Public Meetings - Belmont, California

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were available for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be provided.

The City Council of Belmont, also acting as the Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors, held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included special presentations on parks, wildfire preparedness, and community center planning; the unanimous approval of the consent calendar; and a detailed discussion on a proposed business license tax update, with direction given to staff to bring ballot language to the July 9 meeting. Councilmembers McEwen, Vice Mayor Loud Merlo, and Mayor Mates were present; Councilmembers Pang, Meganaris, and Hurt were absent. Consent Calendar - Public Improvements Acceptance - 1325 Old County Road: Approved resolution accepting improvements for Artisan Crossing apartments, authorizing bond releases and a warranty bond. - Municipal Election November 5, 2024: Approved resolutions calling for elections for two Councilmembers (Districts 2 and 4) and an at-large Mayor, and authorizing a contract with San Mateo County for election services. - City Council Regular Meeting Time, Record of Actions, and Agenda Format: Approved resolution modifying protocols (meeting start time flexibility but regular business at 7 PM), endorsed minute orders without resolutions, and separated City Council and Fire Protection District agendas; also adopted a Fire Protection District resolution allowing cancellation of meetings when no business is scheduled. A minor typo in a code section reference was noted and will be corrected. - Craftwater Engineering Agreement Amendment 4: Approved $142,065 amendment for total contract not-to-exceed $1,441,503. - Revised Master Employee Pay Schedule: Approved resolution for CalPERS compliance. - Belmont Village Bicycle Improvement Project Appropriation and TDA Article 3 Allocation: Approved $530,000 budget appropriation ($330,000 TDA grant + $200,000 from Street Improvement Fund). - Purchasing and Contracting Authority and Procedures Amendments: Introduced ordinance and adopted resolution updating thresholds and procedures. All consent items were approved by a 3-0 vote (McEwen, Loud Merlo, Mates). Public Comments & Testimony - No comments on items not on the agenda (Item 5). - For the Business License Tax Update (Item 9A), four speakers commented: - Mary Morrissey Pardon: Expressed concern about low survey response (128 responses), that the proposed model benefits small businesses but may not reflect broader business interests; noted absence of subcommittee members; urged council to delay decision until full subcommittee input is received; cautioned about pass-through costs to tenants and economic challenges. - Alan Parker (small contractor): Called the proposed model unfair; noted that his business does little revenue in Belmont but pays high base tax compared to restaurants; agreed with previous speaker. - Robert (small business owner/general contractor): Agreed with previous speakers; argued the gross receipts tax would discourage small businesses and be passed on to consumers, fueling inflation. - Leslie (small business owner): Sought clarification on how business categories and lower rates for narrower margin businesses were determined; requested that information. Discussion Items - Parks Make Life Better Proclamation (4A): Director Bridget Shearer and staff presented the proclamation declaring July 2024 as Parks Make Life Better Month. A video highlighted Barrett Community Center use and need for a new facility. Council praised the department's passion. - San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Wildland and Fire Update (4B): Fire Marshal Carissa Workman and Deputy Chief Matt Turterici provided the update. Key points: fire season started, resources deployed; inspections in designated wildland zones; defensible space importance. Statistics: year-to-date over 750 incidents, 5:42 average turnout time (skewed by out-of-county responses). Discussed the eight-alarm Menlo Park fire (Belmont sent 9 engines, 2 trucks, 1 battalion chief). Augmented response agreement with CalFire for Belmont Hills area. Two Type 6 quick-attack engines stationed in Belmont. Social media channels for wildfire information. Community non-emergency number (650-522-790). - Community Center Conversation Update (4C): Director Bridget Shearer presented an update on reviving community center planning. Over 230 survey responses received. Current Barrett Center (built 1948) showing age; community desires modernization, expanded programs, accessibility, emergency relief center, and amenities like a pool and pickleball courts. Discussed funding through developer contributions, grants, and the Belmont Community Foundation. Council expressed support and urged further community outreach. - Business License Tax Update (9A): Staff (Karen Clark, Assistant City Manager Kleinbaum) presented the proposed model: business receipts by category, minimum tax $25 (down from $341), revenue neutral. 63% of businesses would see a decrease. Survey of 129 businesses showed top preference for this model. Godby Research polling (302 interviews, ±5.58% margin) showed initial support at 59.2%, rising to 65.4% after information. Council discussion: Vice Mayor Loud Merlo and Councilmember McEwen supported moving forward to ballot; Mayor Mates leaned toward proceeding but noted low survey response (128) and wished for more input. Council directed staff to bring ballot language to the July 9, 2024 meeting for further discussion, aiming for the November 2024 ballot. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 3-0. - Business License Tax Update: Council directed staff to prepare ballot language for the July 9, 2024 meeting; no final vote tonight. The ballot measure would appear on the November 5, 2024, election if approved at a future meeting. - Other Actions: Introduced new Community Library Manager Chris (announcement); recognized upcoming events (Police Academy, DEI presentation, National Night Out).

