Atherton council approves event management contract for Holbrook Palmer Park
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Summary
Atherton approved a three‑year service agreement with Cheetah Little Catering to manage event rentals at Holbrook Palmer Park, with a base fee and revenue share; the council authorized staff to finalize the contract after vote by voice.
Atherton Town Council approved a service agreement with Cheetah Little Catering to manage event rentals and related services at Holbrook Palmer Park.
The town planner's presentation noted Holbrook Palmer Park includes the main house, carriage house, Jennings Pavilion and several outdoor lawns and that the town has historically contracted event management to private vendors. “We are requesting that you approve a service agreement with Cheetah Little Catering at Burling to provide event management services at Holbrook Palmer Park and direct the city attorney to prepare the agreement and the city manager to execute,” an unnamed staff presenter said during the item.
Staff described the contract terms discussed during the meeting: an initial three‑year term with annual extension options, a proposed base fee of $1,625 per month and a 35% share of rental revenue to the vendor. The RFP included a $3,000 per month startup payment for the first three months; interview notes showed the alternative proposer sought a much higher initial revenue share (reported at 75% of the first $100,000). Staff said Cheetah Little runs similar rental operations in San Mateo and appeared better aligned with the town’s goal of preserving park character while managing reservations and bookings.
Council members asked about contract length, an exit clause and what the contractor would and would not control. Staff confirmed there is a mutual termination clause allowing either party to terminate with 30 days’ notice and said the town’s first response to any deficiency would be to work with the contractor to cure performance issues rather than immediately terminate.
A councilmember moved to approve the agreement, another seconded, and the chair called for a voice vote; the motion was approved. Staff said the agreement would be finalized and returned to the city attorney and city manager for execution with any minor scope negotiations completed after council direction.
The contract shifts from the town’s interim, in‑house event management to a vendor model intended to stabilize park rentals and scheduling while preserving the park’s recreational character.
