year
service anniversary!
• Policy reception in the Fall
• Community activities
• Shared communications
Thank you from the PCE team!
Town of Portola Valley
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Plan Development April 22, 2026
Overview
• Review projects
• Roads & Right of Way
• Parks & Fields
• Open Space
• Building & Facilities
• Questions
• Discussion
• Direction
FY 2026-27
Council
Priorities
Financial Responsibility and Long-term Viability
Safety
Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness
Responsible Land Use
Community
Environmental Sustainability
Community Needs
WILDFIRE PREVENTION
STORM DRAINS
STREET RESURFACING
TRAIL MAINTENANCE
AGING FACILITIES
AGING VEHICLE FLEET
FY 2025-26 CIP
YTD
• 9 Active Projects
• Budget - $1.3M
• Actuals - $107K
Category
Project Budget YTD Balance
2025-001 Street Resurfacing $ 905,559 19,231 886,328
2025-003 Storm Drain Repairs 20,000 - 20,000
Total - Roads & Right of Way $ 925,559 19,231 906,328
2025-004 Ford Field Bathroom - Design $ 51,000 48,000 3,000 2025-005 Town Courts Resurfacing 35,000 - 35,000
Total - Parks & Fields $ 86,000 48,000 38,000
2025-006 Valley Oak Trail Bridges $ 50,000 1,620 48,380 2025-007 Trail Rehabilitation 25,463 - 25,463
Total - Open Space 75,463 1,620 73,843
2025-008 Town Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades $ 64,000 - 64,000 2025-010 Town Hall IT Upgrades 50,000 38,615 11,385
2025-011 Schoolhouse IT Upgrades 100,000 - 100,000
Total - Buildings & Facilities 214,000 38,615 175,385
Total - CIP Budget 1,301,022 107,466 1,193,556
Open Space
Buildings & Facilities
Roads & Right of Way
Parks & Fields
Roads & Right of Way
Maintenance
2026-27 Capital Improvement Program
Roads & ROW
Maintenance
• Street Resurfacing
• $2.2M through FY 2027-
28 • FY 2026-27 budget will
include any carry over from
FY 2025-26 budget
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Roads & ROW
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Safety
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $55,000 of staff time Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Design 198,995 80,559 102,884 15,552 - - - -
Construction 2,037,895 825,000 1,053,624 159,271 - - - - Total 2,236,890 905,559 1,156,508 174,823 - - - -
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Capital Projects 387,578 156,903 200,384 30,291 - - - - Gas Tax 297,720 120,526 153,926 23,268 - - - -
Measure A 1,056,061 421,130 553,630 81,301 - - - -
Measure M 125,005 57,000 57,000 11,005 - - - -
Measure W 370,526 150,000 191,568 28,958 - - - -
Total 2,236,890 905,559 1,156,508 174,823 - - - -
on Corte Madera and Westridge. For FY 2026-27, work will primarily consist of slurry seal applications including roads that recently received digout repairs, along with other appropriate slurry seal locations Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Street Resurfacing
PW 2025-001
The project will increase the Town's Pavement Condition Index (PCI) by focusing on segments with a PCI of less than 70.
For FY 2025-26 work will primarily consist of digout and overlay repairs, with most significant repairs and maintenance occuring Roads & ROW
Maintenance
• Street Resurfacing – ADA
Improvements
• New Project
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Roads & ROW
Project Name Street Resurfacing - ADA Improvements Useful Life Project No Priority Safety
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $10,000 of staff time Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Design 10,000 - 10,000 - - - - -
Construction 50,000 - 50,000 - - - - -
Total 60,000 - 60,000 - - - - -
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Capital Projects 10,000 - 10,000 - - - - -
Gas Tax 10,000 - 10,000 - - - - -
Measure A 30,000 - 30,000 - - - - -
Measure M - - - - - - - -
Measure W 10,000 - 10,000 - - - - -
Total 60,000 - 60,000 - - - - -
improvements to existing infrastructure must be made over time in parallel with annual or biennial road resurfacing efforts.
