[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6329095,"mediaKeyId","2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b","parentId",2316501,"title","EPC debates robotic lawnmower trial and contractor roles for reducing emissions","audioSeconds",635,"startMs",6153000,"endMs",6788000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b&start=6153&end=6788","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b/thumbnail_6153000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329095/California/EPC-debates-robotic-lawnmower-trial-and-contractor-roles-for-reducing-emissions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329095-6aead0179b3341aaf0139fc16d1d7b8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633890&Signature=UG2NHbHZsZulyicj6-ffluZvdUbaBeu7VkWvTmI9HH0nEtmq-ZomXNvtpSYeTqQgBM9XD4gP~tPtKiZGIDqE7d1rqOwMwaffud6tsioM2zKYyjQsroFbWzcdiid82nrZ7QK57P4tMvRfT1F5m7r~P2Jy1ajCYyamgmLlQe-B-3CnCgLafTEAMRnrCTBDuQKd73zYsBD1bfGQdHSA5GWrM6xhkgPWZ0I43XTCkUwy3~zfee5LfILAiMqMMGIhsZWfb79za27~71MimxpLeUW34MEX8jWs9vgYy3RPh9Y2EOOInpMXz3c-s6drxoG4LgJxzdJ0s8XI5xcFCVXjCrii~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Atherton CA","date","2025-02-15T08:55:03.55Z","article","Committee members debated whether the town should encourage robotic lawnmowers as a pathway to reduce emissions from gas‑powered landscape equipment and explored options for demonstrating the technology to residents and contractors.

Committee member Ken outlined a leasing model used elsewhere in which landscapers lease robotic mowers and provide installation and maintenance, allowing landscape companies to retain service revenue while using electric equipment. \"The solution to that is, Husqvarna and others have come up with a plan that says, you will lease the robot to the gardener,\" Ken said, summarizing the leasing approach described in the meeting.

Members discussed two approaches: ask the town's contracted landscaper (BrightView) to pilot a robot on town properties for a trial period, or convene local landscapers and vendors for a resident demonstration and sales day. Several members said trials on town property could demonstrate feasibility for residents and the contractor, while others noted operational and scheduling concerns (e.g., daytime park use and setup costs).

Staff said personnel and contract decisions rest with the city manager and contract administrators; committee members agreed staff would raise the idea with the appropriate managers and report back. Cristobal said he would clarify feasibility with City Manager staff and procurement leads.

Ending: Committee members will provide a written summary of the trial idea to staff; staff will follow up with procurement and the contracted landscape vendor and return findings at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Environmental Programs Committee February 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members discussed promoting robotic lawnmowers and a possible trial with the town's contracted landscape provider to reduce gasoline equipment emissions; staff said contract and procurement questions belong to city management.","taxTitle","Atherton Town, San Mateo County, California","taxId",72378,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329100,"Atherton EPC notes resignation, seeks volunteers; approves November meeting notes",145,27000,172000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b&start=27&end=172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b/thumbnail_27000.jpg","/articles/6329100/California/Atherton-EPC-notes-resignation-seeks-volunteers-approves-November-meeting-notes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329100-e438308a5627d521a708224bef3c0827/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633890&Signature=jPzkjVNoLCnHIpwVrbnlFXTRtWv0ylonRsdE4pP50MjSd0fykp5U9eOzYy0ZpgGPWffuypeCvCO6X8mqI4L4ROFUKf0H44OHEGeviXzhavg3g1HhEhKsIOxsSEI7rSqwGQH5f3pDJoU0e5m9J11ubQoW3lCayW1m216spgnTCcCwhq-FdnFi616FP5dGxAkZoJjlF-t6gw-BnpNlBCJpf3jPd6ccrKjVkp8rYhQ93H6RuZvOs7P4~AB9qYoi4Wfh9v2yy8jDAUHbsIZ5S5YoqwLejSIXfhBHGHs3zAQDGlqfIideug3CbkhYMnYKqajJU-2MZfeeTfCq2km28FqDwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Environmental Programs Committee acknowledged a formal resignation and discussed recruitment for committee openings, and members moved to approve the minutes from the November 2024 meeting.

Cristobal noted that \"Sumeet submitted her formal letter of resignation last week, which was effective immediately,\" and staff thanked Sumeet for her service. Committee members were asked to help recruit possible replacements.

Separately, the committee considered approval of the November meeting notes. A committee member moved to approve the minutes from the November 2024 meeting; another member seconded the motion and the committee approved the minutes by consensus with no roll call recorded.

