Public Meetings - Belmont, California

The Belmont Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:04 p.m. after a power surge caused a brief outage. The meeting included consent items, a public hearing on a four-unit multifamily project on Old County Road, an EIR scoping session for the 2 Davis Drive project, and a Stormwater Master Plan update. All six present members constituted a quorum; Commissioner Jadala was absent, and Commissioner Takahashi recused himself from the 2 Davis Drive scoping item because of his employment connections to parties associated with the site. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes for September 1, 2026: Approved 6-0. - 604, 608, and 610 Harbor Boulevard Permit Extension: Approved 6-0. The resolution extended Design Review, Grading Plan, Tree Permit, Outdoor Noise Exception, Affordable Housing Plan, Density Bonus Incentive, and Senate Bill 2097 Parking Reduction entitlements for Project No. 2020-0023. - The City Clerk advised that future consent items could be handled as one motion, but the Commission indicated it preferred individual roll-call votes while newer members become familiar with the process. Public Comments & Testimony - No in-person or Zoom speakers appeared for general public comment or consent calendar items. Two written emails submitted before 4 p.m. were placed in the record, one relating to a non-agenda matter and one relating to an agenda item. - For the Old County Road public hearing, no oral public comments were offered in chambers or via Zoom. A written letter of support from the California Housing Defense Fund was received before 4 p.m. The applicant previously held an outreach meeting on September 5, 2026, which no one attended, but two neighboring property/business owners emailed concerns about limited street parking, nearby private parking lots, cut-through traffic, and pedestrian safety on Carin Street. - For the 2 Davis Drive EIR scoping session, no verbal or written public comments were submitted during the meeting. Discussion Items - Old County Road Multifamily Project (APN 045-241-260): Staff recommended approval of Design Review and a Conditional Use Permit for a three-story, 3,534-square-foot building with four dwelling units on an irregular, triangular parcel with only 22 feet of street frontage. The project includes two one-bedroom ground-floor units and two three-bedroom upper units, a roof deck, and no onsite parking due to AB 2097; the site is approximately 0.3 miles from the Belmont Caltrain station. A Conditional Use Permit was required to allow residential use instead of commercial on the ground floor. Staff found the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15332. Commissioners raised questions about fire hydrant and hose-pull distances, including the project's stated hose-pull distance of 147 feet 10 inches versus the 150-foot maximum; blank rear wall articulation; and the absence of a unique fire condition for Unit A. Several commissioners strongly criticized the staff report language describing ground-floor residential as continuing an "established pattern," arguing it undercuts the Belmont Village Specific Plan. There was also extensive discussion about whether the Housing Accountability Act constrains denial when the project requires a CUP; staff described a holistic approach and said the city analyzes housing projects to avoid creating constraints to housing, while some commissioners questioned whether legal counsel should have been present to clarify the analysis. Ultimately, several commissioners said they could make the required CUP findings due to the site's small size, irregular shape, and limited frontage, though they expressed ongoing policy concerns about ground-floor commercial losses. Staff agreed to carry those concerns into future policy work. - 2 Davis Drive EIR Scoping Session: LSA Associates presented the proposed project at 2 Davis Drive, a 3.26-acre site currently containing a 21,500-square-foot commercial building constructed in 1962. The project would demolish the existing building and construct seven three-story townhome-style condominium buildings with 45 units, of which 33 would have three bedrooms and 12 would have four bedrooms, a density of approximately 15.6 dwelling units per acre, 90 garage parking spaces, and six guest spaces. The project also includes dedicating an approximately 0.35-acre public safety parcel to the city for a future fire station of up to about 9,400 square feet and a 2,600-square-foot storage and staging facility. The EIR will evaluate air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, land use and planning, noise, and transportation, with other topics addressed in an initial study. The NOP scoping period closes November 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.; the draft EIR is anticipated in winter or spring 2027, with certification anticipated in late 2027. Commission scoping comments included calls for further study of geology and soils given the nearby Ralston Field sinkhole, tribal cultural resources, a range of alternatives including current zoning and mixed-use or higher-density options, wildfire and evacuation considerations, and the site's proximity to Water Dog Lake. No action was taken; comments will be compiled into the EIR record. - Stormwater Master Plan Update: Senior Civil Engineer Pashana Paladnik presented the updated Stormwater Master Plan. The city has mapped its stormwater system, with an estimated replacement value of roughly $173 million. Modeling identified flooding risks under a two-year storm, a 100-year storm, and the city's 10-year design storm. Capital improvement needs include approximately $34 million for capacity projects and over $11 million for condition-related repairs. The city has no dedicated stormwater fund; an NPDES-related fee generates about $400,000 per year, primarily for operations and maintenance. The plan will be brought to the City Council for adoption in November. Commissioners asked about model conservatism under climate change, regional coordination with San Carlos and Caltrans, the Twin Pines detention basin, funding and grants, and opportunities for creek daylighting and native species restoration. The item was informational and required no action. