Posted on September 17, 2020 at 11:45 AM by grodericks grodericks
Council Meeting Date: September 16, 2020
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 September Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 16 at 7 pm via Zoom Teleconference pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order. Following the Roll Call and Report out from Closed Session the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Presentations and Public Comments.
The Council presented Proclamations to retired K-9 Quancy and former ADAPT President Normal Fogelberg. The Council also recognized the ADAPT Board and Area Coordinators for their outstanding efforts in support of the community's safety.
Following Public Comment, the Council moved to the City Manager's Report. The City Manager's Report is prepared monthly as part of the City Council's Regular Agenda. In addition to current reports from the City Manager, it includes departmental updates on the various happenings around Town such as reports from Administration, Community Services, Planning, Police, and Public Works.
Following the City Manager's Report, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 7 and 16. 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 minutes of various meetings, bills and claims, Notices of Completion for the 2020 Overlay and Patching projects, adoption of a Resolution designating voting delegates to the 2020 League Conference, a Resolution accepting COPS Grant Funding, a Resolution approving an application for Per Capita Grant Funds, Ratification of the Continuing Emergency due to COVID-19, and acceptance of the 4th Quarter Treasurer's Report. The City Council removed the League Delegate Item (approved under Regular Agenda Items) to request that the League Resolutions be considered by the Council at the October 7 Study Session.
Next up was Public Hearings.
Item No. 16 was a Public Hearing to Introduce an Ordinance Amending the Atherton Municipal Code Chapter 17.52 related to Accessory Dwelling Units. After the Staff Report, questions and public comment, the Council discussed the draft ordinance. The Council discussed issues related to legal non-conforming structure replacement, inclusion of language to address enforcement of the owner occupancy requirements, impact of parking requirements, and setbacks. Following discussion, the Council introduced the Ordinance for its 1st Reading (2nd Reading and Adoption to be scheduled for October 21). The Council expressed displeasure at the State mandated requirements related to the proposed amendments, its potential impact on the character of the Town, and directed staff to incorporate language in the Ordinance's preamble articulating the Council's concerns about the State's overreach.
Next up was the Regular Agenda.
Item No. 17 was discussion and direction regarding the Town's participation in the HEROES Project. Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed the Town's participation in the project. Following discussion, the Council opted not to participate in the project.
Item No. 18 was direction to staff regarding next steps on withdrawal from the South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA). Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to current cost, future costs, risk of continued SBWMA membership as it relates to future costs, public comment issues raised by Recology, and the Town's continued membership in the SBWMA. Following discussion, the Council directed that staff move forward with finalizing negotiation of a franchise agreement with Greenwaste Recovery to begin January 1, 2021, authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the Town and directed the City Manager to facilitate the Town's exit from the SBWMA.
Item No. 19 was consideration of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Operation and Maintenance of a proposed Library Cafe. Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to operation of the cafe, non-profit versus for profit operators, opportunity for partnership with an event manager for the Park, minor corrections in the RFP, and size and opportunity of the space. Following discussion, the Council asked that staff return the item, with edits as directed, for consideration at the October 21 Council Meeting.
Item No. 20 was consideration and direction of the million-dollar donor naming requests. Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to recognition levels, opportunities, and guidelines. Following discussion, the Council accepted the naming requests of the million-dollar donors as presented by Atherton Now and directed staff to connect with Atherton Now to advise of the Town's recognition guidelines (8 1/2" x 11" plaque, placement considerations, etc.).
Item No. 21 was direction regarding potential revisions to the City Council Handbook and Rules of Procedure. Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed various provisions within the Handbook and Rules of Procedure and discussed possible revisions. The Council provided feedback with respect to the creation of Ad Hoc Subcommittees, representation of the Town and Council's direction by members of the Council, and engagement by other members of the Council on issues once a Subcommittee has been formed to address those issues. Staff will make the directed revisions, as well as other minor corrections, and return the Handbook and Rules of Procedure for consideration at the October 21 Regular Meeting.
The last item on the Agenda, Item No. 22 was an update on the Town Center Project, direction regarding future fountain design and placement, approval of a Scope of Work for WRNS, and approval of a settlement with S.J. Amoroso regarding CPE#13 and CPE#51. Following a staff report and public comment, the Council directed staff continue to move forward with the proposed fountain design and placement and approved both the Scope of Work with WRNS and the Settlement Agreement with S.J. Amoroso.
Following Council Reports and Final Public Comments, having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 10:37 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!
The next meeting of the City Council will be a Special Meeting/Study Session on October 7 at 3 pm. On the Agenda is consideration of appointment to the Finance Committee; discussion and direction regarding the League of Cities Legislative Resolution; Consideration of an Agreement with Caltrain for closure of the Atherton Rail Station; direction regarding event management services at Holbrook-Palmer Park; and Review and Direction Regarding the Bayfront Canal Project MOU and Project Terms.