The Public Meeting Index

Mayor Yadzira Ramos Herbert, New Rochelle's first female mayor, delivered the 2026 State of the City Address at the JCC, presenting a progress report and vision focused on small business support, downtown revitalization, affordable housing, climate resilience, parks, and community services. Deputy Mayor David Peters welcomed attendees; Pastor Horace Sanders gave the invocation; New Rochelle High School students performed and student Saira Lopez read an original poem. Opening and Recognitions - Deputy Mayor David Peters, representing District 3, opened the program and asked attendees to silence devices, noting rebroadcast on cable and online. - Pastor Horace Sanders of Bethesda Baptist Church offered an opening prayer. - The New Rochelle High School choir led the Pledge of Allegiance and anthems; student Saira Lopez delivered an original bilingual poem titled Apprene Learn. - The mayor and deputy mayor recognized elected officials, library representatives, Board of Education members, city staff, department heads, and local organizations. Community Partner Highlights - In recorded testimonials, owners and leaders expressed gratitude for city partnerships and funding. - Casaroma Cafe said the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund helped expand its bar area, extend hours, and add evening programming. - Songcatchers, a 48-year-old Lower Westchester music nonprofit, described a Thrive Grant partnership with the New Rochelle Campership Fund that gave children a Broadway show experience. - Hope Community Services said the city partners with it to administer tenant-based rental assistance and support a free after-school homework help program. Mayor's Address: Downtown and Small Business - The Retail Tenant Improvement Fund grew from eight to 17 small business grants, backed by a $2.25 million direct investment; seven of the grant recipients are New Rochelle residents. - The grants helped activate 11 previously vacant downtown spaces, and 16 West End small businesses received new signs and awnings. - In 2026, 26 new businesses opened in New Rochelle; train station retail space is fully leased, with businesses such as Juicy and Humble Bumble arriving. - The train station, the second busiest stop on the Metro-North New Haven line, will become the first Westchester Metro-North stop with direct access to Penn Station in 2030. - A small business hub at 500 Main Street, in partnership with Iona University's Heinz Institute, will offer workshops, guidance, and resources to local entrepreneurs. Building People and Community - The city launched the inaugural Thrive Grant Program after federal grant losses, awarding grants to 11 nonprofit organizations. - Examples cited: the Guidance Center of Westchester will sustain its urgent care program through the final quarter of 2026, and Songcatchers helped 41 children attend their first Broadway show. - For the third straight summer, the city funded employment for over 650 young people ages 14 to 24. - For the second year, the city offered round-trip camp transportation to families using camps at Ward or Jefferson Elementary School. - The city has visited senior buildings to share information and hear concerns. - The planned community space at High Garden Tower, about 8,016 square feet over two floors, will be developed with the Center for Justice Innovations as a partner. Housing and Development - The mayor reported about 4,500 housing units completed and another 6,500 in the pipeline; the city's 10% affordability requirement is trending closer to 20%. - About 24% of new downtown residents come from New Rochelle and another 24% from other parts of Westchester. - The City Council recently authorized an additional 2,800 units, including missing middle housing such as townhouses and brownstones. - Rose on Maine, a 100% affordable condominium building with 126 condos, is expected to welcome residents in March 2027. - The mayor cited a Wall Street Journal article and Governor Hochul's visit as validations of the city's development approach; the governor pledged back $16 million that the federal government had rescinded. Climate, Infrastructure, and Parks - The mayor cited resilience statistics: one dollar invested in climate resilience prevents $13 in losses, and one dollar in hazard mitigation saves $6. - The city's street tree inventory lists 15,590 trees; it is used to guide replanting and replacement. - Five parks were renovated, enhanced, or built in the last 36 months, including Liliana's Playground made possible by a $499,000 donation from Sandy and Lou Monteleone. - Ward Acres Park, a 68-acre nature preserve, will get improvements including a restroom and storage facility, restoration of the historic stone bridge, a signalized crosswalk on Broadfield Road, accessible pathways, and trail signage. - On the Link project, the mayor described it as a long-awaited transformation of a 50-year-old traffic pattern into a park with stormwater mitigation and support for Black-owned businesses; peak traffic exceeds 5,500 vehicles per hour, and the project requires layers of review. Governance and Public Safety - The city clerk's office had over 14,000 contacts with residents and agencies. - Police reported 44,201 calls for service and 2,714 community contacts through August. - Fire reported 19,984 calls and 4,921 emergencies through September. - DPW managed five snow events with up to 44 inches of snow in the first six weeks of the year. - The mayor thanked city staff, department heads, and council members, and highlighted the Coffee with the Mayor series as a way to hear resident concerns. Key Outcomes and Next Steps - No formal votes or legislative actions were reported during the address. - Upcoming milestones announced: Rose on Maine occupancy in March 2027; Vanguard Center for the Arts opening in 2027; a Down to Earth Farmers Market at Anderson Plaza beginning spring 2027; and direct Penn Station access by 2030. - The Link project continues with city and state commitment, including restored $16 million state funding.