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
PW 2026-002
The project will make partial, minorADAcurbramp improvements as part of the Town's ADA transition plan at major intersections to improve accessibility of street walkways, ramps and crosswalks. These upgrades are necessary because ADA Roads & ROW
Maintenance
• Storm Drain Repairs
• Carryover
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Roads & ROW
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Safety
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $6,000 of staff time Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Construction 20,000 - 20,000 - - - - -
Total 20,000 - 20,000 - - - - -
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Capital Projects 20,000 - 20,000 - - - - -
Total 20,000 - 20,000 - - - - -
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Emergency Storm Drain Repairs
PW 2025-003
This project would make any emergency repairs to the Town's Storm Drain system Parks & Fields Maintenance
FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program
Parks & Fields
Maintenance
• Ford Field Bathroom
• Feasibility study due by
July 2026
• $181K Grant needs to be
spent by FY 2027-28
• Ongoing utility and
maintenance costs yet to be
determined
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Parks & Fields
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Community
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $40,000 of staff time. Completion of project will include ongoing utility and maintenance costs that have yet to be determined.
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Design 51,000 51,000 - - - - - -
Total 51,000 51,000 - - - - - -
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total General Fund 6,000 6,000 - - - - - -
Park In-leu 45,000 45,000
Total 51,000 51,000 - - - - - -
Design phase will determine feasibility of project and will update costs from 2021 and is anticipated to be completed in in July 2026. Completion of project will eliminate the rental of portable lavatories at Dorothy Ford Field.
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Dorothy Ford Field Bathroom - Design
PW 2025-004
This project would install a permanent 400 sf bathroom at Dorothy Ford Field per the State of California Parks Department grant application. A grant in the amount of $180,763 was awarded towards this project with a total cost estimated to be $390K.
Parks & Fields
Maintenance
• Town Courts Resurfacing
• Deferred pending the
outcome of the feasibility
study for the Bathroom
project
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Parks & Fields
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Community
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $20,000 of staff time.
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Construction 35,000 - - - - - - 35,000
Total 35,000 - - - - - - 35,000
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Grants 35,000 - - - - - - 35,000
Total 35,000 - - - - - - 35,000
PV Fund.
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Town Center Courts Resurfacing
PW 2025-005
This project will resurface and repaint the three courts located at Town Center. The courts are used for basketball, tennis, and pickleball. There are multiple cracks making one court unusable for tennis. This project was approved for funding through Open Space Improvements
FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program Development
Open Space
Improvements
• Valley Oak Trail Bridges
• Current budget is to fund
surveys to determine the
bridge locations and legal
review
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Open Space
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Safety
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $15,000 of staff time.
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Design 50,000 - - - - - - 50,000
Total 50,000 - - - - - - 50,000
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Capital Projects 50,000 - - - - - - 50,000
Total 50,000 - - - - - - 50,000
Since adoption the scope of the project has changed resulting in a review of the original claim and survey of the location of the bridges.
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Valley Oak Trail Bridges
PW 2025-006
This project will replace tow pedestrian bridges along the Valley Oak Trail that were severely damaged during a significant storm event in Feb 2024. The project was originally estimated to cost $70,973 and was to be funded through an insurance claim.
Open Space
Improvements
• Annual trail rehabilitation budget
is $15K
• Additional amount is remaining
balance from Shady Trail donation
• Carryover
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Open Space
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Safety
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $7,000 of staff time.
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Construction 20,463 - 20,463 - - - - -
Total 20,463 - 20,463 - - - - -
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Capital Projects 20,463 - 20,463 - - - - -
Total 20,463 - 20,463 - - - - -
& Paths Committee.