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 1, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously, 6-0. - Approved the Harbor Boulevard permit extension resolution unanimously, 6-0. - Approved the Old County Road Design Review and Conditional Use Permit resolution on a roll-call vote; the motion carried. The project is appealable within 10 calendar days, and standard conditions of approval will apply, with minor cleanup items to be addressed at building permit submittal. - Concluded the 2 Davis Drive EIR scoping session with no formal action; written scoping comments will be accepted until November 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. - Received the Stormwater Master Plan update with no formal action; the plan is scheduled to go to the City Council in November. - Staff announced that Kelly Biggs is the new deputy community development director, that a 21 Elements planning commissioner training on housing laws will occur on October 29, 2026, and noted upcoming city centennial events and ongoing staff transitions.

The Belmont City Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, California. All five councilmembers were present: Mayor Julia Mates, Vice Mayor Cathy Jordan, and Councilmembers Robin Pang-Maganaris, Gina Latimerlo, and Tom McCune. The council approved the consent calendar, received an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) needs assessment presentation, and adopted a local emergency resolution ahead of the 2026–2027 El Niño winter storm season. Special Presentations & Proclamations - Mayor Mates read a proclamation designating October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation cited statistics including that more than one in three women, one in four men, and one in two transgender individuals experience intimate partner physical or sexual violence or stalking in their lifetimes. It also highlighted CORA's services: 18,380 services provided to survivors and families, 5,193 nights of emergency shelter for 103 adults and children, more than $1.34 million in rental assistance and security deposits for 174 adults and children, mental health services for 624 adults and children, legal assistance to 925 survivors, and 1,928 requests for legal services. - Liz Lang, CORA board member, accepted the proclamation and reported that the Belmont Police Department has responded to 609 domestic violence-related calls for service since 2022, with Saturdays and Sundays receiving the most calls. She encouraged residents to share about Domestic Violence Awareness Month using DVAM, take an online pledge, and wear purple. - Mayor Mates read a proclamation observing Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 12, 2026, acknowledging the city's location on the ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone and urging recognition of Indigenous peoples' resilience and contributions. Consent Calendar - Monthly Financial Report – August 2026: received and filed. - Parking and Traffic Safety Committee Short-Term Parking Zones: resolution approved to install one 20-foot, 30-minute parking space at 880 Old County Road and two 20-foot, 30-minute parking spaces at 580 Masonic Way, with the City Manager authorized to adjust time restrictions. A staff correction was noted that the report inadvertently referenced two ground floor commercial units when there is only one, but the two parking spaces remained the subject of the vote. - 2025–2026 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Response – ALPR Usage: City of Belmont response letter regarding Automated License Plate Reader usage by the Belmont Police Department approved. - Twin Pines Senior Community Center Reconstruction: resolution authorized a contract of $176,230 plus 10% contingency, for a total not to exceed $193,853, and a budget appropriation funded by the Facility Management Fund creating Capital Improvement Program Project 8136. - The consent calendar was approved by a single 5–0 motion. Public Comments & Testimony - Bunny Soper, a longtime resident and Ralston/Carlmont alumna, urged the city to improve pedestrian safety for students walking from Ralston School to the Carlmont shopping center. She cited three accidents in the past month in that corridor, including a car jumping the curb about two hours before roughly 100 students would walk by, and asked for police car presence and an eastbound speed feedback sign. - Chris Slew, Belmont Community Library manager, announced upcoming library events, including Belmont Centennial Trivia Night on October 22, a centennial scrapbooking session on October 20, a Twin Pines Book Club discussion of Jack London on November 5, after-school homework help, and Diwali and Día de los Muertos programs. - Karen Shane, a volunteer at the Homeless Cat Network at 856 Old County Road, expressed concerns about the 9B parking zone item. She worried about precedence, noted an existing green zone near 840 Old County Road, and asked whether the existing zone would be removed before adding a new one. Discussion Items - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Replacement