Atherton, CA

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss a San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury report regarding the management of Flock ALPR cameras. The body is also considering several municipal code amendments and approving multiple infrastructure contracts.

• Contract for El Camino Real/Selby Lane intersection improvements not to exceed $665,000
• Construction contract for Alameda de las Pulgas/Stockbridge Avenue awarded to Chrisp Company for $54,593
• Budget amendment for Middlefield Road and Watkins Avenue projects not to exceed $84,600
• Proposed ordinance authorizing the Chief of Police to maintain a 'Do Not Solicit' list
• Public hearing on roll off bin implementation and C&D recycling requirements

City Council Close Session

The Town of Atherton City Council is holding a closed session to meet with legal counsel. The discussion concerns existing litigation in the San Mateo Superior Court.

• Conference with legal counsel regarding Town of Atherton v. SJ Amoroso Construction Co., TK Elevator at al. (Case No. 25-CIV-07819)

Planning Commission Meeting

Study Session

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Atherton Park and Recreation Committee meets on October 7, 2026, with a 5:00 PM walk of Holbrook Palmer facilities followed by a 6:30 PM regular meeting in Council Chambers. The agenda includes updates on the Holbrook Palmer Park playground and bathroom project, the pickleball and tennis program, and a September 2026 landscaping assessment by Brightview. The committee will also receive routine monthly reports from the Holbrook Palmer Park Foundation, the Park Division, and on park events and venue rentals. No action items with dollar amounts or ordinances are listed.

• Approve Committee Minutes for September 2, 2026 Meeting
• Update on Holbrook Palmer Park playground and bathroom project from Maintenance and Park Manager Will Burse
• Review of September 2026 Quality Site Assessment Report by Brightview Landscaping
• Update from Pickleball and Tennis Subcommittee on programs at Holbrook Palmer Park
• Routine monthly reports: HPP Foundation, Park Division, and park events/venue rentals

City Council Study Session

The Atherton City Council holds a special study session on October 7, 2026, with two public hearings on construction regulations. Item 1 continues a hearing from September 16, 2026, and introduces for first reading an ordinance amending Municipal Code Section 15.40.152, the Construction Management and Operations Plan (CMOP). Item 2 introduces for first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 15.40, "Construction Regulations," and recodifying existing Construction Time Limit (CTL) regulations as new Chapter 15.41. Both items are listed as exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Sections 15309 and 15332. The agenda also lists roll call, public comment, council reports/comments, and adjournment.

• Public hearing continued from September 16, 2026, on an ordinance amending AMC Section 15.40.152 (Construction Management and Operations Plan)
• First reading of an ordinance amending AMC Chapter 15.40, "Construction Regulations"
• Recodifying existing Construction Time Limit (CTL) regulations as new AMC Chapter 15.41
• Both ordinances listed as CEQA-exempt under Guidelines Sections 15309 and 15332
• Staff reports: Fred Lustenberger, Building Official, and Lisa-Marie Daley, Code Enforcement Officer

Planning Commission Meeting

The Atherton Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on an appeal of a Notice of Violation/Penalty for the removal of a heritage cedar tree at 41 Ridgeview Drive, with staff recommending the commission affirm the penalty against Eva Luxury Homes LLC. The commission will also consider two Tree Protection Zone exceptions for a garage and ADU at 80 Coghlan Lane, with staff recommending denial, and will discuss amendments to the Heritage Tree Ordinance. The agenda also includes routine approval of minutes from the August 26, 2026 meeting.

• Appeal APL26-001 of Notice of Violation/Penalty CE-26-202 for removal of heritage cedar tree at 41 Ridgeview Dr (APN 073-203-210); staff recommends affirming penalty against Eva Luxury Homes LLC
• Tree Protection Zone Exception PTPZ26-00005 for new 1,225-sq-ft detached garage and 1,200-sq-ft detached ADU at 80 Coghlan Ln (APN 070-040-600); staff recommends denial
• Public hearing on amendments to Heritage Tree Ordinance (Atherton Municipal Code Chapters 8.06 and 8.10) and Heritage Tree Preservation Standards; staff recommends advancing recommendations to City Council
• Approval of draft minutes from August 26, 2026 Planning Commission meeting

Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee

The Atherton Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee will select a new chair and vice chair, approve minutes from May 2026, and hear a presentation from the Woodside Public Works Department on the Woodside Heights Traffic Calming Project, which proposes speed cushions in the Stockbridge Ave area. The committee will also review monthly traffic reports for May through August 2026.

