The Atherton Library and the Wednesday Town Council Meeting

From: Rick DeGolia
Date: July 24, 2012 5:14:26 PM PDT
To: Bill Widmer, Elizabeth Lewis, Jim Dobbie, Jerry Carlson, Kathy McKeithen
Cc: Didi Fisher
Subject: The Atherton Library and the Wednesday Town Council Meeting

Dear members of the Town Council:

I am writing to you for the first time, notwithstanding my having lived in Atherton for the past 12 years and my family having lived in Lindenwood for more than 40 years before that.

First, I am extremely disappointed that you have scheduled this very important town council meeting for 4pm in the afternoon.  You had to do this knowing that it would necessarily exclude many, many potential attendees who are concerned Atherton residents but who have to work and don't have the freedom to leave our jobs to correct the misjudgments of our elected representatives, no matter how much we would like to.  For myself, I live on Clay Drive and work in San Francisco.  I haven't attended a Town Council meeting, but I would have attended this one.  Please read these comments into the record at the Wednesday meeting.

We all know that the controversy regarding the library, its recommended placement in the Holbrook-Palmer Park and the issues surrounding this controversy have been extremely polarizing for the citizens of Atherton.  As our elected representatives, you should want to provide us residents with as complete, transparent and open a picture as you can.  The idea of building a new library is a tremendous opportunity for our community.  Of course, it is made much easier by the funds for the project being dedicated library funds that come from county taxes, but it nevertheless is a huge opportunity to gather input and ideas from your constituents to design something that can have a huge forward looking impact on all Athertonians.  And what an enormous, smart resource you have in the residents of Atherton to accomplish that task.  I appreciate everything that the library commission has done, but this isn't a finished project.  The Commission has built a foundation and established a framework for the engagement of many Atherton residents in this project.  They should be very happy with that accomplishment.  But this is only the beginning.  What has erupted is an enormous controversy principally about the library's location and secondarily about the town's needs and the form and content of the new library.

Rather than see this controversy as the extremely unfortunate event as you seem to view it, essentially as an imposition on your time and possibly a challenge to your authority, you should see this as a tremendous opportunity.  This is an opportunity to organize the people of Atherton as you have probably never seen before.  And, frankly, this isn't such a HUGE issue, but you now have an enormous number of people organized by this controversy.  Use this opportunity to further stimulate our population.  Open yourselves up to your constituency and restart this entire process.  Please, provide some leadership.  Rather than seeing this as the end, see this as the beginning.  Use this opportunity to get many more people involved in evaluating and designing what the new library will be and where it will be located.  Please don't take this down the path of a challenge to your authority.  Your authority is meaningless to most of us.  REALLY, we couldn't care less.  But if you help invigorate this community and rethink what this library project can be, you could launch us in a really meaningful direction.  Shouldn't our new library project seriously assess what the library of the 21st century should look like, how it can most effectively touch people and what it can do for our community, using all of today's and tomorrow's technology.  This is a project that be used to invigorate our community in a tremendously positive way. 

Please don't go down the narrow, paranoid path of stating the ballot proposition language in such a manner that you believe will most likely generate the votes as you want them.  This needs to be the most open ended question that it can be so that the people of Atherton can explore their thoughts and their creativity.  If you narrow this language in a manipulative way, then this language will be more about you, than about giving the citizens of Atherton an opportunity to explore this library project as being about them and their needs. 

Thank you, Rick DeGolia

New Town of Atherton Library Ballot Question

From: Scott Feamster
Date: July 24, 2012 4:00:56 PM PDT
To: Bill Widmer, Elizabeth Lewis, Jim Dobbie, Jerry Carlson, Kathy McKeithen
Cc: Didi Fisher, Charles Marsala, Paul Tonelli, Athertonians, Valerie Gardner
Subject: New Town of Atherton Library Ballot Question

Dear Bill, Elizabeth, Jim, Jerry, and Kathy,

Please read this email into the Town of Atherton City Council July 25, 2012, meeting record.

