[Athertonians group message from Vice Mayor, Rick DeGolia reposted by Moderator, enabling conversation by comments below]
The Civic Center Advisory Committee (CCAC) has created a green building subcommittee. The subcommittee will focus on green building design, energy efficiency, and what is involved in a Zero Net Energy facility. The committee has defined its initial goals to be discovering what are the options for our new civic center from a green building perspective. This includes understanding the costs and benefits. Zero Net Energy facilities are designed to reduce total facility costs, when you factor in the ongoing operating costs of a facility. The committee is looking to tap residents with green building interests and experiences to assist the subcommittee in developing ideas. If you are interested please send an email to Theresa DellaSanta at tdellasanta@ci.atherton.ca.us
Rick DeGolia
650.321.7707 (h)
650.793.2800 (m)
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
It's the law or rather, it soon may be. . .
Posted to City Manager's Blog on August 18, 2014 at 12:20 PM by George Rodericks, sent as a message from the town and forwarded by the Athertonians Moderator. Comments welcome below.
Let's Talk Law
I have served as Atherton's City Manager now for just about 2 years. During that time, there have been several issues that have made their way to my desk that involve enforcement and compliance with Town ordinances and laws. Atherton is a pretty well regulated (and self-regulated) community and for the most part, most of the residents maintain their property well within the standards and laws that apply. But, there are a few issues that percolate to the top - and Atherton is not unique in the types of issues that affect quality of life.
Now, I'm not talking about public safety laws - speeding, illegal parking, loud parties, or running through that neighborhood stop sign. We all know that those violations never occur, right? Well....wrong. Our Police Department is very busy addressing those issues as well as other property and quality of life crime in Town. For details on what's happening, visit the Citizen RIMS area of the Town's website for regular updates. You can even sign up for email alerts. Nice feature.
This post is not about those issues, rather, it's about compliance with Town ordinances and laws mostly related to land use and identification of areas of improvement. The municipal codebook is actually about 2 inches thick (available online here). Where to begin...
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities
How about communication? Communication is important. Clear communication. We're working on an ordinance to address clear communication. More specifically, an ordinance to address wireless communications - yes, I'm referring to cellular towers. Right now, we do not really have an ordinance that addresses the issues the way we would like.
The downside is we (the Town) are pretty much restricted as to what we can and cannot regulate with respect to cellular tower installations. They have a right to be there. Period. That's what the Federal Government has told us. The good part though, is we have a right to regulate the time, place, and manner of their installation. While that might sound a bit vague, we are working on an ordinance to make it very, very, clear. Crystal clear, in fact. Through the ordinance, we hope to be able to regulate issues surrounding screening, stealth installations (trees, flag poles, etc.), underground vault requirements, notice and public input, and more.
Since this is about communication, let me be clear. The ordinance will not prevent the installation of cellular towers. Nor will the ordinance prevent upgrades to existing sites. Let's face it, most of us want our wireless communications to work well - we just do not want to see the visual blight of a cell tower nor do we want to live next to one. We will be bringing the ordinance to the City Council for public review at a Study Session in the fall (likely October or November). This is the first chance for public input surrounding the ordinance. There will be several others before the ordinance is ultimately considered for adoption. Sign up using NotifyMe! to get an email alert of Council meeting agendas and other electronic notifications. We'd love to hear from you on the topic.
Encroachments Within the Public Right-of-Way
From communication to encroachment. If you've been following recent meetings of the City Council you've heard that we are working on a new encroachment ordinance to address improvements placed within the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way is that stretch of land between your front property line (typically a fence or gate along your frontage) to the edge of the public roadway pavement. The Town, via local laws and standards, controls how that area can be improved. For example, within the first 3 feet from the edge of the roadway pavement, landscaping is limited to 5 inches in height. Within the next 3 feet, landscaping is limited to 3 feet in height. Rocks, logs, curbs, or other similar obstructions are not allowed within 6 feet of the edge of pavement. Etc. Etc. Etc.
If you are doing any work within that right-of-way, underground or above ground, you are required to obtain an encroachment permit from the Town before the work begins. This ensures that the Town is aware of the work, can advise of any concerns and impose reasonable conditions as required (safety, traffic control, etc.). The larger issue here though is one of liability and private improvements. Technically, you as the homeowner are liable for harm caused by your private improvements placed within the public right-of-way. Most of you may not be fully aware of this so we are developing a process to formalize that understanding. I was driving home the other day down Atherton Avenue and a truck was parked on the opposed of the roadway (blocking the street to unload - don't get me started on that issue). I digress.
Back to my story, I was driving home along Atherton Avenue and a vehicle headed the opposite direction pulled out around the truck into the lane of opposing traffic. I had to pull off the roadway and onto the shoulder to allow the vehicle to pass safely. In doing so, I nearly hit a couple of rocks placed within the right-of-way by the homeowner. Had my vehicle hit one of those rocks, that homeowner may have been liable for the damage to my vehicle. The right-of-way is intended to be a "safe harbor" off the roadway. Some private improvements impinge on that safe harbor by not allowing the safe passage of pedestrians, bicycles, and/or vehicles. The Town has an interest in protecting the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
We want the process to be painless. The cost of any permits will solely be the cost of processing the paperwork. It is anticipated that the permit will be in the form of an agreement and drawing. The property owner will provide a drawing of what will be in the right-of-way and will execute an agreement acknowledging liability for those private improvements. Just as is the case now, the Town has the ability to deny/approve/modify what can be placed in the right-of-way. Stay tuned for this one. I hear lots of complaints about rocks and logs in the rights-of-way. We hope to be able to allow improvements that work well, integrate with future planned improvements, encourage safety, and allow for individual property owner improvements.
