Volume 47
April 22, 2026
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – APRIL 22, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken by the Clerk.
Present: Councilmembers Helen Wolter, Judith Hasko, Rebecca Flynn, Vice Mayor Mary Hufty, Mayor Craig Taylor
Absent: None
Others: Town Manager Darcy Smith, Town Attorney Catherine Engberg, Finance Director Tony McFarlane, Town Clerk Veronica Dao
2. ANNOUNCEMENT OF REMOTE ATTENDANCE / ROLL CALL
3. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. Introduction of New Sheriff’s Office Captain Brandon Hensel Overseeing Portola Valley
Mayor Taylor introduced the new captain.
b. Presentation on ROPES Project by Wyatt Frenz
Wyatt Frenz presented his project and shared his findings with Council. c. Presentation and Update from Peninsula Clean Energy
Marc Hershman of Peninsula Clean Energy gave an annual update and information on the name change.
4. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Town Manager Smith updated the Council on the following:
• Community survey
• Community clean-up day
• Horse Fair on May 16
• Summer concert series
• PV Palooza and Town Picnic/Zotts to Tots
• Quarterly paper newsletter
• Town Schoolhouse A/V updates
Volume 47
April 22, 2026
• Goats at Woodside Priory for fire mitigation
• Financial audits update
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Taylor invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Ed Holland
• Nona Chiariello
• Betsy Morgenthaler
• Rebecca Flynn
• Helen Wolter
• Kristi C.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Taylor invited public comment. None were received.
Motion and second (Hufty, Wolter) to approve Consent Agenda items 7a and 7e. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
a. Approve Special Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026
b. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2026
c. Approve Warrant List for April 22, 2026
d. Adopt a Resolution Approving an Administrative Amendment to Paragraph 2.2 of the Peninsula Clean Energy Joint Powers Agreement Reflecting the Name Change of Peninsula Clean Authority to WestLight Energy
e. Approve Appointment of Chris Morace as a Member and the Conservation Liaison to Wildfire Preparedness Committee
7. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Receive Draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Plan and Associated Budget Presentation and Provide Direction to Staff
Finance Direction McFarlane presented the item.
Mayor Taylor invited public comment.
Public Comment
Volume 47
April 22, 2026
• Bob Adams
• Karen Askey
Council asked questions and discussed the item.
No formal action was taken.
The Council recessed for a short break at 8:35 p.m. and returned at approximately 8:40 p.m.
b. Receive Information and Provide Direction on a Potential Town Charter Town Manager Smith presented the item.
Mayor Taylor invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Bob Adams
• David Cardinal
Council asked questions and discussed the item.
No formal action was taken.
8. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE, LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
REPORTS
Councilmembers reported on several local and regional meetings they attended recently.
Mayor Taylor invited public comment. None were received.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
_________________________ _________________________
Craig Taylor, Mayor Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
Submitted for approval to the Town Council at its May 13, 2026 regular meeting.