Project: City staff introduced consultants Matt Coates and Brian Petis of Plante Moran. The city's Microsoft Dynamics GP system will reach end of support in 2029, so the needs assessment will evaluate financials, HR/payroll/time, land management, and maintenance/asset management systems. The assessment will produce a roadmap, cost estimates, market analysis, implementation considerations, governance, procurement, change management, and timeline recommendations. Councilmembers discussed the need to minimize customization, consider off-the-shelf integrated systems, and account for future technology such as AI. Councilmember McCune suggested considering Deltek as a possible vendor. No formal action was taken; the item was informational. - Local Emergency Proclamation for 2026–2027 El Niño Winter Storm Season: City Manager Afshin Oskoui recommended adopting a resolution proclaiming a local emergency due to the imminent threat of severe winter weather. He noted NOAA forecasts a greater than 90% probability of a very strong El Niño and a 75% probability that October–December could reach historically exceptional strength. The city has already conducted creek maintenance and dredging, inspected and cleared storm drain inlets, established on-call consultant and contractor agreements, and launched public preparedness messaging, including sandbag stations and the Adopt-a-Drain program. The resolution formalizes enhanced readiness and response coordination. Councilmember Announcements & Verbal Reports - Nominations for the 20th Annual Beautiful Belmont Award and Community Service Award are due October 26 at 5:00 p.m., with awards presented at the December 8 council meeting. - Vice Mayor Jordan announced HEART's Housing on Tap event on October 15 and a Cafecito with Supervisor Corzo on October 18. Councilmember Pang-Maganaris reminded residents about breast cancer awareness and screening. - Mayor Mates highlighted the Belmont Centennial Festival on October 24, the Belmont Boo Bash on October 28, and new wayfinding signs. - Councilmembers reported on intergovernmental meetings, Fire 101 training, and other subcommittee activities. Councilmember Latimerlo also noted a West Bay discussion about a possible Air Board prohibition on new gas appliances, with no decision reached. - City Manager Oskoui congratulated Karen Clark on a regional professional award and reminded residents of the Great California ShakeOut on October 15 at 10:15 a.m., plus emergency preparedness tools including SMC Alert, Genasys Protect, and MyShake. - Mayor Mates announced that the October 27 council meeting is canceled and the next regular meeting will be November 10, 2026. She reminded residents to check their mail-in ballots, as Election Day is November 3. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved 5–0. - Resolution proclaiming a local emergency for the 2026–2027 El Niño winter storm season adopted 5–0. - ERP replacement project received as informational; no vote was taken. Staff and consultants will continue the needs assessment and report back with a roadmap before proceeding to RFP. - Next regular City Council meeting scheduled for November 10, 2026.

The Belmont City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers (One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, California). The council addressed solid waste rates, a citywide fee study, a new donor recognition and naming policy, and employment agreement amendments for the city manager and city attorney. Special Presentations - Mayor Julia Mates, on behalf of the council, proclaimed September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Belmont. - The council also proclaimed October 4 through 10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week. - Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Kobayashi announced that sponsorships were secured at all levels for upcoming community events. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar, including adoption of ordinances read by the city attorney, was approved by a single roll-call motion without separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on items not on the agenda (Item 7). - During the fee study and naming policy discussions, the mayor asked for public comments and noted that some written comments had been submitted; no verbal comments were made. Discussion Items Public Hearing: Solid Waste Rate Adjustment - Staff presented the annual solid waste rate adjustment, stating that combining the cost components results in an overall change of 6.09% to the solid waste rates going forward. The calculation is based on the agreement section for Belmont specifically, which differs slightly from the approach used for other Rethink Waste (South Bayside Waste Management Authority) member agencies. - Staff confirmed there is no deviation between business and residential rates. - The council adopted the resolution adjusting solid waste rates by 6.09%. General Business: Comprehensive Fee and Cost Recovery Study - Staff presented the fee study, which was designed to help stakeholders understand the true cost of providing fee-related services and to guide policy decisions on cost recovery. - The study calculated the average staff time to provide a particular service, excluding the most complex or simplest projects, and layered in departmental administrative support and citywide overhead (e.g., HR, finance, city manager, city attorney). - The study introduced small and large project categories to improve cost recovery and avoid overcharging or undercharging. Examples included several housing-related fees, affordable housing fees, and transportation demand management (TDM) compliance report reviews. - Staff