C4. Circulation, safe streets and primary response routes
Following the joint meeting the City Council will adjourn into Closed Session for one item:
D1. Closed session conference with labor negotiators pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 regarding labor negotiations with the Service Employees International Union Local 521 (SEIU), American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 829 (AFSCME), and Confidential employees.
*Please note that there are no staff reports for any of Tuesday night's agenda topics.
Budget Workshop
Thursday, June 1st at 6pm
As stated on the City's website, "the Budget Workshop (on Thursday, June 1st at 6pm) is an opportunity to hear an overview of what is included in City's annual spending plan and the five-year capital improvement plan. Community members will also have the opportunity to share feedback on how to allocate resources as City Council considers the proposed budget.
The proposed fiscal year 2023-24 budget includes a continuation of the current service levels as well as a number of service level enhancement proposals. The budget incorporates the City Council's identified budget principles.
During the workshop, staff will discuss topics such as:
Overview of services provided by department
Baseline service levels and proposed service level enhancements
Budget changes and latest projections
Please note that no Council action will be taken at the June 1st workshop. The Council will discuss the budget at the June 13th regular meeting and is scheduled to adopt the budget at the June 27th regular meeting.
For more details about Thursday's workshop, including ways to attend/participate (both in-person and online options available) click here.
Other Items of Interest
Below are some additional items of interest.
Major Traffic Impacts Over Upcoming Weekends
Caltrain Temporary Road Crossing Closures at
Ravenswood, Encinal and Oak Grove
Please be aware of major traffic impacts in Menlo Park over the coming weekends (Note: Most of this information comes from a posting by Caltrain on Nextdoor, I have not been able to find this information anywhere else.):
Oak Grove Avenue Railroad Grade Crossing Temporary Closure
Starting Friday, June 23rd at 8pm
Ending Monday, June 26th at 5am
According to Caltrain, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic will not be able to cross the tracks during each closure. Caltrain will establish detour signs for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to help with traffic flow. Neighbors may also experience construction noise during this time.
The maintenance work will occur during the day and night and includes the resurfacing and realignment of both tracks to maintain their state of good repair. New pavement and striping will also be included as part of the maintenance work. These elements will provide a smoother, safer crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. For more information, please call Caltrain at 1.800.660.4287.
Parkline (SRI Project) Community Open House
Saturday, June 10th from 10am to 2pm
Lane Partners, the developer of the Parkline project (SRI campus redevelopment), is hosting a community open house on Saturday, June 10th from 10am to 2pm. Per their invitation, "Come see the latest plans and share your preferences on housing and amenities, and see how your input will transform the future of the SRI campus." Note that this is not a City-sponsored event. For more information about the open house on June 10th, click here. For information about Parkline on the City's website, click here.
Coleman and Ringwood Avenues Survey
Deadline is Friday, June 16th
The County of San Mateo and City of Menlo Park want to make travel on Coleman and Ringwood Avenues safer and more comfortable for users of all transportation modes, including but not limited to walking, rolling (using a wheelchair or mobility device), biking, e-biking, using a scooter or e-scooter, skateboarding, and driving. However, tradeoffs will be necessary given the limited roadway space.
A survey is now live that asks respondents to share their thoughts about the top roadway design alternatives, based on a May 4th interactive workshop, the first round of community engagement, and the project’s Community Advisory Committee and Technical Advisory Committee. This is an opportunity to assess whether the proposed alternatives will address community needs. The survey questions are broken into four focus areas across the two avenues; respondents are welcome to skip any focus areas that you do not travel on. To access the survey click here. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, June 16th.
Please note that all alternatives proposed will include measures to reduce vehicle speeds and calm traffic.
Save the Dates for Summer Fun
Juneteenth Celebration (Observed) on Saturday, June 17th
Fourth of July Parade and Celebration on Tuesday, July 4th
Summer Concerts Return on Wednesday, July 12th
Mark your calendar for lots of Summer fun with the City of Menlo Park!
Juneteenth Celebration (Observed) on Saturday, June 17th from 11am to 2pm
Attendees will enjoy live performances, food and a joyous community spirit. This festive community celebration commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. Event co-sponsors include Belle Haven Action, Belle Haven Community Development Fund, Belle Haven Empowered and the City of Menlo Park. This is a free community event taking place at Karl E Clark Park, 313 Market Place.
Fourth of July Celebration on Tuesday, July 4th 11am to 2:30pm
Wear your red, white and blue and join the City of Menlo Park for the Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. The parade route follows Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park from Maloney Street to Fremont Park. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes or wagons. The parade concludes at Fremont Park, where you can enjoy fun, family-friendly activities, live music and more. Parade participants will gather in the Maloney Street parking lot (behind Cheeky Monkey) at 10:45am.
Summer Concerts return on Wednesday, July 12th at 6pm
Get ready for the return of the Summer Concert Series at Fremont Park and Karl E. Clark Park. Six shows will be at Fremont Park on consecutive Wednesday nights starting July 12th. Two concerts will be held on Friday nights (August 11th and 18th) at Karl E. Clark Park. All events begin at 6pm.See below for the exciting line-up of performers:
July 12, Luv Bomb, Classic Soul/R&B - Fremont Park
July 19, Night Owls, Top 40s - Fremont Park
July 26, Fog City Swampers, Classic Rock - Fremont Park
August 2, Curley Taylor, Zydeco - Fremont Park
August 9, Arena Band, Classic Rock - Fremont Park
August 11, Tebo Muzik, Soul & Funk - Karl E. Clark Park
August 16, The Sun Kings, Beatles Tribute - Fremont Park
August 18, Busta Groove, R&B & Motown - Karl E. Clark Park
Sustainable Silicon Valley Virtual Happy Hour
"Watts Next? Sparking Electrification for All"
Wednesday, June 7th at 5:30pm
Come join a highly interactive event on June 7th at 5:30pm to explore how to best shape Home Electrification 2.0 in San Mateo County. The event is part of Sustainable San Mateo County's' virtual happy hour series. This is a unique opportunity to share your comments regarding Peninsula Clean Energy's proposed plan for its new building electrification program strategy.
Speakers include:
Scott Mellberg, Sustainability Programs Administrator, Utilities Department, City of Palo Alto
Tony Willcox, a San Mateo County resident and Peninsula Clean Energy 2023 All-Electric Leader Award winner
Blake Herrschaft, PE, LEED AP, Building Electrification Programs Manager, Peninsula Clean Energy
The event is free but preregistration is required. Click here to learn more and to sign up.
