TOWN OF WOODSIDE
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 28, 2023
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw Staff Present:
Kevin Bryant, Town Manager
Jean Savaree, Town Attorney
Sage Schaan, Planning Director
Sean Rose, Town Engineer/Director of Public Works
Jennifer Li, Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Rosie, Carina, and Charlotte, Woodside Elementary School students, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Brown moved to add to the agenda consideration of the Resolution regarding the length of trucks permitted on Old La Honda Road.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Fluet and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
Mayor Shaw stated: it will be Item A-1, after Item A, and asked staff for a brief status update on Highway 84, Kings Mountain Road, Old La Honda Road, and anything else the public should hear.
Mr. Bryant stated: two weeks ago, CalTrans closed Highway 84 between Fox Hill Road and Portola Road due to a landslide; CalTrans created a project website to update the public; CalTrans has not had the opportunity to plan repair for the road yet; the Town has communicated preference for CalTrans to open one lane sooner rather than later; Town efforts have been to keep facilities open; on Old La Honda Road, there are one-way control lights at the top; Old La Honda Road is now a commuter route for those who typically use Highway 84; on Thursday, a heavy tow truck rolled off the road; on Sunday, Old La Honda Road was closed to extract the truck; Mr. Rose was there all day working to open the road and keep it functional; there are flaggers helping in the interim while the control lights are calibrated; the roadway was damaged, so the Town needs to limit the length of trucks using the road.
Mr. Rose added: the Town has accelerated maintenance of Old La Honda Road since use has increased; the Old La Honda Road Association is very engaged.
Mayor Shaw asked staff to share the nature of daily inspections performed to prevent potential erosion.
Mr. Rose stated: staff inspects culverts daily due to the volume of debris constantly dropping in the rural setting; when the uphill side saturates, there are wash outs that erode the downhill side.
Mayor Shaw asked for any updates on the sinkhole on Highway 84.
Town Council Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 Page 1
Mr. Bryant said there are no updates from last week.
Mayor Shaw stated: the level of coordination of staff and Councilmember Fluet are exemplary; it is a lot of work to keep roads open, residents informed, and the Town's infrastructure functioning; the Town does not have responsibility for maintaining Highway 84; Assemblyman Berman and State Senator Becker are aware of the situation.
Dave Burow, Sheridan Way, suggested expanding the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund Program to include trees that are in danger of falling on power lines.
Christin New expressed appreciation for Mr. Rose and Councilmember Fluet for their hard work and efforts on the Highway 84 and Old La Honda Road issues.
Kim Hansen, Raymundo Drive, stated: a suggestion to use Town funds to manage water on private properties by creating a program that can be used towards clearing storm drains; the Library does not have a back-up generator.
Mayor Shaw stated: management of water will be discussed in the future; there is a back-up generator at Town Hall.
Mr. Bryant said he is meeting with the Library director on Friday and can discuss it.
APPOINTMENTS
Report and Recommendation from the Town Council Committees Appointments Subcommittee:
Recreation Committee
Councilmember Goeld moved to appoint Rowan MacNiven to the Recreation Committee. •
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Register of Demands Against the Town of Woodside from March 1 through 15, 2023.
2. 2022-23 February Monthly Investment Activity Report.
3. Resolution Updating the COVID-19 Prevention Program.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7574
Councilmember Dombkowski moved approval of the Consent Calendar Items 1-3.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Fluet and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution Ratifying the Town Manager's Proclaiming of a Local Emergency Related to the Severe Wind and Rainstorms that Commenced Around March 8, 2023, and Continuing Through at Least March 14, 2023.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7575
Town Council Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 Page 2
Mr. Bryant presented the staff report.
There were no questions for staff.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 7:23 p.m.
There were no additional comments.
Councilmember Fluet moved approval of Item A.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Dombkowski and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
A-1. Resolution temporarily prohibiting trucks longer than 25 ft on Old La Honda Road Resolution No. 2023 - 7576
Mr. Bryant said this would be in effect until the Town can repair the road and the road can handle a 35- foot truck.
The Council's questions included: clarification of what occurred and how the road was destroyed; how cooperation has been from non-essential users on Old La Honda Road; whether any additional restrictions could be deployed, similar to the closure of Cañada Road on Sundays for six hours.
