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Portola Valley’s town staff is slowly growing as two new faces were introduced during the Town Council’s May 22 meeting. A revised master fee schedule was also approved to reflect inflation rates.
Town Manager Sharif Etman introduced new staff members to the council: Tony McFarlane, the town’s new finance director and Terrence Grindall, interim planning and building director.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the Portola Valley management team and looking very forward to restoring the integrity of financial records for the city that are long overdue,” said McFarlane, who brings over 23 years of experience in state and local government.
Terrence Grindall will be serving as a temporary planning and building director and will be working in Town Hall from Monday through Thursday. Residents will be able to receive advice on their housing projects during his office hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Etman announced that the town staff will be expanding soon with a new finance technician, engineering technician and executive assistant as a permanent position. Hiring is still pending on a development review technician.
“With these new folks being permanent and being part of Portola Valley, I believe the residents will definitely feel the impact of having permanent staff that helps us provide the stability for the town,” said Etman.
Increases to master fees approved
The council approved a revised master fee schedule. Fees have increased to reflect the Bay Area’s inflation rates and 2.4% consumer price index increase.
Fees have increased for certain activities under administrative, planning, building and public works. The hourly fee for the town attorney, planning, and facility rentals have increased. The town Attorney’s rate has increased from $375 to $390 per hour and the planning hourly fee has increased from $233 to $239 per hour.
Town staff plan to hold a Nexxus study and analysis in the next three to six months which will “determine and accurately set fees appropriately to ensure complete cost recovery for services provided,” according to the staff report. The Nexxus study is a review the financial needs and activities of the town.Â
Portola Valley resident Rita Comes called for the fee on picnic table rentals to be removed, to support the mental health of the community by allowing residents to freely use park amenities.
The amended fee schedule becomes effective on July 1.
