Public Meetings - Belmont, California

The Belmont City Council held a special meeting on December 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers. Three council members were present (Mayor Mains, Councilmember Hurt, and Councilmember McCune), with two members absent (Vice Mayor Latermillo and one other). The meeting addressed routine consent items and two general business items: a residential chipping services agreement and a signage and wayfinding program. Consent Calendar - Revised Master Employee Pay Schedule – December 2024: Adopted unanimously (3‑0) via resolution approving revisions to the City’s Master Employee Pay Schedule to comply with CalPERS regulations. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non‑agenda items or on the chipping services item. - For the signage and wayfinding item, the Community Development Director noted two written comments received prior to the meeting: one requesting corrections to listed destinations (which were addressed in the presentation) and one expressing concern about the color brightness and a specific sign placement on El Camino Real. No live public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Agreement with Bay Area Tree Service, Inc. for Residential Chipping Services: Staff presented an overview of fire‑safety efforts, including a residential chipping program funded by grants. The program will cover four service areas west of Alameda de las Pulgas, each serviced twice in March/April 2025. The proposed agreement authorized up to $30,000 (plus 10% contingency, not to exceed $33,000) for up to 10 days of chipping. Council expressed support and asked about grant amounts (CalFire grant $350,000; FEMA grant shared with San Bruno, total $385,000). The motion passed 3‑0. - Signage & Wayfinding Program: The consultant from Hunt Design presented a family of directional signs, monument signs, and banners designed to create a cohesive system for visitors and residents. Key destinations include parks, schools, civic buildings, and main corridors. The presentation included color palette options (blues, greens, orange) and design choices such as historic photos and gradient backgrounds. Council discussion focused on the logo (a modernized version of the city’s seal) and design elements. Councilmember McCune criticized the logo as unclear and lacking positive imagery, and objected to the gradient on signs as non‑functional. He indicated he could not support the program without logo redesign. Other council members and the city manager noted the logo was not the focus of the subcommittee’s work and that the program was intended as a framework for future implementation. The motion to approve the program passed 2‑1 (Councilmember McCune dissenting), with two members absent. Key Outcomes - Consent item: Resolution approving revised Master Employee Pay Schedule adopted 3‑0. - Item 5A: Motion authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a service agreement with Bay Area Tree Service for residential chipping services (up to $33,000) passed 3‑0. - Item 5B: The Belmont Signage & Wayfinding Program was approved by a 2‑1 vote. Staff will prepare a capital improvement project detailing sign types, locations, and costs, to be returned to the Council for approval in conjunction with the FY 2025‑26 budget. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM, with the next regular meeting (reorganization) scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM.

The Belmont City Council held a regular meeting on December 3, 2024, with three members present (Vice Mayor Lauder Merlo, Councilmembers Hurt and McCune) and two absent (Mayor Mates and Councilmember Pang Meganaris). The meeting included a special presentation on the San Mateo County Library annual report, public comments on cyclist safety and affordable housing, a public hearing on solid waste rate increases, and approval of the Twin Pines Park Belmont Creek Restoration Project Phase One. All votes were unanimous (3-0) with no opposition. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from October 22, 2024 and November 12, 2024 were approved. - Belmont Library Exterior & Interior Improvements: Awarded contracts to Satellite Painting ($47,080) and OnPoint Construction ($450,313) for painting and flooring replacement. (CCN 2024-632 & 2024-633) - Custodial Services Agreement: Authorized a six-month agreement with Bamacor, Inc. for up to $207,101, with renewal options. - Manor Roof Replacement Project Notice of Completion: Accepted work and authorized release of retention. - 2024 Slurry Seal Pavement Project Notice of Completion: Accepted work and authorized release of retention. - San Juan Sanitary Sewer Pump Station and Force Main Rehabilitation Project Design: Authorized agreement with Schaaf & Wheeler Engineers for $499,305. - Monthly Financial Reports: Approved reports for July, August, and September 2024. - Annual Report on Development Impact Fees: Adopted resolution accepting the FY 2023-24 report. - Joint Powers Financing Authority (JPFA) Consent Items: Approved JPFA minutes and annual reports. