Atherton, CA

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Park and Recreation Committee will approve minutes from the July 1 meeting and receive status updates on the Holbrook Palmer Park playground, bathroom, and pickleball/tennis programs. Staff will also present Brightview Landscaping's quality site assessments for July and August 2026. The meeting includes standard reports on park revenue, events, and the Park Foundation, with no new ordinances or contracts listed for decision.

• Status update on the Holbrook Palmer Park Playground and Playground Bathroom projects
• Sub-committee report on the Pickleball and Tennis program at Holbrook Palmer Park
• Review of Brightview Landscaping Quality Site Assessment Reports for July and August 2026
• Approval of Committee Minutes for the July 1, 2026 meeting

City Council Study Session

Regular City Council Meeting

Planning Commission Meeting

The Atherton Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three items: a variance for a new athletic court and removal of a heritage oak at 32 Encina Avenue, the annual Master Plan Report from Sacred Heart Schools, and a Tree Protection Zone Exception for a new garage and ADU at 80 Coghlan Lane. Staff recommends approval for the first two and denial for the third. The meeting also includes routine approval of minutes and public comments.

• Variance (VAR26-004) and Heritage Tree Removal (HTR26-002) for athletic court and one Coast Live Oak at 32 Encina Avenue
• Annual Master Plan Report (MLP26-002) from Sacred Heart Schools at 150 Valparaiso
• Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ26-00005) for 1,225-sq-ft garage and 1,200-sq-ft ADU at 80 Coghlan Lane
• Staff recommends denial of the Tree Protection Zone Exception
• Approval of draft minutes from July 22, 2026

Regular City Council Meeting

City Council Special Meeting

The Atherton City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially adopt a resolution to appoint four qualified candidates to the City Council for the November 3, 2026 ballot, which would cancel the city council election under California Election Code 10229. The meeting includes public comment and council reports, but the only substantive item is this appointment/cancellation decision.

• Resolution to appoint four qualified candidates for the November 3, 2026 ballot
• Consideration to cancel the Atherton City Council election under Election Code 10229
• Public comment period for agenda items

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider Special Structures Permit SSR26‑002 for a 13,036‑square‑foot two‑story residence on a merged lot at 2 Queens Court (APN 070‑032‑130) and 60 Queens Court (APN 070‑032‑140). The parcel is about 100,793 sq ft in the R‑1A zoning district, and the permit seeks to raise the building height limit from 30 ft to a maximum of 34 ft with specific setbacks. The meeting will also approve draft minutes from May 27 2026 and June 24 2026.

• Consideration of Special Structures Permit (SSR26‑002) for 13,036‑sq‑ft residence at 2 & 60 Queens Court (APN 070‑032‑130 & 070‑032‑140)
• Approval of draft meeting minutes – May 27 2026
• Approval of draft meeting minutes – June 24 2026

Regular Environmental Programs Committee Meeting

The Atherton Environmental Programs Committee will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from March 19, 2026, and discuss recent events including Earth Day 2026 and a Spring Compost Workshop. Members will also plan a Fall Compost Workshop and review programming related to Climate Action Plan implementation for spring and fall.

• Approve Committee Minutes for March 19, 2026
• Earth Day 2026 Recap and Feedback
• Spring Compost Workshop Recap and Fall Workshop Discussion
• Spring and Fall programming related to Climate Action Plan Implementation

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider awarding two street maintenance contracts and discuss updates to the Active Transportation Plan. The body will also provide direction on pickleball operations at Holbrook-Palmer Park and review the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project.

