City Manager's Blog

Council Meeting Date: March 15, 2023 (full Agenda link)
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TownOfAtherton/featured
Details of each item can be found via the links to Staff Reports within the narrative.

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, March 15 at 6:15 pm. Due to a few technical difficulties, the meeting started late. Following the Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Public Comments and Presentations.  The City Council adopted a Proclamation in support of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week honoring the Town's Dispatcher Team. The Presentation on the San Mateo County Age-Friendly Committee was postponed to April 19. 

Next, the Council moved to Departmental Reports (~6:25 pm). The Departmental Reports are prepared monthly as part of the City Council's Regular Agenda. In addition to current reports from the City Manager, it typically includes departmental updates on the various happenings around Town such as reports from Administration, Community Services, Planning, Police, and Public Works.

Following Departmental Reports, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 1 through 6 (~6:30 pm). Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council. Included in this month's Consent Agenda were bills and claims, minutes, Annual Report on the Use of Military Equipment pursuant to AB 481, Approval of a Grant Funding Agreement with Santa Clara County for the Park Circulation Project, Approval of the 2022 Annual Report to HCD, and Approval of a Capital Accounting Partner Agreement for the Cost Allocation Plan. Following brief staff reports on the Annual Report on Military Equipment and 2022 Annual Report to HCD, the Council approved all items on the Consent Agenda. 

Next was Public Hearings.
 
Public Hearings are typically held for Ordinances, Budget Adoption, Fee Adoption, and Land Use approvals. There were no scheduled Public Hearings.  

Next up was the Regular Agenda. The Regular Agenda is reserved for items that require more deliberation and discussion by the City Council and items that are not routine in nature. 

Item No. 7 was an appointment to the Planning Commission to fill the an open, unexpired term through June 2025. (~6:37 pm) Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council appointed Bob Polito to fill an open, unexpired term through June 2025. 

Item No. 8 was discussion of release of a survey to assess interest in Pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park. (~6:40 pm) Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to proposed locations, appropriateness of pickleball in the Park, funding, community support, survey questions, method of survey, and timing of release of the survey. Following discussion, the Council gave authority to an Ad Hoc Council Subcommittee to be created by the Mayor to work with staff to review and/or revise the survey questions and release the survey to the entire community on behalf of the Town. Staff was directed to ensure that all tennis key holders received a notice of the survey. 

Item No. 9 was review of the Report from the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Housing and direction to staff. (~7:04 pm) Following a PowerPoint presentation by the Subcommittee and an opportunity for public comment, the Council discussed issues related to purchase of property in Town for housing, use of the Gilmore House in the Park, type of housing proposed at the Gilmore House, other options considered by the Ad Hoc Subcommittee, timing of HCD response to the Town's Adopted Housing Element, timing of the Town's required response back to HCD if it is not accepted by the State, using Habitat for Humanity, and establishing criteria for selection of property(ies) for consideration. Following discussion, the Council directed that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee reconvene with staff and work through a refresh of criteria to be used by the Council when considering properties for inclusion in the Housing Element as opportunity sites for affordable housing solutions. The Council asked that the Subcommittee report out at the next possible meeting of the City Council.

The last item on the Agenda was Item No. 10, review and direction regarding the Town's 100th Year Anniversary Celebration. (~8:22 pm) Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to budget for the event, date of the event, activities at the event, creation of a history video, incorporation of the Train Station, 100-Oak Tree giveaway and details of history stations. Following discussion, the Council expressed support the event and the continued work of the Standing Committee. The Council approved a budget for the event, inclusive of the Oak Trees, of $60,000.

The last items on the Agenda were Council Reports and final Public Comments. 

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 8:36 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!

The next meeting of the City Council will be a Study Session on Wednesday, April 5 at 3 pm. The Agenda includes the FY 2023/24 Budget Operations Review, Approval of a Resolution Requesting Public Assistance from FEMA for the January Storm Event, Report from the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Housing - Criteria for Opportunity Sites, Discussion and Direction Regarding Sidewalk and ROW Issues, and the Annual Police Report and Presentation.

Thanks for reading!
 
 George Rodericks
 City Manager
Town of Atherton
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us

Council Meeting Date: February 15, 2023 (full Agenda link)
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TownOfAtherton/featured
Details of each item can be found via the links to Staff Reports within the narrative.

The City Council met for the February Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 15 at 6 pm via Hybrid - (Zoom and In-Person) pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order. Following the Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Public Comments and Presentations. Two new Town employees were introduced to the City Council - Facilities Maintenance Manager Tony Enochson and Police Officer Karena Shun. 