Signs Signs Everywhere Are Signs
Alright, we talked communication and we've talked encroachment. I've saved the best for last. Signage. From construction sites to real estate signs to political signs to estate sale signs to signs for that lost pet. They all present challenges. Our current ordinances are way out of date. There are some in the community that are self-policing. Others, not so much. We will be updating our sign ordinance in an attempt to provide clear guidance for the size, type, and placement of signage - on public and private property. This one will take some time and some input from the stakeholders as well as the community. What we do not want is a free-for-all with respect to signs. We would like to see some standardized sizes, proper placement so as not to impede on the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles, as well as timing for removal and placement that makes sense.
What's Left
Those are the big ones. We are also working on:
This is to tighten up what already exists. If you are hosting an event at your home or at a venue in Town (Park, Circus Club, School) and that event requires or results in the Town's use of resources in response or in advance of your event (parking control measures, traffic control via the police department, noise response due to complaints, etc.) you are required to pay the cost of those services. You are required to obtain a special event permit in advance of the event. This one is already on the books - but it needs to be cleaned up and tightened up to address one-night events and add clarity to address private events and school events.
If you have any thoughts or questions on the above, please feel free to give me a call at (650) 752-0504 or send me an email at grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us. I'd love your feedback - it's what makes things work.
Sincerely
George Rodericks
City Manager
Town of Atherton
Let's Talk Law
I have served as Atherton's City Manager now for just about 2 years. During that time, there have been several issues that have made their way to my desk that involve enforcement and compliance with Town ordinances and laws. Atherton is a pretty well regulated (and self-regulated) community and for the most part, most of the residents maintain their property well within the standards and laws that apply. But, there are a few issues that percolate to the top - and Atherton is not unique in the types of issues that affect quality of life.
Now, I'm not talking about public safety laws - speeding, illegal parking, loud parties, or running through that neighborhood stop sign. We all know that those violations never occur, right? Well....wrong. Our Police Department is very busy addressing those issues as well as other property and quality of life crime in Town. For details on what's happening, visit the Citizen RIMS area of the Town's website for regular updates. You can even sign up for email alerts. Nice feature.
This post is not about those issues, rather, it's about compliance with Town ordinances and laws mostly related to land use and identification of areas of improvement. The municipal codebook is actually about 2 inches thick (available online here). Where to begin...
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities
How about communication? Communication is important. Clear communication. We're working on an ordinance to address clear communication. More specifically, an ordinance to address wireless communications - yes, I'm referring to cellular towers. Right now, we do not really have an ordinance that addresses the issues the way we would like.
The downside is we (the Town) are pretty much restricted as to what we can and cannot regulate with respect to cellular tower installations. They have a right to be there. Period. That's what the Federal Government has told us. The good part though, is we have a right to regulate the time, place, and manner of their installation. While that might sound a bit vague, we are working on an ordinance to make it very, very, clear. Crystal clear, in fact. Through the ordinance, we hope to be able to regulate issues surrounding screening, stealth installations (trees, flag poles, etc.), underground vault requirements, notice and public input, and more.
Since this is about communication, let me be clear. The ordinance will not prevent the installation of cellular towers. Nor will the ordinance prevent upgrades to existing sites. Let's face it, most of us want our wireless communications to work well - we just do not want to see the visual blight of a cell tower nor do we want to live next to one. We will be bringing the ordinance to the City Council for public review at a Study Session in the fall (likely October or November). This is the first chance for public input surrounding the ordinance. There will be several others before the ordinance is ultimately considered for adoption. Sign up using NotifyMe! to get an email alert of Council meeting agendas and other electronic notifications. We'd love to hear from you on the topic.
Encroachments Within the Public Right-of-Way
From communication to encroachment. If you've been following recent meetings of the City Council you've heard that we are working on a new encroachment ordinance to address improvements placed within the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way is that stretch of land between your front property line (typically a fence or gate along your frontage) to the edge of the public roadway pavement. The Town, via local laws and standards, controls how that area can be improved. For example, within the first 3 feet from the edge of the roadway pavement, landscaping is limited to 5 inches in height. Within the next 3 feet, landscaping is limited to 3 feet in height. Rocks, logs, curbs, or other similar obstructions are not allowed within 6 feet of the edge of pavement. Etc. Etc. Etc.
If you are doing any work within that right-of-way, underground or above ground, you are required to obtain an encroachment permit from the Town before the work begins. This ensures that the Town is aware of the work, can advise of any concerns and impose reasonable conditions as required (safety, traffic control, etc.). The larger issue here though is one of liability and private improvements. Technically, you as the homeowner are liable for harm caused by your private improvements placed within the public right-of-way. Most of you may not be fully aware of this so we are developing a process to formalize that understanding. I was driving home the other day down Atherton Avenue and a truck was parked on the opposed of the roadway (blocking the street to unload - don't get me started on that issue). I digress.
