Atherton public meetings in 2022

City Council Regular Meeting

The Atherton City Council will certify the November 8, 2022 election results and reorganize by selecting a mayor and vice mayor for 2023. The consent agenda includes acceptance of a $51,326 donation for a police patrol motorcycle and alarm equipment, approval of the Emergency Operations Plan, and authorization for the Atherton Station Remodel project. A public hearing will introduce an ordinance amending noise control regulations.

• Certify results of the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election
• Select Mayor and Vice Mayor for calendar year 2023
• Accept $51,326 donation for a BMW police patrol motorcycle and alarm monitoring transceiver
• Approve and adopt the 2022 Town of Atherton Emergency Operations Plan
• Introduce ordinance amending Chapter 8.16 (Noise Control) of the Atherton Municipal Code

The City Council certified the November 8, 2022, election results and appointed Bill Widmer as Mayor and Diana Hawkins-Manuelian as Vice Mayor for 2023. The Council also approved the Town's Emergency Operations Plan and introduced an ordinance to amend noise control regulations.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2022-26 certifying November 8, 2022, election results (5-0)
• Selected Bill Widmer as Mayor for 2023 (5-0)
• Selected Diana Hawkins-Manuelian as Vice Mayor for 2023 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2022-28 supporting the reopening of the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center warm water therapy pool (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2022-28 adopting the Town of Atherton Emergency Operations Plan (5-0)
• Accepted $51,326 donation for a police patrol motorcycle and alarm monitoring transceiver (5-0)
• Approved project plans and bid solicitation for the Atherton Station Remodel Project (5-0)
• Introduced for first reading an ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 regarding noise control (4-1)

Environmental Programs Special Meeting

The Atherton Environmental Programs Committee will consider a proposal from the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) for a workshop helping professionals transition to battery-electric land care equipment. The committee will also hear oral reports from subcommittees on electric landscaping tools, reach codes/home electrification, water conservation, Earth Day, and the sustainability website.

• Consideration of AGZA proposal for a workshop on transitioning to battery-electric land care equipment
• Oral reports on Electric Landscaping Tools / Sustainable Landscaping Technology subcommittee
• Oral reports on Reach Codes – Home Electrification subcommittee
• Oral reports on Water Conservation subcommittee
• Oral reports on Earth Day and Sustainability Website subcommittees

City Council Special Meeting - Housing

The Atherton City Council will hold a study session to discuss and provide direction on revisions to the Draft Housing Element in response to comments from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The council will give programmatic and policy direction to staff and consultants for the next iteration of the draft.

• Study session on revisions to the Draft Housing Element in response to HCD comments
• Council to provide direction on primary housing programs and policies for the next draft iteration

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Atherton Planning Commission will hold public hearings on six items, including a continued appeal of building permit fees at 78 Shearer Drive, the annual Menlo College Master Plan Update, and multiple requests for tree protection zone exceptions and a special structures permit. The Commission will also consider approving the October 26, 2022 meeting minutes and setting the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Continued appeal of building permit fees and penalties for a 7,267 sq. ft. residence at 78 Shearer Drive
• Menlo College 2022 Master Plan Update at 1000 El Camino Real
• Tree protection zone exception for two heritage oaks and removal of two cedars at 98 Sutherland Drive
• Special Structures Permit for increased vertical sidewall at a new 2-story residence at 211 Stockbridge
• Tree protection zone exceptions for redwoods at 75 Fairview Ave. and for an ADU at 82 Linda Vista

The Commission approved an appeal to waive penalties for a residence construction timeline due to pandemic-related supply chain delays. Several tree protection zone exceptions and a special structures permit were also approved, while two items were continued to January.

• Approved appeal to waive penalties for construction timeline at 78 Shearer Drive (3-0)
• Approved TPZ exceptions for two oak trees and removal of one cedar tree at 98 Sutherland Drive (3-0)
• Denied removal of Deodar Cedar Tree #77 at 98 Sutherland Drive (3-0)
• Approved Special Structures Permit for increased vertical side wall at 211 Stockbridge (3-0)
• Approved TPZ exceptions for two redwood trees at 75 Fairview Ave (3-0)
• Continued Menlo College 2022 Master Plan Update to January 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Tree Exception request for ADU at 82 Linda Vista to January 2023 (3-0)
• Adopted the 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule (3-0)

City Council Study Session

The Atherton City Council will hold a study session to discuss and provide direction on two items: the 2023 Earth Day event, including potential partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions and community organizations, and the design of the Holbrook-Palmer Park Access and Circulation Improvements Project. No final decisions will be made; the session is for discussion and feedback.