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Trail Rehabilitation
PW 2025-007
The project will fund emergency repairs to trails. Funding includes remaining balance from the Shady Trail donation received in FY 2024-25. Additional trails have been identified for repair and rehabilitation that will need to be prioritized by the Trails Buildings & Facilities
FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Plan Development
Buildings &
Facilities
• Town Hall Energy
Efficiency Upgrades
• PCE Grant
• Replace aging
incandescent lighting to LED
systems
• Initial review completed
• Evaluating fixture
specifications and options
• Testing a pilot fixture
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Bldgs & Facs
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Efficiency
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $7,000 of staff time. Upgrading to more energy efficient items will reduce ongoing utility and maintenance costs.
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Construction 64,415 - 64,415 - - - - -
Total 64,415 - 64,415 - - - - -
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Grants 64,415 - 64,415 - - - - -
Total 64,415 - 64,415 - - - - -
Energy (PCE).
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Town Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades
PW 2025-009
This project will fund energy efficiency upgrades at Town Hall. Efficiency upgrades will include, but are not limited to, boiler replacement, HVAC, or lighting, etc. Project is funded by a grant from WestLight Energy, formerly known as Peninsula Clean Buildings &
Facilities
• Town Hall IT Upgrades
• Project will be completed
before the end of the year
• Town has issued an RFP
for IT Services.
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Admin
Category Bldgs & Facs
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Efficiency
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $10,000 of staff time.
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Construction 50,000 38,615 - - - - - 11,385
Total 50,000 38,615 - - - - - 11,385
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Capital Projects 50,000 38,615 - - - - - 11,385
Total 50,000 38,615 - - - - - 11,385
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
Town Hall IT Upgrades
PW 2025-010
The project will fund IT upgrades at Town Hall. Scope of project will include replacing aging equipment to maintain connectivity and date integrity. Completion of this project will increase staff efficiency.
Buildings &
Facilities
• Schoolhouse IT Upgrades
• Complete replacement of
all IT equipment in the
Schoolhouse
• Project is deferred until
new IT service provider can
prepare an analysis of Town
needs and make
recommendation
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Admin
Category Bldgs & Facs
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Efficiency
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Construction 100,000 - - - - - - 100,000
Total 100,000 - - - - - - 100,000
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total Grants 100,000 - - - - - - 100,000
Total 100,000 - - - - - - 100,000
being deferred until the new IT service provider can do an analysis and make a proper recommendation. This project was to be funded by PV Fund.
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
School House IT Upgrades
PW 2025-011
The project will fund the complete replacement of all IT equipment at the School House. The project will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of council, committee, and staff communication. An RFP for IT services has been issued and this project is Buildings &
Facilities
• EV Charging Stations
• MTC Grant
• Coordinating with Half
Moon Bay, San Carlos, East
Palo Alto – MOU June 2026
• Single RFP for design and
project management
services
• Work to start Fall 2026
2025 - 2031 Contact
Department Public Works
Category Bldgs & Facs
Project Name Useful Life
Project No Priority Sustainability
Description
Operational Impact/Other
Operational costs are estimated to be $58,000 of staff time, with the remaining match consisting of rebates and incentives.
Ongoing maintenance and utility costs are anticipated to be funded by the revenue generated by the charging stations.
Expenditures Budget 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Balance Design 53,711 - 53,711 - - - - -
Right of Way 5,371 - 5,371 - - - - -
Construction 322,695 - 322,695 - - - - -
Total 381,777 - 381,777 - - - - -
Funding Sources 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2030-31 Total General Fund 64,777 - 64,777 - - - - -
Grants 317,000 - 317,000 - - - - -
Total 381,777 - 381,777 - - - - -
The grant comes with an approximate $65K matching requirement that will be met through staff time, rebates and incentives.
Capital Improvement Program
Town of Portola Valley
EV Charging Stations
2026-01
This project will fund the installation of an EV Charging station at the corner of Alpine and Portola Roads. The Town was awarded a $317,000 grant through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC) Charging Infrastructure Program.
