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TOWN OF WOODSIDE
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside
July8,2025
7:00 p.m.
CALLTOORDER
Mayor Dombkowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall (per AB 2449 "Just Cause" Exception), and Mayor Dombkowski
Staff Present:
Jason Ledbetter, Town Manager
Jean Savaree, Town Attorney
Sage Schaan, Planning Director
Yazdan Emrani, Town Engineer/Public Works Director
Jennifer Li, Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Goeld led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no open communications.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Ledbetter stated: negotiations regarding the Sheriff's contract will begin tomorrow; on August 12, staff will meet with Mark Dahlen, Emergency Preparedness Committee, to discuss a mock emergency drill with staff and volunteers by the end of 2025; the 4th of July Jr Riders Rodeo was a success; he is working with the Circulation Committee and the Public Works Director on a process for how the Circulation Committee makes requests and gives advice for items to be added to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); currently, Waymo does not have plans to expand its service for picking up or dropping off in Woodside, however, paths of travel include Woodside so there may be more Waymo vehicles traversing Town roads; on June 25, he met with the Portola Valley Interim Town Manager to discuss shared resources and possible partnership interest in the future; this week, staff will advertise the Communication Survey through all the communication channels (i.e., Website newsflash, e-newsletter, Nextdoor, volunteer mailing lists, postcard, posters); he wants to bring to Council a schedule of meetings for the rest of the year.
Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page1
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CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Register of Demands Against the Town of Woodside from June 16 through 30, 2025.
2. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 15, 2025.
Kim Hansen, Raymundo Drive, requested to pull Consent Agenda Item 1, and asked about the "Utility Undergrounding Master Plan" for $28,200.
In response, staff stated: the Town is investigating howto underground utilities in the future; there currently are no specific plans; the invoice is for the draft report; eventually, it will come to the Council for a study session.
Councilmember Brown moved approval of the Consent Calendar Items1and 2.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Aburish and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski None
OLD BUSINESS
A. A Resolution Finalizing the Appointtnent of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Town Center Area Plan Update.
Resolution No. 2025-7765
Mr. Ledbetter presented the staff report, and noted the clerical issue with the five additional members to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
Mayor Dombkowski invited the CAC Appointment Subcommittee, consisting of Councilmembers Goeld and Wall, to clarify the correct list and rationale for the members.
Councilmember wall stated: they met last week at Town Hall; they considered experience, Town familiarity, community engagement, planning expertise, length of residency, their reputation for positive collaboration, district representation, and more; the subcommittee is recommending Julie Sequeria, Carly Rivera, Vanessa Johnson, Daniel Druker, and Steve Patrick to be added to the CAC.
Councilmember Goeld expressed disappointment in not having District 5 representation and not finding a way to accommodate the overlooked commercial stakeholder, Sue Poletti.
The public comment period opened at 7:31 p.m.
Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 2
Docusign Envelope ID: C9E8BDDI-8661-4E6B-9035-2E7D1838EB40 David Mittelman, Grandview Dr, stated his willingness to resign from the ASRB to have District 5 representation.
Andrea Bunt, Romero Road, suggested including both Ms. Rivera and her.
Kim Hansen, Raymundo Drive, asked how the CAC members would interact with the consultants and with other members of the public who participate in the meetings outside of the CAC.
In response to Ms. Hansen's question, Mayor Dombkowski stated: the original composition of the CAC included a group of stakeholders and town experts; at the last meeting, Council desired adding five at-large community members to augment the CAC by bringing other complementary skills; this public-private partnership would be manageable and have structure; the public would be a large part of it and be able to comment on various agenda items; the CAC is an advisory board, and not a steering committee; the public also has a strong voice in the process; all Town Committees function under Robert's Rule; each agenda allows for public comment on each issue; a workshop may be less formal than a Council meeting.
Mr. Schaan added: there will be other opportunities for members of the public to engage as part of the process as well; the public is welcome to attend any of the four CAC meetings, public workshops, and various community events; people can set up meetings with Planning staff.
The public comment period closed at 7:40 p.m.
Council comments included: interest in representation from each district, especially District 5; support for including Sue Poletti and Steve Lubin; the inability to comment on including Ms. Rivera and Ms. Bunt; regarding District 5 applicants, either Mr. Mittelman or Ms. New would be a great addition to the CAC; Mr. Mittelman is a great benefit to the ASRB; having a multitude of voices and stakeholders would be beneficial; support for inclusivity rather than elimination; appreciation to Mr. Mittelman for offering a generous sacrifice of resigning from the ASRB; before adding more members from districts that are already represented, Council should ensure that District 5 has at least one; it is important for all neighbors to talk to their district representatives rather than rely on people to attend workshops where there is limited amounts of time to speak and get their thoughts across; this was about finding the best qualified candidates to serve on the CAC; district representation was just one factor in a larger set of factors for consideration.
In response to Council's question about Mr. Mittelman's preference for him or Ms. New, Mr.
Mittelman stated: he cannot choose.
Mayor Dombkowski deferred to Councilmember Aburish for (] District 5 recommendation.
Councilmember Aburish recommended Caroline New to add District 5 representation on the CAC.
