January 13, 2026 - City Council

The City of Menlo Park City Council meeting on January 13, 2026, included several key procurement and policy discussions. The Council approved a roll call voting procedure for 2026, including provisions for remote participation. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed annexation of the West Menlo Triangle, a 14-acre unincorporated residential area. The Council considered a fee waiver to initiate the annexation process, which would involve a general plan amendment, pre-zoning, and environmental review. The estimated staff effort for this process is about $60,000. Public comments strongly supported the annexation, citing community unification and improved services, while Council members discussed prioritization and timelines given existing staff workload. The Council voted to approve the fee waiver to proceed with the annexation analysis. Additionally, the Council appointed Vice Mayor Wise as liaison to the San Mateo County Transit District and Transportation Authority. Public comments also addressed the Middle Avenue pedestrian and bike rail crossing project, with concerns about costs and safety, but overall support for improved walkability and bikeability. No direct contract awards or vendor selections were reported, but the annexation fee waiver and project prioritization represent important procurement-related decisions.