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TOWN OF WOODSIDE
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside
January 13, 2026
7:00 p.m.
CALLTOORDER
Mayor Dombkowski called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski Staff Present:
Jason Ledbetter, Town Manager
Jean Savaree, Town Attorney
Sage Schaan, Planning Director
Sindhi Mekala, Deputy Town Engineer
Jennifer Li, Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Goeld led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no open communications.
PRESENTATION
Troy Wilson, Director of Fund Development at HIP Housing, distributed 2026 calendars, talked about HIP Housing's achievements in 2025, and thanked the Council for their support.
Carmen Letona-Adams, Branch Manager, presented the Library Annual Report.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Ledbetter stated:
1) The Town Offices were closed over the holiday break, but we had no shortage of response from the Public Works team during the storms. Multiple trees were cut and removed from blocking the road, and culvert and drain clearing was done to alleviate flood potential. Staff also orchestrated the fumigation of both buildings for termites. 2) The Town is scheduling the Administrative Services Director Interviews for the coming two weeks. We will have a panel of staff as well as an Audit Committee member and Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Pagel
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF Administrative Services Director from another local agency on the interview panel. 3) TheTownhashiredanewPublicWorksDirector/TownEngineerwhoiscurrentlytheDeputy Engineer in Pacifica. Louis Sun will be starting on Tuesday, January 20. Louis brings 20 years of local government experience with primary roles in Engineering, Wastewater, and general Public Works. He is a graduate of Ohio State and holds a Master of Engineering Management from Santa Clara University. Louis has been on the Peninsula doing Public Works for well over a decade and prior to that, he was a Design Engineer for the City of Bakersfield, giving him experience in the multitude of disciplines across Public Works.
Councilmember Wall asked Mr. Ledbetter for an update regarding the annual goal setting process for the Woodside Town Council.
Mr. Ledbetter stated that during his review process, seven goals were identified in addition to several deliverables related to the CIP, Housing Element, and Town Center Area Plan. Mr.
Ledbetter stated that he would review the strategic initiatives identified in 2024, plug in current obligations and goals, and identify any gaps. Given current capacity, Mr. Ledbetter would aim to complete that exercise by the end of 2026. Mr. Ledbetter would then schedule a strategic planning session with Town Council to formalize a strategic plan.
Councilmember Goeld congratulated the Town Manager on hiring a Public Works Director and asked how long the position was vacant. Mr. Ledbetter stated that the previous Director left in mid-October and the Town moved rapidly to hire someone of high caliber.
Mr. Schaan announced that there are Planning Commission vacancies for Districts1and 3. The Town is accepting applications until February 4. He noted that there is a code provision requiring 4/5 vote by Town Council, which allows someone to serve out of district.
APPOINTMENTS
Report and Recommendation from the Town Council Committees Appointments Subcommittee:
a. Recreation Committee
Councilmember Goeld stated that the Chair of the Recreation Committee accepts the application.
Councilmember Goeld moved to appoint Jonathan Goldman to the Recreation Committee.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski None
CONSENT CALENDAR
Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 2
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF
1. Approval of Waiver of Full Reading of Ordinance, per Government Code Section 36934.
2. Register of Demands Against the Town of Woodside from December 1 through 31 2025.
3. Approval of Minutes: Special and Regular Meetings of November 18, 2025.
4. 2025-26 November Monthly Investment Activity Report.
5. Mayor's Councilmember Committee Appointments.
6. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Woodside Municipal Code Chapter 150: Building Regulations to Adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Finding that the Ordinance is Exempt from Review Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
Ordinance No. 2026 - 648
7. SecondReadingandAdoptionofanOrdinanceAdoptingaWoodsideMunicipalCodeNew Section 94.06, Prohibition of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers to Chapter 94, Health and Sanitation.
Ordinance No. 2026 - 649
8. Resolution:(1)ApprovingASewerServiceAIIoeationto3323WoodsideRoad,Pursuantto MunicipalCodeSection 51.126; (2) ConsentingtotheAnnexationofthisPropertyintothe Town Center Sewer Assessment District; and (3) Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute Revised Agreements with the City of Redwood City and Fair Oaks Sewer Maintenance District to add this Property into the Approved Senice Area for the Town Center Sewer Assessment District.
Resolution No. 2028 - 7788
9. Resolution Consenting to the Annexation of Land to the Fair Oaks Sewer Maintenance District For155 Ravine Drive (APN 073-022-180).
Resolution No. 2026 - 7789
10. Resolution Consenting to the Annexation of Land to the Fair Oaks Sewer Maintenance Districtforl60 Ravine Drive (APN 073-021-050).