Back to my story, I was driving home along Atherton Avenue and a vehicle headed the opposite direction pulled out around the truck into the lane of opposing traffic. I had to pull off the roadway and onto the shoulder to allow the vehicle to pass safely. In doing so, I nearly hit a couple of rocks placed within the right-of-way by the homeowner. Had my vehicle hit one of those rocks, that homeowner may have been liable for the damage to my vehicle. The right-of-way is intended to be a "safe harbor" off the roadway. Some private improvements impinge on that safe harbor by not allowing the safe passage of pedestrians, bicycles, and/or vehicles. The Town has an interest in protecting the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
We want the process to be painless. The cost of any permits will solely be the cost of processing the paperwork. It is anticipated that the permit will be in the form of an agreement and drawing. The property owner will provide a drawing of what will be in the right-of-way and will execute an agreement acknowledging liability for those private improvements. Just as is the case now, the Town has the ability to deny/approve/modify what can be placed in the right-of-way. Stay tuned for this one. I hear lots of complaints about rocks and logs in the rights-of-way. We hope to be able to allow improvements that work well, integrate with future planned improvements, encourage safety, and allow for individual property owner improvements.
Signs Signs Everywhere Are Signs
Alright, we talked communication and we've talked encroachment. I've saved the best for last. Signage. From construction sites to real estate signs to political signs to estate sale signs to signs for that lost pet. They all present challenges. Our current ordinances are way out of date. There are some in the community that are self-policing. Others, not so much. We will be updating our sign ordinance in an attempt to provide clear guidance for the size, type, and placement of signage - on public and private property. This one will take some time and some input from the stakeholders as well as the community. What we do not want is a free-for-all with respect to signs. We would like to see some standardized sizes, proper placement so as not to impede on the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles, as well as timing for removal and placement that makes sense.
What's Left
Those are the big ones. We are also working on:
- construction site regulations (noise, fencing, surveillance, parking, etc.);
- development impact fees (wear and tear fees for those construction projects that have impacts on the roadway due to their project);
- updates to the refuse ordinance to address construction and demolition requirements;
- updates to the special event permit ordinance; and
- updates to address improvements through the bicycle and pedestrian master plan.
This is to tighten up what already exists. If you are hosting an event at your home or at a venue in Town (Park, Circus Club, School) and that event requires or results in the Town's use of resources in response or in advance of your event (parking control measures, traffic control via the police department, noise response due to complaints, etc.) you are required to pay the cost of those services. You are required to obtain a special event permit in advance of the event. This one is already on the books - but it needs to be cleaned up and tightened up to address one-night events and add clarity to address private events and school events.
If you have any thoughts or questions on the above, please feel free to give me a call at (650) 752-0504 or send me an email at grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us. I'd love your feedback - it's what makes things work.
Sincerely
George Rodericks
City Manager
Town of Atherton
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Invitation to the Town's National Night Out (forwarded from town's webmail service)
[Note: this is a copy of the town's website. To get more information, please go to the town's web page directly by clicking here.]
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Update and request re: Surf Air/Aircraft Noise Issue
Dear Athertonians:
Several months ago I was appointed by the City Council to be one of its representatives on an Ad Hoc Council Committee to study and work to alleviate aircraft noise that mainly results from the advent of Surf Air flying into San Carlos Airport, beginning in June 2013. This committee was originally composed of myself and prior Councilmember Dobbie and now consists of myself and Councilmember Lewis. We have had many meetings with officials at San Carlos Airport, representatives of Surf Air and representatives of the Atherton, Menlo Park and North Fair Oaks communities. This group became an official Working Group with a common focus of reducing noise along the GPS flight path into San Carlos. Among other things, we organized the well attended (110+) community meeting last December at the Pavilon in Holbrook-Palmer Park where Surf Air made a public commitment to vary its flight path by making visual approaches into San Carlos, so that those who live along the GPS flight path would be less subject to the aircraft noise caused by their planes. Planes are required to use the GPS approach with the weather is such that a pilot cannot see the airport and are able to request a visual, alternate approach whenever the weather is good and they can see the airport.
Attached to this message is a diagram of the current GPS flight path, with a red highlighted area where the airport believes aircraft noise is the biggest problem.
As you may know, at the its last meeting the Working Group decided to support the San Carlos Airport's effort to seek approval from the FAA for a new GPS approach into the San Carlos Airport. This new approach would be along the same glide path that is in the attached diagram, but it would be elevated by 500 feet, resulting in a glide path with a 3.77 degree slope, rather than the current 3 degree slope. All of the Working Group participants believed this new approach is worth examining because it might result in reduced noise over the Menlo Park, Atherton and North Fair Oaks neighborhoods. We have been asked to reach out to any and all affected residents to seek supportive letters to the FAA for this elevated GPS approach. Accordingly, attached to this email is a proposed form of letter for you to consider signing to indicate support of this request. Of course, you are welcome to alter this letter in any way that you may prefer.
Please note that the contemplated new approach is one of several efforts to achieve a material reduction in the aircraft noise that you are experiencing. The other potential solutions include the visual approach solution whenever the weather allows and modifications to the Surf Air standard operating procedures by not putting down landing gear until much closer to the airport (and therefore using less power, thereby reducing aircraft noise).
