Atherton City Council honors Dylan Taylor and discusses bike lane safety measures

The Atherton Town Council held a regular meeting on May 21, 2025, addressing several key issues, including a heartfelt tribute to a community member and updates on local governance matters.

The meeting began with a touching remembrance of Dylan, a local resident who tragically lost his life in a biking accident. Council members and attendees reflected on his contributions to the community, emphasizing the importance of honoring his legacy by promoting safer biking conditions. This sentiment was echoed by Mike Swire, chair of the CCAG bike and pedestrian advisory committee, who urged the council to consider the implementation of protected bike lanes to enhance safety for cyclists in the area.

Following the tribute, the council moved on to presentations, including a proclamation for National Police Officer Memorial Week, read by the chief of police. The meeting then transitioned to public comments, where Marjorie Receive Hidalgo introduced herself as the new PG&E local government affairs representative, expressing her commitment to serving the community and addressing any concerns regarding utility services.

The council also discussed the importance of departmental written reports, highlighting the town's recent certification from the Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its housing element, which was met with enthusiasm from council members.

In a significant governance update, the council reviewed an ordinance amending sections of the Atherton Municipal Code related to purchasing. This amendment aligns local regulations with state law, allowing for more efficient public works contracting without the need for formal competitive bidding in certain circumstances. The council unanimously approved the motion to waive the first reading of the ordinance and adopt the accompanying resolution, streamlining the process for future projects.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community safety, efficient governance, and honoring the memory of local residents. The council plans to continue discussions on street safety and infrastructure improvements in future meetings.