Resolution No. 2026 - 7790
11. Resolution authorizing The Town Manager to Purchase a New 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid an Amount not to Exceed $41,838.59 and Dispose of the Town's Existing 2009 Ford Escape.
Resolution No. 2026 - 7791
12. Resolution(1)ApprovingPlansandSpecificationsforthe2026RoadRehabilitationProject; Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 3
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF (2) Authorizing theTown ManagertoAdvertise for Bids and to Executea Contractwith the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in an Amount not to Exceed $534,300 Which Includes a $25,000 Contingency
Resolution No. 2028 - 7793
13. Resolution (1) Approving Plans and Specifications for the Old La Honda Road Drainage Improvements Project and (2) Authorizing the Town Manager to Advertise for Construction Bids and to Execute a Contract with the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in an Amount not to Exceed $350,000, Which Includes a $35,000 Contingency.
Resolution No. 2026 - 7794
14. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with S.R. Rose Engineering Inc.for On-Call CIP Project Management and Civil Engineering Services in an Amount not to Exceed $120,000.
Resolution No. 2026 -7792
Councilmember Brown pulled Item 12 for discussion. Councilmember Goeld pulled items 5, 7, and 13 for discussion.
Councilmember Wall moved approval of the Consent Calendar Items 1,2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11,and 14.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Aburish and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOne
Regarding Item 5, Councilmember Goeld stated that the committee assignments are serious assignments and Council should be participating as liaisons. He stated that the committee members do appreciate when the Council liaisons attend meetings.
Mayor Domkowski stated that, in the spirit of continuity, Councilmembers would stay in the same committee assignments. He noted the material changes: stripping the Climate & Sustainability Committee due to a lack of members, changing the Town Manager's review to recognize it is now a facilitated process, changing the Town Attorney's review to two members, and eliminating the Portola Valley Woodside Ad Hoc Committee as there is no immediate strategic interest.
Regarding item 7, Councilmember Goeld stated that he pulled the item in case there were any public comments.
The public comment period opened and closed at 7:40 p.m.
Regarding item 12, Councilmember Brown stated that on some roadways, asphalt has been built up and there are now sizeable drop-offs, which could be hazardous. He requested that a survey be done to ensure proper coverage and determine if there are any unsafe areas.
Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 4
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF Mr. Ledbetter stated that the Town used chip seal in the past, which added more depth to the road. Ms. Mekala stated that the Town now uses micro surfacing, which is a very thin layer of oil and sand that does not add depth to the road. She stated that micro surfacing provides protection and improves the life of the street for five to seven years. She noted that staff will inspect streets reported by members of the public.
Regarding item 13, Councilmember Goeld stated that he was made aware of funds allocated by the County for rehabilitation of the drainage system on Old La Honda Road and requested a status update.
Ms. Mekala stated that the Town did not receive any funds from the County for Old La Honda Road.
The public comment period opened and closed at 7:43 p.m.
Councilmember Goeld moved approval of the Consent Calendar Items 5, 7, 12, and 13.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski None
NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution Approving the Agreement Governing Funding for the Median Landscape Improvement Project.
Resolution No. 2026 - 7795
Mr. Ledbetter presented the stoff report.
Councilmember Brown thanked Mayor Dombkowski for his efforts to make this happen.
Mayor Dombkowski stated that this is occurring solely due to the generous, civic-minded individuals involved and that his role was as a resource helping to ensure their vision became reality.
The public comment period opened and closed at 7:49 p.m.
Councilmember Wall extended gratitude and thanks to the donors. She stated that the first stage of beautification was tastefully done and she is excited to see how the rest of the project turns out.
Councilmember Goeld expressed immense gratitude to the Town Manager, staff, and especially Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 5
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF Mayor Dombkowski for their efforts. He stated that this will be a spectacular project that will set the tone as people cross the Alameda and drive past the high school and Menlo Country Club.
He stated that we are lucky to have very generous donors. He stated that the east side residents appreciate the beautification of the Town's "front porch." Mayor Dombkowski stated that the work of the Woodside Landscape Committee on the pilot project west of Highway 280 was the genesis of this project. He thanked the Committee for the preliminary work they did to move this idea along. This will be a landmark opportunity to improve the aesthetics and traffic calming for a piece of road used by 9 million vehicles per year. It will also provide a sense of continuity and union with the residents who reside east of Highway 280.
Councilmember Wall moved approval of Item A.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Aburish and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski NOES: None
B. ResolutionRequestingCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation(Caltrans)toEstablisha Uniform 35 Mile Per Hour Speed Limit in Woodside on State Highway 84 from Alameda De Las Pulgas to Woodside Town Center.
Resolution No. 2026 - 7796
Mr. Ledbetter presented the staff report. He clarified that staff is advocating for a 35-mph speed limit from Alameda de las Pulgas until you reach the 25-mph zone at Town Center.