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was originally scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026, but the instruction for this summary specifies the meeting date as October 28, 2026. The following summary reflects the proceedings as recorded in the October 19 source material. The San Leandro City Council held a regular meeting on October 28, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM and adjourning at 8:31 PM. The meeting included a closed session (no reportable action), the appointment of a new commissioner, approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing on ADU zoning updates, presentations from BART and Ava Community Energy, public comments, and council reports. All seven councilmembers were present, with Councilmember Victor Aguilar participating remotely due to illness. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously (7-0). It included: - 5a: Furniture purchase agreement ($178,140) for Mulford Marina Branch Library. - 5b: Amendment with Dillard Environmental Services for debris cleanup (increase to $440,000). - 5c: Incentive management fee payment to American Golf Corporation ($218,681.44). - 5d: Amendment with BerryDunn for CAD/RMS vendor selection ($40,000, total $135,000). - 5e: Amendment with Calcon Systems for generator repair at Water Pollution Control Plant ($237,244). - 5f-5h: Approval of minutes from prior committee and council meetings. - One public comment during consent: Alvaro Ramos expressed concern about flooding resilience of new library furniture and noted the urgency of preventing sewage overflow given predicted El Niño weather. Public Comments & Testimony - Leslie Watson (in-person): Expressed frustration about a feral cat problem in Floresta Gardens, stating she and her neighbors face a public health risk and have not received follow-up from city staff despite prior requests. She urged council action. - Douglas Spaulding (online): Questioned the mayor’s support for reopening Lake Chabot Road, citing high costs and arguing funds should go to firehouse repairs. He also urged a yes vote on the regional transit measure to maintain BART service. - Alvaro Ramos (online): Urged voters to vote no on five state propositions (39, 41, 42, 43, 45), arguing they would cut services, restrict voting, and benefit the wealthy. He also called for opposition to Prop 43 (cuts to public services) and supported the regional transit measure. Discussion Items - Closed Session: The council adjourned to closed session at 5:00 PM (special meeting) to discuss real property negotiations at 68 Monarch Bay Drive and existing litigation (bankruptcy case). No reportable action was taken. - Recognitions – Appointment of Nancy Brown: The council unanimously (7-0) appointed Nancy Brown to the Arts, Culture, and Library Commission for a term ending December 31, 2026. She was sworn in by the mayor. - Public Hearing – ADU Zoning Update: Planning Manager Waylon Lee presented an ordinance to conform local ADU regulations with state law. Key changes include: clarifying maximum ADU counts (up to 3 ADUs + 1 JADU on single-family lots; up to 8 detached ADUs on multifamily lots), a 15-business-day completeness review period, appeal rights, legalization of pre-2020 unpermitted ADUs unless health/safety risks, and interior livable space measurement. Staff noted state law already applies, and the ordinance simplifies the code. One public comment (Douglas Spaulding) suggested the city offer an ADU educational class. The council adopted the ordinance unanimously (7-0), with a second reading scheduled for November 16, 2026. - BART Presentation: Director Robert Raburn reported on system improvements: new fare gates reduced fare evasion, crime against riders fell 67% from end-2024 to latest quarter, and rider satisfaction is 91.4%. San Leandro and Bay Fair stations averaged 7,000 weekday exits. BART faces a $370 million annual deficit starting FY2027 and may cut service 70% or close at 9 PM if a regional transit measure fails. Public comments: Spaulding urged support for the transit measure and affordable housing at Bay Fair; Ramos criticized fare enforcement and high prices ($15 round trip to Daly City). Councilmember Bowen asked about free student fares; Raburn noted a 50% youth discount. Mayor González highlighted improved partnership on graffiti cleanup and lighting. - Ava Community Energy Presentation: CEO Howard Chang presented the inaugural impact report. Ava (formerly East Bay Community Energy) serves 2 million people with 96% participation, providing $183 million in savings and $100 million in local reinvestment. San Leandro has 34,000 accounts with 93% participation, saving nearly $7 million since 2018. The city currently defaults to Renewable 100 (100% renewable) but will switch to Bright Choice (55% renewable) in 2027 to improve affordability. Programs include EV charging, e-bike rebates, home battery incentives, and low-income induction cooktop installations. Public comments: Spaulding expressed concern about data centers and their energy use; Ramos questioned a $560,000 contract to Deloitte (ICE ties) and use of rate stabilization funds. Mayor González and staff discussed load growth, natural gas pricing, and the city’s continued use of Renewable 100 for municipal accounts. Key Outcomes - Appointment: Nancy Brown appointed to Arts, Culture, and Library Commission (7-0). - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0), including all 8 items. - ADU Ordinance: First reading adopted unanimously (7-0); second reading scheduled for November 16, 2026. The ordinance will be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) after adoption. - No action taken on BART or Ava presentations; they were informational. - Council Reports: Various announcements, including a unanimous council vote to encourage a no vote on Prop 43, support for the regional transit measure, and reminders about voting and storm preparation. - Next Steps: Staff will monitor HCD comments on the ADU ordinance and return to council if changes are needed. The second reading is set for November 16, 2026.