Motion1
Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 3
Docusign Envelope ID: C9E8BDD1-8661-4E6B-9035-2E7D1838EB40 Councilmember Goeld moved to expand the CAC by appointing Julie Sequeria, Carly Rivera, Vanessa Johnson, Daniel Druker, Steve Patrick, Steve Lubin, Sue Poletti, and David Mittelman.
Councilmember Brown seconded.
Substitute Motion1
Councilmember Wall moved to appoint Julie Sequeria, Carly Rivera, Vanessa Johnson, Daniel Druker, Steve Patrick, Steve Lubin, Sue Poletti, Caroline New, and Andrea Bunt.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Aburish and failed by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmember Wall and Mayor Dombkowski
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, and Goeld
Substitute Motion 2
Councilmember Aburish moved to appoint Julie Sequeira, Carly Rivera, Vanessa Johnson, Daniel Druker, Steve Patrick, Steve Lubin, Sue Poletti, and Caroline New.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Goeld and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski Brown
Thalia Lubin, Palm Circle Road, requested that the CAC applications be made public.
NEWBUSINESS
B. Volunteerism Committee Presentation on Youth Civics Program.
Moira Lion, Volunteerism Committee Chair, introduced the Youth Civics Program.
Council questions and comments included: how they know there is sufficient interest; third graders are eager to learn; include leading the pledge of allegiance at Council meetings into the program; has the Committee considered older kids getting ready for high school; how much the program is expected to cost; when the program will occur.
In response to Council's questions, Ms. Lion stated: her parents developed the program in Los Gatos; the subject matter is simple (e.g., where to go and do during an emergency, what businessesare in Town); who participates is based on availability; the hope istoinstill civicsearly, and take ownership and action living in the Town; regarding inviting older kids, the Committee is open for suggestions; regarding costs, they hope a Social Studies teacher will volunteer and the Volunteerism Committee would run the program; they may provide light refreshments to kids, Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 4
Docusign Envelope ID: C9E8BDD1-8661-4E6B-9035-2E7D1838EB40 similar to what the Arts & Culture Committee does; there will be five late afternoon sessions once a week, possibly Friday right before dinner.
The public comment period opened and closed at 8:18 p.m.
C. Study Session: Safety Related to Electric Bicycles and Scooters Mr. Ledbetter presented the staff report, and thanked Captain Dal Porto and Sergeant Neuman for attending the meeting to answer questions.
Council questions included: how the Sheriff's Department enforces the rules of the road to individuals under 16; where e-bikes are supposed to ride; have they seen an increase of accidents.
In response to the Council's questions, Captain Da) Porto and Sergeant Neuman stated: that's correct there is no age restriction for e-bikes; education would start at home and at school; as long as riders do not exceed 20 miles per hour (mph) on a Class 1, they can ride an e-bike within a bicycle lane; tickets can be issued depending on severity; for minor infractions, they educate riders on the law; they have seen speed-related accidents outside of Woodside; enforcement is treated like any other bicycle incident.
In response to the Council's questions about current trail use regulations, Ms. Savaree stated:
Ordinance 96.04 stipulates trails are only to be used for the purposes to which they are dedicated; any type of bicycle is prohibited on a trail dedicated for pedestrian/equestrian use.
Additional Council questions included: how the Sheriff's Department enforces trail usage, and in areas they cannot easily access; does the Sheriff's Department typically educate at the Woodside Elementary School.
In response to the Council's questions, Captain Dal Porto and Sergeant Neuman stated: they have received at least two complaints about bicyclists on trails; if the trail is visible from road, they can more easily enforce the law; mony trails are well-posted on their intended use; there are many differenttypes of e-bikes (e.g., 750 - 22,000 watts); the high-wattage ones are treated like a motorcycle, so they would impound the vehicle and cite the person for violating the law; in terms of places the Sheriff's deputies cannot get to, they can generally catch violators at the trail entrance/exit; they would appropriately address calls for service; the biggest thing right now is education at school; the law is trying to catch up; there are laws in place for enforcing many of these issues; the community policing unit is developing a county-wide curriculum soon to educate students at the Woodside High school and Woodside Elementary School; parents do not know which bicycles are legal and not.
In response to the Council's question about speed limits, Ms. Savaree stated: in Woodside, there currently are no speed limits for bicycles like the County of Marin, however, the Council may discuss whether they want to implement that; an e-bike that travels 20 mph is subject to the Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 5
Docusign Envelope ID: C9E8BDD1-8661-4E6B-9035-2E7D1838EB40 same speed limits as a motorized vehicle.
Council comments included: kids are riding Class1to 3 e-bikes, and there is no speed limit; the definition of "motorized" is unclear; current laws group them in with vehicles on the road; Marin also has an age restriction and helmet requirement.
Additional Council questions included: current helmet requirements; whether throttle-assisted e-bikes without pedals are street-legal; has the Sheriff's Department observed e-bike violations in Woodside; does the Sheriff's Department have the resources to enforce rules and regulations for speed limits on trails.