We would appreciate it if you could prepare this letter and send it to the FAA sometime over the next week. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for your help, Rick DeGolia
Rick DeGolia
Atherton, CA 94027
650.793.2800
www.rickdegolia.com
Several months ago I was appointed by the City Council to be one of its representatives on an Ad Hoc Council Committee to study and work to alleviate aircraft noise that mainly results from the advent of Surf Air flying into San Carlos Airport, beginning in June 2013. This committee was originally composed of myself and prior Councilmember Dobbie and now consists of myself and Councilmember Lewis. We have had many meetings with officials at San Carlos Airport, representatives of Surf Air and representatives of the Atherton, Menlo Park and North Fair Oaks communities. This group became an official Working Group with a common focus of reducing noise along the GPS flight path into San Carlos. Among other things, we organized the well attended (110+) community meeting last December at the Pavilon in Holbrook-Palmer Park where Surf Air made a public commitment to vary its flight path by making visual approaches into San Carlos, so that those who live along the GPS flight path would be less subject to the aircraft noise caused by their planes. Planes are required to use the GPS approach with the weather is such that a pilot cannot see the airport and are able to request a visual, alternate approach whenever the weather is good and they can see the airport.
Attached to this message is a diagram of the current GPS flight path, with a red highlighted area where the airport believes aircraft noise is the biggest problem.
As you may know, at the its last meeting the Working Group decided to support the San Carlos Airport's effort to seek approval from the FAA for a new GPS approach into the San Carlos Airport. This new approach would be along the same glide path that is in the attached diagram, but it would be elevated by 500 feet, resulting in a glide path with a 3.77 degree slope, rather than the current 3 degree slope. All of the Working Group participants believed this new approach is worth examining because it might result in reduced noise over the Menlo Park, Atherton and North Fair Oaks neighborhoods. We have been asked to reach out to any and all affected residents to seek supportive letters to the FAA for this elevated GPS approach. Accordingly, attached to this email is a proposed form of letter for you to consider signing to indicate support of this request. Of course, you are welcome to alter this letter in any way that you may prefer.
Please note that the contemplated new approach is one of several efforts to achieve a material reduction in the aircraft noise that you are experiencing. The other potential solutions include the visual approach solution whenever the weather allows and modifications to the Surf Air standard operating procedures by not putting down landing gear until much closer to the airport (and therefore using less power, thereby reducing aircraft noise).
We would appreciate it if you could prepare this letter and send it to the FAA sometime over the next week. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for your help, Rick DeGolia
Rick DeGolia
Vice Mayor
Town of Atherton
84 Clay DriveAtherton, CA 94027
650.793.2800
www.rickdegolia.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Study Session on Park Master Plan and Bike/Ped Master Plan Weds. April 2
Residents,
There are currently four master planning efforts underway in the town: 1. Town Center, 2. Drainage Plan, 3. Park Use Plan and 4. Bike Pedestrian Plan. Currently two of these, the Park Use Master Plan and the Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan are being presented to the City Council in a Study Session tomorrow, April 2, at 4:00 pm in the council chambers.
If you are interested in hearing one or both of these presentations to learn what is being recommended to the council, you should attend the Study session. You can also review the two presentations or the meeting agenda prior to the meeting by downloading the drafts from the above links.
—The Moderator
There are currently four master planning efforts underway in the town: 1. Town Center, 2. Drainage Plan, 3. Park Use Plan and 4. Bike Pedestrian Plan. Currently two of these, the Park Use Master Plan and the Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan are being presented to the City Council in a Study Session tomorrow, April 2, at 4:00 pm in the council chambers.
If you are interested in hearing one or both of these presentations to learn what is being recommended to the council, you should attend the Study session. You can also review the two presentations or the meeting agenda prior to the meeting by downloading the drafts from the above links.
—The Moderator
Atherton Launches Advanced Budget Transparency Platform
In
case you missed the Finance Department's midnight announcement about the launch of
Atherton's new "Budget Transparency Platform," this is not an April
Fools Day trick. This platform may really open up broader understanding
of town finances.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Help Wanted/Help Offered Open Post
Anyone can post a "Help Wanted" or "Help Offered" message on this open post by clicking the "Comment" Link below.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Of Shelters and Salaries . . .
From the Moderator: A very informative message from City Manager George Rodericks addressing misstatements by the Daily Post. It is very reassuring to see the professionalism of his approach. If you don't get messages from the Town, you may want to sign up for them on the town website. George also provides a great list of links to access information on the town website at the end of his message.
In the Friday, February 14 Daily Post there were two articles dealing with Town issues I wanted to take a moment to comment upon. The first dealt with Animal Shelter Services and addressed an upcoming item on the City Council agenda for February 19. The second dealt with the Post's regular reporting of agency salaries and benefits. Both reports included some inaccuracies to which I responded directly to the reporters. I wanted, however, to provide the public with that same corrective information and some additional resources for their use.
Animal Shelter Services
The article notes that at the February 19 City Council meeting, the City Council will be deciding whether they want to keep the Peninsula Humane Society for animal care services. On Wednesday, the City Council is not going to decide if the Town still wants the Peninsula Humane Society to provide animal services. That’s not the issue before the City Council. The Council is approving an agreement to assist the County with building a new shelter not a decision on whether animal services should be continued.
Additionally, Atherton is not being asked to pay $50,000 toward the new shelter, plus an additional $4,297 to $5,749 annually. The Town presently pays approximately $52,000 per year for basic animal control services through the County’s contract with the Peninsula Humane Society. That remains unchanged. The Town is only being asked to pay an additional $4,297 to $5,749 (depending on the cost of the new shelter) annually as part of a 30-year amortized zero-interest contribution toward the cost of building the new shelter.
For the complete report, take a look through the staff report available on the Town's website.