A proposed ballot question on the new Town of Atherton library reads, "Should the Town of Atherton construct a new library in Holbrook-Palmer Park, using funds dedicated for the Library purposes only, and not using any existing park open space for this purpose?"

To conform with best practices question methodology, the ballot question should be one simple question instead of a complex compound question, which is also incomplete and will complicate citizens's expressions of their opinions.  I recommend a ballet question that simply reads, "Should the Town of Atherton include a new library as part of a Town of Atherton master plan?"

Additionally I would greatly appreciate the Town of Atherton City Council finally responding to three (3) questions I've repeatedly asked since October 2011 about the functionality of the new Town of Atherton library.
*  Where are the comprehensive design assessments of user requirement, education, and high technology trends? 
*  How can we assure the most qualified consultants and committee members?
*  How can we increase total community usage?

In October 2011 I also suggested, "Atherton should build a world class town center with a community integrated library based on state-of-the-art technology.  Available information suggests that the proposed Atherton library and town center concepts are already obsolete.  Benchmarking state-of-the-art libraries and town centers is critical to form data-based opinions.  At  least two major needs seem unmet in current library and town center proposals.
*  Comprehensive integration:  a library integrated with the town center and with other knowledge centers.
*  Ubiquitous access:  technology providing anytime anywhere mobile global knowledge access."

For responsive and responsible Atherton government,
Scott

Scott Feamster
230 Park Lane, Atherton

Library end game is now: add your thoughts and concerns

Hi all,

Thank you for all the help on previous petitions. All of these efforts have helped to get the council to consider a vote.

The meeting is Wednesday, July 25 at 4 pm. It is important for all who can, to go. The wording on the proposed library issue is not objective. The proposal is: "Should the Town of Atherton construct a new library in Holbrook-Palmer Park, using funds dedicated for the Library purposes only, and not using any existing park open space for this purpose?"

It would be more objective to ask,"Should the Town of Atherton construct a new (county) library at Holbrook-Palmer Park?" The rest of the above question should be in the argument for and maybe that is also true of the word "county" which might be in argument against.

We need people to show up and speak to this. If you can't go, please send an email to the council members and ask them to read your email into the record:
Bill Widmer bwidmer@pacbell.net
Elizabeth Lewis lizlew08@gmail.com
Jim Dobbie jdobbie@ci.atherton.ca.us
Jerry Carlson ralijer@ix.netcom.com
Kathy McKeithen kmckeithin@ci.atherton.ca.us

The EIR certification is also on agenda. Any concerns over traffic, parking, use of space, control of park all need to be put on the record again for possible future litigation. So please go to the meeting and put your issues on record or email council at the above emails.

There will also be discussion on possible ballot wording for Little League improvements and possibly something about a new Town Center next Wednesday, July 25th. Wording was not included in information provided for agenda.

Thank you all for keeping the pressure on for an objective ballot proposition.

Didi Fisher


Sent from my iPad.

AGENDA for the July 25th Council Meeting at 4:00 pm

From Interim Town Manager Theresa DellaSanta, the agenda for Wednesday's Special Council meeting being held at the irregular time of 4:00 pm along with the agenda packet of information.

AGENDA

Town of Atherton

CITY COUNCIL/ATHERTON CHANNEL DRAINAGE DISTRICT

July 25, 2012

4:00 P.M.

Council Chambers

94 Ashfield Road

Atherton, California

Special Meeting

ROLL CALL   Widmer, Lewis, Dobbie, McKeithen, Carlson

4:01 P.M.       PUBLIC COMMENTS

4:10 P.M.       REGULAR

1.             RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

REPORT FOR ATHERTON LIBRARY BUILDING PROJECT

Report: Planning Department Staff

Recommendation: Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Atherton Library Building Project is adequate and has been prepared in

accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act

2.             A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF

ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE

QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON A MEASURE

RELATING TO THE LOCATION OF THE NEW LIBRARY AT

HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK AT THE CONSOLIDATED GENERAL

MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6,

2012, AS CALLED BY RESOLUTION NO. 12-XX

Report: Interim City Manager Theresa DellaSanta

Recommendation: Approve Resolution 12-xx ordering the submission to

qualified electors of the town of Atherton a measure relating to the new library at Holbrook-Palmer Park at the Consolidated General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

3.             A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF

ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE

QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON A MEASURE

RELATING TO THE MENLO-ATHERTON LITTLE LEAGUE

PROPOSAL FOR HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK AT THE

CONSOLIDATED GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012, AS CALLED BY RESOLUTION

NO. 12-XX

Report: Interim City Manager Theresa DellaSanta

Recommendation: Approve Resolution 12-xx ordering the submission to

qualified electors of the town of Atherton a measure relating to the Menlo-

Atherton Little League proposal for Holbrook-Palmer Park at the Consolidated General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

4.             A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF

ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE

QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON A MEASURE

RELATING TO THE NEW TOWN CENTER AT THE CONSOLIDATED

GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,

NOVEMBER 6, 2012, AS CALLED BY RESOLUTION NO. 12-XX

Report: Interim City Manager Theresa DellaSanta

Recommendation: Clarify the nature of the matter to be submitted to the electorate and direct staff to provide language for a Resolution 12-xx ordering the submission to qualified electors of the town of Atherton a measure relating to the new Town Center at the Consolidated General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

ADJOURN

To: Athertonians Moderator
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2012 7:26 AM
Subject: Fwd: July Agenda Packet and Information Release

Begin forwarded message:

From: Theresa DellaSanta <tdellasanta@ci.atherton.ca.us>

Date: July 20, 2012 1:42:59 PM PDT

To: Theresa DellaSanta <tdellasanta@ci.atherton.ca.us>

Subject: July Agenda Packet and Information Release

Attached is the Agenda and packet for the July 25 City Council meeting.

 

I have also attached an information release regarding inquiries about a phone survey on the Atherton Police Department.

 

Theresa N. DellaSanta

Interim City Manager/City Clerk

Town of Atherton

91 Ashfield Road

Atherton, CA 94027

650-752-0504

 

Council Meeting Wed July 25

From: "Paul Tonelli"
Date: July 21, 2012 6:21:24 PM PDT
To: Athertonians@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Athertonians] Council Meeting Wed July 25

Just a heads up to let you know about a critical Atherton Town Council meeting coming up Wednesday at 4p. Here is a link to the agenda: http://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/city-council/3794.pdf

At this meeting the council will discuss upcoming ballot proposals for the new library in the park, a little league expansion in the park, and the issue of a new town center.

These very important issues are ones that will impact Atherton, and the quality of life in Atherton for many, many years to come. Whether you are pro or con on any of these issues, please do what you can to attend this meeting and voice your opinion.

Of particular interest for everyone will be the choice of wording for all of these proposals on the November ballot. NOW is the time to step up and speak your piece. After this meeting it may be too late.

Atherton Library Summary

From: Elizabeth Lewis Date: July 20, 2012 8:52:02 AM PDT To: Athertonians@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Athertonians] Atherton Library Summary

Dear Atherton Neighbor,

There has been a lot of controversy, questions and turmoil relating to the proposed new Atherton Library.  Many of you are concerned about the process, the funding, the impacts of the project on the park, on traffic and other things. 

I have spent a lot of time looking into these issues, talking to residents and attempting to bring about a positive result for our community.  At long last, I am happy to report:  the council finally heard resident demands to allow residents to vote on location of the library on the November ballot. Getting this item on the agenda has not come about easily but I believe it is the right result.

Building a new library is far too important for a committee or even the Council to decide alone—especially with council being closely divided on the issue.

I supported the right of residents to participate in deciding where the library should be located.  And, now that residents have successfully stood up for their right to vote on the location of the project, I will support the decision that the Atherton voters make at the ballot box.

In order to share what I have learned in this process, I have written a brief summary of the Atherton Library project as I understand it and answered frequently asked questions on an attached Q&A.  I hope this is helpful to you.