recommended monitoring the financial impact of the fees and watching for major operational changes, such as a potential HIA annexation. - The council approved the resolution adopting the updated fee schedule. General Business: Citywide Naming and Donor Recognition Policy - Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Kobayashi presented a proposed citywide naming and donor recognition policy, intended to give donors clarity before fundraising begins. - Councilmember Pang-Maganaris sought confirmation on whether approving the policy would lock the council into specific thresholds (e.g., $10 million for a major civic facility) and whether the category of naming would come back to council for approval. - Staff explained that the monetary figures in the policy are illustrative; removing them could create ambiguity. Council members supported including principles in the policy and ensuring that major public-facing naming actions come before the council. - A suggestion was made to use "trail landscape site" as the baseline for what requires council approval, with council members acknowledging they each may have differing ideas about what constitutes a public-facing facility. - The council provided direction to staff to refine the policy; no final vote was taken on this item. General Business: Amendments to Employment Agreements - Administrative Services Director Anais Martinez Aquino presented two resolutions to amend the employment agreements for City Manager Afshin Oskoui and City Attorney Scott Rennie, following the council's annual evaluation process that began in July. - The council deliberated on the two agreements. The transcript concludes before a final roll-call vote on this item is recorded. Brief Verbal Reports - Vice Mayor Cathy Jordan reported on her attendance at the Rethink Waste (South Bayside Waste Management Authority) board meeting, where rates were a major topic of discussion. Key Outcomes - Adopted the consent calendar. - Adopted the solid waste rate adjustment reflecting a 6.09% overall increase. - Adopted the updated city fee schedule based on the comprehensive fee and cost recovery study. - Directed staff to refine the naming and donor recognition policy, including definitions of public-facing facilities and council approval thresholds. - Deliberated on the employment agreement amendments for the city manager and city attorney, with no final vote recorded in the transcript. - Adjourned to the next regular council meeting.

The Belmont City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, beginning with a 6:15 PM closed session and reconvening publicly at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont. All five councilmembers—Mayor Julia Mates, Vice Mayor Cathy Jordan, and Councilmembers Robin Pang-Maganaris, Gina Latimerlo, and Tom McCune—were present. The City Attorney reported no reportable action from closed session. The Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, a resolution supporting El Camino Real complete streets planning, and a resolution authorizing design-build preparation for the Community Center project. Special Presentations - Mayor Mates read a proclamation designating September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month in Belmont, joining NAMI and communities nationwide in encouraging residents to start conversations and fight stigma. - The Council recognized Carlos de Melo, Community Development Director, on his retirement after more than 25 years of service. The proclamation highlighted his roles as project manager for the 2035 General Plan, Belmont Village Specific Plan, open space acquisitions, and numerous housing developments, including 25 extremely low-income homes through the San Mateo Mental Health Association development, 66 affordable homes at Firehouse Square, and 125 affordable homes at 800-803 Belmont Avenue. - Councilmembers and public speakers praised de Melo's leadership, knowledge, and calm demeanor. Public comments came from Warren Gibson, another speaker, and Charles Stone; Stone said de Melo helped transform Belmont's culture from asking "figure out why not" to "figure out how can we" and left the city better than he found it. De Melo thanked the city, his colleagues, and his wife Juliana, saying he would not miss the San Mateo Bridge but would miss the people and connections. Councilmember Announcements Councilmembers promoted upcoming events including the 42nd annual Coastal Cleanup Day, National Night Out, the Imagine Together Festival, Bay Area Transit Month, and the Belmont centennial celebration on October 24, 2026. The City Manager introduced new Administrative Services Director Anais Martinez Aquino. Consent Calendar The Council approved the consent calendar 5-0, including: - Approval of the July 14, 2026 meeting minutes. - A fuel delivery services agreement with Valley Oil Company for a three-year term with two optional one-year extensions. - Acceptance of construction and issuance of Notice of Completion for the 2025 Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Contract No. 2025-636. - Authorization to purchase one Parks and Recreation passenger van for an amount not to exceed $94,490, with a $94,490 budget appropriation from the Fleet and Equipment Management Fund. - A three-year agreement with Central Square Technologies for Community Development software subscription and maintenance not to exceed $269,073.25. - Amendment No. 3 with the ADU Resource Center for fiscal year 2026-27 services at $29,800, with renewal options of up to two additional one-year terms and an annual escalator of 3% to 5% based on the Consumer Price Index. Public Comments & Testimony Non-agenda public comments