• Discussion on whether to hold the 2023 Earth Day event in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions and community-based organizations
• Review and feedback on design elements of the Holbrook-Palmer Park Access and Circulation Improvements Project

The City Council discussed partnering with neighboring agencies for the 2023 Earth Day event and reviewed design plans for the Holbrook-Palmer Park access and circulation improvements project. No final approvals were made; both items will return to the Council in early 2023.

• Directed staff and EPC Members to investigate Earth Day partnership details and return with a formal proposal in early 2023
• Provided feedback on Holbrook-Palmer Park designs, including ornamental fencing, benches, and irrigation landscaping
• Scheduled Holbrook-Palmer Park project to return in January 2023 for approval to release an RFP for bids

Rail Committee Meeting

The Atherton Rail Committee will discuss and potentially approve a 2023 meeting schedule, shifting from every-other-month to quarterly meetings. The committee will also receive updates on Watkins Avenue safety improvements, Caltrain electrification, and high-speed rail, but no action is expected on those items.

• Review and approval of the 2023 Rail Committee meeting calendar (quarterly schedule)
• Discussion of in-person meeting requirements after COVID-19 state of emergency ends Feb. 28, 2023
• Status report on Watkins Avenue Safety Improvements project design
• Update on Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Electrification project and governance changes
• Update on High-Speed Rail Authority status

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Atherton Park and Recreation Committee will vote on a recommendation to the Town Council regarding adding pickleball to Holbrook-Palmer Park. The committee will also receive a Circulation Plan update from Rick Navarro and discuss a proposal from Brightview for an Event Garden. Updates on prioritized park projects and goals are also on the agenda.

• Recommendation and vote to Council on adding pickleball to Holbrook-Palmer Park
• Circulation Plan Update with Rick Navarro
• Kevin Capehart with Brightview to discuss proposal for Event Garden
• Updates on prioritized park projects and goals
• Park expenditure and revenue summary for October 2022

Environmental Programs Committee Meeting

The Atherton Environmental Programs Committee will meet to approve minutes from September 29, 2022, and discuss planning for Earth Day 2023. The committee will also receive oral reports from subcommittees on electric landscaping tools, reach codes, water conservation, and the sustainability website.

• Approve Committee Minutes for September 29, 2022, Meeting
• Earth Day 2023 Planning
• Oral reports on Electric Landscaping Tools / Sustainable Landscape Technology (formerly Leaf Blower)
• Oral reports on Reach Codes, Water Conservation, and Sustainability Website

City Council Special Housing Meeting

The Atherton City Council will hold a study session to discuss comments from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on the draft Housing Element update. The Council will provide direction to staff on next steps and how to respond to HCD comments. No final decisions are expected; this is a discussion item.

• Discussion of HCD comments on the draft Housing Element update
• Council to provide direction to staff on next steps and response to HCD comments

The City Council held a study session to review 69 comments from the HCD regarding the draft Housing Element Update. Council provided direction to the Housing Consulting Team for responses, specifically focusing on 21 items requiring council decision-making.

• Provided direction to Housing Consulting Team for responses to 69 HCD comments

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold second readings and consider adopting ordinances that update the town's building codes, including the 2022 California Green Building Code and new EV charging and all-electrification reach codes. The council will also discuss amending the noise control ordinance and consider a recommendation to begin paying retiree health benefits from a trust account. Several routine consent items are on the agenda, including approval of minutes, bills, and maintenance agreements.

• Second reading and adoption of ordinance adopting 2022 California Green Building Code and EV Charging and All Electrification Reach Codes
• Second reading and adoption of ordinance adopting 2022 California Building Standards Code by reference
• Discussion of amendments to Chapter 8.16 (Noise Control) of the Atherton Municipal Code
• Consideration of recommendation to begin paying retiree OPEB health benefits from the PARS Trust account
• Acceptance of work and authorization to record Notice of Completion for Holbrook-Palmer Tennis Court Overlay Project (Courts 1 and 2)