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-Agenda Public Comment (Cyclist Safety): A resident and member of the San Mateo County Transit Community Advisory Commission spoke about a recent cyclist fatality on Holly Street crossing over Highway 101 and a personal hit-and-run incident. He urged the city to prioritize cyclist and pedestrian safety over vehicle convenience, criticizing the Ralston Avenue design and the ADLP project corridor. - Consent Calendar Public Comments (Affordable Housing): - Carol Shepard (Belmont resident, president of Solutions for Supportive Homes) spoke on behalf of extremely low-income individuals with mental health disabilities needing permanent supportive housing. She noted that Belmont had over $3 million in housing mitigation fees and suggested that some funds be used for supportive housing. - Leslie Womback (architect, former San Carlos planning commissioner, NAMI advocate) highlighted the Kelsey Ayer Station project in San Jose as a model for affordable housing with 25% reserved for people with disabilities. She urged Belmont to use its $3.25 million housing mitigation fee balance to fund pre-development costs for similar projects, noting the city is behind its housing element goals by about 350 units for extremely low-income residents. - Public Hearing on Solid Waste Rates: No public testimony was offered; three written protests were received, far below the threshold for a majority protest. - General Business Comments: No public comments were offered on the Audit/Measure I reports or the Twin Pines Park project. Discussion Items - Special Presentation – San Mateo County Library Annual Report: Library Manager Chris Luke presented highlights for FY 2023-24, including: over 250,000 visitors and 400,000 items circulated at the Belmont Library; 100,000 digital downloads; 20,000 program attendees; 8,000 outreach contacts; a 98% favorability rating; a new 24/7 library outpost in Pacifica; free diaper distribution events; and English language programs. Councilmembers expressed appreciation and asked about future outpost locations. - Public Hearing – Solid Waste Rate Increase (Prop 218): The council considered a resolution to adopt maximum rates for Recology services effective January 1, 2025. Consultant Sean Korn from HDR explained the formula-driven rate setting: a 2.04% increase for regularly scheduled services (Schedule L) and a 3.77% increase for additional services (Schedule Q). Typical residential rates would increase 82 cents to $2.89 per month depending on cart size. With no majority protest, the council voted to adopt the resolution. - General Business – Audit Committee and Measure I Committee Reports: Director Castaneda reported that the independent auditor gave an unmodified (clean) opinion with no internal control issues. The Measure I Advisory Committee confirmed proper use of funds. Councilmembers McCune and Lauder Merlo, who served on the audit subcommittee, praised the city's improved financial reserves. The council received the reports without further action. - General Business – Twin Pines Park Belmont Creek Restoration Project Phase One (Project 3218): Consultant Project Manager Sean Rose presented a $3.967 million project to restore 500 linear feet of creek using natural stabilization methods, remove 36 eucalyptus trees (plus 16 additional hazardous trees requested by Parks and Fire), and replant 48 native trees. Funding sources include a $1 million DWR grant, contributions from San Carlos and San Mateo County, and $832,500 from Belmont’s infrastructure repair fund. Staff noted urgency due to a DWR grant expiration at the end of 2025. The project will improve downstream flooding by reducing sedimentation. Councilmembers asked about the connection to flooding (Rose explained sediment transport reduces channel capacity) and the stormwater detention basin mitigation contribution. The council approved all six actions (design contracts, CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration, construction management agreement, funding amendment, budget appropriations) in a single motion. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: All consent items passed 3-0 (Hurt, McCune, Lauder Merlo aye; Mates and Pang Meganaris absent). - Solid Waste Rate Resolution: Passed 3-0. - Twin Pines Park Belmont Creek Restoration Project: Approved with all six recommended actions: (1) authorize tree removal contract up to $570,000; (2) authorize restoration construction contract up to $2,335,000; (3) adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program; (4) authorize construction management agreement up to $200,000; (5) authorize Amendment 1 to funding agreement with San Carlos and County; (6) authorize budget appropriations totaling $3,967,600. Motion passed 3-0. - Next Steps: Tree removal to begin before nesting bird season; main restoration construction planned for summer 2025 with completion by end of 2025 to meet grant deadlines.