The Boston Public Facilities Commission (PFC) convened on October 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM to consider vote requests from the Boston Transportation Department (BTD), Public Facilities Department (PFD), and Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH). All presented votes were approved unanimously (2-0), with one MOH vote tabled. The meeting was broadcast live. Boston Transportation Department Vote - Vote 1: Lease at 25 Beach Street, Dorchester — BTD Director Kim Foltz presented a request to enter into a three-year lease with Work Inc. for 5,384 sq ft of warehouse/maintenance space for the city's fleet of 500 bicycles. The lease value is $355,568.72 over the term, with year-one rent of $35,000 (inclusive of all fees) and 3% annual increases. The space supports bike education programs reaching over 5,000 residents annually. The RFP received one proposal from Work Inc., which was rated highly advantageous. Commissioners asked about scalability; BTD confirmed flexibility. Motion to approve via roll call passed (Commissioner Mamoli: yes, Commissioner Wright: yes). Public Facilities Department Votes (Votes 1–4) - Votes 1 & 2: Roof Replacement Consulting Contracts — Lisa Schwab presented contracts for roof replacement at three schools (Boston Adult Tech Academy, Hurley Elementary, Mildred Ave School). Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) contract awarded to LeRoi Program Construction Management PEPC for $30,000; design services contract awarded to CGKV Architects Inc. for $200,000 ($172,150 base + $27,850 additional). Term through December 31, 2027. - Votes 3 & 4: Window and Door Replacement Consulting Contracts — For three additional schools (including Mendel School), OPM contract awarded to Vertex Companies LLC for $20,000; design services contract awarded to SLAM Collaborative Inc. for $297,640 ($218,800 base + $78,840 additional). Term through December 31, 2027. Commissioners approved all four votes via separate roll calls; each vote passed unanimously (2-0). No questions were raised. Mayor's Office of Housing Votes - Vote 1: Conveyance at 4 Adams Street, Hyde Park — Jamie Smith presented the sale of city-owned land to Easy Street LLC for $100,000. The developer will construct a three-family dwelling (two or three-bedroom units) with off-street parking and open space. The property had been in MOH inventory for 8 years. RFP process yielded five proposals; Easy Street was deemed highest responsive/responsible. Community notification occurred in 2024, tentative developer designation approved March 2025, with extensions. Approved unanimously (2-0). - Vote 2: Conveyance at Levin Chipman Street, Dorchester — Min Wynn presented the sale of a vacant parcel to Regine Foster for $25,000 (appraised value). The buyer will use the land as additional yard space under an open space restriction. Property had been in inventory for 9 years. One proposal received. Approved unanimously (2-0). - Vote 3: Ground Lease at 135 Dudley Street / 2406-2430 Washington Street, Roxbury — Joe Backer presented a 99-year ground lease to Cruise Development Corporation for $10/year with an option to purchase for $100 upon lapse. The project will create 60 income-restricted rental units, 110 condo units, two stories of commercial/retail, parking garage, and public plaza. Comprehensive community engagement occurred from 2016–2018; tentative developer designation approved July 2019 with multiple extensions. Commissioner Wright disclosed a potential conflict but participated after providing a sign disclosure. Vote passed unanimously (2-0). Commissioners commended the team for progress. - Vote 4: Tabled — MOH requested that vote 4 be tabled until further notice; it was not heard. Key Outcomes - All presented votes (BTD 1, PFD 1–4, MOH 1–3) were approved by a 2-0 roll call vote. - MOH vote 4 was tabled at the request of the Mayor’s Office of Housing. - Next steps: Contracts will be executed; design and construction to commence upon approvals. The Roxbury ground lease project is expected to begin construction after all legal documents are finalized.