The City Council adopted ordinances updating building and green building codes, including EV charging and electrification reach codes. The Council also approved paying retiree health benefits from the Town's PARS Trust account. A proposed noise control ordinance was sent back for revisions to penalties.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 655 adopting 2022 California Green Building Code and EV Charging/Electrification Reach Codes (4-0-1)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 656 adopting 2022 California Building Standards Code
• Approved paying retiree OPEB health benefits from the Town's PARS Trust account (5-0)
• Authorized Notice of Completion for Holbrook-Palmer tennis court overlay project (Courts 1 and 2)
• Approved maintenance and support agreements for Town Center building management and security systems
• Ratified Resolution No. 22-20 proclaiming a state of emergency
• Tabled noise control ordinance (Chapter 8.16) for revisions to penalties

Audit and Finance Committee Meeting

The Audit and Finance Committee will review a presentation on Atherton property taxes for fiscal year 2022/23 and discuss a memo on OPEB liabilities, potentially recommending that the City Council pay a portion of retiree health benefits from the PARS Trust Account. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and set meeting dates for the fiscal year.

• Review presentation of Atherton Property Taxes for Fiscal Year 2022/23 by Paula Cone of HDL
• Review OPEB Liabilities memo and consider recommending payment of retiree health benefits from PARS Trust Account
• Approve draft minutes from September 13, 2022 meeting
• Set Finance Meeting dates for Fiscal Year 2022/23

Transportation Committee Meeting

The Atherton Transportation Committee and Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee will meet jointly to review traffic calming measures, including temporary speed humps on Fairview, Linda Vista, and Monte Vista avenues. They will also discuss pedestrian improvements at the Fair Oaks Lane/Lloyden Drive/Dinkelspiel Station Lane intersection, consider a request for No Parking signs on Lowery Drive, and review traffic concerns on Encinal Avenue near Encinal Elementary School.

• Review of Neighborhood Traffic Management Action Plan updates, including temporary speed humps on Glenwood Avenue and planned installations on Fairview, Linda Vista, and Monte Vista avenues
• Discussion of pedestrian crossing and traffic calming improvements at the Fair Oaks Lane/Lloyden Drive/Dinkelspiel Station Lane intersection, funded in the FY 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program
• Committee may vote on installing No Parking signs on Lowery Drive, requested by the owner of 2 Lowery Drive following an SB-9 lot split
• Review of bicycle and pedestrian access concerns on Encinal Avenue near Encinal Elementary School, with potential recommendations to the City Council

City Council Study Session

The City Council will hold a study session to review design elements of the Atherton Station building remodel and provide feedback and direction to staff. The Council will also discuss the Draft Housing Element Update and provide direction on next steps in response to comments from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

• Review and provide direction on design of Atherton Station remodel project
• Discuss HCD comments on Draft Housing Element Update and provide direction to staff

The City Council provided direction for the City Manager and an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to begin work on the Train Museum's interior layout and displays. Council also reviewed HCD comments on the draft housing element update and requested an additional session to discuss zoning and housing sites.

• Directed City Manager and Ad Hoc Subcommittee to begin work on Train Museum displays and interior layout
• Requested additional Council session to review responses regarding housing at school sites, single family residential housing/zoning, and publicly owned land sites

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Atherton Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three items: a request to remove a heritage Gingko tree at 51 Fair Oaks Avenue, a request for a reduced Tree Protection Zone distance for two redwood trees at 84 Stockbridge Avenue, and an appeal of fees and penalties related to a building permit at 78 Shearer Drive. The commission will also approve minutes from its August 24, 2022 meeting.

• Heritage tree removal permit for a 21-inch diameter Gingko tree at 51 Fair Oaks Avenue
• Tree Protection Zone Exception (HTR22-00006) to reduce TPZ distance for two 24-inch redwood trees at 84 Stockbridge Avenue from 10x to 6.2x and 8.2x
• Appeal (APL22-00004) of fees and penalties for Building Permit B17-00635 for a new residence at 78 Shearer Drive

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings to adopt the 2022 California Building Standards Code and Green Building Code, along with an electric vehicle charging and all-electric reach code, with exceptions effective January 1, 2023. The Council will also consider a resolution supporting a grant application for the El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure Project for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and a rent credit of $3,166.66 for Player Capital Tennis due to court closures at Holbrook-Palmer Park. Other items include appointing a member to the Park and Recreation Committee, updating the Conflict of Interest Code, and ratifying a state of emergency for teleconference meetings.