The Audit Committee of the City of Belmont convened on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM in Conference Room 360 at City Hall (One Twin Pines Lane, 3rd Floor). The meeting focused on receiving the FY 2023-24 audit results, approving the draft Audit Committee Annual Report, and reviewing financial policy updates. All agenda items were approved, and the committee received a clean audit opinion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 4, 2024): The minutes were approved unanimously by motion and second; no items were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public attended in person or online. No written public comments were received. Discussion Items - FY 2023-24 Audit Results: Finance Director Grace Castaneda introduced the item, noting the city received an unmodified (clean) opinion on its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the year ended June 30, 2024, as well as on Measure I, Measure A, and Measure W. Audit partner Vikki Rodriguez of Maze & Associates presented the results: - The city’s governmental activities net position increased by $13 million, and business-type activities net position increased by $9.7 million (corrected from a presentation error showing $33.2 million for 2023; actual was $62.9 million). - General fund balance increased by $5 million, reaching $35.5 million. - A new Capital Improvement Projects Fund was established to consolidate all capital project revenues and expenditures, simplifying multi-funded project tracking. - Pension liabilities increased by $2.8 million (compared to $21.9 million last year), and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) liabilities increased by $2 million. - The city has a $2.2 million reserve for qualified capital outlays (Gann limit). - No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified in internal controls; no compliance findings for Measures A or W. - Committee members posed questions on: the accelerated pension paydown strategy (ongoing), the synthetic turf capital lease, the new payroll system (now stable after earlier issues), and depreciation policies (assets over $5,000 non-infrastructure, $25,000 infrastructure, plus new GASB standards for right-of-use leases and SBITAs). - Draft Audit Committee Annual Report: Staff presented the draft report; a note was made to correct incorrect names in the document. The committee recommended approval with corrections. - Financial Policy Updates: Staff reviewed the annual update, noting the city follows best practices from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The financial policies section is now included in the annual budget document appendix. The committee recommended inclusion of the updated policies in the Audit Committee Annual Report. - Committee Updates and Staff Items: The next meeting is scheduled for spring (April/May 2025) to review the FY 2024-25 audit plan and budget forecast. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved the June 4, 2024, minutes (unanimous). - FY 2023-24 Audit Results: Received and accepted; the audit reports (ACFR, Measure I, Measures A & W, Gann limit calculations) were presented and acknowledged. - Draft Audit Committee Annual Report: Approved as amended (name corrections to be made) and will be placed on the City Council agenda for November 26, 2024. - Financial Policy Updates: Recommended inclusion of the updated financial policies in the Audit Committee Annual Report; motion carried unanimously. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for April/May 2025.

The Belmont Public Safety Committee held a virtual meeting on November 18, 2024 at 2:30 PM (noted as 12:15 UTC). The agenda included a special presentation, public comments, consent business, and general business reports. No transcript or minutes were provided, so the summary below is based solely on the agenda. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from September 30, 2024 meeting. - Approval of the Public Safety Committee Meeting Schedule for 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded in the agenda. Discussion Items - Special Presentation: Police Department Employee of the Quarter (agenda lists recommendation to receive information regarding Code Enforcement Officer Dave Asher, possibly a clerical error). - Chiefs Quarterly Update: Overview of new personnel, major case updates, accomplishments, and community outreach. - Traffic Safety Update: Traffic safety report, no action required. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes are recorded as the meeting transcript is unavailable. The committee was scheduled to consider and approve the consent calendar items and receive the reports. Note: The agenda includes a recommendation for the special presentation that appears inconsistent with the item title.

The Belmont Planning Commission held a special meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearings on two residential development proposals and a draft Environmental Impact Report for a major commercial project. The commission approved both residential projects unanimously and heard public comments on the DEIR. Consent Calendar - The meeting began with a motion to continue the approval of meeting minutes for September 17, 2024, and October 1, 2024, due to insufficient quorum. The items were postponed to a future meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7A (3248 Lori Drive): James, a neighbor, expressed concerns about an existing unpermitted deck and retaining wall that encroach on his property. He urged that the hillside stabilization and drainage issues be addressed as a high priority and requested a clear point of contact during construction. He expressed general support for the homeowner's plans. - Item 7C (1301 Shoreway Road DEIR): - Moises Villeda, a field representative for Carpenters Union Local 217, spoke in support of the project but urged the selection of a responsible general contractor that uses local subcontractors and supports apprenticeship programs, emphasizing the need to provide construction jobs to Belmont and San Mateo County residents. - Anthony Urbina, a business representative for Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, representing over 2,000 San Mateo County residents, expressed interest in discussing labor impacts with the developer and submitted a letter requesting careful review of environmental and public health impacts. Discussion Items - Item 7A – 3248 Lori Drive: Staff presented a proposal for a 595-square-foot upper-floor addition to an existing single-family home, bringing total net square footage