Dan Druker, who serves on the Town's Circulation Committee and on the Woodside Hills HOA Board, summarized the history behind the long-time desire to improve safety on this stretch of road. He stated the HOA fields numerous safety complaints from residents related to making a left turn onto Woodside Road from Menlo County Club and nearby streets as traffic moves as fast as 60-mph and there is low visibility. Mr. Druker stated that the Circulation Committee has been tracking the issue and attempting to build a relationship with Caltrans over the past couple of years. He stated that Caltrans focused its attention on the area following the fatality at Skylonda. Mr. Druker stated that the Circulation Committee's goal was to slow traffic and improve safety for bicyclists and kids going to the high school by reducing the 45-mph speed limit to 35- mph. Caltrans requested that they circulate a petition to provide a sense of the community's desire. Mr. Druker stated that the HOA sent a single email blast in October or November and received responses from 140 households within a couple of days, with 100% support and zero negative feedback. Mr. Druker stated that at the same time, the Circulation Committee learned about the beautification project being championed by the Mayor. Caltrans advised that to label this stretch of road as a parkway, which would enable some of the landscaping changes under the beautification project, the speed limit would have to be reduced to 35-mph anyway. Mr.
Druker stated that this presented an opportunity to achieve the beautification project while also improving safety.
Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 6
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF Councilmembers provided questions for staff regarding the speed survey, factors considered when lowering the speed limit, and whether staff has looked at other speed limit requests and what has or has not made them successful.
Councilmember Goeld asked what will happen when the speed survey shows that people are going Faster than the current speed limit. Mr. Druker stated that when cars go fast, Caltrans may actually raise the speed limit. He stated that the request is to turn the roadway into a parkway and to reduce the speed limit. Mr. Druker hopes the visual cues of a parkway with better landscaping, similar to Sand Hill and Foothill, will help drivers see that it is not appropriate to travel so fast on this road. Mr. Druker stated that this project coupled with the bike bollards and bicycle safety project previously discussed by Town Council will make the road safer and slow traffic. He stated that he does not know if there is a risk that the traffic speed study could result in the speed limit being raised.
Mr. Ledbetter stated that staff is advocating for Caltrans to consider lowering the speed limit as part of a total package with the Median Beautification Project and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Project.
Ms. Mekala stated that there have been reductions to the speed limit on a Caltrans right-of-way.
She stated that she did not do any research on Caltrans' process, but when there is a request for speed reduction on a Town road, the Town Engineer looks at the 85th percentile speed to set the speed limit.
Mr. Ledbetter suggested changing the Resolution to more concisely match what is being requested.
The public comment period opened at 8:09 p.m.
Steve Lubin expressed his support for lowering the speed limit. He stated that he is vaguely aware of changes to State law allowing Caltrans to lower speed limits below the 85'h percentile. He stated that lowering the speed limit would make the area much more attractive for walkers and cyclists, and he pointed to a bicyclist fatality in the area 10 or 15 years ago as evidence for why the speed limit should be lowered. Mr. Lubin stated that the reduced speed limit would allow for planting oak trees.
Walker Wells commended Dan Druker for the work he has done behind the scenes to develop a relationship with Caltrans. He stated that a lot of people travel through Woodside and there is a huge dependency on Caltrans. He noted that there is another petition circulating to lower the speed limit at the "Four Corners." Mr. Wells stated that Caltrans has indicated that gathering signatures and having the backing of Town Council by way of Resolution makes a big difference when making these requests.
The public comment period closed at 8:12 p.m.
Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 7
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF Councilmember Wall expressed her enthusiastic support.
Councilmember Aburish said he always thought it was a shockingly fast and dangerous traffic area. He expressed his appreciation to Dan Druker for all of his work toward making this happen.
Councilmember Goeld thanked Dan Druker for his efforts. Councilmember Goeld stated that the 45-mph zone is a short segment before it drops back down, so the current design is inconsistent with changing speed limits. He also stated that, regarding the 85'h percentile, his understanding is that Caltrans clocks 100 consecutive vehicles, organizes it by speed, and uses the number 15th down from the top. He said he was shocked by this and stated that under this methodology speed limits sometimes go up because so many people speed. He supports the Resolution and likes the image of Sand Hill Road in this segment.
Councilmember Brown said it's scary making a left turn onto Woodside Road and lowering the speed limit will make a huge difference.
Mayor Dombkowski said it's an unsafe situation and it's inconsistent. He said the Town is doing some wonderful work in this area, and when all these projects come together, they will have a transformational impact.