Salaries and Benefits
Next, the Daily Post printed an article as part of their series on public employee salaries and benefits - an excellent opportunity for public awareness. However, the article contained several inaccuracies related to the information presented. I took the opportunity to respond directly to the reporter, but wanted the public to be aware of the same information as well as other resources on the Town's website.
The article noted that the Town has 47 employees. The Town does not have 47 employees. The 2013/2014 Budget reflects a total of 34 authorized positions. This is the same as the 2012/2013 budget. The Town has not had 47 employees since 2011.
The Post requested salary data via for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Over the years employees come and go within specific positions. Sometimes simply totaling up salary data for a period of time will result in an overlap - for example, an employee may have left employment in March 2013 and the Town filled the position in June 2013. That does not count as 2 employees thus raising the number count for employees. That’s only one position. When this occurs with several positions over a year it can be over-counted if you count people not positions.
The article also addressed the housing/transportation allowance that I received as City Manager in the 2012/2013 fiscal year. The housing allowance/transportation allowance for my position was negotiated for one fiscal year only - 2012/2013, not two as stated in the article. The article states that it was negotiated because I declined to live in the Watkins House. It was not negotiated because I declined to live in the Watkins House. As I mentioned during my telephone conversation with the reporter, during hire negotiations the Town and I “split the difference - $30k of 60k” as a housing/transportation allowance because at the time I was still determining when I could move into the house and was commuting in the interim. It expired in June 2013. Unfortunately, I had to advise the Council that due to a personal situation I could not relocate and we negotiated a base salary going forward. My salary as of July 1, 2013 is $196,650 - flat. No allowance for auto, transportation, phone, or housing. This was discussed over the course of several City Council meetings.
Next, the article spoke to the number of employees in the police department (and Town) and their earnings level - to include any overtime - particularly for police department personnel.
While the Police Department is authorized 25 sworn positions there have been vacancies over the last couple of years that have been hard to fill. As a result, in order to maintain a minimum level of deployment, existing officers must often work overtime. When you report salaries of officers and their use of overtime I think it is important to mention that during periods of recruitment due to vacancies (for whatever reason) there will be overtime. A more accurate and informative statement might have been, the base salary at the top step for a police officer is $101,633.52 per year. The entry level step is $87,794.88 per year. The Department cannot “over hire” to fill non-existent vacancies - that's a waste of public money. In order to begin a recruitment process there must be an actual vacancy. Because of background investigations and the required testing and evaluation, it often takes 4 to 6 months to hire a new police officer. During that time, some officers will end up working overtime to ensure a minimum level of deployment in the community. In particularly challenging years (injuries, retirements, etc.), overtime will be higher. Some of these events are predictable. Some are not.
A complete list of salaries and salary ranges is included in the Town’s Budget document available online. Of the Town’s 9 non-police staff, there are 5 that, at their top step, will make more than $100,000. These are: City Manager, Finance Director, City Clerk, Civil Engineer, and Public Works Superintendent. Of the Town’s police staff (sworn and non-sworn), All sworn staff (officers, sergeants, lieutenant, and chief) can top out at more than $100,000. Non-sworn staff (dispatchers, community service officers, trainees, and executive assistant - 6 positions) do not.
In short, I think the efforts of the Daily Post and other news outlets to print salaries and benefits of public employees is worthwhile to shine the light where some folks simply don’t bother looking. It’s public money after all. However, I think in printing the information, news agencies have a duty to print accurate and timely information that is not misleading to the public. Simply stating that overtime is higher one year over the last doesn’t address the root issues of why. Calling attention to numbers of employees is great so long as there is a balanced look at service needs, levels, and demands in that particular community. From that information, the public can do a better assessment in answering and asking the right questions about their local government and the services provided. Transparency is important not only to you but to us as well.
The Town's website has a host of information accessible to the public to make informed decisions about their local government and the services provided. Here's a few links to some of that data:
Regards,
George
George Rodericks
City Manager
Town of Atherton
91 Ashfield Road
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 752-0504 - Office
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us
In the Friday, February 14 Daily Post there were two articles dealing with Town issues I wanted to take a moment to comment upon. The first dealt with Animal Shelter Services and addressed an upcoming item on the City Council agenda for February 19. The second dealt with the Post's regular reporting of agency salaries and benefits. Both reports included some inaccuracies to which I responded directly to the reporters. I wanted, however, to provide the public with that same corrective information and some additional resources for their use.
Animal Shelter Services
The article notes that at the February 19 City Council meeting, the City Council will be deciding whether they want to keep the Peninsula Humane Society for animal care services. On Wednesday, the City Council is not going to decide if the Town still wants the Peninsula Humane Society to provide animal services. That’s not the issue before the City Council. The Council is approving an agreement to assist the County with building a new shelter not a decision on whether animal services should be continued.
Additionally, Atherton is not being asked to pay $50,000 toward the new shelter, plus an additional $4,297 to $5,749 annually. The Town presently pays approximately $52,000 per year for basic animal control services through the County’s contract with the Peninsula Humane Society. That remains unchanged. The Town is only being asked to pay an additional $4,297 to $5,749 (depending on the cost of the new shelter) annually as part of a 30-year amortized zero-interest contribution toward the cost of building the new shelter.
For the complete report, take a look through the staff report available on the Town's website.