included: - Lucy Dobson of Crestview Park described fire danger from nighttime activity in the Water Dog open space canyon along Club Drive, including exploded Roman candles near her home, and requested warning signs and collaboration between Belmont and San Carlos. - Ben Magnifoli, a Carlmont High School senior, reported leading a 15-student bike ride and urged improvements on arterial roads such as Ralston, Alameda, Old County, and El Camino Real to encourage students to bike to school. - A property owner with two Belmont properties asked about roadside improvement requirements for a hillside property on Lower Lock Avenue and about the timeline for a certificate of compliance application. - A speaker praised the student-organized bike ride and asked the Council to recognize the student leaders. - Karen Shane said the fee for closing her street for Halloween had increased from $100 to $300 and requested an adjustment for community safety events. During the Central El Camino Real item, two public speakers commented. Ben Magnifoli said the proposed bike lanes would be transformative but urged the city to challenge Caltrans' two-lane minimum so dedicated bus lanes could also be included. A second speaker called for prioritizing buses and bikes, argued that bike lanes may not be the best use of the constrained corridor, and suggested improving a parallel route on Old County and Pacific. Discussion Items Central El Camino Real Multimodal Plan and Complete Streets Resolution (11A) SamTrans project manager Cassie Halls and Aaron Ferguson of Fair & Pierce presented the final stages of the Central El Camino Real Multimodal Plan. The plan covers El Camino Real/State Route 82 through Belmont, San Carlos, San Mateo, and northern Redwood City. Engagement included three phases from 2025 through 2026, an interactive map with over 800 responses, listening sessions, pop-ups, and a walk audit. Across Belmont, over 50% of respondents favored continuous bicycle facilities; there was also support for safer pedestrian crossings, improved bus stops, and more trees. Because Belmont's right-of-way is constrained, the plan advances one cross-section alternative that includes a wider west-side sidewalk, on-street parking, separated bike lanes, and bus boarding islands. SamTrans estimated the countywide Grand Boulevard Initiative could cost up to $1 billion, with SMCTA sales tax funding up to 50%—potentially $500 million—and the remainder to be sought from federal, state, regional, and local sources. The Council adopted a resolution supporting SamTrans and Caltrans' continued coordination through the Caltrans project development process. Councilmember Jordan noted that in a listening session she attended, 100% of the roughly 20-30 participants did not want any parking removed. Councilmember Latimerlo noted the resolution did not lock in a final project and that further refinement and technical analysis would continue. The resolution passed 5-0. Community Center Design-Build Procurement and Project Labor Agreement Evaluation (11B) City Manager Afshin Oskoui presented a preparatory step for the Community Center project. The existing center has deferred maintenance, aging infrastructure, and seismic, electrical, fire/life safety, and accessibility needs. A citizen-led parcel tax, Measure Y, on the November 2026 ballot could fund the project. Staff requested authorization to use a design-build delivery framework under state law, evaluate conventional versus progressive design-build, prepare procurement documents, and begin evaluating a project-specific Project Labor Agreement. No design contract, construction commitment, or final project cost was being authorized. Progressive design-build would bring a team in earlier and could provide a guaranteed maximum price, but requires strong owner-side project management. Staff would return to Council for approval before any procurement strategy or PLA is finalized. Councilmember McCune said his initial concerns about prematurity and design-build had been allayed because only staff time and preparation were being authorized. Councilmember Latimerlo expressed support for progressive design-build and PLA-related apprenticeship and workforce benefits. The resolution passed 5-0. Verbal Reports - One councilmember reported that local policymakers warned Caltrain services would be significantly impacted if its tax measure fails. - Two councilmembers reported on a housing subcommittee meeting, and one noted that a new deputy community development director would start the following Monday. - A councilmember reported on a meeting with the Sequoia Healthcare District and on Rethink Waste site master planning. - A councilmember reported that the San Mateo County Transit Authority received 23 shuttle program applications this year, and due to rising costs the matching requirement was reduced from 25% to 10%, likely funding fewer routes. - City Manager Oskoui recognized Laura Russell for stepping in as Community Development Director and announced that a centennial preview would be presented at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Closed session: no reportable action. - Consent calendar approved 5-0. - Resolution supporting SamTrans/Caltrans El Camino Real complete streets improvements approved 5-0. - Resolution authorizing design-build framework and PLA evaluation for the Community Center project approved 5-0. - Staff will continue the El Camino Real plan's advancement into Caltrans project development and will return to Council on the Community Center procurement strategy and any proposed PLA before contractual commitments. - The Council will celebrate Belmont's centennial on October 24, 2026.

