Parks and Recreation CommissionMenlo Park
Updates to City budget 2026-27
The commission received updates on the adopted city budget for fiscal year 2026‑27.
Info onlyJul 22Budget & TaxesNo comment option listed
Public spending, fees, taxes, bonds, contracts, and the tradeoffs behind public money.
The commission received updates on the adopted city budget for fiscal year 2026‑27.
The policy requires the Administrative Services Director to notify the City Manager if a security’s rating falls below the minimum.
The city’s investment advisor, Insight Investment, reviews the policy each fiscal year for compliance and market trends.
The Commission presented its work‑plan goals, including an annual review of the investment policy and quarterly review of investment portfolio performance.
The City can invest in supranational securities rated “AA” or higher, limited to 30% of the portfolio.
U.S. GDP for Q4 was revised down from 1.4% to 0.7% annualized.
The agenda notes ICE BofA as a broker‑dealer without additional details.
A disclaimer document about investment advisory services is attached.
The Finance and Audit Commission will receive and file the quarterly investment portfolio reports for March 31, 2026.
Overnight repo rate is listed as 4.11 with a yield of 1.91.
The agenda lists corporate bonds such as 3M Company 2.25% (due 19 Sep 2026) and Apple Inc 2.9% (due 12 Sep 2027).
The agenda notes a review of the city’s investment policy and recommendations for strategic changes.
The commission will present a quarterly update on city grant funding.
The agenda lists a line item titled “Government Agencies.”
The agenda includes a line item titled “Government Bonds.”
The commission is reviewing a Fannie Mae investment of 3,000,000.00.
The commission is reviewing investments in PNC Financial Services with amounts including 1,100,000.00, 1,200,000.00, and 2,500,000.00.
The commission is reviewing investments in Home Depot Inc for 3,000,000.00 and 1,200,000.00.
The commission will review updates to the fiscal year 2026-27 investment policy for the City and the Successor Agency.
The commission is reviewing multiple investments in Federal Farm Credit, including amounts such as 1,000,000.00, 2,000,000.00, and 4,000,000.00.
The city sets specific limits on how much of its portfolio can be invested in different security types to avoid unreasonable risk.
The commission is reviewing investments in American Honda for 2,300,000.00 and 1,000,000.00.
The commission is reviewing a US Bancorp investment of 2,000,000.00 with a maturity date of 07/22/2026.
The commission is reviewing Apple Inc investments of 2,121,000.00 and 1,000,000.00.
The commission is reviewing Citibank NA investments of 1,500,000.00 and 2,150,000.00.
The commission reviewed the city’s investment policy, which guides how securities are bought and monitored.
The commission is reviewing JPMorgan Chase & Co investments, including two amounts of 1,500,000.00 and one of 1,300,000.00.
The commission is reviewing a Morgan Stanley investment of 3,000,000.00.
The agenda lists several JPMorgan Chase & Co bond issuances.
The agenda lists several American Honda Finance Corp bond issuances.
The agenda lists several PNC Financial Services bond issuances.
The agenda lists several Citibank NA bond issuances.
The Finance and Audit Commission will examine the city’s investment policy that sets minimum credit‑rating limits for securities.
The agenda lists several Federal Farm Credit bond issuances.
Insight Investment reviews the policy each fiscal year for compliance and market relevance.
The agenda lists several Apple Inc bond issuances.
The agenda lists several Home Depot Inc bond issuances.
The agenda item titled Government Bonds has no additional details listed.
The agenda item titled ICE BofA has no additional details listed.
The agenda lists corporate bonds with their interest rates and amounts.
Insight Investment reviews the policy each fiscal year to ensure compliance with state law.
The commission will examine the current investment policy, which guides how the city invests its funds.
The agenda lists cash and cash equivalents and Freddie Mac securities with various rates and amounts.
The commission will review a disclosure statement from Insight Investment detailing its advisory services and index benchmarks.
The City sets rules for buying supranational securities.
EQC will consider a request for City Council to fund the Urban Forest Management Plan through the annual budget.
The commission will consider a request for the City Council to fund the urban canopy program and adopt an ordinance requiring sellers to disclose tree and heritage‑tree information to buyers. The staff report also recommends denying an appeal to remove a heritage tree at 2174 Clayton Dr.