• Selection of new Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of minutes from May 26, 2026 meeting
• Presentation on Woodside Heights Traffic Calming Project (speed cushions in Stockbridge Ave area)
• Monthly traffic reports for May, June, July and August 2026

Regular Refuse & Recycling Committee Meeting

The Atherton Refuse & Recycling Committee will meet to approve minutes from May 5, 2026, review the GreenWaste Recovery quarterly report for Q2 2026, and discuss the implementation and transition of roll-off bins through 2026. The meeting is open to public comment in person or via Zoom.

• Approve minutes from May 5, 2026 meeting
• GreenWaste Recovery Q2 2026 quarterly report
• Roll-off bin implementation and transition through 2026

Regular Environmental Programs Committee Meeting

The Atherton Environmental Programs Committee will review and approve minutes from its March 19, 2026 meeting, recap the Earth Day 2026 festival, and discuss a fall compost workshop with San Mateo County. The committee will also provide feedback on education and outreach activities tied to the Climate Action Plan. The meeting is largely a discussion and feedback session with no votes on new ordinances or contracts.

• Approve minutes from March 19, 2026 meeting
• Earth Day 2026 recap and feedback
• Spring compost workshop recap and fall workshop discussion
• Climate Action Plan education and outreach feedback

Regular City Council Meeting

The Atherton City Council will consider consent items including a $200,000 anonymous donation for a shared police wellness coordinator, a tennis court conversion project, and contract extensions. Public hearings will address a 'Do Not Solicit' list and construction management ordinance amendments. The council will also make committee appointments and discuss a pedestrian walkway design.

• Accept $200,000 anonymous donation for police wellness program coordinator shared with East Palo Alto and Menlo Park
• Approve bills and claims: $4,661,030 (July) and $1,594,749 (August 2026)
• Convert clay tennis court to hard court at Holbrook-Palmer Park for pickleball
• Introduce ordinance for 'Do Not Solicit' list maintained by police chief
• Approve 3-year extension with MCE Corporation for public works maintenance

City Council Study Session

The Atherton City Council will hold a special meeting study session to discuss adopting a resolution that establishes a residential permit parking program on De Bell Drive and a portion of Maple Leaf Way. The proposed restrictions would limit on-street parking to residents and guests with valid permits Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additionally, the Council will consider installing 'No Through Traffic' warning signs on De Bell Drive.

• Resolution to implement a residential permit parking program on De Bell Drive and Maple Leaf Way between Middlefield Road and Oak Grove Avenue
• Installation of "No Through Traffic" warning signs on De Bell Drive

The Atherton City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-17 to implement a residential permit parking program on De Bell Drive and Maple Leaf Way (between Middlefield Road and Oak Grove Avenue). The decision followed a staff report by Police Chief McCulley and public comment from a Maple Manor resident. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-17 implementing residential permit parking on De Bell Drive and Maple Leaf Way (5-0)

Audit and Finance Committee Meeting

The Audit and Finance Committee will review and discuss the use of excess Educational Revenue Augmentation Funds (ERAF) for FY 2025/26 and consider a recommendation to the City Council on directing those funds toward town priorities. The committee will also review CalPERS actuarial reports, select a chair and vice chair for FY 2026/27, approve prior meeting minutes, and set its meeting schedule for the fiscal year.

• Review and discuss use of excess ERAF revenue for FY 2025/26 toward town priorities
• Review CalPERS actuarial reports as of June 30, 2025, and possible future discussion with CalPERS investment and actuary team
• Select chair and vice chair for FY 2026/27
• Approve draft minutes from March 26, 2026 special meeting
• Establish meeting schedule for FY 2026/27

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Park and Recreation Committee will approve minutes from the July 1 meeting and receive status updates on the Holbrook Palmer Park playground, bathroom, and pickleball/tennis programs. Staff will also present Brightview Landscaping's quality site assessments for July and August 2026. The meeting includes standard reports on park revenue, events, and the Park Foundation, with no new ordinances or contracts listed for decision.