Ending: Staff will continue recruitment efforts and circulate candidate information to committee members for consideration.","The Environmental Programs Committee recorded a member resignation and confirmed minutes from its November 2024 meeting by motion. Committee chairs said recruitment is under way for a replacement.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329105,"Atherton staff discuss 'Hefty Renew' bags pilot to divert hard‑to‑recycle plastics",241,5654000,5895000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b&start=5654&end=5895","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b/thumbnail_5654000.jpg","/articles/6329105/California/Atherton-staff-discuss-Hefty-Renew-bags-pilot-to-divert-hardtorecycle-plastics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329105-5d924c19823cba8834eaf07046592581/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633890&Signature=dH-9RDGJI9MpYHMvTfmk7xoURWDRIuA~axtfk8HAopxswyXxDSR7TDOheoCy7S6sy5NP3KI~APgHSTTBbmI5QqGsEZOkZ6ECUDWWWtRs1ucnK2q5ZfjENhV3cza09ua0Ul-5zLOmUlveRKJjYSfuBB3LSPrQgaXaDRAP4xjERfnRxuimBlSOiqg15tYk3y6rG~0Cm4DqxWHPFEi-P3jp5QmVWIeOKe-b~qspKbgvxqu~3Ko1rXEEk4C~hp5mCFcgUmFL7d8oOg6yhVXZMJ3QCZ4SAPWeneJOxc-fe1BlekyfBiHHEyTg4tJyd~C6wbGaBgrVI1yw3J17tP3abKMvdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff and committee members discussed a potential pilot program with GreenWaste to collect hard‑to‑recycle plastics using a special orange bag (often marketed under \"Hefty Renew\" programs). The program would be optional; if the town secures supplies, residents could receive a free sample bag at Earth Day.

Cristobal said the idea is to provide an orange bag that GreenWaste crews would recognize and separate from the regular refuse stream. \"If we can work all that out, [GreenWaste] would be at their table,\" Cristobal said, referring to outreach at Earth Day and the possibility of handing out sample bags.

Staff described the likely contents for the orange bag as heavy plastics that are not accepted in standard curbside recycling, such as certain rigid food packaging and multi‑material clamshells; a detailed list would be supplied by the contractor and communicated to residents.

Committee members requested a simple handout and a distribution plan. Staff said the bag packaging would cost residents about $8 per year if purchased in boxes, and the town is discussing whether to procure a supply for event distribution to seed the voluntary pilot.

Ending: Staff will continue to coordinate details with GreenWaste and aim to have program information and possibly sample bags available at the Earth Day event.","The EPC heard a staff update on an optional GreenWaste pilot that would collect heavy, nonrecyclable plastics in orange bags; the town may distribute sample bags at Earth Day and provide residents with guidance on acceptable items.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329110,"Atherton staff to draft one‑page fact sheet and short videos to explain revised reach code",907,4469000,5376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b&start=4469&end=5376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b/thumbnail_4469000.jpg","/articles/6329110/California/Atherton-staff-to-draft-onepage-fact-sheet-and-short-videos-to-explain-revised-reach-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329110-fb40ee000e9b238b4ed3ece67615b538/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633890&Signature=QfqkIXLsXiSEcGUFfyQ0KYvR50C0CfZlgJxbAVy8P1B08ns5beEwizUtpmH-6AhFUOZl6FpapuEWku3mxEF9W5FeYc49-NMCNQo6PQhAn62W4nflX5lB47s1OrYp5VO2ewXwk1dfa2qIR6PVFVbv-RHvJg-PyCwfK05vEF0afkNcvzQ8eckmoFbuXYOm2JXHq1Mn-JSBbLSoAOOljm5B7UzApM1bJgJyfZX-EATz7T4Jsptad9EwxPZ3x7F5O6kGSs0a0i9L-uGA4IFeSTXLLSpBqYY46g1mtK7dixGDVc9AoN6TOG0GjEwp-dgVBTT3G86TdZ7XyovNI-AHTj4voQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff told the Environmental Programs Committee that they will prepare a short, plain‑language fact sheet and consider brief video “reels” to explain the town's revised reach code and related requirements for building and renovations.

\"Plans don't get approved unless building approves them,\" said Bill Widmer, the council liaison, describing the enforcement and review role of the building department in plan approval and inspection.

Committee members emphasized the need for a one‑page, nontechnical summary that residents can use to determine whether specific projects — such as replacing a water heater or renovating a kitchen — will trigger additional reach‑code requirements. Staff agreed to produce a draft announcement and fact sheet for the committee to review at its March meeting.

The committee discussed audiences and channels: builders and contractors will encounter the rules through plan review processes, but staff and committee members said residents need digestible guidance to avoid surprises during permitting. Members suggested short videos or social‑media reels, a QR code on printed materials, inclusion in the library/cooling‑center displays and a presence at Earth Day to reach homeowners and tradespeople.

