Volume 47
June 24, 2026
PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – JUNE 24, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Roll call was taken.
Present: Councilmembers Helen Wolter (arrived 5:45 p.m.), Judith Hasko, Rebecca Flynn, Vice Mayor Mary Hufty, Mayor Craig Taylor
Absent: None
Others: Town Manager Darcy Smith, Town Attorney Catherine Engberg, Town Clerk Veronica Dao
2. ANNOUNCEMENT OF REMOTE ATTENDANCE / ROLL CALL
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Taylor invited public comment. None were received.
4. CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Wolter was recused from this item.
The Council went into Closed Session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss the following:
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – LITIGATION (Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(1))
County of San Mateo, et al. v. State of California, et al., San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CPF-25-519270
The Council returned at approximately 5:45 p.m. with Councilmember Wolter joining.
Town Attorney Engberg reported out that there was no reportable action.
5. REGULAR AGENDA – Items from the May 27, 2026 Regular Meeting a. Receive Update from the Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Identify Alternative Legal Counsel to Advise the Town regarding MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Proposed Lower Barn Project and Hawthorns Historic Complex Property
Councilmember Hasko gave an update from the subcommittee.
Volume 47
June 24, 2026
Mayor Taylor invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Lynda Brothers
No formal action was taken.
b. Consider Appointment of a Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Research Options to Work Directly with the MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District Regarding the Hawthorns Property
Town Manager Smith presented the item.
Mayor Taylor invited public comment.
Public Comment
• Betsy Morgenthaler
• Lynda Brothers
• Lauren
• Nancy Powell
• Leslie Kriese
• Charles M.
• Ed Holland
• David Cardinal
Council asked questions and discussed the item.
Motion and second (Hufty, Hasko) to not appoint a subcommittee. The motion carried 4-1 by voice vote, with Mayor Taylor voting no.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:05 p.m. _________________________ _________________________
Craig Taylor, Mayor Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
Submitted for approval to the Town Council at its July 8, 2026 regular meeting.