• Status update on the Holbrook Palmer Park Playground and Playground Bathroom projects
• Sub-committee report on the Pickleball and Tennis program at Holbrook Palmer Park
• Review of Brightview Landscaping Quality Site Assessment Reports for July and August 2026
• Approval of Committee Minutes for the July 1, 2026 meeting

Planning Commission Meeting

The Atherton Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three items: a variance for a new athletic court and removal of a heritage oak at 32 Encina Avenue, the annual Master Plan Report from Sacred Heart Schools, and a Tree Protection Zone Exception for a new garage and ADU at 80 Coghlan Lane. Staff recommends approval for the first two and denial for the third. The meeting also includes routine approval of minutes and public comments.

• Variance (VAR26-004) and Heritage Tree Removal (HTR26-002) for athletic court and one Coast Live Oak at 32 Encina Avenue
• Annual Master Plan Report (MLP26-002) from Sacred Heart Schools at 150 Valparaiso
• Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ26-00005) for 1,225-sq-ft garage and 1,200-sq-ft ADU at 80 Coghlan Lane
• Staff recommends denial of the Tree Protection Zone Exception
• Approval of draft minutes from July 22, 2026

Regular City Council Meeting

City Council Special Meeting

The Atherton City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially adopt a resolution to appoint four qualified candidates to the City Council for the November 3, 2026 ballot, which would cancel the city council election under California Election Code 10229. The meeting includes public comment and council reports, but the only substantive item is this appointment/cancellation decision.

• Resolution to appoint four qualified candidates for the November 3, 2026 ballot
• Consideration to cancel the Atherton City Council election under Election Code 10229
• Public comment period for agenda items

The Atherton City Council voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2026-16, appointing four qualified candidates to the November 3, 2026 ballot and canceling the city council election under Election Code 10229. Mayor Holland was absent. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no public comment or other substantive decisions.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-16 to appoint four candidates and cancel the Nov 3, 2026 election (4-0, Holland absent)

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider Special Structures Permit SSR26‑002 for a 13,036‑square‑foot two‑story residence on a merged lot at 2 Queens Court (APN 070‑032‑130) and 60 Queens Court (APN 070‑032‑140). The parcel is about 100,793 sq ft in the R‑1A zoning district, and the permit seeks to raise the building height limit from 30 ft to a maximum of 34 ft with specific setbacks. The meeting will also approve draft minutes from May 27 2026 and June 24 2026.

• Consideration of Special Structures Permit (SSR26‑002) for 13,036‑sq‑ft residence at 2 & 60 Queens Court (APN 070‑032‑130 & 070‑032‑140)
• Approval of draft meeting minutes – May 27 2026
• Approval of draft meeting minutes – June 24 2026

Regular Environmental Programs Committee Meeting

The Atherton Environmental Programs Committee will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from March 19, 2026, and discuss recent events including Earth Day 2026 and a Spring Compost Workshop. Members will also plan a Fall Compost Workshop and review programming related to Climate Action Plan implementation for spring and fall.

• Approve Committee Minutes for March 19, 2026
• Earth Day 2026 Recap and Feedback
• Spring Compost Workshop Recap and Fall Workshop Discussion
• Spring and Fall programming related to Climate Action Plan Implementation

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider awarding two street maintenance contracts and discuss updates to the Active Transportation Plan. The body will also provide direction on pickleball operations at Holbrook-Palmer Park and review the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project.

• Contract for 2026 Spring Patching and Street Overlay Project to Bear Construction, Inc. for $705,050
• Contract for 2026 Crack Seal and Slurry Seal Project to Graham Contractors, Inc. for $225,464
• Approval of June 2026 bills and claims totaling $1,532,675
• Discussion on converting the Holbrook-Palmer Park clay tennis court to a hard court
• Amendments to professional services agreements for the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project

The City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including bills, minutes, a workers' compensation self-insurance resolution, and contracts for road projects. They directed staff to return with a design contract for converting the clay tennis court in Holbrook Palmer Park to pickleball, including a donation component. Council also provided feedback on the Active Transportation Plan and approved amendments to agreements for the Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project.

