Posted on January 21, 2021 at 1:12 PM by grodericks grodericks
Council Meeting Date: January 20, 2021
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 January Regular Meeting on Wednesday, January 20 at 7 pm via Zoom Teleconference pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order. Following the Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Presentations and Public Comments.
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 6 and 14. 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, Certification of the Continuing Local Emergency (COVID-19), City Council Committee Assignments, FY 2019/20 Audited Financial Statements, MOU with the County of San Mateo for the Bayfront Canal Project, Authorization for the Sale of Rule 20A Funds to South San Francisco, and Approval of a Conduit Lease Agreement with Atherton Fiber. Following a couple of brief comments on the items, the Council approved the Consent Agenda.
Next was a Public Hearing, Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Atherton Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 "Noise", Pertaining to Leaf Blowers. Following a staff report and public comments, the Council discussed the various proposed revisions. Following discussion related to Spare the Air Days, public education campaigns, enforcement, survey responses, and additional information, the Council opted NOT to introduce the Ordinance for First Reading and instead directed staff to move forward with a Town Pilot Program for the use of electric leaf blowers at Town facilities; work with the Environmental Programs Committee to develop communications and information for the public relating to 2- and 4-stroke engines and the benefits of electric leaf blowers; and directed that the Town not use leaf blowers on Spare the Air Days.
Next up was the Regular Agenda.
Item No. 16, Discussion Regarding a Sustainability Coordinator Position. Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to timing of the position, engagement with the Environmental Programs Committee, and role. The Council authorized the City Manager to include a consultant position in the FY 2020/21 Budget process for consideration by the Council. The consultant would work through the City Manager's Office and would provide support at approximately 1,000 a year to the Environmental Programs Committee.
Item No. 17 was adoption of a Resolution amending fees for the Tennis Key for the Holbrook Palmer Park Tennis Courts. Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to court maintenance, rehabilitation, and process. Following discussion, the Council adopted the Resolution supporting Option No. 3, increasing the cost of the resident tennis key to $100, but include access to the clay court as part of that purchase; and increase the cost of the non-resident key to $275.
Item No. 18 was consideration of a letter to the Biden Administration in support of Clean Water Act and Protection of the Redwood City Salt Ponds. Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed the letter and the Town's general perspective on sending letters of this type. Following discussion, the Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to modify the letter based on Council comments and authorized the Mayor to execute the letter and send it.
Next, was Item No. 19, Review and Approval of a Response to the Grand Jury Report: "Second Units: Adding New Housing in the Neighborhoods." Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed the proposed response and made minor modifications to Finding Response #5 related to barriers to the creation of second units. Following this revision, the Council approved and authorized the response.
The last item on the Agenda, Item No. 20, Update to the Town Center Project, included approval of an agreement for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment as well as a modification to the Telecommunications Agreement for Police Radio Encryption. Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed the need for review and potential revision to the furniture selections for the Town Center. The Council asked that the Mayor appoint an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to work with staff to review the selections and make appropriate revisions prior to returning the award of contract to the Council for consideration. The Council then discussed the proposed amendment to the telecommunications agreement for police communications and radio encryption. The Council discussed issues related to timing, cost, and the State's mandate as well as the need for continued transparency in communications. Following discussion, the Council approved the amendment to agreement but directed staff to return with a report as to how the Town will address the need for continued transparency in communications.
Following Council Reports and Comments, having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 9:50 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!
The next meeting of the City Council will be a Special Meeting/Study Session on February 3 at 4 pm. On the Agenda is Feedback to the Fire District Liaisons Regarding Discussion Items for a Joint Meeting with the Fire District, the Mid-Year 2020/21 Budget Presentation, Review and Consideration of correspondence from the Finance Committee on the Town's Pension Obligations, and Consideration of a Mills Act Policy and Program.