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Council authorizes amendments to Upper Atherton Channel design contracts as regulatory reviews expand scope
Summary
Atherton council approved contract authorizations to advance design and regulatory support for the Upper Atherton Channel stabilization project, including a roughly $670,000 amendment to Tetra Tech and additional project management authorization; staff said funding exists in the capital improvement program and no new appropriation was requested.
Atherton — The Town Council voted to authorize contract amendments and additional project management support to move the Upper Atherton Channel stabilization project through expanded regulatory review.
Staff told the council that federal and state permitting conversations had increased the project’s scope and that Tetra Tech prepared “a contract amendment for you to approve tonight in the amount of, I think, 670,000 and change,” said the presenting staff member. The council approved the authorization to amend the professional-services agreement and to allow additional capital-program project-management support; staff said the capital improvement program contains sufficient funds and the council was not being asked for a new appropriation.
Why it matters: The channel project is intended to stabilize a waterway in Atherton to reduce flooding and erosion risk. Regulatory agencies have signaled preferences for more riparian and softer-channel conditions, which can expand design work, cultural-resource studies and environmental analyses required before construction can be permitted.
During discussion, council members pressed staff on how proposed softened (more riparian) channel designs could affect private property and easement boundaries. A councilmember asked whether a more riparian profile “would mean taking property of our residents,” and staff responded that regulatory agencies are seeking a more natural channel in places but that the town “would like to make sure that the channel is stable enough” and that negotiations with agencies will shape any footprint changes.
Staff said the next steps include completing an alternatives analysis that models trade-offs (for example, a full layback could affect nearby roads) and continuing outreach to affected property owners. The council’s authorization funds further design, environmental and cultural-resource work so staff can return with refined footprints and permitting strategies.
What’s next: Staff will return with 50% design materials, the alternatives analysis and recommended footprints for council review and continued negotiation with regulatory agencies. The council’s vote authorized staff to proceed with the contract amendments as presented.