There is a very important council meeting next Wednesday, July 25th, starting at the special time of 4:00 pm. I hope you will consider attending as both the final Library EIR and the ballot language for the Library vote will be decided at this meeting.

Regards to All,

Elizabeth Lewis
Vice Mayor
Town of Atherton
650-533-8830 cell


THE ATHERTON LIBRARY, ITS FUNDING & MANAGEMENT:

History and Overview of the Issues
by Elizabeth Lewis, Vice-Mayor, Atherton City Council


When Proposition 13 passed in 1978, it was decided that 3.2% of every $100.00 of Atherton’s property tax revenue would go to support Atherton’s library.  Thirty-five years ago that amount seemed reasonable -- but now it is excessive.

Over the years Atherton's property values and property taxes have increased.  The 2012 Property Tax allocation for the library is projected to be $824,000.  Because our library’s operational costs are relatively minimal, it is estimated that we will have a net surplus of $750,000. This net surplus is called "Donor City Funds."  Atherton’s Donor City Funds have grown to a staggering amount totaling approximately $6,000,000.

In 1999, Atherton joined the San Mateo County Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to enhance library operations.  Since 2002, all of Atherton’s Donor City Funds had been held by the Town.  However, in May of 2012, the Library JPA board voted to keep all of Atherton’s future Donor City Funds, without getting Atherton City Council approval, raising some questions about why this change occurred.

In the Fall of 2009, the Library JPA and the Atherton Friends of the Library formed a committee called the Library Needs Assessment Task Force to look at Atherton’s library needs. They conducted a brief survey, with only 69 Atherton residents responding, most of whom indicated that they loved Atherton’s small, quaint and neighborly library.  In February 2010, the JPA presented to the Atherton Council a 105-page Needs Assessment report, recommending that Atherton nearly triple the size of its existing library.

Then in June 2010, the Library Needs Assessment Task Force recommended that the Atherton Council: 1) approve a new 15,000 square foot library for the town of Atherton; 2) create a steering committee to design the library with input and engagement from residents; and 3) build the new library in Holbrook-Palmer Park.  The council approved the recommendation—except for the approval to site the library in the park because the council felt strongly that such a decision had to be made by the residents. The council instructed the steering committee to engage the community in deciding the location of the library, rather than have that decision made by the council.

By August 2010, the Atherton Library Building Steering Committee (ALBSC) was formed and began meeting.  Instead of reaching out to the community for input about library location and size, as instructed by the Council, they met for the next ten months, before holding their first community workshop in the summer of 2011. Frustration and controversy began around these facilitated workshops, which consisted of an hour and a half of presentation to the community by teams of ALBSC consultants and only 30 minutes for residents to “workshop” ideas. Residents became upset when facilitators limited discussion about where the new library should be built.

In summer of 2011, the ALBSC went to, but did not get approval from, the Atherton Park and Rec Commission to build the library in Holbrook-Palmer Park. The Commissioners felt that a town-wide survey should be done first, an idea that many residents applauded.  When brought to the Council, the majority of McKeithen, Widmer and Dobbie dismissed the Park and Rec's recommendation and a resident petition requesting a master plan; voting instead to approve the ALBSC’s motion designating Holbrook-Palmer Park as the "preferred" location for the new library.  Council Member Carlson's and my motion to conduct a town-wide survey before designating the park as the preferred location, was defeated.  Because of this controversy a full EIR review was required to meet CEQA's environmental requirements costing an additional $86,000.

This controversial split vote has resulted in a long and divisive period for the Town. Residents have tried many ways, including earlier petition efforts, to have the council majority address their concerns.  Council Member Carlson and I continued to try to get residents' requests for a survey, a discussion of a Master Plan, or a town-wide vote on the agenda, but were repeatedly overruled.

Recently, with a large group of residents circulating a written petition calling for an official ballot vote, the council majority finally agreed to place the question of giving residents the right to vote on its July agenda. In addition, Councilmembers Widmer and McKeithen have recommended the addition of two other issues to the ballot.