• Approved consent agenda items 1-5 (5-0), including $1,532,675 in bills and claims
• Adopted Resolution 2026-15 for workers' compensation self-insurance application
• Awarded contracts for 2026 crack seal/slurry seal and spring patching/street overlay projects
• Directed staff to return with a design contract for clay court conversion, including donation component
• Directed staff to work with Player Capital Tennis to improve pickleball court accessibility
• Approved amendments to design and project management agreements for Upper Atherton Channel Stabilization Project (5-0)

Audit and Finance Committee Meeting

The Audit and Finance Committee will review excess Educational Revenue Augmentation Funds (ERAF) from FY 2025/26 to recommend how the City Council should use the funds. The committee will also select its Chair and Vice Chair for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

• Recommendation on use of FY 2025/26 Excess ERAF revenue for capital projects, long term liabilities, or emerging priorities
• Selection of Committee Chair and Vice Chair for Fiscal Year 2026/27
• Establishment of the FY 26/27 meeting schedule

Joint Study Session

The Town Council and the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee will consider three action items: an oral report on a proclamation for America’s 250th anniversary; a resolution to call the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and to authorize a services agreement with San Mateo County’s Chief Elections Officer; and a study‑session update on the Active Transportation Plan with network and policy recommendations. Public comments will be accepted before and during the meeting.

• Proclamation for America’s 250th Anniversary – oral report by City Manager George Rodericks
• Resolution to call the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and contract with San Mateo County’s Chief Elections Officer
• Active Transportation Plan (Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan) update – presentation by Public Works Director Robert Ovadia
• Public comment period – speakers limited to three minutes
• Joint meeting of City Council and Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee

The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to consolidate and call the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and contract with the Chief Elections Office for election services. The council also received an update on the Active Transportation Plan, discussed intersection improvements and proposed programs, and directed staff to return with further details on frontage policy changes at a future meeting. No public comment was made, and no other decisions were taken.

• Adopted resolution to consolidate and call Nov. 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and contract with Chief Elections Office (5-0)
• Discussed Active Transportation Plan update; no formal action taken
• Directed staff to return with details on frontage improvement policy changes at a future meeting

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Park and Recreation Committee will elect its chair and vice‑chair for FY 26‑27, approve the new fiscal year calendar, and consider updates on park projects. The key discussion is the pickleball and tennis update, where staff will seek feedback and a recommendation to the City Council on expanding pickleball hours, demolishing a handball court, and converting a clay tennis court to a hard surface. Additional items include updates on Holbrook‑Palmer Park benches, playground projects, and a Brightview quality site assessment.

• Election of Committee Chair and Vice‑Chair for FY 26‑27
• Pickleball and tennis update: possible expansion of Court 1 pickleball hours, demolition of handball court, conversion of clay tennis court to hard court
• Approval of the FY 26‑27 Parks and Recreation calendar
• Holbrook‑Palmer Park: Eucalyptus benches, event manager progress, playground and bathroom updates
• Review of Brightview Landscaping May 26 Quality Site Assessment report

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding tree protection zone exceptions and heritage tree removals for residential projects. These requests involve construction and driveway modifications at two specific properties.

• Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ26-00003) for a new two-story residence at 97 Placitas Avenue
• Heritage Tree Removal (HTR26-001) of five trees for a new residence at 76 Melanie Lane
• Tree Protection Zone Exceptions (PTPZ26-00004) for two trees to widen a driveway at 76 Melanie Lane

Regular City Council Meeting

The Atherton City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Operations and Capital Budget, including salary schedules and a master fee schedule. Council will also consider updates to the General Plan's safety, conservation, and circulation elements, and a public hearing on town vacancies and recruitment. Several consent items include approval of May 2026 bills totaling $2,195,414 and a $80,645.62 contract for streetlight pole painting.

• Adoption of FY 2026/27 Operating and Capital Budget, Salary & Benefit Resolution, and Master Fee Schedule
• Public hearing on amendments to the Atherton General Plan: Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation Elements
• Approval of Bills and Claims for May 2026 in the amount of $2,195,414
• Award of contract to Craft Works Painting for Streetlight Pole Painting, $80,645.62
• Review of parking study for Town Center/Library area and pedestrian pathway evaluation on Dinkelspiel Station Lane

The City Council adopted the FY 2026/27 Operations and Capital Budget, along with related salary, Gann limit, and fee schedule resolutions (26-08 through 26-12). It also adopted Resolution 26-07 amending the General Plan to update the Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation Elements, and requested more public outreach on climate vulnerability risks. The council approved the consent agenda, including bills and claims of $2,195,414, and made appointments to various committees and the Planning Commission.