• Contract for 2026 Spring Patching and Street Overlay Project to Bear Construction, Inc. for $705,050
• Contract for 2026 Crack Seal and Slurry Seal Project to Graham Contractors, Inc. for $225,464
• Approval of June 2026 bills and claims totaling $1,532,675
• Discussion on converting the Holbrook-Palmer Park clay tennis court to a hard court
• Amendments to professional services agreements for the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project

Audit and Finance Committee Meeting

The Audit and Finance Committee will review excess Educational Revenue Augmentation Funds (ERAF) from FY 2025/26 to recommend how the City Council should use the funds. The committee will also select its Chair and Vice Chair for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

• Recommendation on use of FY 2025/26 Excess ERAF revenue for capital projects, long term liabilities, or emerging priorities
• Selection of Committee Chair and Vice Chair for Fiscal Year 2026/27
• Establishment of the FY 26/27 meeting schedule

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Park and Recreation Committee will elect its chair and vice‑chair for FY 26‑27, approve the new fiscal year calendar, and consider updates on park projects. The key discussion is the pickleball and tennis update, where staff will seek feedback and a recommendation to the City Council on expanding pickleball hours, demolishing a handball court, and converting a clay tennis court to a hard surface. Additional items include updates on Holbrook‑Palmer Park benches, playground projects, and a Brightview quality site assessment.

• Election of Committee Chair and Vice‑Chair for FY 26‑27
• Pickleball and tennis update: possible expansion of Court 1 pickleball hours, demolition of handball court, conversion of clay tennis court to hard court
• Approval of the FY 26‑27 Parks and Recreation calendar
• Holbrook‑Palmer Park: Eucalyptus benches, event manager progress, playground and bathroom updates
• Review of Brightview Landscaping May 26 Quality Site Assessment report

Joint Study Session

The Town Council and the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee will consider three action items: an oral report on a proclamation for America’s 250th anniversary; a resolution to call the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and to authorize a services agreement with San Mateo County’s Chief Elections Officer; and a study‑session update on the Active Transportation Plan with network and policy recommendations. Public comments will be accepted before and during the meeting.

• Proclamation for America’s 250th Anniversary – oral report by City Manager George Rodericks
• Resolution to call the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and contract with San Mateo County’s Chief Elections Officer
• Active Transportation Plan (Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan) update – presentation by Public Works Director Robert Ovadia
• Public comment period – speakers limited to three minutes
• Joint meeting of City Council and Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee

The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to consolidate and call the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and contract with the Chief Elections Office for election services. The council also received an update on the Active Transportation Plan, discussed intersection improvements and proposed programs, and directed staff to return with further details on frontage policy changes at a future meeting. No public comment was made, and no other decisions were taken.

• Adopted resolution to consolidate and call Nov. 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and contract with Chief Elections Office (5-0)
• Discussed Active Transportation Plan update; no formal action taken
• Directed staff to return with details on frontage improvement policy changes at a future meeting

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding tree protection zone exceptions and heritage tree removals for residential projects. These requests involve construction and driveway modifications at two specific properties.

• Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ26-00003) for a new two-story residence at 97 Placitas Avenue
• Heritage Tree Removal (HTR26-001) of five trees for a new residence at 76 Melanie Lane
• Tree Protection Zone Exceptions (PTPZ26-00004) for two trees to widen a driveway at 76 Melanie Lane

City Council Closed Session

The Atherton City Council is holding a closed session on June 17, 2026, with no public action scheduled. The sole agenda item is a conference with legal counsel concerning existing litigation: County of San Mateo et al. v. State of California (San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CPF 25 519270). No decisions or votes are expected to be announced publicly.

• Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: County of San Mateo et al. v. State of California (Case No. CPF 25 519270)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Atherton City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Operations and Capital Budget, including salary schedules and a master fee schedule. Council will also consider updates to the General Plan's safety, conservation, and circulation elements, and a public hearing on town vacancies and recruitment. Several consent items include approval of May 2026 bills totaling $2,195,414 and a $80,645.62 contract for streetlight pole painting.