City Council will consider a resolution to amend the master fee schedule, increasing gymnastics program fees by up to 20% for resident participants.
Staff presented an update on the internal controls assessment required by California Government Code Section 12422.5.
The council is asked to adopt a resolution amending the master fee schedule to increase gymnastics program fees by up to 20% for the Fall 2026 session.
Council will consider a resolution to update the master fee schedule for gymnastic programs in the library and community services.
The council will rescind the old purchasing resolution and adopt a new City Council Procedure that updates award authority and bid requirements for city purchases.
City Council will consider and adopt a resolution to amend the master fee schedule, changing the fees for gymnastic programs offered by the library and community services.
The City Council is asked to approve a construction contract with SCC Electric, Inc. for electrifying the Belle Haven Child Development Center.
The council will consider adopting a resolution that rescinds a previous resolution and adopts a new purchasing policy (Procedure CC-26-024).
The applicant asks for a BMR guideline incentive to allow smaller units and waive impact fees.
The council will adopt a resolution listing projects that can receive SB1 funds for FY 2026-27.
Council will consider and adopt a series of resolutions that include the FY 2026‑27 budget and capital improvement plan, set an appropriations limit, amend the salary schedule, extend rate assistance programs, and accept award authority for bids through June 2027.
The council adopted a resolution to hold a general municipal election for three City Council seats and to consolidate the election with the statewide election on Nov. 3. The city manager is authorized to execute an agreement with the county elections office.
Council will consider and adopt resolutions to approve the city’s fiscal year 2026‑27 budget, capital improvement plan, salary schedule changes, and other financial measures.
Council members will vote on a resolution to hold the next municipal election for three council seats on the same day as the statewide election (Nov. 3). The resolution also authorizes the city manager to sign an agreement with the county elections office for election services.
Staff presented the city’s fiscal year 2026‑27 budget development schedule, including council workshops, fee schedule approvals, and public hearing dates.
The council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026‑27 budget and capital improvement plan.
Council is asked to adopt a resolution overruling protests, confirming the assessment area, and ordering the levy and collection of assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for FY 2026‑27.
Council is asked to approve a three‑year maintenance agreement up to $600,000 for on‑call vehicle upfitting services.
City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026‑27 budget and capital improvement plan.
The council will conduct a public hearing, receive rate protest comments, and consider adopting a resolution that approves maximum increases in rates for collection, processing, and disposal of waste, recycling, and compost for commercial, multi‑family, and single‑family customers.
What's happening
Why it matters
Rate changes affect how much households and businesses pay for trash and recycling services, impacting household budgets and city revenue.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting on June 9, 2026.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council approved a resolution setting maximum solid‑waste rates for collection, processing, and disposal for all customers effective July 1 2026, with annual adjustments through 2030.
Decided Jun 9, 2026.
The council is asked to authorize a three‑year maintenance agreement with Priority 1 Public Safety Equipment Installation, Inc. for on‑call vehicle upfitting services, up to $600,000, with options to extend for two additional one‑year terms.
The City Council is asked to authorize the city manager to sign a contract with Tripepi Smith for communications support services for fiscal year 2026‑27. The contract would allow up to $255,000 in spending and can be extended yearly for up to three additional one‑year terms.
The council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026‑27 budget and capital improvement plan, discuss workforce vacancies, recruitment and retention, and consider a resolution to amend the FY 2025‑26 budget.
The council will adopt a resolution that overrules any protests, orders improvements, confirms the assessment area, and authorizes the levy and collection of assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for FY 2026‑27.
The council will conduct a public hearing, consider any rate protests, and adopt a resolution approving maximum rate increases for waste, recycling, and compost collection for commercial, multi‑family, and single‑family customers, effective July 1, 2026.
The council will consider a resolution that raises the tree assessment to $104.68 and the sidewalk assessment to $62.44 per single‑family equivalent for FY 2026‑27.
What's happening
Why it matters
The increased assessments fund street‑tree maintenance and sidewalk repairs, directly affecting property owners’ annual costs.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time: city.council@menlopark.gov
Decision update
The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution overruling protests, confirming the assessment area, and ordering the levy and collection of assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for FY 2026‑27.
Decided Jun 9, 2026.
The council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to approve maximum rate increases for waste, recycling, and compost collection, effective July 1, 2026, with annual adjustments through 2030.