to 3,075 (max permitted: 3,500). The project included removal of an encroaching deck and addressing drainage/retaining wall issues through conditions of approval. The commission commended neighbor collaboration and approved the design review (Resolution 2021-0059) with a 4-0 vote. - Item 7B – 23 Somerset Court: Staff presented a proposal for a 423-square-foot ground-floor addition (total floor area 3,491 sq ft; max permitted: 7,697 sq ft) to a home in the Hallmark West planned development. The project also involved improving interior flow and adding a JADU. No public comments were received. The commission approved the Conditional Use Permit and Single-Family Design Review (4-0). - Item 7C – 1301 Shoreway Road Draft EIR: Staff and consultants presented an overview of the project—a mixed-use life science and office development with two buildings totaling 541,000 sq ft and a parking structure on 6.91 acres. The DEIR analysis found that all significant environmental impacts can be mitigated to less-than-significant levels, with no significant unavoidable effects. The public comment period runs from October 8 to November 22, 2024. The commission received public testimony but took no action, as the hearing was for comment purposes only. Key Outcomes - Item 7A: Approved Single-Family Design Review at 3248 Lori Drive (Resolution 2021-0059). Vote: 4-0. Conditions include removal of encroaching deck and structural/drainage review during building permit phase. - Item 7B: Approved Conditional Use Permit and Single-Family Design Review at 23 Somerset Court (Application 2024-0030). Vote: 4-0. - Item 7C: Public hearing held; no action taken. The DEIR public comment period remains open until November 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM. All comments received will be addressed in the Final EIR, expected to be released in early 2025, followed by public hearings in March–April 2025.

The Belmont City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM with a closed session (no reportable action), followed by the public portion at 7:06 PM. The council approved the consent calendar, discussed the disposition of three city-owned residential properties, and heard public comments on non-agenda items and on the property disposition. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of September 10, September 24, and October 8, 2024. - Authorized the City Manager to execute a task order with Parametrix for design, bid, and construction support services for the Belmont Village Bicycle Improvement Project Phase 2, not to exceed $53,480, and a budget appropriation of $530,000 ($330,000 from TDA grant and $200,000 from the Street Improvement Fund). - Authorized an amendment to the service agreement with Eaton & Associates for managed IT services for a 24-month term with no fee increases and an option to extend for 12 months. - Authorized an amended agreement with Granicus LLC for website redesign and software solutions (including GovDelivery, GovMeetings, etc.) for $384,897 over five years. The consent calendar was approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Peckler (resident) commented on non-agenda items: reported streetlights out at 112 Clipper Street and the west end of Concourse, dangerous drivers running stop signs, a broken sidewalk on Concourse near Island Parkway, foul odor from the lagoon due to goose droppings, and unsafe sidewalk conditions from droppings. Requested city action. - Laura Bliss (mother of a resident at 503 Crest View Drive) spoke in support of retaining the group home for developmentally disabled adults, noting her son has lived there since age 15 (now 46) and the home was developed by families to keep their children in the community. Expressed gratitude for the city's support. - Andrew Frisch (representing Kinos, operator of 730 El Camino Real) expressed gratitude for the 25-year partnership, support for preserving housing for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and interest in working with the city on all three properties, including Emmett House. Discussion Items City-Owned Property Status and Disposition Options Staff presented three properties owned since redevelopment dissolution in 2012: - 730 El Camino Real: Group home for developmentally disabled adults, leased by Kinos since 1999. Deferred maintenance noted. - 503 Crest View Drive: Intermediate care nursing home for severely disabled adults, leased by Family Homes Inc. since 1999. Recent $15,000 AC replacement. - 1000 O'Neill Avenue (Emmett House): Historic duplex, restricted to households at or below 120% of area median income. Deferred maintenance estimated at $160,000. Staff recommended: - For 503 Crest View and 730 El Camino: Transfer ownership to current operators or a nonprofit, with deed restrictions to maintain use and avoid displacement of medically fragile residents. - For Emmett House: Option A – transfer to nonprofit via RFP with deed restriction for social service use; Option B – sell at market rate with proceeds to the city's Affordable Housing Fund. Council discussion: - All councilmembers supported divesting all three properties, prioritizing continuity of use for the group homes and avoiding displacement. - For 730 El Camino and 503 Crest View: agreement to transfer with deed restrictions ensuring continued use for the current populations. Councilmember Hurt noted the location of 730 El Camino on El Camino Real and potential future land use changes; staff noted deed restrictions could be tailored (e.g., 20-year term) to allow future flexibility. - For Emmett House: majority leaned toward selling at market rate (Option B) to maximize funds for affordable housing, but several councilmembers wanted to explore Option A first to see if nonprofits have interest in operating it as a group home. Council directed staff to bring back more information on nonprofit interest before final decision. Key Outcomes - Council gave direction to proceed with divestment of all three properties. - For 730 El Camino Real and 503 Crest View Drive: staff to pursue transfer to current operators (Kinos and Family Homes) or a nonprofit, with deed restrictions to preserve the residential care use and avoid displacement. - For Emmett House: staff to provide additional analysis on both options (transfer to nonprofit or market sale) and report back to council with potential nonprofit interest and financial implications. - All proceeds from any sale will be directed to the city's Affordable Housing Fund, per funding source restrictions. - No formal vote was taken; direction was given for staff to return with proposals.

