Council Meeting Date: July 16, 2025 (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 and meeting videos are uploaded once they are fully compiled.
The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, July 16 at 6 pm. Following Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Presentations and Public Comments (~6:01 pm). There were no presentations; the Council moved to Public Comments.
Following Public Comments at (~6:01 pm), the Council moved on to Departmental Reports and the Consent Agenda..
Departmental Reports (~6:03 pm) are prepared monthly as part of the City Council's Regular Agenda.
Departmental Reports includes updates on the various happenings around Town including reports from Administration, City Clerk, Finance, Community Services (Building and Planning), Public Works, Parks and Police.
Following Departmental Reports, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda (~6:05 pm) consisting of Items 1 through 7. 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, Acceptance of Work for the Train Station Building, 2nd Reading and Adoption of Purchasing Ordinance Revisions, Award of Contract for the 2025 Crack, Seal and Slurry, Authorization for Acceptance of Public Art Donation and Agreement, and Approval of Agreement for Auction Services. Following an opportunity for comments and questions, the Council approved the 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 was one Public Hearing on the Agenda.
Item No. 8 was an Appeal of a Planning Commission Variance Approval for 94 Palmer (~6:06 pm). Following a Staff Report, the Council heard from the Appellant, Applicant, and Public Comment. Following Public Comment, at approximately 7:20 pm, the Council began deliberation and discussed issues related to setbacks, landscape screening, entry door, garages and parking, State mandates for SB9 lots, and land use standards applicable to similar lots and lot sizes. Following discussion, the Council denied the appeal.
Next up was the Regular Agenda.
The Regular Agenda consisted of four items.
Item No. 9 was Consideration of an appointment to the Environmental Programs Committee (~7:32 pm). Following a Staff Report and opportunity for Public Comment, the Council heard from the candidate regarding their application. Following discussion, the Council appointed Sophia Tang to a term expiring June 2028. Meetings of these respective committees are public and agendas can be found on the Town's website via this LINK.
Item No. 10 was Adoption of a Resolution to Implement a Permit Parking Program on Ashfield and Maple (~7:40 pm). Following a Staff Report and opportunity for Public Comment, the Council discussed issues related to fines, timing of enforcement, and exemptions. Following discussion, the Council adopted the Resolution with an amendment to exempt delivery and service vehicles (such as pool cleaners, gardeners, delivery vehicles and other similar vehicles; as well as construction related vehicles provided they are parked pursuant to an approved Construction Operations Plan. The Permit Parking Program is effective on Ashfield and Maple from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. With the noted exceptions, vehicles parked on these streets during the effective days and hours are required to have a permit. Vehicles parked without a permit will be subject to a ticket and fine. Permits are only issued to residents of the street and their guests.
Item No. 11 was a Review of a Recommendation from the Park and Recreation Committee regarding the Pickleball Program (~7:49 pm). Following a Staff Report and opportunity for Public Comment, the Council discussed issues related to the number of striped pickleball courts on Court 1, the nature of the striping, drop in play, allowances by Player Capital for additional play opportunities, future contract negotiations with Player Capital, private pickleball instruction, hand ball court conversion, and donations. Following discussion, the Council approved the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Committee to re-stripe Court 1 for 4 pickleball courts but allow the court to continue to be used and striped for tennis as well; pursue a donation for the conversion of the hand ball courts to two pickleball courts; retain the clay court; work with Player Capital to expand the ad hoc availability of pickleball through their reservation system - upgrading it where feasible; and allowing private pickleball instruction to occur (to include by Player Capital) but require that any reservation be made by the individual receiving the instruction and that the instructors obtain a Town Business License and provide proof of insurance as determined by the Town.
Item No. 12 was Consideration of a request from the Senior Task Force for Financial Support for a mailed postcard (~8:22 pm). Following a Staff Report, a presentation from the Task Force and opportunity for Public Comment, the Council discussed issues related to the program for September's planned Senior Expo and the design of the postcard. Following discussion, the Council authorized Town support up to $2,000 for the mailed postcard. The Senior Expo will be held on Saturday, September 27 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Pavilion in Holbrook Palmer Park. The Expo will focus on educating seniors on the necessary advance planning to either age in place or make arrangements to transition to a senior living facility or community. The Expo will host speakers and other engagements to assist attendees with navigating these choices at a practical level.
The last items on the Agenda were Council Reports, final Public Comments and Future Agenda Items. (~8:39 pm)
Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 7:39 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!
The next meeting of the City Council is a Study Session/Special Meeting on Wednesday, September 3 at 4 pm. This meeting will include a discussion of a City Council Vacancy, Appointment, and Special Election; as well as a discussion of Town support for Affordable Housing Solutions at Menlo College.
The City Council is DARK for the month of August and absent the need for a Special Meeting, there will not be a scheduled Council Meeting.
For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website.
Thanks for reading!
George Rodericks
City Manager
Town of Atherton
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us