What's happening
Why it matters
The rate changes will affect how much businesses and households pay for solid‑waste services.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time: city.council@menlopark.gov
Decision update
The item “Solid waste rate increase for commercial, multi‑family, single‑family customers” passed (4–1).
Decided Jun 9, 2026.
Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026‑27 budget and capital improvement plan, discuss staffing vacancies, and consider a resolution to amend the fiscal year 2025‑26 budget.
Council will conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution to approve maximum rate increases for collection, processing, and disposal of waste, recycling, and compost for commercial, multi‑family, and single‑family customers.
Council will conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution to approve maximum rate increases for municipal water, including pass‑throughs of wholesale water cost increases and establishing water capacity charges.
What's happening
Why it matters
Impacts water bills for residential and commercial users and provides funding for water system capacity improvements.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or join via Zoom (ID 832 1285 7140).
Email: jaherren@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council voted 4‑1 to adopt a resolution approving maximum water rate increases for Menlo Park Municipal Water effective July 1 2026, with annual adjustments in 2027 and 2028, pass‑through of wholesale water cost increases, and the establishment of water capacity charges.
Decided Jun 9, 2026.
BMR owners can refinance their debt but must contact the City's BMR program provider first.
The commission will promptly act on referrals and requests from the City Council and report back.
The commission outlined how City Council referrals are transmitted to staff liaisons, the rules for commission members speaking in public, and the $200 per month stipend for Planning Commissioners. It also described the process for disbanding advisory bodies.
The council considered a resolution to approve the engineer’s report and levy assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2026‑27. The proposal raises the tree maintenance assessment from $96.94 to $104.68 and sidewalk assessment from $57.82 to $62.44 per single‑family equivalent.
What's happening
Why it matters
Funding supports tree maintenance and sidewalk upkeep, directly affecting neighborhood appearance and safety.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom to hear the discussion.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council unanimously adopted the resolution approving the preliminary engineer’s report and ordering the levy and collection of assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for FY 2026‑27.
Decided May 12, 2026.
Council will receive a presentation outlining the city’s five-year capital improvement plan.
What's happening
Why it matters
Helps residents understand upcoming major projects and infrastructure investments.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council gave direction on the five‑year capital improvement plan, directing staff to pursue additional funding sources, allocate specified amounts to various projects, and cancel the Sand Hill Tunnel Rehabilitation Project.
Decided May 12, 2026.
Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting a resolution to set maximum rate increases for Menlo Park water, including pass‑throughs of wholesale water cost changes and new water capacity charges.
What's happening
Why it matters
Changes will affect water bills for households and businesses.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the public hearing in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Vote on municipal water rate increase and capacity charges” was continued to june 9.
Decided May 12, 2026.
Council will adopt the preliminary engineer’s report and intend to order the levy and collection of assessments for the Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2026-27.
What's happening
Why it matters
Funds will support landscaping improvements and maintenance in the city.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council unanimously approved the preliminary engineer’s report for the Landscaping Assessment District and authorized the levy and collection of assessments for FY 2026‑27.
Decided May 12, 2026.
Staff presented the draft Anti-displacement Plan and asked the Housing Commission to review it and recommend approval to the City Council. The plan includes strategies such as rental assistance, legal assistance, expanded just‑cause eviction protections, and a tenant anti‑harassment ordinance.
What's happening
Why it matters
If approved, the plan will add stronger tenant protections and support programs that can help prevent evictions and keep residents in their homes, especially in the Belle Haven neighborhood.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person at Belle Haven Community Campus, Event Room or join via Zoom (Meeting ID 865 4847 4804).
Email: Email the city clerk at jaherren@menlopark.gov for comments or questions.
Submit comment: Submit written comments by the public‑comment deadline (deadline not listed).
Decision update
The item “Review and recommend approval of the City of Menlo Park Anti-displacement Plan” passed (5–0–1).
Decided May 6, 2026.
An informational item will provide a quarterly update on the city’s grant funding, with details attached to the agenda packet.
City Council will present and consider the budget principles for fiscal year 2026-27.
What's happening
Why it matters
The budget sets spending priorities that affect all city services and tax rates for residents.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The item “Approve FY 2026-27 budget principles” passed unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided Apr 14, 2026.