• Adoption of FY 2026/27 Operating and Capital Budget, Salary & Benefit Resolution, and Master Fee Schedule
• Public hearing on amendments to the Atherton General Plan: Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation Elements
• Approval of Bills and Claims for May 2026 in the amount of $2,195,414
• Award of contract to Craft Works Painting for Streetlight Pole Painting, $80,645.62
• Review of parking study for Town Center/Library area and pedestrian pathway evaluation on Dinkelspiel Station Lane

The City Council adopted the FY 2026/27 Operations and Capital Budget, along with related salary, Gann limit, and fee schedule resolutions (26-08 through 26-12). It also adopted Resolution 26-07 amending the General Plan to update the Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation Elements, and requested more public outreach on climate vulnerability risks. The council approved the consent agenda, including bills and claims of $2,195,414, and made appointments to various committees and the Planning Commission.

• Adopted Resolution 26-07 amending the General Plan for Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation Elements.
• Adopted Resolutions 26-08 through 26-12 for the FY 2026/27 budget, salary and benefits, Gann limit, and master fee schedule.
• Approved consent agenda items 1-4, including bills and claims of $2,195,414 and Resolution 26-06 for the Urban County Cooperative Agreement.
• Appointed Thomas Hill, Eric Kwan, Don Keller, Robert Roeser, Frank Merril, and Steve Seabolt to various committees and the Planning Commission.
• Appointed Allan Martin to the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District.
• Directed staff to add parking at Town Center in mulched areas and areas with removed trees.
• Directed staff to obtain a proposal for a pedestrian pathway on Dinkelspiel Station Lane, focusing on a crossing at Watkins and tree preservation.
• Concurred with pursuing a corridor-level traffic study for Watkins and Fair Oaks, prioritizing a signal at Watkins.

City Council and Transportation Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee Joint Study Session

The City Council and the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee will receive a presentation on the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) update. The discussion will cover proposed bicycle and pedestrian networks, intersection improvements, and related policy and program recommendations. Council members will provide directed feedback to finalize the recommendations for inclusion in the final draft document that will later be formally reviewed and adopted. Public comments are also accepted before and during the meeting.

• Active Transportation Plan (Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan) update – presentation and discussion of network, policy, and intersection improvements (Report by Public Works Director Robert Ovadia)

The City Council and Transportation Committee reviewed the Active Transportation Plan update. Discussion regarding proposed intersection upgrades, programs, and policies was deferred to a future joint study session.

• Deferred intersection upgrades and policy discussion to a future meeting

Joint Council and Audit and Finance Committee Study Session

The Town Council and Audit & Finance Committee will hold a joint study session to review the FY 2026/27 operating budget, special revenue, internal service funds, and capital improvement program. They will also discuss ways to manage the cumulative impact of multiple simultaneous construction projects in town. No final decisions are scheduled; the session is for discussion and direction.

• Review of FY 2026/27 town budget including special revenue, internal service funds, and capital improvement program
• Discussion and direction on mitigating negative impacts of concurrent major construction projects
• Public comment allowed on agenda items; written comments via council@athertonca.gov

The Council referred the topic of ERAF fund allocation to the Audit and Finance Committee. Staff was directed to return to a future meeting with options to manage the cumulative impacts of multiple simultaneous construction projects.

• Referred ERAF fund allocation discussion to the Audit and Finance Committee
• Directed staff to present potential options for managing construction project impacts at a future meeting

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Committee will receive updates on the handball conversion project and court hour allocations for tennis and pickleball. Staff will provide progress reports on Holbrook-Palmer Park facilities and a landscaping site assessment.

• Pickleball and tennis court hour allocation and handball conversion update
• Holbrook-Palmer Park Event Manager, playground, and bathroom updates
• Jennings Pavilion lighting and A/V update
• Review of May 26 Quality Site Assessment Report by Brightview Landscaping
• Knox Playschool update presentation

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 and proposed amendments to the Atherton General Plan. The body will also review a master plan and permit requests for Menlo School.

