City of Menlo Park

The meeting commenced with introductions and procedural instructions, including remote participation under AB2449. Key discussions focused on updates from the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC), including the review of the Climate Action Plan progress towards 2030 emission reduction goals, subcommittee work on climate outreach, and building electrification initiatives. The EQC also noted the severity of recent IPCC reports and the importance of local action regarding building emissions. Public comment addressed a denied tree removal permit, leading to discussion about municipal liability and existing processes. Further public inquiries concerned climate data consultants and grant funding for solar permitting. The Council also addressed appliance viability during power outages, with analysis showing most modern gas furnaces require electricity to operate fans/exhaust.

The meeting, held as a hybrid session, included procedural elements such as roll call and instructions for public comment across virtual and in-person formats. The agenda included procedural discussions, a request to pull or modify items J2, J3, and L2, and movement into a closed session for conference items related to real property negotiators, labor negotiators, and legal counsel. Following the closed session, there was a report out confirming no reportable action. The Mayor also delivered a statement regarding the conflict in the Middle East, expressing support for Israel following the Hamas attack, mourning all civilian victims in Gaza and Israel, and condemning anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Public comment addressed issues including support for a suicide prevention proclamation, concerns over motorized bike use and public safety downtown, and detailed comments on the need for equitable climate action, building electrification, updates to the Environmental Quality Commission roles, and the urgency of the climate crisis.

The meeting addressed procedural matters following technical difficulties, including council member attendance confirmation and instructions for public comment participation for both in-person and remote attendees. A key action included a council member pulling an agenda item (G5) due to recusal. The session featured significant public commentary regarding the retirement of Fran Dean, President and CEO of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, acknowledging her nearly two decades of dedicated service to the business community, support for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and extensive community involvement. Council members offered commendations and the Mayor presented a proclamation recognizing Ms. Dean's contributions, noting the transition of local chamber representation to the San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce. Discussions also touched upon recent city developments, including the approval of the Willow Village housing project and ongoing growth along El Camino Real.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included several key items. Business included adopting a resolution to declare the canvass of votes and results of the General Municipal Election held on November 6, 2018, the swearing-in of Councilmembers, and the selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore for 2019. Other discussions involved approving the 2019 City Council meeting schedule and appointing representatives and alternates to various regional agencies, subcommittees, and advisory bodies. Direction was also requested for the City's voting delegate concerning regional vacancies for the upcoming City Selection Committee meeting on December 14, 2018.

The meeting agenda was divided into a Closed Session and a Regular Session. The Closed Session involved a conference with labor negotiators concerning current negotiations with SEIU and AFSCME. The Regular Session included presentations and proclamations, such as one recognizing Cherise Brandell. Key Consent Calendar items included accepting minutes from previous meetings, adopting a resolution to call a General Municipal Election for City Council seats in districts 1, 2, and 4 consolidated with the November 6, 2018, Gubernatorial General Election, authorizing agreements for the Safe Routes to School program and street sweeping services, awarding a construction contract for a Traffic Calming Project, authorizing temporary traffic calming modifications in the Belle Haven neighborhood, introducing an ordinance regarding Tenant Anti-Discrimination, adopting a resolution updating Below Market Rate Housing Guidelines, and approving a partnership for free solar electric systems for income-qualifying homeowners. Public Hearings covered the Landscaping Assessment District and the Storm Water Management Program fee collection, as well as introducing an ordinance updating community amenities requirements. Regular Business included amending the fiscal year 2017-18 budget for the Playground Equipment Project, approving the fiscal year 2018-19 budget and Capital Improvement Plan, authorizing agreements for a New Land Management System, and discussions regarding calling an election for a charter measure and appointing an ad hoc subcommittee to work with the Chamber of Commerce on downtown issues. Informational Items included updates on the Employee Engagement and Organizational Development Project and the Transportation Master Plan status.