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, to hear a detailed summer program recap, receive department updates on facility flooding and new EV chargers, and discuss upcoming events. The meeting was held in the city council chambers and broadcast live. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a vote of 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the commission during the community forum or on any agenda items. Discussion Items - Youth and Teen Summer Program Recap: Recreation Supervisor Michael Moran presented a comprehensive update on the ninth summer of programming. Key highlights included: - Aquatics: Six weeks of lap swim, rec swim, and group swim lessons at Carlmont High School. Swim lessons increased by about 600 lessons due to a second group of first-step lessons. Private swim lessons were introduced and sold out within 10 hours. Swimmer aid program continued with 13 participants. Rec swim and lap swim visits reached over 2,800 (up from 1,400 last year) due to better weather. For 2027, lap swim will add an extra hour Monday–Thursday starting at 11 a.m. Two new swim platforms were purchased. - Camp SOAR (Summer Outdoor Adventure Recreation): Served 903 enrollments (up from 825), with 33 part-time staff (22 returning, 22 Belmont residents). 96% of enrollments were residents. Quotes from parents were overwhelmingly positive; the only “negative” review noted the camp fills up quickly. The earlier aftercare was eliminated with no issues. - Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program: 56 youth applied, 37 accepted, providing nearly 1,900 volunteer hours. Six staff members came from the CIT program. - Adaptive Camp: Served 24 campers across five weeks, increased from 5 to 6 children per week; may expand to 7. Serves children with ADHD, Down syndrome, and other diverse needs. A parent expressed gratitude for the program. - Contractor Camps: 14 unique contractors offered 173 camps, with 2,186 enrollments (a slight decline due to school district construction limiting some providers). New contractor Wonderworks offered strawberry DNA extraction. Muggleby Theater revived a production of High School Musical. - Financial Aid: $9,000 total allocated ($8,000 dry land, $1,000 aquatics). Camp SOAR used none; aquatics used all $1,000; contractor camps used about $3,000–$4,000. Staff noted barriers to accessing aid and will work on better promotion. - Future Plans: Planning for 2027 is underway; exploring new contractors (e.g., San Carlos Children’s Theater) and trends like roller skating, theater, and bedazzling. Capacity at the lodge is nearly maxed; a new community center would allow expansion. - Department Updates: Given by staff (noting that Anne Marie has moved to North Carolina). - Twin Pines Senior Center Flood: An overflowing toilet on August 6 caused water damage to the lobby, restrooms, multi-use room, offices, and drywall. Remediation is pending contract approval. Senior lunches moved to the lodge; most programs relocated. The restroom remodel and floor replacement will be accelerated. - EV Charger Program: Four chargers (one dual port, two single ports) now live at the Belmont Sports Complex, plus six make-ready ports. Rates will be set at cost recovery; item goes to council on September 22. Two additional locations (City Hall angled parking and across from the manor) will begin installation November 2 to avoid conflicts with the Centennial Fest and Boo Bash. - Chatty Bench & Time Capsule Project: Benches and two time capsules (50-year and 100-year) installed near City Hall, combining efforts to combat senior loneliness and commemorate the centennial. - Imagine Together Festival: Held August 29 at Barrett, with over 35 vendors and community booths, strong volunteer turnout, and attendance by Mayor Mates and Vice Mayor Jordan. Donations were received by the Belmont Community Foundation. - Upcoming Events: Preschool Open House (Sept 12), Movies in the Park (Sept 18, 25, Oct 2), Belmont Water Dog Run (Sept 26), and Centennial Fest (Oct 24) featuring a drone show. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0). - No Formal Votes: The commission took no votes on the summer program recap or department updates; they were discussion items only. - Next Steps: Staff will continue remediation at the senior center, finalize EV charger rates for council consideration, and plan for summer 2027 programming, including potential new contractors and expanded adaptive camp capacity.