• Request to increase Menlo School enrollment from 825 to 845 students for 2026-27
• Proposal for 21-foot-tall sports field netting at Wunderlich Field (65 Alejandra Avenue)
• Variance request (VAR26-003) for netting installation on the Alejandra Avenue front property line
• General Plan consistency determination for the FY 2026/2027 Capital Improvement Program
• Proposed General Plan updates for Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation elements

Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee

The Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee will review a traffic study for Middlefield Road and discuss a resident request for permit-only parking. The body will also receive updates from SamTrans regarding the 101 corridor.

• Review of Middlefield Road Traffic Study for signals and beacons at Watkins Avenue and Fair Oaks Lane/Palmer Lane
• Discussion of permit-only parking request for De Bell Drive (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
• SamTrans presentation on 101 corridor multimodal strategies and Active 101 program updates
• Acceptance of March 2026 monthly traffic reports

Environmental Programs Committee Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss and provide direction on developing affordable housing at the Gilmore House site in Holbrook Palmer Park, consider whether to form a city charter, and review the SamTrans Reimagine Dumbarton Corridor study. The consent agenda includes routine approvals of bills totaling $2,606,424, a $82,500 asset management system agreement with Brightly Software, and an ordinance updating prohibited construction holidays.

• Discussion and direction on affordable housing development at Gilmore House site in Holbrook Palmer Park
• Consideration of forming a city charter for the Town of Atherton
• Council feedback on the SamTrans Reimagine Dumbarton Corridor study
• Approve professional services agreement with Brightly Software for asset management system, not to exceed $82,500
• Adopt ordinance updating holidays when construction is prohibited, amending Title 15 of Atherton Municipal Code

The Council directed staff to end all outreach and further pursuit of a City Charter measure. Additionally, the Council deferred action on developing the Gilmore House site until the March 2028 Housing Element Check-in.

• Adopted Resolution 26-05 for SB1 road maintenance project list
• Adopted Ordinance 679 to update construction holiday prohibitions in Title 15
• Approved Consent Agenda items 1-7 (5-0)
• Directed staff to draft a letter supporting bike/ped pathways but opposing Bus Rapid Transit under SB79
• Deferred action on Gilmore House housing development until March 2028
• Directed staff to end all outreach and pursuit of a City Charter measure

City Council Closed Session

The City Council will meet in closed session to conduct a performance evaluation and discuss a liability claim. These items are handled privately pursuant to Government Code sections.

• Performance evaluation of the City Manager
• Liability claim by Monica Diaz against the Town of Atherton

Audit and Finance Committee Meeting

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Committee will review landscaping site assessments and progress on the handball conversion project. Members will also receive updates on Holbrook-Palmer Park facilities and discuss potential new signage.

• Review of April 26 Quality Site Assessment Report by Brightview Landscaping
• Discussion on balancing court hours for tennis, pickleball, and Player Capital
• Updates on Holbrook-Palmer Park playground, playground bathroom, and Event Manager progression
• Updates on Jennings Pavilion lighting and A/V
• Discussion of signage additions to Holbrook-Palmer Park

The Park and Recreation Committee reviewed minutes from the April 1 meeting and received updates on Brightview site assessments, pickleball and tennis courts, Holbrook‑Palmer Park projects, and park signage. No motions were adopted, denied, or voted on during the meeting.

City Council Study Session

The City Council and Audit and Finance Committee are holding a study session to discuss funding priorities and proposed projects for the FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Program. The body will also provide direction regarding the Atherton Train Station Museum ribbon cutting.

• Review of FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with lookahead through FY 2030/31
• Discussion and direction regarding the Atherton Train Station Museum Ribbon Cutting

The council directed that the Atherton Train Station Museum grand opening and ribbon‑cutting be scheduled for September, pending completion of the remaining exhibit designs. The council also gave direction to Public Works Director Robert Ovadia to prioritize capital‑improvement projects, emphasizing new work in Holbrook Palmer Park and certain road and pathway improvements.

