Public Meetings - Belmont, California

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered updates on the Creek Bank Restoration Project, adult and senior services programming, the Belmont Centennial Celebration, a sense of belonging initiative, and the summer meeting schedule. Public comments were received, and the commission approved the consent calendar and voted on the summer meeting schedule. Consent Calendar - Approved the April 2, 2025 draft minutes (motion carried 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Lizal, president of the Belmont Community Foundation, announced the "Imagine Together" event on August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Barrett Community Center, aimed at envisioning the future of the center. She encouraged community participation and volunteer support. - Annabel, a student from Nuneva, expressed appreciation for the parks department's work and emphasized the importance of parks as green spaces for social connection and environmental benefits (air quality, stormwater runoff reduction). She urged continued investment in accessible parks. Discussion Items - Creek Bank Restoration Project Update (Public Works): Sean Rose presented the project update. The project covers 500 linear feet of Belmont Creek in Twin Pines Park, using natural stabilization methods (grading banks, raising channel invert with riffles, logs, root wads, boulders). Tree removal was completed early to avoid nesting bird season. The contractor, Hanford ARC, will begin construction on June 15, 2025, with in-creek work required by October 31, 2025. The playground and creek access will be maintained; a temporary construction access road from Ralston Avenue will minimize park disruption. The project aims to reduce sediment transport downstream, lessening flooding and dredging needs. Monitoring and replanting (48 native trees, thousands of plants) will follow. Commissioners praised the project's design and public outreach signage. - Adult and Senior Services Programming Update: Recreation Supervisor Corey Furman reported a weekly attendance increase of about 100 people at the senior center, which is now open Monday–Friday. Programs include drop-in activities (table games, arts, language groups, movies, fitness classes like pickleball and music/movement), educational seminars, social events, day trips, and a volunteer-led lunch program averaging 33–37 meals daily. The van service provided 161 rides in April. The city is developing an Age-Friendly Action Plan (via the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence), with a survey receiving over 200 responses and a town hall. Commissioners discussed outreach strategies, including engaging faith communities and leveraging the library partnership. Two centenarians (Emily and Norma) were celebrated. - Belmont Centennial Celebration Update: Staff presented plans for Belmont's 100th anniversary in 2026. A steering committee and branding (logo featuring 100 years with local imagery) have been developed. A signature event is planned for fall 2026 (possibly indoor gala). The city will incorporate centennial branding into existing events (Earth Day, egg hunt, movie nights, etc.) and host community-led events through a grant application process. Partnership opportunities and sponsorship tiers (Emmett, Cipriani, Ralston, Centennial levels) were outlined. Next steps include launching sponsorship efforts and the community-led event grant process. Commissioners suggested adding a parade and engaging Carlmont High School youth. - Creating a Sense of Belonging in Belmont's Parks Update: Staff provided a brief update on the chatty bench concept, noting that budget constraints may require grant funding or using leftover logs from the creek restoration project. The commission acknowledged ongoing efforts (e.g., senior center activities) and discussed outreach to communities of faith and volunteer opportunities. - Parks and Recreation Commission Summer Meeting Schedule: Staff proposed postponing the July meeting to July 16, 23, or 30, and canceling the August meeting. After discussion, the commission voted to set the summer meeting on July 16, 2025 (motion carried 5-0). Key Outcomes - Approved the April 2, 2025 minutes (5-0). - Set the summer meeting for July 16, 2025 (5-0), effectively combining July and August meetings. - No formal action taken on other items; presentations and updates were received. - The commission expressed support for the centennial celebration, including a parade, and encouraged community involvement. - Staff will continue seeking funding for the belonging initiative and explore grant opportunities. Other Business/Updates - Department updates included installation of new AEDs at Barrett and the sports complex, successful events (wedding fair, youth police forum, adaptive egg hunt, egg adventure hunt with 18,000 eggs, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, garden workshop, Arbor Day tree planting, lodge maintenance). The "Your Voice, Your Belmont" survey is ongoing, with a focus on community priorities and the need for a new community center. Upcoming events: community hikes (May 14), Belmont Blooms (May 31), and pickleball tournament (June 2).

