BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - 2026-03-24
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Board of Supervisors held a lengthy meeting dominated by an appeal hearing regarding unpermitted agricultural structures at 350 Madera Lane in La Honda. After extensive testimony, the board voted 3-2 to continue the matter for 60+ days pending additional documentation from PG&E and MidPen Regional Open Space District, review by the Ag Advisory Committee, and mediation between the parties. The board also approved a $3.8M design-build contract for Coyote Point Playground replacement, confirmed Tory Newman as the new Director of Public Works, and established a Maternal Health Trust Fund.
Key Decisions (7)
Appeal of Cargo Container Storage Building at 350 Madera Lane
Board voted 3-2 to continue the appeal of Planning Commission's approval of after-the-fact permits for unpermitted cargo container storage building, pond, and water tank built by rancher Larry Markigard. The continuance requires: letter from PG&E regarding energy capacity, letter from MidPen Regional Open Space District regarding alternative siting, Ag Advisory Committee review, submission of complete building plans, and mediation between parties.
Coyote Point Playground Replacement Project
Approved $3.8M design-build agreement for playground replacement at Coyote Point Park, funded by Measure K and federal funds. Project includes 25-30 play features, inclusive design, sound wall, and landscaping. Construction targeted for completion by end of 2026.
Confirmation of Tory Newman as Director of Public Works
Confirmed Tory Newman as new Director of Public Works following nationwide search, replacing retiring Anne Stillman. Also designated Christophe Lissaj as County Engineer and Roads Commissioner.
Maternal Health Trust Fund Establishment
Established trust fund to address maternal health disparities, particularly for Black and Latino mothers and infants who face disproportionately higher risks. Fund will accept philanthropic donations for community-based solutions and culturally responsive care.
Executive Salary Adjustments
Approved 11% salary increase for Chief Financial Officer position (net 1% increase after rolling in existing 10% differential) and 10% increase for Director of Library Services based on JPA recommendation.
Light Bulb Awards Program Recipients
Approved $1,000 awards to eight county employees for innovative ideas including AI solutions for intake processing, disaster childcare program, adopt-a-spot initiative, and mental health kits for youth at detention center.
Authorization to Initiate Litigation
In closed session, board authorized legal counsel to initiate litigation in San Mateo County Superior Court. Details to be available upon inquiry once formal litigation is initiated.
Zoning Changes (1)
350 Madera Lane, La Honda (0.58 acres)
Larry Markigard
Development Activity (1)
Coyote Point Playground Replacement
$3.8M playground replacement with 25-30 play features, inclusive design elements, multilevel adventure play, seaside-inspired setting, shade structures, seating areas. Temporary pump track and disc golf course during construction.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
County staff noted farmworker housing units identified in safety task force report still have not obtained all necessary permits for permanent legalization, indicating ongoing housing compliance challenges.
Infrastructure
PG&E electrical capacity constraints cited as limiting factor for agricultural operations on the coast, with applicant claiming exhausted power supply from Tonitas Creek to barnyard.
Sentiment
Planning and building department acknowledged permitting process on the coast is difficult for most people to navigate, though backlog improvements have been made.
Commercial Demand
Local grass-fed meat producer testified COVID-19 pandemic caused business explosion as families shifted to home dining, creating need for expanded cold storage capacity.