Councilmember Wall moved approval of Item B with a change to the Resolution replacing "Alameda to Town Center" with "Churchill Road to Moore Road." Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski None
C. ResolutionModifyingthe2025-2026TownSalaryScheduleandClassificat*onPlan.
Resolution No. 2026 - 7797
Mr. Ledbetter presented the staff report.
Councilmembers provided questions to staff regarding salary, reporting structure, and responsibilities.
Mr. Ledbetter stated that the Assistant to the Town Manager is currently doing the tasks of the Assistant Town Manager now; however, the Assistant to the Town Manager title is sometimes disregarded. He stated that this change would give her the authority to delegate some responsibilities and hold others, who ultimately should be doing some of the work, accountable.
The Assistant Town Manager would be just below him on the organizational chart and everyone else would report up to the two of them. He would empower the Assistant Town Manager to make decisions. Over the next 12 months, Mr. Ledbetter will look at opportunities before assigning any Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 8
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF specific departments to the Assistant Town Manager. An announcement would be made to staff and there would be clear expectations that the Assistant Town Manager would have the same authority as the Town Manager when the Town Manager is unavailable or out of office. He stated that he would purposely put the Assistant Town Manager in front of the Town Council to build up public speaking skills and prepare that person to fill in at Town Council meetings when he cannot be there. There is currently a wide salary range, which he hopes to rectify when the new Administrative Services Director is hired. The Assistant to the Town Manager range is $7,430 to $14,860 monthly and the Assistant Town Manager range is $11,984 to $23,968, so there is decent overlap.
The public comment period opened at 8:33 p.m.
Walker Wells commended Jason on helping the Circulation Committee to understand its role and scope and how it can be effective. He stated that he has been very impressed with Jason since meeting him.
The public comment period closed at 8:34 p.m.
Councilmember Brown stated that this change makes sense.
Councilmember Brown moved approval of Item C.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Aburish and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski None
D. ApprovalofaFirstAmendmenttotheTownManagerEmploymentAgreement.
Resolution No. 2026 - 7798
Ms. Savaree presented the staff report.
The public comment period opened at 8:36 p.m.
Walker Wells asked about the salary range for the Assistant Town Manager, discussed in the previous item.
Mr. Ledbetter stated that there is overlap of the salary range between the two positions and no determination has been made as to what the salary would be. Mr. Ledbetter stated that he believes the upper limit has been increased over time by the organization, but the lower limit has remained the same and is not comparable to other organizations on the peninsula. Mr. Ledbetter stated that the salary for the Assistant Town Manager will be negotiated within the range and is ultimately a personnel matter.
Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 9
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF The public comment period closed at 8:36 p.m.
Councilmember Aburish moved approval of Item D.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Goeld and approved by roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Aburish, Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Dombkowski None
REPORTS
A. Volunteer Committee Updates.
A Sound Immersion Workship with Danny Goldberg will be held this Friday, January 16, 2026, from 7-8 pm. Check the Town's calendar for additional 2026 dates.
W-Ball registration is nowopen for kids between the ages 3 to 6 (through Kindergarten only) who want to learn to play T-Ball in Cl fun and safe environment. Check the Town's website under the Community tab for registration information.
The next Arts & Culture Committee First Friday event is on February 6, 2026, from 7-8 pm with poet Nancy Meyer, interviewed by Veronica Kornberg. Flyers are available at the back of Independence Hall or digitally on the Town's website calendar.
The Woodside History Committee's Preservation Awards ceremony will be on May 12, 2026. More information will follow.
B. Mayor and Councilmember Communications.
Councilmember Brown noted that March 21 is Memory Day in the United States. He stated that there will be a workshop in Woodside to discuss methods on evaluating the status of a person's mental capability and what can be done if you see someone is starting to suffer from conditions related to Alzheimer's Disease.
Councilmember Wall stated that she spoke at a Youth Civics event for 8- to 11-year-olds last Friday. The youth participants were engaged and the event was a lot of fun. She encouraged her fellow Councilmembers to participate if other opportunities come up.
Councilmember Goeld corrected his statement from a previous meeting during a discussion on the bicycle-pedestrian pathway when he said he never sees bicycles in the "front porch" area.
He stated that since the meeting he has paid closer attention and has seen some bicycles, though not many. Councilmember Goeld also stated that High Road will be closed starting on January 20 through May or June. There will be a major construction project involving a main water line. The closure will be an inconvenience to the residents living in the area who will not be Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 10
Docusign Envelope ID: E7538EB4-C3D9-83F6-8047-34B2C10F69CF able to get in and out of their homes between 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, Councilmember Goeld stated that emergency services and delivery services have been alerted to the closure.
COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dombkowski adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
APPROVED:
:1lCffiQDE'lQ8
Mayor of the Town of Woodside
Town Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2026 Page 11