Salaries and Benefits
Next, the Daily Post printed an article as part of their series on public employee salaries and benefits - an excellent opportunity for public awareness. However, the article contained several inaccuracies related to the information presented. I took the opportunity to respond directly to the reporter, but wanted the public to be aware of the same information as well as other resources on the Town's website.
The article noted that the Town has 47 employees. The Town does not have 47 employees. The 2013/2014 Budget reflects a total of 34 authorized positions. This is the same as the 2012/2013 budget. The Town has not had 47 employees since 2011.
The Post requested salary data via for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Over the years employees come and go within specific positions. Sometimes simply totaling up salary data for a period of time will result in an overlap - for example, an employee may have left employment in March 2013 and the Town filled the position in June 2013. That does not count as 2 employees thus raising the number count for employees. That’s only one position. When this occurs with several positions over a year it can be over-counted if you count people not positions.
The article also addressed the housing/transportation allowance that I received as City Manager in the 2012/2013 fiscal year. The housing allowance/transportation allowance for my position was negotiated for one fiscal year only - 2012/2013, not two as stated in the article. The article states that it was negotiated because I declined to live in the Watkins House. It was not negotiated because I declined to live in the Watkins House. As I mentioned during my telephone conversation with the reporter, during hire negotiations the Town and I “split the difference - $30k of 60k” as a housing/transportation allowance because at the time I was still determining when I could move into the house and was commuting in the interim. It expired in June 2013. Unfortunately, I had to advise the Council that due to a personal situation I could not relocate and we negotiated a base salary going forward. My salary as of July 1, 2013 is $196,650 - flat. No allowance for auto, transportation, phone, or housing. This was discussed over the course of several City Council meetings.
Next, the article spoke to the number of employees in the police department (and Town) and their earnings level - to include any overtime - particularly for police department personnel.
While the Police Department is authorized 25 sworn positions there have been vacancies over the last couple of years that have been hard to fill. As a result, in order to maintain a minimum level of deployment, existing officers must often work overtime. When you report salaries of officers and their use of overtime I think it is important to mention that during periods of recruitment due to vacancies (for whatever reason) there will be overtime. A more accurate and informative statement might have been, the base salary at the top step for a police officer is $101,633.52 per year. The entry level step is $87,794.88 per year. The Department cannot “over hire” to fill non-existent vacancies - that's a waste of public money. In order to begin a recruitment process there must be an actual vacancy. Because of background investigations and the required testing and evaluation, it often takes 4 to 6 months to hire a new police officer. During that time, some officers will end up working overtime to ensure a minimum level of deployment in the community. In particularly challenging years (injuries, retirements, etc.), overtime will be higher. Some of these events are predictable. Some are not.
A complete list of salaries and salary ranges is included in the Town’s Budget document available online. Of the Town’s 9 non-police staff, there are 5 that, at their top step, will make more than $100,000. These are: City Manager, Finance Director, City Clerk, Civil Engineer, and Public Works Superintendent. Of the Town’s police staff (sworn and non-sworn), All sworn staff (officers, sergeants, lieutenant, and chief) can top out at more than $100,000. Non-sworn staff (dispatchers, community service officers, trainees, and executive assistant - 6 positions) do not.
In short, I think the efforts of the Daily Post and other news outlets to print salaries and benefits of public employees is worthwhile to shine the light where some folks simply don’t bother looking. It’s public money after all. However, I think in printing the information, news agencies have a duty to print accurate and timely information that is not misleading to the public. Simply stating that overtime is higher one year over the last doesn’t address the root issues of why. Calling attention to numbers of employees is great so long as there is a balanced look at service needs, levels, and demands in that particular community. From that information, the public can do a better assessment in answering and asking the right questions about their local government and the services provided. Transparency is important not only to you but to us as well.
The Town's website has a host of information accessible to the public to make informed decisions about their local government and the services provided. Here's a few links to some of that data:
- Campaign Disclosure Forms
- Conflicts of Interest Forms
- Town Budgets
- Town Audits
- Salary and Benefit Information
- Employment Contracts
- CalPERS Pension and Other Actuarials
- Town Committees
- Current Projects
- Current News and Events
- Town Calendar
- Public Safety and Crime Data
- Police Information
- Online Reporting of Concerns
- Minutes and Agendas
- Meeting Videos
Regards,
George
George Rodericks
City Manager
Town of Atherton
91 Ashfield Road
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 752-0504 - Office
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Tonight: Drainage Study Masterplan
To: Athertonians@Yahoogroups.com
Today at 12:27 PM
Friends,
Winter
rains have been few and far between but the town is actively working on
a Drainage Study. Tonight there is a Public meeting scheduled for the
Drainage Study master plan, where you can raise a concern about a
chronic drainage problem. Perhaps the rain in the last few days
reminded you about your issue: tonight is the time to make sure the town
knows about it. See the notice attached below for more information or
contact David Huynh to email him your concerns at: DHuynh@ci.atherton.ca.us.
—Valerie
Monday, January 6, 2014
Walsh Road Evacuation Alarm to be tested
Dear Athertonian Residents,
Did you know there was an alarm on Walsh Road specifically to warn about a breach in the Bear Gulch Reservoir and to have you evacuate the area? Neither did I. However, apparently there is and it will be tested at 10:00 am this morning for about a minute.
For more information, see the Town's website here: http://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=95
—Athertonians Moderator
Did you know there was an alarm on Walsh Road specifically to warn about a breach in the Bear Gulch Reservoir and to have you evacuate the area? Neither did I. However, apparently there is and it will be tested at 10:00 am this morning for about a minute.