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM, the Belmont City Council and Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors held a special meeting in the City Council Chambers. The sole business item was a presentation on the City's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative for FY 2024. Councilmembers present included Mayor Mates, Vice Mayor Lauder Merlin, and Councilmember McCune; Councilmembers Pang, Maganaris, and Hurt were absent. Discussion Items - DEI Initiative Update (FY 2024): Bridget Shearer, Director of Parks and Recreation and DEI Officer, presented an overview of the City's DEI activities. She recapped the history since 2017, including the creation of a DEI statement, formation of a steering and working committee, and implementation of staff trainings (e.g., Foundations of DEI, Handling Difficult Conversations). She reported that the DEI 2.0 committee focused on five goals: (1) developing a calendar of cultural and community recognitions, (2) creating a DEI update format for staff, (3) conducting an interest survey and staff unity activities, (4) identifying translation services (HANA Interpretation and Translation Services, including ASL), and (5) clarifying outreach to underrepresented groups. She noted that the City has collaborated with the Belmont Library for Lunar New Year and Diwali events, and that community interest must drive future events. She also highlighted ongoing DEI work across departments, including affordable housing (131 units completed in 18 months, 125 under construction, 118 approved), improvements to ADA access, and equitable allocation of youth sports fields. Looking ahead, the City plans to launch a DEI 3.0 committee, continue training, and engage the community for the 2025 centennial celebration. A co-hosted event on combating Islamophobia and Antisemitism is scheduled for July 24, 2024. - Council Comments and Questions: - Mayor Mates requested copies of the slides showing the event/proclamation list and ongoing DEI initiatives. She asked how the City will find community groups to host events, suggesting outreach via the county database and a clear online process. She also noted that Juneteenth was on the list (bolded for a proclamation) and emphasized the need to continue prioritizing people with disabilities through facility spending. - Vice Mayor Lauder Merlin praised the progress and the methodical approach. She stressed the importance of developing a process for community engagement (Goal 1), noting that groups like Carlmont DEI students have approached the City but that a more structured system is needed. She suggested a hybrid model like Burlingame or Redwood City, perhaps using volunteer resident ambassadors, and noted that the centennial could be a catalyst. She expressed willingness to help with outreach. - Councilmember McCune echoed the idea of volunteer ambassadors and thanked Irma Zeph (DEI consultant) for her work, congratulating her on being appointed to the San Mateo County Women's Commission. He also thanked the internal committee. Key Outcomes - The Council received the DEI update and expressed support for the initiatives. - Staff will provide copies of the requested slides. - The City will work to develop a clearer process for community members to propose and host cultural events, leveraging county resources and volunteer ambassadors. - The DEI 3.0 committee will continue goal-setting and operationalizing equity, with a focus on the centennial celebration. - The meeting adjourned after the presentation and council comments, with no further business.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no discussion items, public comments, decisions, or outcomes can be summarized.