The good news is that over 250 petitions were signed by residents demanding their right to vote on the location of the library, and while it took a long time, the council majority finally listened.  I urge residents to attend the July 25th council meeting at 4:00 pm where Council will address both finalizing the EIR and the language that will be used on the ballot.  If that is approved, residents will have a final say on the matter in the ballot box this coming November.  I am happy about this.

There will be continuing opportunities to participate in defining Atherton’s future.  Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the issues and expressing your opinions and preferences. For answers to more questions, please see the additional Q&A below.


Questions and Answers from Elizabeth Lewis, Vice Mayor


Q:  WHAT CAN THE DONOR CITY MONEY BE USED FOR?

A:  We are bound by the JPA Agreement which says:

”Excess funds shall be spent on library related activities within that city (“ Donor City”)  including, but not limited to: facility maintenance, facility remodeling or expansion, increased service hours, or increased book purchases, as mutually agreed by the Library JPA and the city council of the affected Donor City.”

Our money can only be used for “library related activities” within our Town. There are many ways that this could be defined. The list in the agreement is not exhaustive and comes with “but not limited to” and “as mutually agreed to” catch-all phrases.

Here is a link to the JPA Agreement:

http://www.smcl.org/sites/www.smcl.org/files/file/Organization/JPA/JPAAgreement.pdf

Q. DO WE HAVE TO BUILD A LARGE NEW LIBRARY LIKE THE COUNTY WANTS US TO? A:  No.  We are not forced to.  We can decide the size of library we want just like Portola Valley did.

Q.  CAN WE USE SOME OF THE MONEY TO HELP FUND LIBRARY SERVICES IN SOME OF OUR TOWN SCHOOLS?
A.  Yes, with mutual agreement between Council and the Library JPA.

Q: WHY NOT RE-MODEL THE EXISTING LIBRARY WITH NEW SOUND-PROOF WINDOWS, ENHANCE THE READING GARDEN AND KEEP OUR SMALL, COZY LIBRARY?
A: If that is what Atherton residents want, they can do that.  We definitely should use some of our millions to fix the seismic issues with the building the library has been occupying for over fifty years, which pose some risks right now to library users.

Q: CAN WE WITHDRAW FROM THE JPA?

A:  Yes.  Clause E. Terms of Agreement; Termination and Withdrawal, section 1 of the JPA Agreement states:

“…An individual Party may withdraw from this agreement upon the giving of written notice by July 1st of its intent to withdraw from the Library JPA effective July 1st of the following fiscal year….”

Q: WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH A WITHDRAWAL?

A.  It is not entirely clear but the interim Town Manager will research this issue.

Q: DID RESIDENTS FORCE COUNCIL TO ADDRESS THE RIGHT TO VOTE?
A : A large group of residents were circulating a Petition to require that the Council hold a Special Meeting to discuss a vote on library location and other related issues. Hundreds of petitions were received and the council had to address its preparation for the November ballot, so they decided to add that issue as an agenda item for the July meeting.

Q:  DOES THIS MEAN THAT RESIDENTS WILL DEFINITELY HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT THE LIBRARY IN THE PARK?

A:  Discussion and vote on this matter is on the July 25 Special Council agenda.  The City Attorney has written objective language for the ballot measure without Council input.  The council still has to vote to approve this, however.

Q:  IS THERE A CHANCE THAT THE COUNCIL WON’T APPROVE THE VOTE?
A:  There is a chance but approval appears likely.  However, it is not clear how many additional ballot items the council will vote to include on November ballot.

Q:  WHAT OTHER MATTERS ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?

A: The June 29 agenda item stated: “other potential park and town center improvements.”