The City Council Standing Committees convened on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. Nine members were present. The meeting covered multiple committee agendas, including finance, public works, land use, recreation, and intergovernmental affairs. Significant public testimony was heard on transit, policing, and food justice. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller spoke about reconnecting communities through music. - Chief Ikhana hal-makina mourned the deaths of his brother and Michelle Rankin from a 2006 police chase, urging accountability for police practices. - David Fisher (Zip Code 15221) expressed support for solar gardens and banning neonicotinoids in Pennsylvania. - Ava Meadows criticized the city's funding priorities, alleging support for a police state over social services, and highlighted food insecurity among homeless youth, directly criticizing the University of Pittsburgh for reducing food donations. - An audience member (not on the registered speaker list) strongly criticized Port Authority bus route changes (specifically the consolidation of routes 81, 82, 83, and the new 84), arguing the changes force seniors, workers, and people with disabilities to walk farther to stops. - Yvonne F. Brown (715 Mercer Street) discussed safety concerns and past incidents in her building. - Special Agent Sunshine delivered a spiritual testimony, promoted a UPMC and Pitt collaborative outreach event at the Smithfield Street Library on Thursdays at 2 PM offering book bags with chargers, and encouraged faith. - Note: The agenda and minutes list Unique Brown as a registered speaker, but the transcript does not include remarks from this individual. Finance & Law Committee (Strassburger, Chair) Discussion Items: - ARPA Fund Reallocation (Bills 1038-1043): The OMB Director described a series of budget amendments to swap ARPA funds with bond funds for the 4th Division and Cowley projects to meet the December 31 ARPA deadline, while allocating roughly $170,000 in savings from closed projects (including roughly $115,000 in unspent Food Justice funds and savings from the lead line replacement and Maurer Grisel contracts) into street resurfacing. Councilman Charland expressed concern about the 4th Division project's timeline. Councilwoman Gross acknowledged the challenge of continuing food system support without federal funding. - Event Barrier Removal Transfer (Bill 1056): Councilwoman Warwick sponsored a $420 transfer from her office budget to DPW Premium Pay to move concrete jersey barriers for the Friendship Circle 5K, citing a misunderstanding over the route. Council members expressed caution about this becoming standard practice for managing departmental overtime. - Budget Deadline Legislation (Bill 39): Councilman Lavelle proposed amending a deferred referendum into a direct code amendment setting a December 20 budget passage deadline to allow for mayoral review. Councilwoman Gross raised concerns about bypassing the public hearing process for the new language. The substitute motion was withdrawn, and the bill was held for one week. - Organizational Chart Ordinance (Bill 991): Held for three weeks for technical adjustments. - Side Yard Sale Program (Bill 1023): Councilman Charland and Finance Director Jen Gulum presented the revived program. Key changes include raising the price to $1,500 (up from $200) to cover costs, restricting eligibility to owner-occupied abutting properties, limiting sales to Three Taxing Bodies (3TB) trust fund properties under 5,000 sq ft, and requiring purchasers to obtain their own title reports (estimated $400-$600). Councilman Wilson queried the Land Bank's role in title clearing. Councilwoman Salinetro praised the program for addressing vacant lots. Key Outcomes: - Bills 1038-1043 (ARPA Swaps) were affirmed. - Bill 1056 (Premium Pay Transfer) was affirmed. - Bill 39 (Budget Timeline) was held for one week. - Bill 991 (Organizational Chart) was held for three weeks. - Bill 1006 (Operating Budget Realignment, $1,953,807) was affirmed. - Bills 1007-1009 (Legal Services Contracts totaling $66,099) were affirmed. - Bill 1023 (Side Yard Sale Program) was affirmed. Public Works & Infrastructure Committee (Salinetro, Chair) Key Outcomes: - Bill 414 (Railroad Crossing Agreement) was held for four weeks. - Bill 1001 (North Shore Overhead Lane Use Control Project, $739,007 PennDOT Grant) was affirmed. - Bill 1002 (Fort Pitt Park Renovation, $1 million total with $500,000 city match) was affirmed. - Bill 1003 (Allegheny Riverfront Trail Connectivity Planning, $100,000 total with $50,000 match) was affirmed. - Bill 1004 (Swindell Bridge Rehabilitation rights-of-way) was affirmed. Land Use & Economic Development Committee (Wilson, Chair) Discussion Items: - Composting Agreement (Bill 1012): Councilwoman Gross expressed strong support for expanding composting capacity through the $124,000 agreement with MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants for SoilMill PGH. Key Outcomes: - Bill 1012 was affirmed. Recreation, Youth, & Senior Services Committee (Warwick, Chair) Discussion Items: - Food Justice Fund Grants (Bill 1010): Coordinator Gabby McMorland detailed the $250,000 fund for 19 projects across all council districts. 42 eligible applications requested roughly $850,000. Awards range from $1,600 to $20,000 (median $15,000). Projects include urban agriculture, food distribution operations, and permanent capacity improvements (e.g., Abiding Missions kitchen repairs, Brookline Teen Outreach fridge shelter). Councilwoman Gross and Councilman Coghill praised the program's role in filling gaps from diminished state and federal support. - Park Naming (Bill 1005): Renaming Wabash Park to Randy C. Martini Park and field. Held for public hearing. Key Outcomes: - Bill 1005 was held for a public hearing. - Bill 1010 (Food Justice Grants) was affirmed. Intergovernmental & Educational Affairs Committee (Mosley, Chair) Key Outcomes: - Bill 917 (Liquor License Transfer to Adda Gelato, LLC) was affirmed. - Bill 1000 (Sewage Facilities Plan revision for 139 N Craig St) was affirmed. Closing Business & Administrative Approvals - Invoices, Intradepartmental Transfers ($2,000 to Human Relations promotional activities, $100,000 to DPW Operational Supplies), and P-Cards were approved. - A P-Card payment for a traffic citation was flagged; the former employee is expected to reimburse the city. - A post-agenda meeting on permit reform was set for 1:30 PM. - Next regular and standing committee meetings are scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM respectively.