Next, the Council moved to Departmental Reports (~6:08 pm). The Departmental Reports are prepared monthly as part of the City Council's Regular Agenda. In addition to current reports from the City Manager, it typically includes departmental updates on the various happenings around Town such as reports from Administration, Community Services, Planning, Police, and Public Works.

Following Departmental Reports, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 1 through 7 (~6:10 pm). Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council. Included in this month's Consent Agenda were bills and claims, minutes, Certification of the Continuing COVID-19 Emergency, Treasurer's Report, Release of the RFP for the Town's Cost Allocation Study, Destruction of Records, and Adoption of a 2022/23 Budget Amendment. Following an amendment to the January 11 Minutes to reflect accurate motions made regarding a Zoning Overlay for 23 Oakwood, the Council approved all items on the Consent Agenda, as amended.. 

Next was Public Hearings.
 
Public Hearings are typically held for Ordinances, Budget Adoption, Fee Adoption, and Land Use approvals. Item No. 8 was 2nd Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance related to Targeted Residential Picketing. (~6:11 pm). Following a brief staff report, the Council opened the Public Hearing and took Public Comment. Following Public Comment, the Council waived further reading and adopted the Ordinance. The Ordinance will be effective 30-days from the date of adoption. 

Next up was the Regular Agenda. The Regular Agenda is reserved for items that require more deliberation and discussion by the City Council and items that are not routine in nature. 

Item No. 9 was Consideration of an Appointment to the Planning Commission. (~6:15 pm) Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council directed staff to open a recruitment for the vacancy and consider appointment of any applicants at the March 15, 2023 Regular Meeting. 

Item No. 10 was discussion of the Atherton Housing Coalition Letter and Other Alternative Housing Solutions. (~6:20 pm) Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to inclusion of the Gilmore House, Town Corporation Yard, and 28 Almendral as alternative housing solutions in the Housing Element. The Council discussed challenges related to the inclusion of the Corporation Yard as well as land use controls and responsibility for 28 Almendral. Council briefly discussed other issues raised by the Atherton Housing Coalition to include 23 Oakwood and SB 197. The Council raised the possibility of investigating the annexation of unincorporated County area as well as housing in other jurisdictions. The Council discussed the possibility of pursuing a LAFCO application for annexation of the adjacent land near Selby Lane School. Following discussion, the Council directed that staff provide notice to the surrounding property owners of the Gilmore House that the Council will be discussing it as a potential multi-family solution; directed that staff reach out to the Fire District to discuss further details of their plans for 28 Almendral; and reach out to Selby Lane School to begin discussion around a possible joint LAFCO application for annexation of the rear portion of their parcel located in unincorporated San Mateo County. 

The last item on the Agenda was Item No. 11, Discussion and Considertation of creation of a 100-Year Celebration Committee. (~7:28 pm) Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to a budget for the event and flexibility of a Standing Committee versus and appointed Council Committee. Following discussion, the Council expressed support the formation of a Standing Committee and asked that the Committee report out on progress regularly. 

The last items on the Agenda were Council Reports and final Public Comments. Councilmembers reported out on various Committee and Liaison activity, to include, LPMG, Commute.org, San Mateo County Emergency Council, Peninsula Clean Energy, BAAQMD, and the Library Board. The Council also introduced for comment Fire District Board Liaison Gary Bloom.

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 7:46 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!

The next meeting of the City Council will be a Study Session on Wednesday, March 1 at 4 pm. The Agenda includes the FY 2023/24 Budget Kick-Off (Orientation), Discussion and Direction on Regulation of Gas Powered Leaf Blowers, and Discussion of Right-of-Way Management and Liability. 

Ongoing Town Surveys - 

Centennial Celebration - September 12, 2023 is the Town's Centennial and we'd like to your help and input into how we should celebrate. Please take a quick moment to complete a brief, 1-question survey on your ideas for how we celebrate our Centennial. 

Thanks for reading!
 
 George Rodericks
 City Manager
Town of Atherton
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us

The Town submitted its Draft Housing Element for the 2023-2031 Housing Cycle to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its initial review in 2022. Comments were received at the end of October and over the past several months, the Town has been hosting several public meetings to discuss and consider revisions to the Draft Housing Element to address the State's response.

The use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) continues to be a significant resource for compliance; but the Town also has to address mandates that require the identification of multi-family opportunities in Town. Please take a moment to complete our ADU Survey that will assist the Town in its presentation to the State HCD as part of the 6th Cycle Housing Element process. 