At the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers, the Belmont City Council and Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors covered proclamations, a strategic communications update, public comments, and several public hearings. Key actions included adopting a 4% sewer rate increase for two years, approving the FY 2024-25 budget, and authorizing collection of various fees on the tax roll. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of May 28, 2024, meetings. - Accepted April 2024 monthly financial reports. - Approved a three-year service agreement with Industrial Employers and Distributors Association (IEDA) for labor negotiation services. - Adopted a resolution accepting the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project and authorizing Notice of Completion. - Ratified the FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 budgets for the Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department. Public Comments & Testimony - Terry Cook (Park Boosters): Announced the first concert of the season on June 16 and appealed for more volunteers to help with refreshments at concerts. - Juliana Carlini: Criticized the council for prioritizing car-oriented infrastructure over people-oriented projects, citing San Carlos's downtown plan as an example of better practices. Urged the council to align actions with stated values. Discussion Items - Proclamations: Mayor Mates read proclamations recognizing June as Pride Month (2024 theme: Medicine) and June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth Independence Day. Dr. Vaughn from Notre Dame de Namur University spoke in support, highlighting the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion. - Strategic Communications and Community Engagement Update: Communications Officer Elizabeth Sares reported on the past year's successes: 206,000 website visitors (16% increase), 680,000 page views (4.7% increase), 2,462 new email subscribers (18% increase), and 81% email engagement rate. Upcoming projects include a website refresh, the "My Belmont" mobile app for service requests, and a staff intranet. Council discussed the logo design (some concerns about the flat logo) and suggested improving website usability for permitting processes. - Sewer Service Charge Increase (Public Hearing 8A): The council held a public hearing on a proposed 4% increase in sewer rates for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26. The rate study, presented by consultant Josiah Close, projected a need to maintain debt service coverage at 2.0 and fund capital improvements. Only eight protests were received. The council adopted the increase 4-0. - Annual Reports for Collection of Fees (Public Hearings 8B, 8C, 8D): The council held three separate public hearings to authorize collection of sewer service fees, sewer treatment facility charges, and storm drainage fees on the tax roll. No protests were received for these items. All three were adopted 4-0. - Budget Adoption (Public Hearing 8E): Finance Director Grace Casaneda presented the FY 2024-25 budget. Total operating budget is $77.1 million, CIP is $25.4 million, and the general fund is balanced at $31.5 million in revenues vs. $31.3 million in expenditures. The budget addresses the ongoing threat of state Vehicle License Fee (VLF) shortfall, which could cost Belmont $1 million annually. The state legislature included the shortfall payment in its proposed budget, but the governor may still line-item veto. The budget aligns with the city's strategic focus areas. The council adopted the budget and related resolutions (appropriations limit, library tax, fee schedule) 4-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: All items approved 4-0 (Councilmember Pang absent). - Sewer Rate Increase: Approved 4-0, effective July 1, 2024, with 4% increases in each of the next two fiscal years. - Annual Reports for Fee Collection: All three resolutions (sewer service fees, sewer treatment facility charges, storm drainage fees) approved 4-0. - FY 2024-25 Budget: Approved 4-0, including resolutions for the appropriations limit, special library tax, and revised master revenue schedule. - APWA Accreditation: City Manager announced that the Public Works Department received accreditation, making Belmont one of only 18 cities in California with this recognition. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned in memory of community member Jeffrey Jackson, owner of ECR Pub.

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission held a regular meeting on June 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM (agenda) / 7:15 PM UTC. The meeting included presentations on fuel reduction treatments and the community center conversation, along with routine approvals and updates. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - May 1, 2024 Draft Minutes: Approved unanimously (5-0) with no discussion or requests for removal. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the Community Forum or during agenda items. No speaker slips or Zoom hand raises were recorded. Discussion Items - Fuel Reduction Treatment Presentation – Jeremy Kahn (Dudek, registered professional forester) presented a treatment prescription for 50-foot-wide strips along trails/roads in Water Dog Lake and San Juan Canyon open spaces. The goal is to modify fire behavior to allow fire department access. Treatments include mastication (mechanical) on accessible roads and hand crews in steeper/riparian areas, leaving the forest canopy intact. Biological and cultural resource avoidance strategies were highlighted, including buffers for sensitive species. Commissioner questions addressed visual impact, percentage of open space treated (not quantified), project timeline (4–6 weeks estimated), cost ($325,000 grant), and maintenance frequency (every 2–5 years). The city plans extensive public outreach before work begins. - Community Center Conversation Update – Bridget (staff) presented an update on the Barrett Community Center. Key points: the 73-year-old building is beyond useful life; a 2019 conceptual design exists but is being revisited due to the pandemic, new emergencies, trends (e.g., pickleball), demographic shifts, and neighboring facilities (e.g., College of San Mateo pool). Survey responses (over 150) prioritize multi-generational spaces, flexible rooms, gym, pool, teen/senior lounges, improved parking, and ADA accessibility. Funding challenges were discussed: Belmont has lower general fund revenues per household than neighboring cities. Next steps include continued outreach, grant seeking, and potential ballot measures after November 2024 elections. Commissioners suggested adding e-bike parking, storage, and considering walkability linkages. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved (5-0). - Fuel reduction presentation received; no action required. Staff will proceed with finalizing the plan, submitting CEQA documentation, and selecting a vendor. - Community center presentation received; no action required. Staff will continue community conversations and refine the design based on feedback. - Next regular meeting scheduled for July 17, 2024 (not first Wednesday). - Meeting adjourned.