Capital
Improvement
Program - CIP
• 6 Active Projects • 3 Deferred Projects • $1.45 Million • $65K – General Fund • $202K – Capital Projects • $381K – Grants • $133K – Gas Tax • $457K – Measure A • $57K – Measure M • $162K – Measure W Category
Project Amount 101 401 201 206 211 212 213 222
2025-001 Annual Street Resurfacing $ 905,559 $ - 156,903 - 120,526 421,130 57,000 150,000 - 2026-002 Annual Street Resurfacing - ADA 60,000 - - - 12,000 36,000 - 12,000 - 2025-003 Storm Drain Repairs 20,000 - 20,000 - - - - - - Total - Roads & Right of Way $ 985,559 - 176,903 - 132,526 457,130 57,000 162,000 - 2025-004 Ford Field Bathroom - Design $ - $ - - - - - - - - 2025-005 Town Courts Resurfacing - - - - - - - - -
Total - Parks & Fields $ - - - - - - - - -
2025-006 Valley Oak Trail Bridges $ - $ - - - - - - - - 2025-007 Trail Rehabilitation 25,463 - 25,463 - - - - - - Total - Open Space 25,463 - 25,463 - - - - - -
2025-008 Town Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades $ 64,415 $ - - 64,415 - - - - - 2025-010 Town Hall IT Upgrades - - - - - - - - -
2025-011 Schoolhouse IT Upgrades - - - - - - - - -
2026-001 EV Charging Stations 381,777 64,777 - 317,000 - - - - -
Total - Buildings & Facilities 446,192 64,777 - 381,415 - - - - - Total - CIP Budget 1,457,214 64,777 202,366 381,415 132,526 457,130 57,000 162,000 - Buildings & Facilities
Funding
Parks & Fields
Open Space
Roads & Right of Way
Questions
Discussion
Direction
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
Proposed Town Charter
Town Council Meeting | April 22, 2026
Darcy Smith, Town Manager
Catherine Engberg, Town Attorney
BACKGROUND
Town Council Priority and Work Items
Council’s Top Priority: Financial Responsibility and Long-Term Viability Priority Tasks Completed and Underway:
• Educate the community on Town finances
• Complete the backlog of financial audits
• Implement financial consultant best
practices recommendations
• Conduct a user fee study
• Develop and implement infrastructure to
improve operational efficiency and
effectiveness
• Evaluate options including additional
locally controlled funding to address the
Town’s structural deficit
BACKGROUND: THE FISCAL CHALLENGE
Town Budget Forecast
~$700K/yr
Ongoing structural
deficit
FY 2027-28
Reserves fall below
20% minimum
FY 2029-30
Reserves fully
depleted
60% of Portola Valley registered voters are highly interested in the Charter approach (September 2025 Survey)
COMMUNITY VOICE
Community Feedback
The Portola Valley Conversation community survey (September 2025) identified three core resident priorities:
Disaster Preparedness
Residents want preparedness for wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding — including prevention measures, evacuation planning, and reliable emergency communications.
Protect Town Autonomy
Residents do not want zoning and planning decisions made by the County. Remaining incorporated preserves local decision-making authority.
Long-Term Fiscal Stability
Residents want to ensure that the Town can continue delivering services at current levels without depleting reserves or cutting essential programs.
60% of Portola Valley registered voters are highly interested in the Charter approach (September 2025 Survey)
UNDERSTANDING THE CHARTER
General Law Town vs. Charter Town
GENERAL LAW TOWN (current)
Must follow all California state law, even on
municipal affairs
Limited authority over municipal affairs
Shares Documentary Transfer Tax with
County (55¢ per $1,000)
Cannot adopt a Real Property Transfer Tax
State Legislature controls many local
decisions
CHARTER TOWN (proposed)
Local control over defined municipal affairs
Authority to adopt a Real Property Transfer
Tax (RPTT)
Local RPTT revenue goes entirely to the
Town
Still subject to US & CA Constitution, and to
State law on non-municipal matters
Voters control Charter content and can
amend it in the future
CALIFORNIA CONTEXT
Charter Cities & Towns in California
~362
General Law
Cities/Towns
~121
Charter
Cities/Towns
~26%
Of California cities
have charters
Nearby Charter Cities that include a local tax component:
Albany Berkeley Emeryville
El Cerrito San Mateo Piedmont
PROPOSED CHARTER
Staff's Recommended Approach: A Simple, Focused Charter Staff recommend a brief, narrowly focused charter that authorizes the proposed RPTT while otherwise keeping Portola Valley subject to general State law to keep the process simple, affordable and on schedule.