The Syracuse Common Council met at 11:00 a.m. on 2026-10-28 with Exalt CEO Giselle Castro and Chief Program Officer Jason Aline to receive an update on Exalt's first pilot implementation in Syracuse, New York. City staff also explained that the program is funded through a state grant administered by the city. No formal votes were recorded. Program Overview and Syracuse Implementation - Exalt is a New York City-based nonprofit serving 15- to 19-year-olds involved in the criminal justice system, with three pillars: academic advancement, career exploration and employability, and avoiding further criminal justice involvement. - In 2024, Exalt began assessing replication and concluded Syracuse had the strongest alignment; it met with close to 80 Syracuse stakeholders, and implemented its first pilot class in 2026. It was starting two classes this month. - The referral-based model receives roughly 1,400 referrals a year in New York City; in Syracuse, referrals have come from the Department of Probation, Good Life, Hillside, and more recently directly from the Syracuse City School District for a third cycle. - Core programming includes an intake and assessment process, pre-internship curriculum, eight-week paid internships at $18/hour for 8-10 hours/week, a two-week post-seminar, and two years of alumni support. Select alumni can do three-month graduate internships at $20/hour for 15-20 hours/week, for total involvement of about two and a half years. - In Syracuse, 19 young people have participated across the first two classes; 12 are graduates, with five from the first class and seven from the second class graduating that afternoon. Two participating youth with open court cases received favorable outcomes, including one sentence vacated. - Exalt has hired two program coordinators, an internship liaison, and three staff from Syracuse, and is interviewing candidates for teaching and education positions. Discussion Items - Council members asked about family engagement. Exalt's CEO said Exalt is intentionally a youth-focused organization, not a traditional family-services provider; it supports families around court and school processes and refers families and youth to other partners for specialized services. - Council members asked about local sustainability. The CEO said Exalt raised $1 million in additional funding for the current fiscal year and has raised an additional $300,000; Exalt is 85% funded through philanthropy, and an anonymous donor pledged $500,000 specifically toward Syracuse. The CEO confirmed current funding is in place through 2027 and fundraising continues. - Council members asked about post-graduation follow-up and local workforce connections. Exalt described individualized alumni plans, weekly check-ins, and referrals to OCC, On Point, Carpenters Union, and Syracuse EOC. Councilor Moore and other councilors urged stronger collaboration with local unions and paid training programs, including welding and advanced manufacturing, so Syracuse youth do not miss local opportunities tied to Micron and Interstate 81 development. Exalt said those partnerships are developing and that it refers prepared youth to existing programs rather than duplicating them. - Council members asked what distinguishes Exalt. The CEO cited academic gains, court-involvement expertise, paid high-level internships, and service to youth often considered hardest to reach, while describing Exalt as additive to existing programs. - Council members raised mental health, learning disabilities, and trauma needs. Exalt described assessments, referrals to medical and mental health services, IEP coordination, and plans to hire education staff. - A council member raised concerns that providing daily Uber rides to all participants may hinder independence. Exalt said transportation is a safety and access issue in Syracuse and that alumni plans include phasing toward independence, time management, and license attainment. - City chief strategy officer Stephanie Pasqual explained that DCJS funds are administered by the city; no city general fund dollars are used. Year two funding is approved to begin January 1, 2027, and legislation is expected on the next Council agenda. - A council member proposed connecting Syracuse alumni with Exalt's New York City alumni for peer-to-peer learning. The CEO supported the idea and mentioned possible alumni visits, a Syracuse gala, and shared events. Key Outcomes - No resolutions or votes were recorded during the meeting. - Exalt agreed to share its list of stakeholders and partners with Council members and invite suggestions for additional partnerships. - The city administration will bring year-two DCJS grant approval legislation to the Council's next agenda. - Exalt will continue hiring local staff, including a teacher, and will explore alumni exchange activities and follow-up reporting on alumni independence. The meeting adjourned with Council members thanking Exalt for the presentation.