The Belmont Planning Commission met on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. Five commissioners were present (Commissioners Gurevich, Kramer, Twig, Adam Kevich, and Chair Coolidge); Commissioners Meyer and Majeski were absent. The meeting covered three public hearings (two single-family design reviews and one continued complex project), a study session on the Twin Pines Park Stormwater Detention Basin Draft EIR, and a consistency finding for the FY2025 Capital Improvement Program. Consent Calendar - Approval of Meeting Minutes (May 7, 2024): Approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - 815 Hiller Street: A neighbor (grandson of adjacent resident) expressed full support via Zoom. An email from Mr. Bench also supported the project but raised concerns about construction pollutants and requested preservation of a redwood tree. - 1506 Williams Street: Two neighbors from Winding Way (backyard adjacent) spoke in person, objecting to second-story windows overlooking their bedrooms and lack of privacy. Another neighbor (Vidya Sarma) spoke via Zoom with questions about foundation impacts, light blockage, ADU rental, and construction noise/duration. The architect (Faye Faye) and homeowner (Marco) spoke in favor of the project, noting outreach efforts and design modifications. - Monte Cresta/Sequoia Way (Item 7C): One person (Richard Pendress) addressed the commission, requesting to be added to the notification list for future hearings, noting he had received no notice despite proximity. - Twin Pines Park DEIR (Item 8A): No public comments were received at the meeting. Discussion Items - 815 Hiller Street – Single Family Design Review: The project proposed a 1,014-square-foot upper-floor addition (new second story) and a 438-square-foot ground-floor addition (total 1,452 sf addition). Resulting gross floor area would be 3,054 sf (permitted 3,145 sf). Lot size: 7,436 sf, average upslope 5.41%. Staff recommended approval, finding compliance with design criteria and no public view impacts. The applicant (Lisa Wellman, Plan A Design Group) described design strategies to reduce bulk and maintain privacy. Commissioners praised the design and supported the project. A question about reflective roofing standards was raised but not part of the project. No tree impacts were identified. - 1506 Williams Street – Single Family Design Review: The project proposed a 1,279-square-foot upper-floor addition (new second story) and an 801-square-foot ground-floor addition (total 2,085 sf addition). Resulting gross floor area would be 4,025 sf (maximum allowed). Lot size: 13,500 sf, downslope 14.23%. A large-lot setback averaging 18.5 feet applied (actual setbacks exceeded requirements). An attached ADU (765 sf) is ministerial and not under review. Staff recommended approval. The architect noted community outreach and design adjustments. Commissioners discussed context (neighborhood mix of lot sizes), confirmed the project meets all development standards, and noted that privacy and private view impacts are not part of design review for this project (no floor area exception). The architect explained the ADU rental restrictions (long-term only). Commissioner Twig inquired about landscaping and a pond; both are existing or not part of this application. The commission approved the project. - Item 7C – Monte Cresta Drive and Sequoia Way – Hillside Roadway Improvement Plan (Continued): Staff requested a further continuance to a date uncertain, citing additional CEQA analysis and response to public comments. The commission voted to continue (5-0). Full public notice will be provided for the rescheduled hearing. - Item 8A – Twin Pines Park Stormwater Detention Basin Project Draft EIR: Public Works staff and an environmental consultant (ESA) presented the project. The underground detention basin (five-acre-foot phase one, four-acre-foot phase two) will be built under the City Hall parking lot to reduce downstream flooding in the Harbor Industrial Area. Construction of phase one (May 2025 – April 2027) would close the parking lot and parts of Twin Pines Lane. The Draft EIR identifies significant unavoidable impacts to tribal cultural resources, mitigated through a data recovery plan and tribal coordination. The 45-day comment period runs May 14 – June 28, 2024. No decision was required; the commission provided feedback, including clarifications on table 5.1 (alternative comparison) and tree removal count (seven trees). Commissioners asked about sediment reuse, pollutant capture, and the depth/alternatives. No public comments were offered at the meeting. - Item 8B – Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvement Program – General Plan Consistency Review: The commission found the FY2025 CIP (62 projects, $25.4 million budget, $83 million five-year plan) consistent with the Belmont 2035 General Plan and Belmont Village Specific Plan. The action is categorically exempt from CEQA (Section 15306). Commissioner Twig noted the unfunded backlog for street maintenance ($33 million). The resolution was adopted (5-0). Key Outcomes - 815 Hiller Street: Approved (Motion 2024-0014, 5-0). Appealable within 10 calendar days. - 1506 Williams Street: Approved (Application 2024-004, 5-0). Appealable within 10 calendar days. - Monte Cresta/Sequoia Way: Continued to a date uncertain (5-0). Notice to be provided. - Twin Pines Park DEIR: No action taken; public comment period open until June 28, 2024, at 5:00 PM. - FY2025 CIP Consistency: Resolution adopted (5-0). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 2, 2024, subject to commissioner availability; no time-sensitive items currently pending.