The Belmont City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM per the agenda, though the transcript notes a 7:00 PM start. The meeting included special presentations, a consent calendar, a public hearing, and councilmember reports. Key actions included approving a memory care facility at 1041 Hill Street and adopting the consent calendar (with one item pulled for further work). Special Presentations - Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Mates read a proclamation designating October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, citing statistics: more than 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men, and 1 in 2 transgender individuals experience intimate partner violence. In San Mateo County, 94 adults/children received emergency shelter and 67 households received rental assistance. Maria Vastarlo of CORA accepted the proclamation and highlighted the “Speak Up” program and the 24-hour hotline (800-300-1080). - Belmont Softball League Summer Success: Three teams were recognized. The 8U rec team won the Battle of the Bay (silver division). The 8U competitive team placed 4th out of 21 teams at the NORCAL championships, qualified for the California State Games, and placed 2nd in the Pleasanton Summer Classic. The 10U competitive team placed 2nd in the gold division at the Jan McPherson Tournament and 1st in the silver bracket at the Watsonville Strawberry Jam. Coaches and players were introduced, and the league president thanked the city and Parks and Rec staff. - Parks and Recreation Department Update: Bridget Shearer and staff presented an overview: - Belmont Community Learning Center (BCLC): Licensed preschool for ages 2–5, play-based, extended care option added. Challenges include TK expansion and aging facilities. Plan to add a 2-year-old classroom and align curriculum with state foundations. - Summer Aquatics: 531 eight-day lessons, over 1,800 visits in 7 weeks, 18 lifeguards hired. Staffing challenges due to seasonal nature. - Youth & Teen Programs: Camp SOAR had over 800 enrollments (84% Belmont residents), 48 counselors-in-training contributed 2,000+ volunteer hours, and 5 weeks of inclusion camp. The Hide Out program expanded to 80 participants. - Senior Center: Averages 300 drop-in visitors/week. Lunch program serves 30 meals/day (3 days/week). Transportation program and day trips (e.g., Roaring Camp Railroad) are popular. - Facility Rentals: 41,564 attendees at facilities, 14,184 at picnic sites. Events include a wedding fair. Challenges include staffing, cleanup, and policy enforcement. - Upcoming Events: Diwali celebration (Oct 27), Trunk or Treat, holiday events. A piano in Twin Pines Park (painted by Carlmont High School students) was noted as a community asset. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items: A library representative announced upcoming events: Diwali celebration (Oct 27, 2–5 PM), Trunk or Treat participation with a maker mobile, and an author visit with D.M. Rowell (Nov 16, 2–3 PM). No other public comments were made on non-agenda items. - Public Hearing for 1041 Hill Street: No public comments were received, either in person or via Zoom, and no written correspondence was submitted. Consent Calendar Items 10A, 10B, and 10D were approved by a 5-0 vote. Item 10C (Emergency Services Council Joint Powers Agreement) was removed from the consent calendar for further staff work. - 10A: Task orders with NBS for tax roll billing, Proposition 218 services, and Library CFD administration. - 10B: Amendment to contract with Bear Electric Solutions for Ralston Avenue Adaptive Signal Control Technology System Project, cabinet relocation, not to exceed $462,370.52. Councilmembers discussed system reliability and future AI integration; staff noted the system is adaptive and the contract is for physical cabinet relocation. - 10D: Quarterly Strategic Plan Update. Councilmember Hurt praised the dashboard and highlighted accomplishments in transit-oriented housing, pavement improvement, climate resilience, etc. Discussion Items (Public Hearing) 1041 Hill Street – New Memory Care Facility (Second Reading) - Senior Planner Rob Gill presented a recap: The project demolishes an existing skilled nursing facility and constructs a 24,806 sq ft, three-story memory care building with 42 beds (30 single, 6 companion units), 34 parking spaces, and contemporary design. No changes to the existing assisted living community. The planning commission recommended approval in August; first reading of the ordinance occurred in September. - Councilmembers expressed support, noting the need for such services and the appropriateness of the location, parking ratios, and impact fee agreement. - Key Outcomes: The council approved the following actions unanimously (5-0): 1. Approved the impact fee agreement resolving a fee dispute. 2. Adopted the ordinance (2nd reading) for a Planned Development Zone Amendment and associated Conceptual Development Plan. 3. Adopted resolutions approving the Conditional Use Permit, Detailed Development Plan, Grading Plan, Design Review, and Tree Removal Permit. 