In response to Council's questions, Mr. Rose stated: the curb is in the upper quarter mile, which is narrower with a lot of vegetation; the back tires did not clear the curb, and the outside tire ruptured the pavement underneath it; the truck rolled downhill and was stopped by a redwood tree; additional pavement was lost during the truck extraction operation; there is an opportunity to increase the width at that curve; staff has not received any reports about the queue and bicycles; there are more cars on the road.
In response to Council's question about temporarily closing the road, Ms. Savaree stated: the Vehicle code is clear on the limited circumstances where a local entity can temporarily close a road; it can be closed for a special event or usage; temporary closures tend to not allow any car access at all.
Additional Council comments and questions included: a suggestion to replace "trucks" with "vehicles" in the Resolution text; whether detour signage can be placed for non-essential traffic.
In response to signage, Mr. Rose stated: last week, a sign was placed at the bottom of Old La Honda Road that advised bicyclists to use alternate routes.
The Public Comment Period opened at 7:35 p.m.
Ehsan Farkhondeh, Alta Vista Road, summarized the Circulation Committee meeting that took place two weeks ago, and suggested adding more obvious signage, using flaggers during rush hour, or having more Sheriff's Deputies on Old La Honda Road.
In response to Mr. Farkhondeh's comments, Mr. Rose stated: the Town is doing all the above; there are two flaggers from Bay Area Transportation Services; the truck restriction is enforced; there are new signs in the centerline and out of the pavement to feel like a checkpoint; trucks over 25' are required to obtain a permit from the Town; staff has requested additional Sheriff support.
David Mittelman suggested putting signage in parking lots to inform bicyclists of the constraints on Old La Town Council Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 Page 3
Honda Road and Kings Mountain Road.
The Public Comment Period closed at 7:41 p.m.
The Council's comments included: bicyclists have access to various routes; latest data shows Highway 84 handles up to 6,500 vehicles daily in both directions; those vehicles will need to use alternate routes; Old La Honda Road will be impacted for a while; the Town can request additional resources of the Sheriff's Office per the contract; in regards to road restrictions, the Town wants to be mindful of not restricting necessary deliveries (e.g., Amazon, UPS, propane, medicine); support for more signage at Town Center.
Councilmember Fluet moved approval of Item A-1.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
B. Acceptance of 2021-22 Audited Basic Financial Statements, Gann (Proposition 111) Appropriations Limit Review, Measures A and W Special Revenue Fund Reports, Memorandum on Internal Control and Required Communications, and Town Manager's Report on the Town's 2021- 22 Financial Self-Assessment.
Dave Eichler, Audit Committee, said the other two members of the Audit Committee, Dave Burow and Ron Karpovich, are here tonight and thanked staff for their work.
Councilmember Dombkowski asked Mr. Eichler to speak about the strength of the Town's position as it relates to pension obligations.
Mr. Eichler said the Town has set aside over $2 million to fund future obligations, based on projected earnings and actuarial assumptions, and is in excellent shape.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 7:54 p.m.
The Council thanked the Audit Committee for their work and expertise.
Councilmember Goeld moved approval of the financial statements.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
C. Resolution to Ban Pesticides on Town-Owned Property and Discourage Their Use and Sale by Woodside Residents and Businesses.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7577
Alayna Van Dervort and Moira Zbella, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Environment Committee, introduced the item.
The Council's questions included: whether there is a cost for the Town; as this will impact various homeowners, has the Committee spoken with them about how they can adapt and what problems might be incurred (specifically, the equestrian community); whether there are any issues.
In response to Council's questions about costs and issues, Mr. Bryant stated: there are no costs nor issues associated with adopting this resolution.
Town Council Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 Page 4
In response to Council's question about outreach, Ms. Van Dervort and Ms. Zbella spoke of: the program, Poison Free Malibu, which has assisted 32 municipalities remove pesticides and rodenticides; AB3221 will further regulate the sale and use of rodenticides throughout California; requesting Robert's Hardware Store to offer earth-friendly alternatives to rodenticides; the Town of Portola Valley has switched to earth-friendly alternatives; the goal of not inviting rodents in while maintaining the care of them as well; the Committee has held educational events and speakers; information posted on the Town website; how helpful it would be for homeowners to know what their landscapers and gardeners are using.
The Public Comment Period opened at 8:04 p.m.
Kian Schulman, Director of Poison Free Malibu, spoke of: ensuring the preservation of natural resources, problem solving strategies, enrichment strategies; support for the resolution.