For more information, see the Town's website here: http://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=95
—Athertonians Moderator
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Please Sign the New Aircraft Noise Petition
[Reposted from Email List]
*** IF YOU PREVIOUSLY SIGNED THE PETITION, YOU WILL NEED TO RESIGN THE NEW PETITION ***
We have decided to move our petition to a new website hosted on change.org. There are a number of reasons for this which includes better tracking of who has signed and therefore less likelihood that we will have signatures that are anonymous or duplicates.
Change.org has been actively covered in the press including the San Francisco Chronicle, and we hope it will provide a higher profile view into our efforts. Change.org provides a lot of benefits over what we previously used, and I hope you will agree it’s a step in the right direction for creating change in our airport/Surf Air noise situation.
If you previously signed the petition, you will have to sign it again. This may be an inconvenience for some, but it will ultimately allow us to keep better records of those interested in supporting our efforts. Also, to help us understand the location of neighbors affected, please enter your street name and city (no need for house number).
Please sign the petition now by going here: http://chn.ge/1fhCGEG
In addition to the petition, we strongly suggest that you also take a moment to report noise issues directly to the San Carlos Airport (KSQL). They keep formal records of the noise complaints and that allows us to have a stronger position with both the County, Airport and Surf Air. You should make note of the date and time of the noise so the airport can attribute the complaint to the proper aircraft landing at the airport. Please contact:
San Carlos Airport (KSQL)
James Wadleigh
650.573.2666
For San Mateo county residents, you can also contact:
County Sheriff Noise Complaint Department
650-363-4911.
I would also urge you to contact your local city and county officials so they are fully aware of the noise that residents (and their constituents) are enduring. There is always another election coming and it’s important that they become actionable as part of our effort to calm the skies over our neighborhoods.
Finally, please share this petition with your neighbors. It's an important tool that can be used for discussions with the airport and Surf Air so they understand the impact they are having on our neighborhoods.
*** IF YOU PREVIOUSLY SIGNED THE PETITION, YOU WILL NEED TO RESIGN THE NEW PETITION ***
We have decided to move our petition to a new website hosted on change.org. There are a number of reasons for this which includes better tracking of who has signed and therefore less likelihood that we will have signatures that are anonymous or duplicates.
Change.org has been actively covered in the press including the San Francisco Chronicle, and we hope it will provide a higher profile view into our efforts. Change.org provides a lot of benefits over what we previously used, and I hope you will agree it’s a step in the right direction for creating change in our airport/Surf Air noise situation.
If you previously signed the petition, you will have to sign it again. This may be an inconvenience for some, but it will ultimately allow us to keep better records of those interested in supporting our efforts. Also, to help us understand the location of neighbors affected, please enter your street name and city (no need for house number).
Please sign the petition now by going here: http://chn.ge/1fhCGEG
In addition to the petition, we strongly suggest that you also take a moment to report noise issues directly to the San Carlos Airport (KSQL). They keep formal records of the noise complaints and that allows us to have a stronger position with both the County, Airport and Surf Air. You should make note of the date and time of the noise so the airport can attribute the complaint to the proper aircraft landing at the airport. Please contact:
San Carlos Airport (KSQL)
James Wadleigh
650.573.2666
For San Mateo county residents, you can also contact:
County Sheriff Noise Complaint Department
650-363-4911.
I would also urge you to contact your local city and county officials so they are fully aware of the noise that residents (and their constituents) are enduring. There is always another election coming and it’s important that they become actionable as part of our effort to calm the skies over our neighborhoods.
Finally, please share this petition with your neighbors. It's an important tool that can be used for discussions with the airport and Surf Air so they understand the impact they are having on our neighborhoods.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Town Newsflash: Join Us for a Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan Tour
To ALL,
Join Us for a Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan Tour
Please
be reminded that Atherton will conduct a Bike & Pedestrian tour of
key segments and intersections for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan.
See additional comments at the initial post for The Bike Pedestrian Master Plan Tour
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Voter Information and Assistance
To all Atherton residents,
Today is Election Day, please remember to vote! We are forwarding the below information on voting locations, handling your mail-in ballots, and getting a provisional ballot, as sent out by Theresa DellaSanta, our City Clerk. The message below is linked to the Town Website.
Additionally, if you or someone you know needs to get to an Atherton polling place to vote and can't get there without the help of a ride, please click "Reply" to this message with the name, address and a phone number and we will endeavor to assist with organizing volunteer drivers who can get you to your polling place.
—The Moderator
Election Day Ballot & Polling Place Information
Election Day is almost here. Don’t forget to vote. The location of your polling place is printed on the back of your Sample Ballot. You can also look up your polling place online at www.shapethefuture.org. Always double-check the location--sometimes the locations change.
A Word to Vote by Mail Voters
If you didn't mail your ballot back in enough time for delivery by Election Day, drop it off at ANY active polling place in the County or the San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division (between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.) Remember you must sign the return envelope. A COMPLETE LIST of active polling places can be accessed by clicking the additional details link below.
If you recently mailed your Sample Ballot and you are not sure it will be received by Election Day, go to your polling place and tell the election officers of your concern. Ask to vote a provisional ballot. They will help you through the process. (It's a little more involved, but not difficult.)
If your mail ballot was not received in time, the provisional will be counted. If the ballot came in the mail in time--the provisional ballot will be tossed out and the mail ballot will be counted.