WHAT CHARTER WILL DO
Convert Town from General Law to Charter
status
Authorize the Town to levy an RPTT
Keep 100% of RPTT revenue locally
controlled
Preserve existing Town governance
structure and Municipal Code
Allow future Charter amendments if voters
choose
WHAT CHARTER WILL NOT DO
Change the Town's form of government
Alter the Municipal Code or existing law
Affect public contracting or prevailing wage
rules
Change local election procedures
Limit future Council or voter options
SAMPLE CHARTERS
Three Simplified Charter Models
Staff reviewed three sample charters that take a focused approach — authorizing the RPTT while otherwise deferring to State law. Each has a different approach to framing power over municipal affairs.
El Cerrito
Focused / RPTT-first
Brief, single-purpose charter
Explicitly authorizes RPTT and
home rule
Preserves existing city
government structure
Requires compliance with state
laws on prevailing wages and
collective bargaining
Does not alter existing Municipal
Code
St. Helena
Focused / RPTT-first
Very brief and streamlined
Different framing of power over
municipal affairs
Focuses narrowly on revenue
authority
Simpler language, easier public
communication
Fewer specified constraints than
El Cerrito
Truckee
Focused / Town Charter
Another simplified charter model
Example of a Town (not City)
Charter
Maintains deference to State
general law with the exception
of a few limited areas such as
public works contracting
See Attachment 2 for full text of sample charters. Council direction on which model to follow is requested tonight.
PROPOSED TIMELINE
Path to the November 3, 2026 Ballot
March 25
2026
Council
Direction
Provided to
Proceed
with
Charter
April 22
2026
Council
Direction
(Today)
May 13
2026
Public
Hearing #1 on
Draft Town
Charter
June 24
2026
Public
Hearing #2 on
Draft Town
Charter
July 8
2026
Council
Direction
on Ballot
Measure
July 22
2026
Council
Consideration
of
Resolution to
Place Measure
on Ballot
November 3
2026
Election
Day
Filing Deadline: August 7, 2026 — Last day to submit ballot measures to the County Registrar of Voters If voters approve: Charter and RPTT take effect January 1, 2027. Both require a 50%+1 majority vote.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation & Council Direction Needed
Staff recommends the Town Council receive this information and provide direction on a potential Town Charter to be included in a ballot measure for the November 3, 2026 election. The ballot measure would include a Town Charter and a proposed Real Property Transfer Tax. Details of the RPTT will be determined at a later meeting.
Council Direction Requested:
1 Confirm support for pursuing a Town Charter as a pathway to adopt an RPTT 2 Provide direction on the type and content of the proposed Charter (simple/focused vs. more expansive) 3 Confirm the overall timeline leading to a November 3, 2026 ballot measure 4 Provide any additional direction to staff for preparation of the draft Charter
TOWN COUNCIL FEEDBACK
Questions for Council Discussion
Q1
Which sample charter should Portola Valley replicate?
El Cerrito — explicitly authorizes RPTT + home rule; clarifies that state law governing prevailing wage and labor protections applies St. Helena — similar RPTT focus with different framing of municipal affairs authority: everything other than tax subject to general law Truckee — third model for comparison; review for additional structural options A hybrid or modified approach drawing from multiple samples Q2
What content should the Portola Valley Town Charter include? Should the charter be narrowly focused on authorizing the RPTT only (staff recommendation)? Staff is seeking Council direction tonight to finalize the draft Charter for review at the May 13, 2026 meeting.
TOWN COUNCIL
Questions for staff
Q2