4. Adopted a resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Section 15332 (In-Fill Development). Councilmember Announcements & Reports - Councilmember Announcements: Reminders about National Walk and Roll to School Day (Oct 9), Belmont Water Dog Run (Oct 12), Diwali celebration, and voting. Vice Mayor reported on a public safety subcommittee commending two officers for saving lives, and noted that San Mateo County ranks 1 in California for sea level rise impacts. Councilmember Q reported on Rethink Waste board meeting (new office, plastic bag ban SB 1053, hydrogen truck pilot) and Peninsula Clean Energy board discussing Diablo Canyon relicensing: the board voted to accept $40 million in attributes for customer benefit, with a label noting “nuclear” on Eco Plus bills. - Verbal Reports: Councilmembers attended a 2x2 meeting with Mid-Peninsula Water District and the 17th annual School Leadership Luncheon. City Manager gave a brief report. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0 (Items 10A, 10B, 10D; 10C pulled). - 1041 Hill Street Memory Care Facility: All entitlements, fee agreement, and CEQA exemption approved 5-0. - Item 10C Removed: The Emergency Services Council JPA will be brought back after further staff work. - Council Reports: No formal votes; information only. Note: The agenda listed a 6:00 PM start, but the transcript states the meeting began at 7:00 PM. The provided timestamp (2024-10-08 14:15:00+00:00) corresponds to 7:15 AM PDT, which is inconsistent with the evening session. This summary uses the given date as instructed.

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting began with roll call (all commissioners present except Fox and Liefert) and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was amended to move the Belmont Community Learning Center (BCLC) update earlier in the agenda and to strike Item C (Appointment of Commissioners to the Alameda de las Pulgas Improvements Project Stakeholder Group) for further staff review. No public comments were made during the community forum. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 4, 2024 draft minutes unanimously (5-0) without discussion. Discussion Items Belmont Community Learning Center Update - Ingrid Oriana, BCLC Director and Recreation Supervisor, presented an update on the preschool program. BCLC is a state-licensed preschool with a capacity of 75 children (ages 2–5) across three classrooms, offering full-day and part-day programs. The curriculum is play-based and staffed by long-tenured teachers (e.g., Teacher Sally with 27 years, Teacher Hazel with 23 years). Enrollment numbers have dipped due to the statewide expansion of Transitional Kindergarten (TK), which by 2025 will make all four-year-olds eligible. BCLC is adapting by increasing two-year-old spots, embedding the new California Preschool/TK Learning Foundations, enrolling as a 4C's provider (since May 2024) to serve low-income families, and offering extended care (5–6 PM) as of October 2024. Approximately 29% of families now use extended care. Commissioners praised the staff tenure and Ingrid's leadership, and suggested exploring volunteer-for-tuition models, alumni engagement, and facility improvements (e.g., bathroom sinks for younger children). A Fall Festival is planned for October 25 at Barrett Field. Fire Safety in Belmont - Scott (staff) presented on fire safety, covering vegetation management, open space (300 acres), SMC Fire's role, and state fire hazard severity zones. The city has LRA (Local Responsibility Area) lands managed by SMC Fire, with some areas designated "very high" hazard. 2024 has seen over 6,500 wildfires and over 1 million acres burned in California, compared to a wetter 2023. Key initiatives include: fuel reduction grants, a expanded residential chipping program for properties west of Alameda de las Pulgas, trail closures on red-flag days, and SMC Fire inspections of properties adjacent to open space (with potential homeowner costs for non-compliance). Commissioners asked about tree removal, evacuation communication (SMC Alert system, new Genesis zones), and the San Juan Canyon trail closure (due to FEMA repair delays). Commissioner Emkin offered to assist communities in becoming Firewise, noting her experience in Yosemite. The presentation emphasized year-round fire season, home hardening, and residents knowing their evacuation zone. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved September 4, 2024 draft minutes (5-0). - Agenda Amendment: Item C (Appointment to ADLP Stakeholder Group) was struck from the agenda and returned to staff for further review. - No formal action was taken on the BCLC or Fire Safety items; both were informational presentations. - Commissioner Austin highlighted the upcoming Water Dog Run on October 12. - Department updates included upcoming events: Movies in the Park (Oct 4, Barrett), High School Fair (Oct 16), Diwali celebration (Oct 27), Trunk or Treat (Oct 30), and Holiday Craft Fair (Nov 23).