In response to the Council's questions, Captain Dal Porto and Sergeant Neuman stated: juveniles are required to wear a helmet on any bicycle; adults are required to wear helmets for Class 3 vehicles; riders must be over 16 years old to ride a Class 3 e-bike; throttle-assisted e-bikes without pedals are not street-legal; Sheriff deputies look for safe speeds and whether the bicycle has pedals; if a rider is in violation of current laws, the Sheriff deputies try to educote first; sometimes, kids install fake pedals, so deputies need to look at speed; a radar gun and enduro motorcycle would be required to capture speeding on trails; they have not seen speeding on trails being an issue; Class1 and 2 bicycles should only be going under 20 mph; this is an issue they want to get ahead of, and it starts with education.
In response to Council's question about setting an age iimit of 16 for Class 2 e-bikes, Ms. Savaree stated: she can research that and follow up later.
Council's comments included: preference to not enact new laws; the Sheriff's Department has limited resources; skeptical of education as a solution for teenagers violating laws; support for education at the Woodside Elementary School.
In response to Council's question about whether the current bicycle infrastructure con accommodate an increase of e-bike usage, Mr. Emrani stated: it is currently not an issue in existing bicycle lanes; some areas do not allow adding a bicycle lane because there is no space to widen the road; a Bicycle Master Plan would evaluate volume, feasibility of roads, and recommendations for accommodating changes to modes of transportation; current trends show that the existing bicycle lanes during school commute times may be underutilized at this time.
The public comment period opened at 9:00 p.m.
Maggie Mah, Jefferson Avenue, spoke of: the dedicated trail easements through private property are mostly equestrian/pedestrian only; the increase in the number of e-bikes is a big health and safety concern on the Trails Committee.
Steve Lubin, Palm Circle Road, spoke of: the complicated nature of distinguishing e-bikes (wattage and classifications); e-bikes should not be treated like bicycles and utilizing bicycle Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 6
Docusign Envelope ID: C9E8BDD1-8661-4E6B-9035-2E7D1838EB40 facilities; many kids do not have the experience and judgment to go that fast.
Kim Hansen, Raymundo Drive, stated: her support for an ordinance that would not allow any motorizedvehicles (e.g.,e-bikes, hoverboards, scooters) on trails in the public right-of-way; there is no signage on how trails can be used; the Sheriff's Department needs to provide enforcement and education to both kids and parents; her agreement with Ms. Mah's comments.
David Mittelman, Grandview Drive, agreed that nothing with a battery should be on trails due to the fire hazard, and suggested the Town adopt a lithium-ion battery storage and charging vehicles at home ordinance.
Ehsan Farkhondeh, Circulation Committee Chair, stated: the best thing for the Town is to figure out which laws apply, and clearly define the right-of-way trail; education is important for parents and kids; a suggestion for setting a 15-mph speed limit off the paved roadway; an offer for the Circulation Committee to study this and report back to the Council; appropriate trail user signage provides education, awareness, and serves as a warning.
Dan Druker, Moore Road, spoke of: an increase in ridership for high school students, so he commended the additional bollards from Highway 280 to Alameda De Las Pulgas to protect bicyclists sharing the road with drivers travelling 50 mph.
Ms. Mah opined that 15 mph is too fast for trails shared with horses.
The public comment period closed at 9:18 p.m.
Council's comments included: this is not a big issue yet in Woodside; more education needs to occur; interest in tasking the Circulation Committee with studying the issue and having a recommendation in six months; e-bikes are too dangerous to be used on Town trails; interest in a speed limit sign on all-purpose trails; concern for the limited resources available for enforcement; the importance of setting a good policy for safer paths, and the opportunity to be proactive ratherthan reactive; supportforthe ideas proposed in the staff report (e.g.,a webpage, partnering with the Woodside Elementary School on educating students); Council should consider whether a speed limit for e-bikes should be included in the Town Center Area Plan update; helmets should be mandated; support for adding signage on trails regarding appropriate use; during Sheriff's contract negotiations, ask for more active enforcement surrounding e-bikes; direction to staff to work on a Bicycle Master Plan; appreciation for the Circulation Committee's hard work and for Captain Dal Porto's and Sergeant Neuman's presence tonight; a suggestion for a joint meeting between the Trails Committee and the Circulation Committee.
Thalia Lubin, Palm Circle Road, suggested the Town host a community workshop to educate Clll and coordinating with the Sheriff's Department, the Circulation Committee, and the overall school district (i.e., not just Woodside Elementary School).
Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 7
Docusign Envelope ID: C9E8BDDI-8661-4E6B-9035-2E7D1838EB40 Mr. Lubin opined that e-bikes are not an issue because bicycles are already more or less prohibited everywhere except for on the public right-of-way, and there are two trails in Town that allow bicycles.
REPORTS
D. Volunteer Committee Updates.
None.
E. Mayor and Councilmember Communications.
Councilmember Brown spoke of an upcoming workshop on September 27 in coordination with the Towns of Portola Valley and Atherton regarding housing and lifestyle choices at retirement.
COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dombkowski adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Clerk the of Woodside
APPROVED:
Stgned by:
Mayor of the Town of Woodside
Town Council Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 8