• Public hearing to adopt 2022 California Building Standards Code and retain existing modifications
• Public hearing to adopt 2022 California Green Building Code and EV charging/all-electric reach codes
• Resolution supporting grant application for El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure Project
• Rent credit of $3,166.66 for Player Capital Tennis due to court closures at Holbrook-Palmer Park
• Appointment to one vacant seat on the Park and Recreation Committee

The City Council unanimously approved first readings of ordinances adopting the 2022 California Building Standards Code and the 2022 California Green Building Code with an EV charging and electrification reach code, effective January 1, 2023. The Council also approved a 50% rent credit for Player Capital Tennis due to court closures, appointed Bob Roeser to the Park and Recreation Committee, and adopted a resolution supporting the El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure Project grant application. All votes were unanimous 5-0.

• Introduced first reading of ordinance adopting 2022 California Building Standards Code, retaining existing modifications, and ratifying fire regulations (5-0)
• Introduced first reading of ordinance adopting 2022 California Green Building Code and EV charging/electrification reach code, effective Jan 1, 2023 (5-0)
• Appointed Bob Roeser to Park and Recreation Committee for term expiring June 2026 (5-0)
• Approved 50% rent credit reimbursement for Player Capital Tennis due to court closures at Holbrook-Palmer Park (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-23 supporting El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure Project grant application (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-22 updating Town's Conflict of Interest Code (consent)
• Adopted Resolution 22-20 ratifying state of emergency and authorizing teleconference meetings (consent)
• Adopted Resolution 22-24 revising resolution governing Town committees and commissions (consent)

City Council Special Meeting - Housing Community Meeting

The City Council is holding a special study session to engage the community regarding the Town's Draft Housing Element. The goal of the meeting is to solicit input and feedback from the community-at-large.

• Discussion on Atherton Housing Community Engagement and Outreach

The City Council held a special meeting to gather resident input on the Draft Housing Element and a proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a study session with presentations and public comments.

• No formal decisions were made during the study session

City Council Study Session

The City Council will discuss the implementation of an autonomous drone program for the Atherton Police Department and the acceptance of a resident donation to fund it for one year. Additionally, the Council will discuss potential changes to the current noise control ordinance.

• Establishment of an autonomous drone program for crime detection and prevention
• Approval of an associated Lexipol policy for drone use
• Acceptance of a resident donation to fund the drone program's initial outlay and first year of operation
• Discussion of potential changes to Noise Control Ordinance (Atherton Municipal Code Chapter 8.16)

The City Council approved the Lexipol Drone Program Policy and accepted a resident donation to fund the first year of an Autonomous Drone Program, including equipment lease and support. The Council also directed staff to revise the noise control ordinance by lowering decibel limits, defining social gathering sizes, and increasing penalties for repeat offenders, including misdemeanor citations.

• Approved Lexipol Drone Program Policy and accepted resident donation for first-year drone program costs (5-0)
• Directed staff to revise noise ordinance lowering decibel limits on specific days
• Directed staff to define number of people for social gatherings in noise ordinance
• Directed staff to increase penalties for repeat noise offenders, including misdemeanor option

Park and Recreation Committee Regular Meeting

The Park and Recreation Committee is discussing several park improvements and policy issues. The body is reviewing the possibility of adding pickleball courts to Holbrook Palmer Park and discussing a proposal for the Event Garden.

• Review of adding pickleball courts to Holbrook Palmer Park
• Proposal for Event Garden from Kevin Capehart with Brightview
• Circulation project update by Project Manager Rick Navarro
• Discussion on smoking in the park
• Update on prioritized park projects and goals

Environmental Programs Committee Special Meeting

The committee will review its mission statement and receive a presentation on water conservation. Members will also hear oral reports from various subcommittees regarding sustainability initiatives.

• Approval of July 21, 2022, meeting minutes
• Review of Environmental Programs Committee mission
• Water conservation presentation
• Subcommittee reports on electric landscaping tools and sustainable technology
• Subcommittee reports on reach codes and home electrification

City Council Regular Meeting and Closed Session

The Council will consider a variance appeal for a fence and retaining wall at 25 Isabella Drive. Other business includes labor negotiations, a state of emergency resolution, and new Public Works positions.