The City Council convened at 6:30 PM for a study session on the Centennial Celebration planning, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers Jordan, McCune, Vice Mayor Pang-Maganaris, and Mayor Mates were present; Councilmember Latimerlo was absent. The meeting included special presentations, public comments, consent calendar approval, and two major discussion items: the annual transportation and mobility update and proposed amendments to the Regional Commercial (RC) Zoning District. Study Session: Centennial Celebration Discussion - Parks and Recreation Director Brigitte Shearer presented plans for Belmont's 100th birthday in 2026. Key elements include a signature event in fall 2026 (actual date October 26), branding using a special logo, community engagement through a website (Belmont.gov/100years), surveys, and a steering committee. Proposed events include a time capsule, storytelling, community art projects, and repainting fire hydrants. - Funding would come from a $10,000 city budget marker plus sponsorships at tiers: $1,000 (Emmett), $2,500 (Cipriani), $5,000 (Ralston), and $10,000 (Centennial level), along with a community-led grant process. - Council discussion suggested early engagement with the school district, use of digital and physical archives (e.g., a then-and-now photo book), and outreach to local colleges for history student involvement. Special Presentations - Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2025): Proclamation accepted by Patricia Player Maxwell of Belmont Redwood Shores Rotary Club, highlighting a June 27 event and an August 23 event focused on mental health for seniors and children. - Earth Day (April 22, 2025): Proclamation recognizing the 55th anniversary and the theme "Our Power, Our Planet." - Arbor Day (April 25, 2025): Proclamation noting 44 trees planted in Belmont, 18 consecutive years as a Tree City USA, and a fall tree giveaway. - National Arab American Heritage Month (May 2025): Proclamation celebrating contributions of Arab Americans. - Celebrate the Music Festival: Alan Sarver announced the 21st annual event on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Twin Pines Park, featuring student performances, a battle of the bands between UC Davis and Carlmont High School, and community activities. Councilmember McCune requested a larger stage for the West Bay Community Band in future years. Public Comments on Items Not on Agenda - Tiffany Obayashi urged installation of a pedestrian railing along Ralston Avenue near the middle school, citing safety risks from high-speed traffic. She reported 904 signatures on a Change.org petition and requested the topic be placed on a future agenda. - Eric Dentler spoke about the Belmont History Museum's role in counterculture music history (e.g., the In Room venue, Grateful Dead connections) and asked for council support to increase public awareness and visitation. Consent Calendar All seven items were approved unanimously by roll call (4-0). - 8A: Approval of minutes from March 25, 2025. - 8B: Service agreement with Bay Area Tree Specialists for vegetation management and fuel reduction, not to exceed $207,000. - 8C: Resolution approving winter holiday closures for FY 2025-26 through 2027-28. - 8D: Resolution accepting a $500,000 Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) grant for a multi-jurisdictional inclusionary housing and commercial linkage fee study; funds deposited into the Affordable Housing Fund. - 8E: Ordinance regulating indemnity requirements for permits, encroachments, and right-of-way maintenance. - 8F: Agreement with San Mateo County for minimum wage enforcement services at $10,000 annually, with renewal options. - 8G: Permanent encroachment agreement for a retaining wall at 1041 Hill Street. - Councilmember McCune acknowledged staff efforts for securing the multi-jurisdictional TOC grant. Discussion Items - Annual Transportation and Mobility Update: - Daniel Matthews, with contributions from Police Chief Clyde Hussey and Fire Captain Melinda Martin, presented the "three E's" approach: Engineering, Education, Enforcement. - Engineering highlights: Completed 2024 slurry seal (6 center-line miles), progress on Hawk crossing and bike/pedestrian projects, and updated traffic calming policy. - Education and enforcement: PD conducted 2,000 traffic stops, 330 directed enforcement details, issued 600 moving citations and over 120 written warnings, plus 1,000 verbal warnings. Focus on AB 413 (daylighting law) education rather than citations. - Parking and Traffic Safety Committee (PTSC): Received 32 requests in 2024 (18% increase), took action on 11, including implementing a bike box at Ralston and South Road. - Future Transportation Master Plan is being scoped; funding sought. - Public Comment: Juliana Carlini criticized lack of investment in cycling infrastructure, noting that only paint and signs are used, and called for dedicating 5-10% of the transportation budget to non-car modes. - Amendments to Regional Commercial (RC) Zoning District: - Deputy Community Development Director Laura Russell proposed creating two zoning tiers: RC1 (retaining existing standards, FAR 1.8, height 55 ft) and RC2 (higher intensity, up to 225 ft height, FAR to be determined, with community benefits negotiated per project). - Biosafety levels: BSL1 and BSL2 permitted by right in both districts; BSL3 allowed in RC2 with a new administrative permit; BSL4 prohibited. - Recommended a city-initiated Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) costing $200,000, funded from the General Plan Maintenance Fund, with future applicants paying fair-share reimbursement. - Council direction: Support for proceeding with code amendments, the Program EIR, and contract development for CEQA consultants. Councilmembers emphasized flexibility for other commercial uses beyond biotech and appreciated the thoughtful analysis of height limits (225 ft based on local precedents and airport compatibility). Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved 4-0. - Council directed staff to proceed with amendments to the RC Zoning District, including drafting the two-tier structure, biosafety regulations, and initiating a Program EIR. Staff will return for contract approval. - Transportation update was informational; no action taken. Council directed future emphasis on safe routes to schools and mode shift. - Verbal reports from councilmembers (Audit Committee, Supervisor Corzo cafecito) and City Manager (May 12 HIA community workshop, summer construction, website survey). - Meeting adjourned.