The Belmont Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, starting at 7:07 PM and adjourning at 7:50 PM. The meeting included a public hearing for a single-family design review and tree removal permit at 3300 Lower Lock Avenue, which was approved unanimously. The consent calendar item (approval of September 17, 2024 minutes) was tabled due to insufficient commissioners who had attended that prior meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Meeting Minutes (September 17, 2024): The item was tabled because only three commissioners had been present at the September 17 meeting, and the chair determined that at least four commissioners who attended that meeting were needed to approve the minutes. Commissioners present for the October 1 meeting included Chair Coolidge, Commissioner Kramer, Commissioner Majeski, and Commissioner Gurovich (who abstained from the minutes vote). The minutes will be reconsidered at a future meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Community Forum (Item 3): No public comments were received. - Public Hearing (Item 7A): Two neighbors spoke: - Michelle (in chambers): Expressed grave concerns about fire safety, noting the property's distance from the nearest fire hydrant and past fires in San Juan Canyon. She also raised issues about an outdated geotechnical report (originally from 2009) and the lack of updated climate-change considerations. She described a personal dispute with the applicant over an easement and fence removal, saying the applicant called police to have her removed from her own backyard, undermining trust for future safety discussions. - Roman (via Zoom): Expressed concern about fire hazard from the large undeveloped parcel and asked about plans for vegetation management on the broader property. Discussion Items - 3300 Lower Lock Avenue – Single-Family Design Review and Tree Removal Permit: - Staff (Planner Sheck) presented the project: a 4,392 sq. ft. home and an ADU on a 10-acre parcel (combined with a 1-acre access lot), with a 4,500 sq. ft. maximum allowed. The site has an average slope of 45%. The proposal includes removing three protected Coast Live Oaks and replacing them with three 36-inch box trees (exceeding the 15-gallon requirement). The arborist recommended removal due to proximity to improvements. Dead trees (20–30) will also be removed for defensible space. Earthwork involves 410 cubic yards of cut (repurposed on site) and 120 cubic yards imported fill. The design splits the house into two wings connected by a low gallery, recessing the lower floor 5–6 feet into the slope to minimize height. Fire department and geotechnical reports (peer-reviewed in 2024) were addressed. The applicant (John Wagner and Emily Hugo) and architect (Jim Miller) spoke in favor, emphasizing family ties to Belmont and the design’s integration with the landscape. - Commissioner questions focused on the previous expired approvals (different plans), dead trees (not protected), and the updated geotechnical peer review (2024). - Commissioners expressed general support, noting the project meets guidelines, fire department sign-off, and that vegetation management will reduce fire risk compared to the current unkempt land. The prescriptive easement dispute was noted but clarified as outside the commission’s purview. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the Single-Family Design Review and Tree Removal Permit (Resolution of the Planning Commission) for 3300 Lower Lock Avenue (APNs 043-042-750 and 043-192-210; Application 2024-0035) was made by Commissioner Kramer, seconded by Commissioner Majeski. - Vote: 4-0 in favor (Commissioners Gurovich, Kramer, Majeski, and Chair Coolidge all voting aye; three commissioners absent). - The decision is appealable within 10 calendar days. - Upcoming: The draft Environmental Impact Report for the 1301 Shoreway project will be released for public review starting the week of October 7, 2024, with a public comment meeting scheduled for November 4, 2024 (instead of the regular November 5 meeting, which falls on election day).