Mayor Widmer stated that he was thinking about the proposed Little League field as the other potential park improvements.  The Little League project is still being reviewed by the Town’s Planning Commission, and I believe should not be included on the November ballot.  The other matter involves a vote on the Town Center proposed project.  I do not think this item should be on the ballot at this time because it is in the very preliminary stages.  There is unanimous agreement among all 5 Council members that we need new facilities. Town Staff is also in agreement that new Administration, Building, Public Works, and Police facilities are critically needed.  Our buildings are literally falling down around us.  The only controversy at this time is regarding the location of the library.

Q:  WILL A CLEAN VOTE ON THE LIBRARY PUT THE MESSY CONTROVERSY BEHIND US?

A:  I am very hopeful.  I believe the only way to get this behind us and heal the town from this divisiveness is to have a full, official, objective vote of the people.  In the Democratic process you accept your losses and embrace the winner.  I will support whatever the majority of the town of Atherton wants for the library.

Search for Atherton manager extended

It is my understanding the council cannot agree on the new city manager. Out of 58 candidates they can't agree on a single one. saying many were qualified, but were not the right fit. The entire council only got to interview 3 of the 58 screened by Kathy Mckeithen, Bill Widmer, and Mrs. DellaSanta

Mayor Widmer, Councilwoman Kathy McKeithen, and Ms. DellaSanta served on an ad-hoc committee overseeing the search for candidates by Bob Murray & Associates.

The search firm narrowed the field of candidates to seven, and the ad-hoc committee chose three, who were interviewed by the full council.

"It is our hope that we fill this position sooner rather than later," he said, adding, "We need to get a good fit, and we need to have the support" of at least most of the council's five members.


"Theresa is doing a great job in running the town and this has provided us the flexibility to find the right candidate," the mayor said in a written announcement. "That being said, it is a high priority task for all of us to get this leadership position filled."

"After these meetings, the full council was not in agreement that any candidate was acceptable," Mr. Widmer said in his written announcement. "While all candidates were well experienced, the council is focused on fit and knowledge of our community."

Atherton Awristachatz

Colleen Anderson

lovemypaws@yahoo.com

(650) 369-4949 Home

250 Petitions Submitted and Status

[Posted by Moderator]

Friends,

We want to thank all of you who went out of your way to return the petition to our mailboxes over the last few weeks.  This effort—which  followed on several other efforts since last fall—was very successful.  

Earlier this week, we delivered a binder with 250 petitions to Theresa DellaSanta, the Interim Town Manager.  In addition, because we had the support of so many wanting a town-wide vote, the council finally took steps to place our primary demand onto its July council agenda—something the majority has staunchly refused to do up until now. 

We had lucky timing, as the council was slated to approve ballot matters for the November elections at the July Council meeting, so it conceded to the inevitable and did the right thing!  We credit Mayor Widmer, who was willing to meet with us about our issues, and Theresa, who helped to get our Library agenda item onto the June 29th special meeting agenda that would ensure its placement on the July Council's special agenda.

The July 25th Council special meeting will be an important meeting.  FIrst of all, the council is scheduled to review the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Library and probably certify it.  You can read the responses provided by the consultants to the comments submitted, which are posted on the Town Website (lower right column).  If you are not happy with those responses and the plans to address environmental impacts, this meeting is the only hearing scheduled for you to register your concerns so that they matter.  You should attend and make a statement or you can also write up comments to be read at the meeting.

Second, the council will be voting to definitely approve both whether or not residents will have a chance to approve the library project as described in the EIR, and it will be reviewing the City Attorney's draft language for that ballot measure.  The outcome of both of these issues are critical to our effort to have the library project done properly.  We want to show strong demand for the council's approval of that vote, so please plan to attend or send in your comments on this matter to the full council as well! 

A few issues remain to be determined at this meeting.  One is whether or not the majority will attempt to pack the November ballot with a slew of additional measures on other projects that have not been progressing in the hasty and controversial way that the library project has been pushed through.  At the moment, the council's thinking on this remains vague but they've discussed adding the Little League grandstand project, the Town Center project and possibly other unspecified projects.  We don't see how any of those projects are timely or necessary to be added to the ballot at this time.  We also will hear the language written by City Attorney Bill Conners for the ballot measure.  As he is a professional and experienced, we expect this language to be factual and fair but we also recognize that how this measure is written could be a possible avenue for undue influence that we need to be alert to.