The Belmont Audit Committee met on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Conference Room 360 at City Hall to approve consent calendar items and receive a presentation on the FY 2024-25 Audit Plan from Maze & Associates. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the draft minutes of the November 18, 2024 Audit Committee meeting. Discussion Items - FY 2024-25 Audit Plan (Informational): Amy Myers, Principal at Maze & Associates, presented the audit plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Highlights included: - The audit will be conducted under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book) due to compliance requirements for Measure I, federal awards, etc. - Audit scope covers the city's annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), Measure I financial statements, and compliance testing for Measure A & W, federal programs (single audit if applicable, threshold $750,000), Transportation Development Act programs. - Interim fieldwork has begun (March/April) and will wrap up soon; year-end fieldwork scheduled for weeks of September 8 and 15, 2025. - The audit provides reasonable, not absolute, assurance; samples test 10% of transactions for smaller populations. - Fraud considerations require testing journal entries and assessing management override of internal controls. - The city's financial statements include group audit considerations for Samateo Consolidated Fire Department and Silicon Valley Clean Water Authority. - Staff requested assistance with financial statement preparation, but the city staff retain ultimate responsibility. - Meeting Calendar (Staff Update): The committee noted upcoming meetings: June (date TBD) to review the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget; and October/November (TBD) to review the FY 2024-25 audit results. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken beyond consent calendar approval. - The audit plan was informational only; no action required. - Future meeting dates to be determined.

The Belmont Planning Commission met on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The commission approved a single-family design review, recommended rezoning and general plan amendments for a Mid-Peninsula Water District property, and handled consent calendar items. Consent Calendar - Item 5A – Approval of March 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved 5-0 (Commissioner Kramer absent). - Item 5B – Approval of April 1, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Commissioner Majeski noted that a comment by Commissioner Kramer under agenda item 4 (Commissioner Announcements) regarding a marijuana issue was omitted. The commission voted 5-0 to carry the minutes forward to the next meeting with that addition added. Public Comments & Testimony - Community Forum (Item 3): No speakers or written comments. - Item 7A – 2106 Arthur Avenue: One virtual speaker (Zen Q) expressed concern about spring water drainage from the property affecting neighbors. The applicant acknowledged the issue and stated drainage improvements would be addressed during the building permit phase. - Item 7B – 1510 Folger Drive & APN: 044-353-080: One virtual speaker, Matt Salazar (neighbor at 1513 Folger Drive), expressed support for the water district’s intended use (office/EOC) and requested that sidewalk improvements be considered as part of the project. Discussion Items - Item 7A – Single-Family Design Review for 2106 Arthur Avenue: - Planner Ruiz presented the proposal: a 1,094 sq ft second-story addition and a 627 sq ft ground-floor addition (1,721 total sq ft) to the existing 1,843 sq ft home, yielding a total of 3,498 sq ft (max permitted is 3,905 sq ft). The lot is 14,750 sq ft but effectively 12,703 sq ft due to a large access easement. The slope is 23%, allowing a floor area ratio of 0.454. Proposed height is 26 ft 7 in (max 28 ft). Setbacks exceed requirements. Staff recommended approval. - The applicant (Richie from Alexandra Architect) noted that the owner bought a dilapidated house, addressed neighbor concerns about privacy by showing that the addition would be screened by existing trees, and pledged to improve stormwater drainage during construction. - Commissioners had no further questions. All four voting commissioners (Commissioner Twig recused due to a proximity conflict) stated they could make the required findings. Motion to approve passed 4-0-1. The decision is appealable within 10 calendar days. - Item 7B – Rezoning & General Plan Land Use Map Amendments for 1510 Folger Drive & APN: 044-353-080: - Staff (Tim Sheck) explained that the Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) owns the site, currently zoned R1B with a General Plan designation of Residential Low Density. MPWD plans to renovate the existing two-story building to serve as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and satellite corporation yard. The proposed changes: rezone to Public/Semi-Public (PS) and change the General Plan designation to Public/Community Facilities (PCF). This would allow a 17-ft storage shed (exceeding the 15-ft residential limit) and align with other MPWD sites. CEQA exemption applies (Class 1, Section 15301B). Staff found consistency with the General Plan and Zoning Plan. - The applicant, Kat Wolfing (MPWD General Manager), explained that the existing operations center on Derry Lane flooded two winters ago, highlighting the need for a high-ground EOC. She stated the site has been owned for over 80 years and no significant traffic increase is expected. The commission discussed potential concerns about the PS zone allowing up to 45-ft structures, but MPWD confirmed no plans for large tanks or buildings beyond the proposed shed and renovations. Staff noted that if a new principal building is proposed, it would require separate design review by the commission. - Commissioners expressed support for the emergency preparedness purpose but voiced concern about the 45-ft height allowance adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Staff clarified that changes to the PS zone height would require a separate legislative action and cannot be done per parcel. The commission requested that the staff report to City Council include narrative about the height adjacency concern. - Two separate motions were made and seconded: 1. Recommendation to City Council to adopt an ordinance amending the zoning designation – passed 5-0. 2. Recommendation to City Council to adopt a resolution amending the General Plan land use map designation – passed 5-0. Both recommendations are scheduled for the May 13, 2025 City Council meeting. - Item 8 – Other Business and Updates: Staff announced a community survey regarding the Barrett Community Center and city service priorities, available at belmont.gov/conversation. Key Outcomes - Approved single-family design review for 2106 Arthur Avenue (4-0-1, one recusal). - Voted to carry forward April 1, 2025 meeting minutes with an amendment (5-0). - Recommended to City Council the rezoning of 1510 Folger Drive and APN: 044-353-080 to Public/Semi-Public (PS) (5-0). - Recommended to City Council the General Plan amendment to Public/Community Facilities (PCF) (5-0). - Staff will include concerns about permitted height adjacency in the recommendation to City Council. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.