Brigitte Wendker, Portola Road, spoke of: the success of being poison free on her hobby farm: support for the resolution.
The Public Comment Period closed at 8:08 p.m.
The Council's comments included: this makes a lot of sense; appreciation for their work and revitalizing the Committee; this is making amazing progress in Town; discomfort with the Town controlling what local businesses can and cannot sell; proposing to change the language in the resolution to "promote" rather than "urge"; committing space in the newsletter, The Woodsider, and a direct mail piece to promote this; support for keeping "urge" as drafted in the resolution.
In response to Council's question about the viability of alternative solutions, Ms. Van Dervort stated:
regardless of whether they are using rodenticides or natural products, homeowners still need to maintain their properties (i.e., repair holes, and take care of the entire ecosystem).
Councilmember Fluet moved approval of Item C, revising the resolution title to read, "committing to use pesticide-free methods of pest control and discouraging pesticide use and sale by Woodside residents and businesses. "
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES:
Ms. Van Dervort stated: they do not want to put restrictions on Town businesses, however, that is the strongest level of education.
D. Review of Draft 2023 Sewer Rate Study and Direction to Conduct a Proposition 218 Protest Hearing.
Alex Handlers, Bartle Wells, spoke of: the escalating costs of wastewater treatment at Silicon Valley Clean Water; sewer conveyance through the Fair Oaks Sewer Maintenance District; the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure in the Town Center Sewer Assessment District; the reason why Cañada Corners has a The Council's questions included: whether the increase for Cañada Corridor could be more incremental; if there is capacity to handle a 10-15% increase in population in the next 5-10 years; a clarification about Prop 218; are these costs taking into consideration the next rehabilitation.
In response to Council's questions, Mr. Handlers stated: for the Cañada Corridor, if the rationale for the discount goes away, then the customers outside of the Cañada Corridor are subsidizing costs; overall, Cañada Corridor customers are not paying as much as everyone else since they do not use the pump station; the payback of the loan for rebuilding the pump station will not exist in a few years; Prop 218 Town Council Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 Page 5
was approved in 1986 for water, sewer, and garbage rates. It is a constitutional requirement and states:
1) rates cannot exceed cost of service and must be proportional to cost of service, and 2) the procedural requirements for raising water, sewer, and garbage rates. There is no vote required, however, notices must be sent 45 days prior to the public hearing. If more than 50% of the affected parcels submit written letters opposing increases, that would stop the Council from considering the rates. He does not suspect it happening in Woodside based on history; there is no planned rebuild of the pump station in the next five years; in the Capital Improvement Program, there are items related to pipeline replacement and improvements.
In response to Council's questions, Mr. Rose stated: the Town does not have a formal capacity study, however, he assumes there is capacity downstream; the service life of the pump station is 40 years; there is $125,000 budgeted for the next five years to replace the main line (across the street from the Chevron gas station) and various spot repairs due to root intrusion.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 8:43 p.m.
The Council's comments included: this makes sense for financial obligations; 2% increase seems appropriate.
This item will return to the Town Council on May 23, 2023.
REPORTS
E. Mayor and Councilmember Communications.
Councilmember Brown spoke of: a Woodside Heights HOA meeting last night where Captain Myers made a brief presentation on the status of crime; Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) should be installed by May/June; an Environment Committee meeting where the hybrid work schedule's impact on commute in the Bay Area was discussed.
Councilmember Dombkowski spoke of recent Landscape Committee and Volunteer Committee meetings.
Councilmember Goeld spoke of: a recent success story of ALPRs; commending staff, Councilmember Fluet, and Mayor Shaw's efforts with the County and State officials for help with the destruction caused by the winter storms; the citizen advisory committee training last Wednesday; using his electronic device for viewing the packet materials and not to communicate with fellow Councilmembers during the Councilmember Fluet spoke of: the benefits of viewing the packet materials electronically; a recent productive Circulation Committee meeting; commending Mr. Rose for his dedication and efforts to help extract the tow truck that rolled off the road.
Councilmember Wall spoke of a recent Council of Cities meeting.
Mayor Shaw spoke of the committee training last Wednesday, and that he and Councilmember Wall use their devices to track the participants in the Zoom Room.
COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
Town Council Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 Page 6
Clerk of the town of Woodside
APPROVED:
a-st
Mayor of the Town of Woodside
Town Council Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023 Page 7