Staff noted that Peninsula Clean Energy and a consultant (TRC) had helped draft the ordinance and that staff will look for existing state materials that could be repurposed. Cristobal said a video series might take more coordination and may not be ready for Earth Day, but a simple fact sheet with a QR link could be produced sooner.

Ending: Staff will aim to present a draft fact sheet and outreach plan at the March meeting and to coordinate distribution through the building department, EPC table at Earth Day and social media.","The EPC discussed outreach and education for a revised local reach code; staff will prepare a concise fact sheet and consider short videos and social media reels for Earth Day and broader distribution.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329114,"Atherton EPC finalizes Earth Day plan; vendors barred from on-site sales",3302,558000,3860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b&start=558&end=3860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316501-041ace5df27a981005dfa56b3387266b/thumbnail_558000.jpg","/articles/6329114/California/Atherton-EPC-finalizes-Earth-Day-plan-vendors-barred-from-on-site-sales","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329114-a8c3e5e9edcda395136e82095ddf1597/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633890&Signature=Czgxp7qO-bvsmO1K3LLJPIYhzugDR8LUwZ5SBkRstig4OguIGziT5Y0pSY2QW1XeLldLhCs2TMMeXDW1wFm0LB3XWQ7mqXXNpesVbDdr65p~9AhRcaymOcKhhq5vL6oDqplZyD1afnyppzf6RQCSblVxuVZqADMR1c0tPRRR6e-A-eG1EXNJtzYh7JVQrZm3sHKuFhtOXvPAk1JNU~zZnlvCWnqVm6-hhzbsPnaXdDCXX-cMF90Xagw3C11Bw4Hce0OFZwA~3EgE2w4rij4wIhG9sBnieI-gj2gONq-x5DhKRcIZgX84thfuw9ODt3HfAJUgTA77MWGTOiyfVArDuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cristobal, staff member with the town manager's office, told the Environmental Programs Committee that Earth Day planning is on track and that staff had shifted outreach to emphasize education and community resources rather than retail sales.

\"So, so far, just as an update, Earth Day planning is on track,\" Cristobal said, describing vendor outreach, school coordination and a plan to replace point‑of‑sale booths with pre‑order or informational tables.

The committee agreed vendors will not be allowed to sell items on site; instead vendors may accept preorders and arrange pickup or delivery off site. Staff said the town aims to fill 40 to 45 table slots with a mix of community resources, student projects and themed displays rather than a commercial marketplace.

Council Liaison Bill Widmer, who attended the meeting, told the EPC he expects to support outreach and said the committee should stay citizen‑driven. \"It's really a citizen committee that makes recommendations to the council,\" Widmer said as he described his role as liaison.

Staff confirmed entertainment and education elements already secured: last year's DJ and photographer have been rebooked, the \"Beetle Lady\" will return, and West Coast Falconry has agreed to bring birds of prey for educational demonstrations and photo opportunities. Staff suggested the falconry presentation could serve as a central attraction if a single \"main activity\" is needed.

Organizers reported outreach to local schools, scouts and student groups starting in December and continuing through January, and said they will follow up to lock student participation by mid‑March. Menlo College and other local institutions were mentioned as possible contributors to student tables and research projects.

Staff also described preliminary food arrangements: three trucks are desired but may be reduced to two depending on vendor minimum guarantees. The committee discussed aiming for mostly plant‑based options to match the event theme.

Logistics discussed included parking limits at the park, use of Jennings Pavilion as a cooling and screening area, and bicycle parking options. Staff said prior plans to limit sales were made in response to council direction to emphasize community education and to reduce commercial activity.

The EPC asked staff to finalize the vendor list and student participation and return with an updated plan at the next meeting; staff said marketing and registration materials will be prepared in March and shared with the committee.

Ending: Committee members and staff said they will continue outreach and finalize the EPC's role at the next meeting, and they encouraged members to provide vendor and participant contacts to staff in the coming weeks.","The Atherton Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) reviewed logistics for the town's Earth Day event, confirmed entertainment and education programming, and set outreach and vendor targets while prohibiting point‑of‑sale transactions on site.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EPC debates robotic lawnmower trial and contractor roles for reducing emissions

Atherton EPC notes resignation, seeks volunteers; approves November meeting notes

Atherton staff discuss 'Hefty Renew' bags pilot to divert hard‑to‑recycle plastics

Atherton staff to draft one‑page fact sheet and short videos to explain revised reach code

Atherton EPC finalizes Earth Day plan; vendors barred from on-site sales