The City Council met on May 28, 2024, to introduce the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget, take action on consent calendar items, and hear public comment on transportation projects. The meeting included a detailed budget presentation, discussion on reserve policy, and direction to staff. A closed session on labor negotiations was scheduled for later in the evening. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the May 14, 2024, special and regular meeting of the City Council and the Belmont Fire Protection District were approved. - Gates + Associates and WRA, Inc. Contract Amendments – Approved contract amendments totaling $10,460 for Gates + Associates (Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan) and $22,000 for WRA, Inc. (Open Space Management Plan and Environmental Impact Analysis), both for litigation support related to the PROS plan. Councilmember McCune clarified that the amendments were needed to prepare the administrative record for a lawsuit. - 2024 Slurry Seal Project Task Order – Approved a task order with Pavement Engineering, Inc. for construction management and inspection services, not to exceed $199,980. - Belmont Village Bike and Pedestrian Project Design Amendment 1 – Approved a contract amendment with Parametrix, Inc. ($49,805) to extend the southbound left-turn pocket at Ralston Avenue, including median demolition, striping, landscaping, and traffic control plans. Councilmember Pang-Maganaris asked about tree mitigation; staff confirmed they would coordinate with Parks and Recreation for replanting. Public comment opposing the project was heard (see below). The motion passed 5-0. - Recommended Timed Parking Along 1325 Old County Road and Parking Restriction Along Irene Court – Approved a resolution establishing two-hour timed parking signs at Artisan Crossing and no-parking zones on Irene Court. - San Juan Blvd Sewer Capacity Improvement Project Task Order – Approved a task order with MNS Engineers, Inc. for construction management and inspection services, not to exceed $270,452. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5 – Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items: A speaker (Juliano) addressed the Alameda Corridor project, expressing concern that the design prioritizes cars over safe bike infrastructure. He argued that protected bike lanes would reduce congestion by shifting students from cars to bikes, and noted that the project website claims congestion relief and safety but the design fails at both. He invited council members to observe the corridor with him. - Consent Calendar (Item 7D): Speaker Juliana Carlini urged the council to reject the left-turn lane project, describing it as a car project that increases capacity and induces demand. She stated that the only solution is mode shift (mass transit or biking), and that the project would make biking more dangerous. She cited the “first law of holes” and asked the council to stop adding car infrastructure. Discussion Items - Introduction of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget (Item 9A): - Finance Director Grace Castaneda presented the budget, which totals $102.5 million citywide ($77.1 million operating, $25.4 million capital). The general fund is balanced at $31.5 million in revenues and $31.3 million in expenditures, with no draw on reserves. Property tax accounts for 40% of general fund revenue, but only 7 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the city. - A major risk is the state’s potential underfunding of Vehicle License Fee (VLF) in-lieu payments, which could cost Belmont $1.1 million in FY2024-25, $10 million over five years, and $30 million over ten years. Councilmember McCune clarified that the risk is a $1 million annual shortfall, not the full $4 million VLF allocation. The city is part of a coalition of San Mateo County cities advocating for full funding. - The city has 144.75 FTEs, a 0.5 FTE increase from upgrading part-time preschool teachers to full-time. Nearly 45% of employees are new in the last 18 months, requiring significant training. - Department heads presented highlights: Community Development reported over 840 new housing units since 2015 (330 affordable), with more in the pipeline. Parks and Recreation manages 15 parks, 300 acres of open space, and is working on a community center at the Barrett site. Police Chief Stenquist noted the department’s budget is $16.1 million, with grants funding a COPS officer and traffic safety initiatives. Public Works focuses on status quo, with ongoing pavement and sewer projects. Administration reported HR hiring 45 people in the last year and IT upgrades including security systems and council chamber AV. - On the reserve policy, staff recommended eliminating the static $5 million minimum and retaining the 33% target (approximately $10 million), which aligns with GFOA best practices. Council unanimously affirmed this change. - Council discussed strategies to diversify revenue, including exploring cannabis businesses, a Community Facilities District (CFD) for new development, and the recently passed TOT increase. Councilmember Lauder-Merlino noted that local control is key to protecting against state actions. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Approved – All items (7A through 7F) were approved by a 5-0 vote, with discussion on 7B and 7D. - Budget Direction – Council provided direction to staff to proceed with the FY2024-25 budget as presented, including the revised reserve policy (eliminate $5 million minimum, keep 33% target). A public hearing and budget adoption are scheduled for June 11, 2024. - Closed Session – The council recessed to closed session for labor negotiations with designated representatives (City Manager and City Attorney) regarding unrepresented employees. No report was made at the meeting; the session was to conclude after the regular meeting adjourned.