The Belmont Planning Commission met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 7:10 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the July 21, 2026 minutes, a public hearing for a single-family design review at 1941 Bayview Avenue, and staff updates. The commission voted 6–1 to continue the design review to a date uncertain due to incomplete and inconsistent drawings. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 21, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (7–0) as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Ashut Thresha (property owner of two Belmont parcels): Addressed the commission during the Community Forum. He asked about road improvement plans for a property at 3300 Lower Lock Avenue and the timeline for approval of a Certificate of Compliance he had filed. Staff confirmed they were preparing responses. Discussion Items 1941 Bayview Avenue – Single Family Design Review - Staff Presentation: Planner Jeremy Ruiz presented the project: a 499-square-foot ground floor addition and a 531-square-foot upper story addition (total 1,030 sq ft) to an existing 1,512 sq ft single-family residence on a 6,000 sq ft lot. The maximum permitted floor area is 3,198 sq ft; the proposed total is 2,542 sq ft. Setbacks: front 20'1" (encroaching from existing 24'), side 5'3", rear 15'. Staff recommended approval. - Commissioner Questions: Commissioners raised concerns about discrepancies between drawings: the roof line on the color and materials board differed from elevations; the balcony guardrail was not visible on side elevations; a rectangle on the west elevation was mislabeled; and the articulation diagram appeared to treat a painted square as a window. The architect on Zoom (Susan Chen) explained that the balcony railing is behind the roof line from side views and that the color board roof line was an error. She confirmed elevations would be corrected. - Public Comment: Susan Chen (architect) clarified that the side elevation does not show the handrail because it is behind the roof line, and the 42-inch guardrail would be detailed in building permit drawings. - Commissioner Deliberation: Several commissioners noted that while the project itself appeared to meet code, the inconsistent and incomplete drawings undermined public transparency. Non-architect commissioners emphasized the commission's role in providing clear information to the public. A motion to continue the application to a date uncertain was made and seconded. Key Outcomes - Motion to Continue 1941 Bayview Avenue Design Review: Passed 6–1 (Commissioner Takahashi dissenting). The application is continued to a date uncertain pending revised drawings that accurately depict elevations, roof lines, balcony details, and articulation elements. Other Business & Updates - Director Carlos Mello announced his retirement after 26.5 years with the city, effective September 12, 2026. He noted upcoming events: the Rome Project Grand Opening (125-unit 100% affordable housing) on September 16, 11 AM; Movies in the Park (Zootopia 2 on Sept 18, The Incredibles on Sept 25, School of Rock on Oct 2); Coastal Cleanup on Sept 19; Water Dog Run on Sept 26; and a farewell ice cream social on September 9 at 1:30 PM. The commission adjourned in his honor at 7:54 PM.

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission met on July 22, 2026, to receive a presentation on the Complete Streets Checklist for the Alameda de las Pulgas Multimodal Safety Project, approve a new Happy Hydrant design, and hear department updates. The meeting was chaired by Chair Whitmore, with Commissioners Emkin, Cunha, Basavata, and Junio present; Commissioners Hill, Lee, and Liefert were absent. No public comments were made during the Community Forum. Discussion Items - Complete Streets Checklist for Alameda Safety Project – Josh, Senior Civil Engineer, presented an update on the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor project. The project began in 2014 with a four-corner study group to address traffic congestion and safety near several schools. In 2021, the design phase began, and the project was renamed to emphasize multimodal safety. The project is now split into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on installing a traffic signal at Carlmont Drive, three mini roundabouts at El Verano, Tula Vista, and Cranfield, raised medians, protected bike lanes (Class IV), and a new school entrance for Terra Linda Middle School. Phase 2 will include sidewalk upgrades and ADA improvements from Ralston to El Verano, pending grant funding. The project is applying for Caltrans ATP and other grants. Safety data showed 15 accidents in the past five years, with 29% involving pedestrians and 14% involving cyclists. The project aligns with the MTC Complete Streets policy. Commissioners asked about emergency vehicle access, bike lane merges, potential bottlenecks, construction timeline (estimated two years, with summer work preferred), and the size of the mini roundabouts. Youth commissioners expressed strong support for the safety improvements, noting dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists near Carlmont High School. The commission supported the project and its pursuit of grants. - Happy Hydrant Design Approval – Staff presented a new Happy Hydrant design submitted by Chloe, titled "Century in Bloom," which incorporates native plants and local history. The committee unanimously approved the design, and the commission voiced no objections, moving it forward to Mid-Pen Water for installation at a location near Ralston and Old County Road. Department Updates - Recent events included a well-attended Pride Flag Raising, preschool graduation, and the second annual pickleball tournament at the Senior Center. - Summer camps (Camp Soar, Aquatics, contractor camps) are winding down; fall registration opens August 3, with the new activity guide mailed to residents. - Upcoming events: Music & Open Mic Night at the Manor (July 25), Movies in the Parks starting September 18 (Zootopia 2), and the Centennial Fest on October 24 (car parade, time capsule, vendors, live music, drone show). Volunteers are welcome via centennial@belmont.gov. Key Outcomes - The commission endorsed the Alameda Safety Project and its grant applications; no formal vote was taken, but consensus was expressed. - The Happy Hydrant design was approved by consensus, with no objections. - No formal motions or votes were recorded on other items.