• Adopted Resolution 26-07 amending the General Plan for Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation Elements.
• Adopted Resolutions 26-08 through 26-12 for the FY 2026/27 budget, salary and benefits, Gann limit, and master fee schedule.
• Approved consent agenda items 1-4, including bills and claims of $2,195,414 and Resolution 26-06 for the Urban County Cooperative Agreement.
• Appointed Thomas Hill, Eric Kwan, Don Keller, Robert Roeser, Frank Merril, and Steve Seabolt to various committees and the Planning Commission.
• Appointed Allan Martin to the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District.
• Directed staff to add parking at Town Center in mulched areas and areas with removed trees.
• Directed staff to obtain a proposal for a pedestrian pathway on Dinkelspiel Station Lane, focusing on a crossing at Watkins and tree preservation.
• Concurred with pursuing a corridor-level traffic study for Watkins and Fair Oaks, prioritizing a signal at Watkins.

City Council Closed Session

The Atherton City Council is holding a closed session on June 17, 2026, with no public action scheduled. The sole agenda item is a conference with legal counsel concerning existing litigation: County of San Mateo et al. v. State of California (San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CPF 25 519270). No decisions or votes are expected to be announced publicly.

• Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: County of San Mateo et al. v. State of California (Case No. CPF 25 519270)

City Council and Transportation Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee Joint Study Session

The City Council and the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee will receive a presentation on the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) update. The discussion will cover proposed bicycle and pedestrian networks, intersection improvements, and related policy and program recommendations. Council members will provide directed feedback to finalize the recommendations for inclusion in the final draft document that will later be formally reviewed and adopted. Public comments are also accepted before and during the meeting.

• Active Transportation Plan (Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan) update – presentation and discussion of network, policy, and intersection improvements (Report by Public Works Director Robert Ovadia)

The City Council and Transportation Committee reviewed the Active Transportation Plan update. Discussion regarding proposed intersection upgrades, programs, and policies was deferred to a future joint study session.

• Deferred intersection upgrades and policy discussion to a future meeting

Joint Council and Audit and Finance Committee Study Session

The Town Council and Audit & Finance Committee will hold a joint study session to review the FY 2026/27 operating budget, special revenue, internal service funds, and capital improvement program. They will also discuss ways to manage the cumulative impact of multiple simultaneous construction projects in town. No final decisions are scheduled; the session is for discussion and direction.

• Review of FY 2026/27 town budget including special revenue, internal service funds, and capital improvement program
• Discussion and direction on mitigating negative impacts of concurrent major construction projects
• Public comment allowed on agenda items; written comments via [email protected]

The Council referred the topic of ERAF fund allocation to the Audit and Finance Committee. Staff was directed to return to a future meeting with options to manage the cumulative impacts of multiple simultaneous construction projects.

• Referred ERAF fund allocation discussion to the Audit and Finance Committee
• Directed staff to present potential options for managing construction project impacts at a future meeting

Park and Recreation Committee Meeting

The Committee will receive updates on the handball conversion project and court hour allocations for tennis and pickleball. Staff will provide progress reports on Holbrook-Palmer Park facilities and a landscaping site assessment.

• Pickleball and tennis court hour allocation and handball conversion update
• Holbrook-Palmer Park Event Manager, playground, and bathroom updates
• Jennings Pavilion lighting and A/V update
• Review of May 26 Quality Site Assessment Report by Brightview Landscaping
• Knox Playschool update presentation

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 and proposed amendments to the Atherton General Plan. The body will also review a master plan and permit requests for Menlo School.

• Request to increase Menlo School enrollment from 825 to 845 students for 2026-27
• Proposal for 21-foot-tall sports field netting at Wunderlich Field (65 Alejandra Avenue)
• Variance request (VAR26-003) for netting installation on the Alejandra Avenue front property line
• General Plan consistency determination for the FY 2026/2027 Capital Improvement Program
• Proposed General Plan updates for Community Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Circulation elements

Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee

The Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee will review a traffic study for Middlefield Road and discuss a resident request for permit-only parking. The body will also receive updates from SamTrans regarding the 101 corridor.

• Review of Middlefield Road Traffic Study for signals and beacons at Watkins Avenue and Fair Oaks Lane/Palmer Lane
• Discussion of permit-only parking request for De Bell Drive (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
• SamTrans presentation on 101 corridor multimodal strategies and Active 101 program updates
• Acceptance of March 2026 monthly traffic reports

Environmental Programs Committee Meeting