• Directed train station museum ribbon‑cutting event be held in September
• Directed priority for new CIP projects in Holbrook Palmer Park and road/pathway improvements

Refuse & Recycling Committee Meeting

The Refuse & Recycling Committee will approve minutes from its August 2025 meeting and review quarterly reports from GreenWaste Recovery for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. It will also discuss the 2026 Waste Wise event report. The primary agenda item is the adoption of roll‑off bin requirements for construction and demolition projects and the implementation of a franchise agreement with GreenWaste Recovery.

• Approve Committee Minutes for the August 19, 2025 meeting
• GreenWaste Recovery Quarterly Report – Q4 2025
• GreenWaste Recovery Quarterly Report – Q1 2026
• 2026 Waste Wise Event Report
• Roll‑Off Bin Requirements for Construction & Demolition (C&D) Projects and implementation of a franchise agreement with GreenWaste Recovery

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request for a Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ26-00002) to allow two small one-story additions and a second-story addition to an existing single-family residence at 29 Lowery Drive (APN 061-252-090). The project is categorically exempt from environmental review. The commission will also approve minutes from December, January, and February meetings.

• Public hearing on Tree Protection Zone Exception at 29 Lowery Drive for a remodel and second-story addition

City Council Closed Session

The Atherton City Council will hold a closed session to discuss the performance evaluations of the City Manager and City Attorney. The meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Administrative Conference Room.

• Closed session for City Manager performance evaluation
• Closed session for City Attorney performance evaluation
• Meeting location: Administrative Conference Room, 80 Fair Oaks Lane

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss policy options for reforming the town's residential alarm permit and false alarm response program. The body will also consider authorizing remote participation for several subsidiary committees and approve monthly bills.

• Approval of March 2026 bills and claims totaling $2,011,719
• Proposed modifications to the Town’s False Alarm and Permit Program
• Resolution to authorize remote participation for Environmental Programs, Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian, and Park and Recreation committees
• Public hearing on the AB 481 Annual Report regarding the use of military equipment by police
• Amendment to the Animal Control agreement with the County of San Mateo for a three-year term starting July 1, 2026

The council approved the March 2026 bills and claims totaling $2,011,719, adopted minutes, and approved several administrative amendments, including a name change for Peninsula Clean Energy and an animal‑control agreement amendment. It accepted the annual report on military equipment use and directed staff to implement a simplified false‑alarm program. The council declined to adopt the proposed remote‑participation resolution for subsidiary bodies.

• Approved bills and claims for March 2026 totaling $2,011,719 (4‑0‑1)
• Approved March 18 and April 1, 2026 council minutes (4‑0‑1)
• Approved amendment to Peninsula Clean Energy Joint Powers Agreement name change (4‑0‑1)
• Approved amendment to Animal Control Agreement for a three‑year term (4‑0‑1)
• Declared one marked police vehicle surplus (4‑0‑1)
• Accepted annual report on military equipment use and directed posting (unanimous)
• Directed staff to move forward with simplified false‑alarm program (Option B) (unanimous)
• Rejected adoption of resolution for remote participation of subsidiary bodies (unanimous)

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Park and Recreation Committee will approve minutes from the March 4, 2026 meeting and consider several project proposals. Items include a streaming‑service request for M‑A Little League games at Holbrook‑Palmer Park, a conceptual “Compost Hub” plan for the same park, and final Capital Improvement Program recommendations for FY 2027 covering playground, bathroom, and Jennings Pavilion renovations. The committee will also receive updates on pickleball/tennis court usage and the Holbrook‑Palmer Park event‑manager and playground bathroom projects.

• Approve Committee Minutes for the March 4, 2026 meeting
• Consider M‑A Little League streaming‑service installation at Holbrook‑Palmer Park
• Review conceptual “Compost Hub” plan for Holbrook‑Palmer Park (planned for Fall 2026)
• Discuss final FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program recommendations, including playground, bathroom, and Jennings Pavilion renovations
• Receive Pickleball and Tennis subcommittee update on handball conversion and court‑hour allocation