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Council opts for staff support and outreach rather than appointing a liaison to Atherton disaster-preparedness group
Summary
After a lengthy discussion, the council declined to appoint a council liaison to the Atherton Disaster and Preparedness Team (ADAPT) and instead directed staff to increase engagement, explore a part-time contract with Menlo Park Fire District for emergency-preparedness coordination, and return to council with recommendations.
The Town of Atherton City Council on June 18 considered whether to appoint a council liaison to the Atherton Disaster and Preparedness Team (ADAPT). After public comment and an extended council discussion, the council favored an approach that increases staff involvement rather than assigning a council liaison to the volunteer board.
ADAPT leaders told the council they are reorganizing and would welcome additional support. Susan Warren, ADAPT president, and board member Christine David urged the council to help with professional support, website updates and rebuilding the volunteer base. Staff outlined a proposal to seek part‑time support — either contracted or shared — from Menlo Park (an Emergency Preparedness coordinator) for an estimated 8–10 hours per week; Menlo Park indicated it was reviewing a possible arrangement.
Council members agreed ADAPT has value as a neighborhood-level preparedness resource but observed the organization has experienced leadership turnover and inconsistent volunteer participation. Several council members favored staff-led assistance for ADAPT logistics, training coordination and outreach rather than appointing a council member as a liaison, which they said could create conflicts or not address operational needs.
The council’s direction: staff should increase active support for ADAPT, pursue the Menlo Park coordinator option and return to council with options and any funding requests. Chief Mark Lorenzen of the Menlo Park Fire District said the district could provide some in-kind support such as website assistance, training resources and supplies but had no dedicated funding to create a new permanent position for Atherton. Council members said that if the Menlo Park arrangement is not available, the town should consider hiring a short‑term professional to help ADAPT reorganize.
No formal vote was taken to appoint a liaison; the council reached consensus for staff engagement and follow-up action.