• Public hearing regarding a variance request for a fence/wall at 25 Isabella Drive
• Approval of July ($3,336,861) and August ($2,254,058) bills and claims
• Acceptance of work for the 2022 Slurry Seal Project (No. 56101)
• Resolution to accept $100,000 in COPS Grant funding
• Creation of Public Works Maintenance Manager and Associate Engineer positions

The City Council voted unanimously to deny an appeal of a Planning Commission decision that had rejected a variance for a fence exceeding six feet in height and a retaining wall less than five feet from the property line at 25 Isabella Drive. The Council also approved consent items including bills and claims totaling $5,590,919 for July and August 2022, and adopted resolutions for law enforcement grants and emergency teleconference meetings. Additionally, the Council voted to keep the Rail Committee active but change its meetings to quarterly, and created two new Public Works positions with salary ranges.

• Denied appeal and upheld Planning Commission denial of variance for fence/wall at 25 Isabella Drive (unanimous vote).
• Approved bills and claims for July 2022 ($3,336,861) and August 2022 ($2,254,058).
• Adopted Resolution 2022-19 accepting expenditures for SLESF and COPS grant funds.
• Adopted Resolution 2022-20 ratifying emergency proclamation and authorizing teleconference meetings.
• Accepted Treasurer's Report for the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2022.
• Approved motion to maintain Rail Committee status and change meetings from every other month to quarterly.
• Adopted Resolution 2022-21 creating Public Works Maintenance Manager and Associate Engineer positions and setting salary ranges.
• Approved minutes for July 20, July 27, and September 6, 2022 City Council meetings.

Audit and Finance Committee Meeting

The Audit and Finance Committee will discuss the preliminary audit for Fiscal Year 2021/22. The body will also review the 2022 Actuarial Valuation of the Postemployment Healthcare Program to determine if it should be recommended for adoption by the City Council.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2021/22 Preliminary Audit & Scope SAS 114 communication
• Review of 2022 Actuarial Valuation of Postemployment Healthcare Program
• Selection of Chair and/or Vice Chair for Fiscal Year 2022/23
• Approval of May 10, 2022 meeting minutes

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Park and Recreation Committee will review financial reports and receive an annual update from Player Capital. The body will also discuss updates for tennis and clay courts, review pickleball courts, and discuss general park projects and goals.

• Player Capital Annual Update by Michael Jessup
• Tennis Court 1 & 2 and Clay Court updates
• Pickleball Court review
• Financial report on expenditure and revenue summary
• Discussion on park projects and goals

City Council Study Session

The City Council will discuss individual priorities and next steps regarding the Draft Housing Element. Members will also consider creating a City Council Standing Committee and a Resident Committee for Housing Programs & Construction Mitigation.

• Discussion of priorities for the Draft Housing Element
• Proposed creation of a City Council Standing Committee for Housing Programs & Construction Mitigation
• Proposed creation of a Resident Committee for Housing Programs & Construction Mitigation

The City Council discussed housing element priorities and directed staff to gather data on potential ADU conversions, define a housing program for ADUs, and plan a town-wide community meeting. The Council also decided not to create any standing or resident committee for housing programs at this time, instead requesting a full Council community meeting in October.

• Directed staff to gather data on pool/guest houses convertible to living units
• Directed staff to define and plan an ADU development and rental program
• Directed staff to organize a town-wide housing information session
• Decided not to create any housing committee (Council or resident) at this time
• Requested a town-wide community meeting with all Council members in October

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning Commission will conduct public hearings regarding tree-related requests. These include a request for Tree Protection Zone exceptions at 173 Hawthorne Drive and a heritage tree removal permit at 268 Catalpa Drive.

• Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) exceptions at 173 Hawthorne Drive
• Heritage tree removal permit for one Coast Live Oak at 268 Catalpa Drive

The Atherton Planning Commission approved a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) exception for four heritage trees at 173 Hawthorn Drive, allowing reduced TPZ distances to six times the trees' diameter to permit construction of a detached accessory dwelling unit. The commission also approved a heritage tree removal request for one Coast Live Oak at 768 Catalpa Drive, with conditions including replacement trees. Both decisions were made with a 3-0 vote (with two absent) for the TPZ exception and a 3-1 vote (with one absent) for the tree removal.

• Approved TPZ exception for four heritage trees at 173 Hawthorn Drive (3-0, 2 absent)
• Approved heritage tree removal for Coast Live Oak #31 at 768 Catalpa Drive (3-1, 1 absent)
• Approved minutes of July 27, 2022 meeting (3-0, 2 absent)