Hope this helps and Happy Voting!
Theresa DellaSanta,
City Clerk
650-752-0529
Location Room Address
Laurel School Multi-Purpose Room 95 Edge Rd
Fire House #3 Apparatus Room 32 Almendral Ave.
Menlo College Fireside Room 1000 El Camino Real
Las Lomitas School Library 299 Alameda de Las Pulgas
Selby Lane School Library 170 Selby Ln
Friday, October 25, 2013
Join the Atherton Walking/Biking Tour of Atherton on November 9th
[Forwarded from Athertonians email group]
Fellow Residents,
On behalf of the Atherton Pedestrian/Bike Stakeholder Advisory Group, I would like to invite you to provide your input on ways to improve the safety and usability of Atherton's roadways for walkers and bicyclists. As you are well aware, there have been many bike and pedestrian accidents in the last few years. I am pleased to report that because of some special funding, the town is working to begin to address these issues.
First, if you have not done so, please take our walking and biking survey. You can pass this link on to anyone you know who bikes or walks in the town, they don't need to be an Atherton resident. The survey url is: www.surveymonkey.com/s/athertonwalkandbike and we are hoping to get responses by the end of October.
Second, please come join us on November 9th for a Biking and Walking Tour that starts at Menlo School at 9:30 am. The tours will serve to broaden the community's understanding of the issues and enable participants to better engage in a discussion of solutions. You can do elect to do either the bike route or the walking route (so come prepared for that activity). Please see the attached fliers to learn the details of this very special and important event, and join us in scoping the issues and defining solutions for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for the town.
If you have questions about this event, you may contact Gordon Siebert, our town staff person on the committee at gsiebert@ci.atherton.ca.us.
Hope to see you out there!
Valerie Gardner
Member, Atherton Pedestrian/Bike SAG
Fellow Residents,
On behalf of the Atherton Pedestrian/Bike Stakeholder Advisory Group, I would like to invite you to provide your input on ways to improve the safety and usability of Atherton's roadways for walkers and bicyclists. As you are well aware, there have been many bike and pedestrian accidents in the last few years. I am pleased to report that because of some special funding, the town is working to begin to address these issues.
First, if you have not done so, please take our walking and biking survey. You can pass this link on to anyone you know who bikes or walks in the town, they don't need to be an Atherton resident. The survey url is: www.surveymonkey.com/s/athertonwalkandbike and we are hoping to get responses by the end of October.
Second, please come join us on November 9th for a Biking and Walking Tour that starts at Menlo School at 9:30 am. The tours will serve to broaden the community's understanding of the issues and enable participants to better engage in a discussion of solutions. You can do elect to do either the bike route or the walking route (so come prepared for that activity). Please see the attached fliers to learn the details of this very special and important event, and join us in scoping the issues and defining solutions for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for the town.
If you have questions about this event, you may contact Gordon Siebert, our town staff person on the committee at gsiebert@ci.atherton.ca.us.
Hope to see you out there!
Valerie Gardner
Member, Atherton Pedestrian/Bike SAG
Friday, October 18, 2013
Yes on Measure X - Paul Tonelli explains
From: John Thibault
Subject: Yes on Measure X - Paul Tonelli explains
Date: October 18, 2013 4:30:48 PM PDT
To: Athertonians@yahoogroups.com
For all Atherton Voters
Atherton resident Paul Tonelli was interviewed by The Mid-Peninsula Media Center on Measure X, the Atherton Parcel Tax up for renewal. Please take a look and support this important measure on Nov. 5 to insure we maintain our public works and safety programs.
Here is the YouTube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpH0hPq3MLI
Feel free to share or repost this message.
Thanks.
John Thibault
Chairman
Yes on Measure X
Subject: Yes on Measure X - Paul Tonelli explains
Date: October 18, 2013 4:30:48 PM PDT
To: Athertonians@yahoogroups.com
For all Atherton Voters
Atherton resident Paul Tonelli was interviewed by The Mid-Peninsula Media Center on Measure X, the Atherton Parcel Tax up for renewal. Please take a look and support this important measure on Nov. 5 to insure we maintain our public works and safety programs.
Here is the YouTube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpH0hPq3MLI
Feel free to share or repost this message.
Thanks.
John Thibault
Chairman
Yes on Measure X
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Meet all three candidates for Atherton City Council at the ACIL Forum tonight at 7:00 pm
[Posted by Moderator from Athertonians Email Group]
Voter ballots are out and the election is around the corner. If you
haven't already had a chance to meet all three of the resident
candidates running for the council seat vacated by Jerry Carlson, this
would be a great time to come hear them speak. Get there early to shake
hands and introduce yourself! These candidates are all very well-spoken but there are definite differences in their positions and in how they approach the job of representing you.
The event, co-sponsored by the ACIL and the League of Women Voters, will be held at the Holbrook-Palmer Park Pavilion starting at 7:00 pm. Written questions will be accepted by the moderator. For more information about the format, contact Ellen Hope at ellenjhope@aol.com.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Caltrain injury accident near Atherton
[Posted from Athertonians email list by Moderator]
It appears that no trains are moving between Menlo Park and Arherton and track crossings may be closed. Authorities are attempting to shuttle passengers between Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City.
It appears that no trains are moving between Menlo Park and Arherton and track crossings may be closed. Authorities are attempting to shuttle passengers between Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City.
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