The Belmont Planning Commission met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7:01 PM, with a quorum present (Commissioners Adam Kavich, Takahashi, Chair Coolidge, Twig, and Jadala; Commissioners Kramer and Majeski absent). The meeting was broadcast on Comcast Cable 27, streamed online, and available via Zoom. The agenda included a community forum, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a public hearing on a single-family design review at 1141 Villa Avenue. Staff announced upcoming schedule changes and the impending retirement of Planning Director De Mello. Consent Calendar - Approval of June 16, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Moved and seconded; passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Community Forum (Item 3): Viola Shedda, a rising 12th-grade Belmont resident, spoke via Zoom. She encouraged the city to explore incentives for developers to include LiveWork units in new housing projects within the Belmont Caltrain Transit Corridor. She noted that Belmont must accommodate 1,785 new housing units by 2031, with much growth in District 1, and that state laws (density bonus, SB 35) have reduced the city's ability to require ground-floor commercial space. She proposed incentives such as expedited permit review or reduced impact fees to preserve mixed-use neighborhoods while meeting housing goals. Commissioners praised her thoughtful analysis and expressed interest in further conversation. - No other public comments were received for the community forum or the public hearing. Discussion Items - Single-Family Design Review – 1141 Villa Avenue (Item 7A): Staff presented a proposal to add 1,159 square feet to create a second story on an existing 1,273-square-foot single-family home. The lot is 5,571 square feet with a slope of 15.71%, allowing a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.506 and maximum gross floor area of 2,819 square feet. The proposed total of 2,432 square feet complies with all zoning requirements, including setbacks (front 15 ft, side 7 ft 6 in, rear 15 ft) and height (under 28 ft). The design features board-and-batten siding, black trim, a metal roof on the lower level and composite shingles on the upper level, and a rear balcony. The front elevation is stepped back, and window placement aims to respect neighbor privacy. No trees will be removed. The applicant, Ewing Santiago, confirmed that mailed outreach received no written comments but that neighbors verbally expressed support and asked about the start date. - Commission Questions & Deliberation: Commissioners asked about the dual roof materials (architect Thailon Ka explained it adds visual interest, with the smaller lower roof using metal to differentiate). Concerns were raised about the flat southeast elevation; staff acknowledged it does not fully meet residential design guidelines for articulation but noted the use of varied window sizes and trim. Commissioners complimented the massing, articulation, tree preservation, and clarity of the plans. One commissioner suggested cool roof shingles. All commissioners stated they could make the required findings. - Staff Updates (Item 8): Director De Mello announced that the August 4 meeting is canceled due to National Night Out, and the August 18 meeting will also be canceled due to lack of business. The next meeting will be September 1. The grand opening for the 125-unit all-affordable Rome project at 800 Belmont Avenue is expected in early September (week of the 8th or 12th), and commissioners will be invited. De Mello also noted that the commission's feedback on neighborhood outreach processes is being reviewed for potential improvements. He shared that this is his second‑to‑last meeting, as he will retire shortly after September 1, 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent Approval: The June 16, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously (5-0). - Design Review Approval: The single-family design review at 1141 Villa Avenue (Application 2025-0021) was approved unanimously (5-0). The decision is appealable within 10 calendar days. - Schedule Changes: Both August 2026 Planning Commission meetings are canceled (August 4 and August 18). The next meeting is September 1, 2026. - Upcoming Event: Commissioners are invited to the grand opening of the Rome affordable housing project in early September. - Staff Transition: Planning Director De Mello will retire after the September 1 meeting, marking the end of his 26.5-year tenure with the city.