We understand that Theresa is trying to schedule our Special Council Meeting in August although we don't have a date yet. That may be the time to discuss the what the pathway would be to launch a Master Planning process that integrates planning of the library with the town center, which many still think is critical to being able to determine what the best location for the library should be.

We welcome your thoughts, concerns and ideas on any of these issues however we will not be permitted to use the email list for more  messages on this topic.  So, please don't reply to the email group. Rather we want to host a virtual discussion about this on the blog.  So please do post your message as a comment under the post with this same title on the Athertonian's blog, where those who wish can read it.  We have provided directions for doing that below.  Thank you!

Yours,

Didi, Sherman, Charles, Peter, Rose, Janet, Valerie, et al

Directions for commenting on the Athertonians blog:
Go to: athertonians.blogspot.com.  At the bottom of our post (a copy of this message) will be a highlighted link to comments. Click that link. Write your comment in the box that comes up.  Beneath the box, there is a drop-down menu that gives you options for your signature. Click in the "comment as" drop-down menu, and scroll down to Name/URL line.  Type in your name.  You do not need a URL.  Click on the  "Publish" button to publish your comment.

Holiday Closure and Elections Notice

[Posted by Moderator]

 

Atherton Town Hall and other Town offices will close on Wednesday, July 4^th. All offices will reopen on Thursday, July 5th. The Police Department remains unaffected by the closure.

 

At this time, there are no City Council or Committee meetings scheduled for the week of July 9^th.

 

Attached please find the November 6, 2012 elections notice. If you have any questions please let me know.

 

Have a happy 4^th of July.

 

Thank you,

 

Theresa N. DellaSanta

Interim City Manager/City Clerk

Town of Atherton

91 Ashfield Road

Atherton, CA 94027

650-752-0504 

Atherton voters to determine whether new library will be built in Holbrook-Palmer Park

Atherton council agrees to let voters decide issue, along with Little League and new Town Center questions

by Renee Batti
Almanac Staff 

Atherton voters will be given the chance to say yes or no to a proposal to build a new library in Holbrook-Palmer Park. The City Council endorsed putting the question on the Nov. 6 ballot at a special meeting this afternoon (June 29).

The development is a major victory for a sizable number of vocal residents who oppose building the library in the town's only park. They, along with council members Elizabeth Lewis and Jerry Carlson, have been pushing for giving residents the final say at the ballot box.

Last fall, Mayor Bill Widmer and council members Kathy McKeithen and Jim Dobbie endorsed the park location for an approximately 10,000-square-foot library, following about two years of study and community outreach by a task force of volunteers examining options for replacing the town's cramped, seismically inadequate library in the Town Center.

After months of rancor among residents with opposing positions, and a petition drive still in progress to force the council to put the question to voters, Mayor Widmer and Councilwoman McKeithen called for today's special meeting, saying the time had come to try to heal the town.

[To continue reading this article and to see the comments posted on the Almanac's blog, please click here to go to the Almanac Online posting.]

Town council and HPP

From: "Paul"
Date: July 1, 2012 8:42:56 PM PDT
To: Athertonians@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Athertonians] Town council and HPP

As printed in today's San Jose Merc..via the Palo Alto Daily News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_20977220/atherton-voters-likely-will-decide-nov-6-election?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

Concerned about why council has taken over videotaping (and is the Almanac censoring comments?)

I clipped this notice to see if anyone has an explanation for why the council has taken over responsibility for videotaping meetings? I also heard the police paid the videographer at a rate of $100 per meeting and the council offered him $350 per meeting. Only to start haggling, resulting in no videotape of the meeting? How is that good governance?
And now this. This morning there was a comment. Now poof it's gone. Seems like the Almanac is doing some censoring of resident sentiments.

Atherton Awristachatz
Colleen Anderson
lovemypaws@yahoo.com
(650) 369-4949 Home