The Council will vote on a resolution to lower the Utility Users Tax to zero percent. This item is listed on the consent calendar.
The council will review a cost‑of‑services study and consider fee adjustments, including possible new fees.
What's happening
Why it matters
Ensures city fees reflect actual service costs, protecting taxpayers from overcharges.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the council meeting to provide input.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Provide direction on cost of services study and fee policy” was direction provided.
Decided Mar 24, 2026.
The City Council will meet in a closed session with legal counsel to discuss an anticipated litigation case that could expose the city to significant liability. This discussion is intended to assess potential legal exposure.
The council will hold a priority setting workshop presented by staff. It's a presentation, not a vote.
What's happening
Why it matters
It helps set priorities for city projects and budgeting, affecting residents.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The item “Annual City Council priority setting workshop (presentation)” was approved.
Decided Mar 21, 2026.
A staff report will outline the budget process and timeline for fiscal year 2026‑27.
A staff report will present the Library and Community Services Department’s financial overview for the library.
The commission received a presentation on the Reimagine Dumbarton study, which proposes converting the former rail corridor into a bus rapid transit line with added bike and pedestrian paths. The update covered project goals, funding sources, and upcoming community outreach events.
The council considered travel requests for Councilmembers Schmidt, Taylor, and Vice Mayor Wise to attend the Progress Seminar, authorizing expenses of $2,075 per member, which exceed the $2,000 per‑trip limit.
What's happening
Why it matters
Travel approval enables council members to participate in a regional forum that can shape public policy and foster partnerships.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the council meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Approve travel for council members to 2026 Progress Seminar” passed (4–0–1).
Decided Mar 10, 2026.
Council will authorize the start of a Proposition 218 notification process to adopt maximum water rate increases for the next three fiscal years, with a public hearing on May 12, and consider a resolution to comply with Assembly Bill 2257.
What's happening
Why it matters
May lead to higher water bills for users and ensures the city follows state water conservation requirements.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting or the public hearing on May 12.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council authorized the initiation of a Proposition 218 notification process for water‑rate increases for 2027‑2029 and adopted a resolution to comply with Assembly Bill 2257.
Decided Mar 10, 2026.
Council will authorize the start of a Proposition 218 notification process to adopt maximum solid waste rate increases for the next five fiscal years, with a public hearing scheduled for May 12.
Council will consider a resolution to amend the operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2025‑26, adding additional appropriations. The amendment updates spending plans based on recent revenue and staffing changes.
Council will consider and adopt a resolution to amend the city’s fiscal year 2025‑26 budget. The amendment may reallocate funds among city programs.
What's happening
Why it matters
Budget changes affect how city services are funded, impacting taxpayers and program availability.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom as listed.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Amend fiscal year 2025‑26 city budget” was approved with amendments unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided Feb 24, 2026.
Staff provided an overview of the fiscal year 2026‑27 budget process and key dates. No action is required by the Commission.
The City Council will consider a resolution to begin the Menlo Park Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2026‑27. The resolution would direct the city to prepare an engineer’s report and set up the annual assessment.
Staff presented a briefing on the ongoing solar photovoltaic projects at several city buildings, including the library, city hall, and community centers. The projects are being installed under a 20‑year power purchase agreement with Peninsula Clean Energy.
Commission will vote to approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 Finance and Audit Commission meeting.
Commission will review the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 and consider recommending its receipt by City Council.
Commission will receive a quarterly update on the city’s grant funding status.
The City Council will receive the annual report summarizing fees collected for transportation, storm drainage, construction, water capacity, recreation, and housing in‑lie fees as of June 30, 2025. The report shows revenue amounts and how fees are used for public improvements.
What's happening
Why it matters
Shows how fee revenues fund infrastructure and affordable housing, affecting taxpayers and developers.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting to hear the report.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council voted 4‑0‑1 to approve the consent calendar that includes the annual report on development impact and in‑lie fees collected through June 30 2025, finalizing its adoption.
Decided Jan 13, 2026.
Council members will discuss a possible waiver of development fees for the annexation of the West Menlo Triangle area.
What's happening
Why it matters
A fee waiver could reduce costs for developers and impact the city’s revenue for infrastructure.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting to hear the discussion.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Consider fee waiver for West Menlo Triangle annexation” passed (3–1–1).
Decided Jan 13, 2026.