The Puyallup Planning Commission met Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (333 S. Meridian), with online access via Zoom. Five of seven commissioners were present (Commissioners Washburn, Martin, Crosby, Landon, and Chair Taylor; Commissioners Barney and DeGro excused), establishing a quorum. The commission approved its agenda and prior minutes, held a public hearing on the Phase 2 Zoning Map and Zoning Code Amendments (Package 6), and voted 5-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Agenda approved by unanimous voice vote. - Minutes of the September 23, 2026 meeting approved as amended, correcting the call-to-order time in the draft minutes from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen comment period: no speakers came forward. An emailed comment from Amber Bellinger was deferred to the public hearing because it addressed the hearing topic. - Public hearing opened at 7:00 p.m. and closed at 7:10 p.m.; each speaker was limited to three minutes. - A resident opposed the proposed upzoning of Washington State Fair properties to Central Business District (CBD), stating the fairgrounds are not the central business district. He also raised concerns about traffic congestion and choke points (including SR 512), pedestrian safety and walkability, noise and the removal of trees along Meridian, fairgrounds expansion without public transparency, hospital-related traffic on 7th Avenue, and conditions on Shaw Road, urging the commission to keep Puyallup from becoming a through-route for the county. - Tom Udderback, representing the Washington State Fair Event Center, supported the amendments. He stated the rezoned fair properties are entirely designated Fair in the comprehensive plan and have been zoned for years for intensive urban uses, that CBD and UCX are better-fit zones, and that the north side of 9th Avenue lies within the downtown regional growth center where the comp plan seeks a better fairgrounds-downtown transition. He described the parking overlay extension as a legal-conformity cleanup that does not affect base zoning, citing a fair employee lot used for 40 years that faced maintenance problems without the overlay, and requested the commission's approval. - John Woody Lotz (334 Ninth Avenue SE), an HOA treasurer living next to a fair employee parking lot, expressed appreciation for the Washington State Fair's community partnership (including a 50-50 fence project) and supported the process, while urging the commission to balance growth against its effects on residents over the next 20-25 years. - The chair read into the record an email from Amber Bellinger raising concerns that growth be thoughtful, that design processes be adhered to, and about the scale of development entering neighborhoods. Discussion Items Staff presentation. Associate Planner Rachel Brown (Planning Division) presented Package 6, the second phase of zoning map and code amendments implementing the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update. Phase 1 changes took effect in March 2026; Phase 2 addresses more complex changes requiring coordination with property owners such as Benaroya, the Washington State Fair, and Step by Step. The clerk first reviewed conflict-of-interest and ex parte communication disclosure questions; no commissioner recused themselves. - Mixed-use zones: The SHA Pioneer Community Mixed Use zone would be eliminated from the zoning map and code. The Professional Office (OP) and Limited Commercial (CL) zones would also be eliminated, with most affected sites rezoned to Limited Mixed Use (LMX), including the Golden Rule Grocery, Bellatela Spa, and an auto repair site at West Pioneer and Tacoma Road. LMX would permit small-scale neighborhood-serving uses (coffee shops, small groceries, laundromats, health spas, live-work units, middle housing) and prohibit bars, gas stations, churches, adult uses, hotels, and motels. New commercial uses abutting residential sites would require an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (ACUP) with neighbor notification; dwellings would require two parking spaces per unit. - Commercial zones: The CL zone is eliminated. In the General Commercial (CG) and Community Business (CB) zones, the existing rule limiting residential use to a maximum of 50% of total building area is removed to comply with state law requiring residential uses in commercial zones; the Central Business District (CBD) zone retains its mixed-use requirement along the Meridian Street corridor. The old Jason's restaurant site, previously considered for mixed-use rezoning, would retain General Commercial zoning after property-owner outreach. Storage-container standards are added for clarification. - Manufacturing and business park zones: Fencing and daycare standards are added; multifamily residential becomes a permitted use in the Business Park (MP) zone; the Benaroya site frontage is rezoned and its future land use designation changes to MEBP, so future business-park rezones elsewhere in the city would require a future land use map amendment. - Fair zone and parking overlay: CBD and UCX (Urban Center Mixed Use) would be added as implementing zones, alongside the existing Fairgrounds and Public Facilities zones, for Fair-designated properties, including the Gold Lot, Blue Lot, and properties north of Ninth Avenue SW, enabling future mixed-use development on fair-owned land outside the fairgrounds. These properties are currently zoned General Commercial and RM20 (multifamily). The Fair Parking Overlay would extend to additional fair-owned properties historically used for parking. The overlay code is amended so an RV parking area operated for over 30 years is not restricted to fair-event uses, without expanding its footprint; the maximum RV count is reduced from 750 to 130 vehicles to match physical capacity; allowed occupancy is extended from 7 to 14 days per event; on-site hosts are required; and a geographic restriction on special events is added to address prior concerns about non-contiguous parcels such as the Silver Lot. Existing performance standards (landscape setbacks, storage restrictions, parking setbacks) continue to apply. - General amendments: The zoning code's zone list is updated; definitions are revised, including middle housing now defined to include detached single-family housing; existing utility sites are rezoned to Public Facilities; and comprehensive plan text is aligned with the zoning changes. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan is also amended as part of the packet, updating inventories, incorporating 2025-2026 community input, a needs assessment emphasizing geographic access and a 10-minute walk approach, and implementation language. - Next steps: a planning commission recommendation tonight, a City Council public hearing (staff first said November 10, then corrected to November 17), and final adoption anticipated December 8. Commissioner discussion. A commissioner asked whether the Jason's site was the last remaining General Commercial zone; staff confirmed General Commercial remains in several other areas of the city. Commissioners asked about review and enforcement of larger fair-overlay events, including neighbor notification, generator hours, code enforcement, and fire lane, emergency access, and sanitation requirements; planning staff (Nabila Comstock) responded that events must meet overlay standards, the overlay would not increase the number of special events, code enforcement applies, and standard citywide requirements govern fire lanes and sanitation. Commissioners Martin, Washburn, Landon, and Crosby raised concerns about infrastructure lagging behind state-mandated growth, traffic, and the need to plan 15-20 years ahead; Commissioner Crosby cited 13 to 16 failing intersections from the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Landon noted these concerns are minimally connected to the package before the commission, Commissioner Washburn stated the package is the best plan achievable at this point, and Commissioner Martin asked what comes next after council approval. Key Outcomes - The commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of Package 6 (Phase 2 Zoning Map and Zoning Code Amendments) to the City Council. - The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, with a council public hearing on November 17, 2026 (the presentation initially said November 10 before correcting) and final adoption anticipated December 8, 2026. - Planning Manager Chris Beale previewed upcoming work: battery energy storage system (BESS) development regulations under the council's one-year moratorium passed in June; a lahar preparedness and emergency response update related to Mount Rainier; an infrastructure planning presentation with the city engineer and capital engineering supervisor; a discussion of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review thresholds; and the 2027 work program (noting the division processed nine or ten ordinances this year). - Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

The San José Planning Commission met on October 28, 2026. The meeting included three main agenda items: an appeal regarding a construction debris transfer station (Valley Recycling), an amendment to the Development Agreement with Apple Inc., and an omnibus package of citywide zoning code updates. The commission voted unanimously to deny the appeal, recommend approval of the Development Agreement amendment to the City Council, and recommend adoption of the code updates. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously by a motion from Commissioner Casey and second from Commissioner Bickford. Item 5A: Appeal of Valley Recycling Permit (SP 24-029) Public Testimony & Positions: - Kay and Dwayne Hughes (California Camper, appellant) opposed the permit expansion, citing persistent dust, debris, and odors from the Valley Recycling site that negatively impact their business operations and staff health, including severe asthma attacks. They argued the facility cannot manage its current cap and has a history of violations. The appellant stated the current cap is 149 tons/day. - Note on Transcript Discrepancy: Staff stated the current permitted maximum is 174.99 tons/day, while the appellant stated it is 149 tons/day. The appellant characterized the increase as 17-fold, while staff characterized it as a 14-fold increase. - Emily (LEA - Local Enforcement Agency) confirmed no dust or odor violations were observed during surprise inspections, but has issued 'areas of concern' for pile heights and odors. - Michael Gross (Valley Recycling, applicant) supported staff's recommendation to deny the appeal. He detailed existing dust mitigation (water truck, street sweeper) and committed to planned improvements (25-foot fence, permanent sprinkler systems). He stated operations cannot increase until all permits are obtained. Discussion: - Commissioners explored the facility's track record, the distinction between land use authority and operational enforcement (LEA, Air District), and the fact that the site was designed for the proposed capacity. - The Chair initially offered a substitute motion to deny the permit due to track record concerns. This motion was subsequently rescinded after discussion clarified the facility was designed for the contemplated volume and is in a heavy industrial zone. Key Outcomes: - A motion to deny the appeal (and thus uphold the Director's approval) passed 7-0. (Commissioners Newman, Oliverio, and Rosario were absent). Item 5B: Apple Inc. Development Agreement Amendment (DA 26-001) Public Testimony & Positions: - Multiple public speakers, including Jordan Moldow, Brent Pierce (VTA), Dasha Leeds (Sierra Club), and others, expressed opposition or requested modifications. Concerns centered on the conditional vacation of Orchard Parkway, the resulting impediment to bicycle/pedestrian connectivity (particularly the Guadalupe River Trail connection), conflict with transit-oriented development goals, and the indirect facilitation of a proposed PG&E substation and data center. - Staff and City officials presented the amendment as a land-use action to facilitate the build-out of a long-planned corporate campus on an underutilized site, highlighting community benefits such as a $2.5 million contribution to the Trimble Road crossing and new Class IV bike lanes on Component Drive. Discussion: - Staff clarified that the amendment only adjusts the boundary of the Development Agreement and does not constitute approval of the street vacation (which goes to City Council), the sale of land to PG&E, or the operation of a data center. - Commissioners questioned the limits of the city's authority over PG&E utility projects, which are under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and validated that the Apple campus project is separate from proposed data centers in the area. Key Outcomes: - A motion to recommend approval to City Council passed 7-0. Item 5C: Citywide Zoning Code Updates (PP 26-003, Title 13 & 20) Discussion: - Staff presented a broad package of code amendments including: streamlined tree removal permits for high fire hazard severity zones, updated ADU rules per state law (AB 1061, SB 79, SB 9), an extended timeframe (from 6 months to 3 years) for legal nonconforming (LNC) use status, increased retaining wall permit height thresholds, and streamlined permitting for vehicular gates. - Commissioners praised the clarity of the presentation. No public testimony was offered in opposition. Key Outcomes: - A motion to recommend adoption to City Council passed 7-0. Summary of Votes - Item 5A (Valley Recycling): Passed 7-0 (Deny appeal, uphold permit) - Item 5B (Apple DA): Passed 7-0 (Recommend approval to City Council) - Item 5C (Zoning Code): Passed 7-0 (Recommend adoption to City Council)