Recent public meetings on Housing: 

• November 17, 2022 the City Council hosted a Special Meeting/Study Session to review, in detail, the State’s response letter. 
• December 15, 2022 the Council met again at a Special Meeting/Study Session  
• January 11, 2023 the City Council Study Session
  • Letter Regarding Revisions Directed at the January 11 Study Session

This proposal identified 17 properties along El Camino Real - properties that were adjacent to or back up to El Camino Real along Cebalo Lane and Gresham Lane - from Stockbridge Avenue to the Town's Redwood City border - as part of an Up Zoning to Residential Multi-Family @ 20 units per acre. In addition, the proposal identified 1 property at 23 Oakwood for inclusion as Residential Multi-Family @ 10 units per acre. In addition to trying to meet the State's mandate to identify opportunities for multi-family, the Council felt that these parcels were along or within a 1/2-mile from a major thoroughfare with multi-modal transit, closer to denser development or higher density development, closer to commercial development or had an interested developer. 

• January 12, 2023 - Community Engagement Meeting (@Menlo College - Russell Center (space is limited))
• January 18, 2023 - City Council Meeting (@ Council Chambers)
• January 19, 2023 - Planning Commission Special Meeting (@Council Chambers)
  • Letter Regarding Recommended Revisions to the Housing Element by the Planning Commission
• January 31, 2023 - 2 pm - Special Meeting on January 31, 2023 for adoption and submission. At this meeting, the Council can consider submitting the Draft Housing Element as last reviewed at the January 18 Council Meeting OR the Draft Housing Element incorporating some or all of the Planning Commission Recommendations from January 19. 

This proposal identified all properties along El Camino Real, on both sides of El Camino Real - one lot deep - from the Town border in Menlo Park to the Town border in Redwood City. These properties were identified to be a part of a Residential Multi-Family Overlay Zone @ 20 units per acre. The proposal also identified all properties along Valparaiso from El Camino to the western Town border - one lot deep - to be included as part of a Residential Multi-Family Overlay Zone @ 10 units per acre. In addition to trying to meet the State's mandate to identify opportunities for multi-family, the Commission felt that these parcels were along or within a 1/2-mile from a major thoroughfare with multi-modal transit, closer to denser development or higher density development, closer to commercial development. The Commission remained neutral with respect to 23 Oakwood. .

"Up Zoning" - Upzoning occurs when the Town rezones parcels to allow a higher density or different use than already exists on the parcel. When a parcel is up zoned, the existing use is allowed to continue; but, the Town can incorporate restrictions on the property owner's ability to expand the use. If the existing use is discontinued (i.e. abandoned or demolished), the property would be required to be developed consistent with the new upzoning. In the situation proposed in the January 18 Housing Element, parcels are being considered for up zoning to a higher density to allow multi-family. The development requirements for multi-family are not yet developed and the upzoning itself would all occur over the next 36 months.  Development standards would address height, setbacks, lot coverage, parking, fence heights, screening, etc. as well as minimum and maximum density requirements. When up zoned to a higher density use, development standards could establish a minimum density between 1 and whatever maximum is proposed (in this case 20).  The Town would also review its Exceptions to Non-Conforming Uses Ordinance to address any exceptions that would allow the continuation or expansion of the existing single-family uses. Upzoning does not prevent the existing uses from continuing, does not force property owners to sell properties, nor does it impose a requirement to tear down existing structures. 

"Overlay Zoning" - Overlay Zoning occurs when the Town identifies parcels to be a part of an Overlay Zone that would allow a different density or use than already exists on the parcel. When a parcel is part of an Overlay, the existing use is allowed to continue; but the property owner can choose to demolish and rebuild at the new use. In the situation proposed in the January 19 Planning Commission recommendation, parcels are being considered for an Overlay Zone at a higher density to allow multi-family. The development requirements for multi-family are not yet developed and the Overlay Zone itself would all occur over the next 36 months. Development standards would address height, setbacks, lot coverage, parking, fence heights, screening, etc. as well as minimum and maximum density requirements. With Overlay Zoning, the existing use is not considered non-conforming as it is a lawfully permitted use in both the current zone and the Overlay Zone. In other words, the minimum density allowed in an Overlay Zone would be a single-family home. Overlay Zoning does not prevent the existing uses from continuing nor does it impose restrictions or exceptions to expanding those uses. Overlay Zoning does not force property owners to sell properties, nor does it impose a requirement to tear down existing structures. 

For more details, visit the Town's Housing Webpage. Available videos from Council Meetings are available here. To stay engaged on Town topics and issues, sign up for the Town's E-News here. Comments may be sent to council@ci.atherton.ca.us.

Thanks for reading!
 
 George Rodericks
 City Manager
Town of Atherton
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us