The City Council met on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Notable items included proclamations for Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Months, an update on the automated license plate reader (ALPR) program, adoption of a policy for naming city facilities, and public comments on multiple issues including ALPR privacy, a neighborhood block party, and an ICE enforcement action. Consent Calendar - Minutes from October 14, 2026, approved. - Grand Boulevard Initiative Phase III construction accepted as complete; total construction cost $4,751,899.88 (motion approved). - Purchase agreement with U-Rock Utility Equipment for a crane truck not to exceed $488,274.93 authorized. - Renewal agreement with Bigbelly Solar for smart waste and recycling stations through October 31, 2031, not to exceed $365,471.76, authorized. - Item 7 (response to San Mateo County Grand Jury ALPR report) was pulled for discussion and later approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Sam Chikuti: Criticized councilmembers James Coleman and Eddie Flores for endorsing school board candidate Frank Lara, alleging political maneuvering and calling for their resignations. - Mary Roosy: Expressed safety concerns about newly installed traffic islands on her street, requesting removal and community consultation. - Dr. Edith Arias: Voiced strong support for the domestic violence proclamations, sharing her personal experience as a survivor and offering to collaborate on prevention efforts. - Jeremy Labate: Urged council to amend the ALPR grand jury response to disable Flock cameras until the contract is compliant with state law, and requested the item be pulled from consent calendar. - Stephanie Campos: Opposed continued use of Flock ALPR cameras, citing privacy violations and Flock's partnership with ICE, and requested contract termination. - Sophia Cyrus: Alleged that councilmembers James Coleman and Eddie Flores pressured her to drop out of the District 3 council race; called for transparency. - Mike Tanagucci, Michael Bald, Sean Wilkinson: Represented the Zeta Drive Block Party, describing their free Halloween celebration and requesting the city waive or reimburse approximately $1,300 in permit and insurance costs for the 2026 event. They also asked for a streamlined, low-cost permitting process for non-commercial neighborhood events. - Mina Richardson: Raised alarm about an ICE enforcement action that occurred earlier in the day in South San Francisco, asking for a community reassurance message. Discussion Items - ALPR Program Update (Item 9): Captain Anthony Pinell presented a detailed report on the city's fixed-mount automated license plate reader program. He stated Flock cameras have been used in 163 arrests and 109 stolen vehicle recoverals, including solving a church shooting and an armed robbery. However, he disclosed that Flock had activated a nationwide lookup feature from January 2024 to March 2025 without city authorization, allowing queries from outside agencies. Flock subsequently disabled the feature and implemented new safeguards. The police chief accepted responsibility for oversight failures. Councilmembers expressed distrust in Flock and directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for future ALPR vendor selection by January 30, 2027, with results due by April 30, 2027. Councilman Coleman voted against the motion, citing fundamental concerns about the technology. The council will also consider formalizing a bridge contract extension with Flock at the next meeting (November 2026) to maintain service during the RFP process. - Policy for Naming City Facilities (Item 10): Deputy City Manager Megan Wooley-Ousdahl presented a consolidated policy covering naming, donations, sponsorships, and capital campaigns. The policy introduces a formal process including council resolution, staff review, naming subcommittee, 30-day public comment, advisory board input, and final council approval. Criteria for naming after individuals include 10 years of extraordinary service or significant philanthropy. Councilmember Coleman expressed a preference for neutral names over naming after people. The policy was unanimously adopted. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Items 4,5,6,6a,8,8a): Approved 4-0 (Councilmember Flores absent). - Item 7: Resolution approving the response to the San Mateo County Grand Jury on ALPR cameras approved 4-0 after brief discussion. Councilmember Nicholas requested clarification on why compliance with recommendation 6 (vendor agreement data-sharing prohibition) would not be completed until August 2027; Captain Pinell stated that current contract language would be updated earlier if the council approved a new agreement. - Item 9: Motion directing staff to issue an RFP for a new ALPR vendor (with timeline: publication by Jan. 30, 2027, results by April 30, 2027) passed 3-1 (Coleman no). Council also expressed intent to move away from Flock and to include strict contract penalties for data-sharing violations. - Item 10: Policy for naming city facilities, donations, sponsorships, and capital campaigns adopted unanimously (4-0). - Zeta Block Party: Council directed staff to agendize a future discussion on possibly waiving or reimbursing permit fees for the 2026 block party and exploring a simplified process for neighborhood events. - ICE Enforcement: The city manager confirmed a targeted ICE operation occurred on Commercial Avenue earlier that day; no prior notice was given to police. Councilmember Coleman shared the rapid response hotline number (203-664-472) and urged calm. - Closed Session: Council held closed session for existing litigation (Andrew Pestana v. City; Kory Omar McPeters v. City) and anticipated litigation; no reportable actions taken.