The Belmont City Council met on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:01 PM in City Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included a special presentation recognizing National Poetry Month, public comments on lot and building issues, consent calendar approvals for cannabis dispensaries and a pavement project, and a detailed update on the city's Pavement Management Program. Special Presentations - Proclamation Recognizing April as National Poetry Month: Mayor Julia Mates read the proclamation honoring Poet Laureate Monica Corday for her four years of service and community poetry initiatives. Monica Corday then presented highlights from the past year, including the virtual Belmont Poetry Night series (which drew nearly 50 attendees in November 2024), the return of in-person open mic gatherings at Fireside Poetry at the Manor, collaborations with cultural celebrations (Holi, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Pride, Veterans Day), and the upcoming California State Poet Laureate Lee Herrick virtual event on April 10, 2025. She closed with a community peace poem titled "The Poetry Circle." Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda (8:00 PM): - Max Reinhardt presented a haiku criticizing slow city approval processes and high costs. - Giuliano Carlini (Regional Commissioner, AYSO Region 119, Belmont-Redwood Shores) thanked the council and community for support and announced fall 2025 registration. - Arvind (property owner) expressed dismay that city officials are now questioning lot compliance with the Subdivision Map Act after a merger was recorded by the city in 2001; asked for answers. - Tony Gindodu (San Carlos resident, former Belmont business owner) complained about a six-month delay in processing his Certificate of Compliance application (PA 2025-003) and said the planning department slowed the process. - Ilkin Samadov (new resident from Florida, cybersecurity professional) said he was told before purchasing a lot that he could build, but later city staff said he might need to build a road for neighbors; he finds the process complicated and costly. - Public Comment on Consent Item (Item 10B) and General Business (Item 12A): Giuliano Carlini spoke again, criticizing the city for spending $0 on bike infrastructure while $4 million is allocated for pavement; he argued that mode shift to cycling would reduce road damage and save money, noting that only $22,000 (0.015%) of Measure I funds have gone to cycling. He urged frontloading maintenance to save money. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes. - Item B (1538 El Camino Real – NUG Retail Cannabis Dispensary): Pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember Ladimerlow. The ordinance rezoning the property into the S-3 Cannabis Overlay District and approving a development agreement and conditional use permit were approved with a 4-1 vote (Ladimerlow dissenting). - Item C (1397 El Camino Real – Canna-Bel Retail Cannabis Dispensary): Approved unanimously as part of the consent calendar. - Item D (2025 Pavement Rehabilitation Project): Approved unanimously, authorizing plans, specifications, bid advertisement, a $4,355,806 construction contract (plus 10% contingency), and a $559,295 task order for construction management with Pavement Engineering Inc. Discussion Items - Update on Belmont’s Pavement Management Program (Item 12A): Daniel Matthews (Assistant Public Works Engineer) and Joe Ryrie (Pavement Engineering Inc.) presented the update. Key points: - The city maintains just over 70 centerline miles of roadway (10 million sq ft, valued at $620 million). - Overall Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is now 71, up from 59 in 2014 (when Measure I sales tax passed) and above the regional average of 67. - Residential streets improved from PCI 52 to 69; arterials at 70, collectors at 76. - The deterioration curve and critical point management strategy were explained: doing the right treatment at the right time (crack sealing at lower cost, reconstruction at higher cost). - Cost pressures: 150% increase in construction costs since last PTAP report; electric vehicles (30% heavier) consume pavement life three times faster; unfunded ADA and stormwater requirements can be 25-30% of project costs. - The current five-year plan (approved by council in February 2024) prioritizes neighborhood streets and uses critical point management, unlike the MTC PTAP modeling which would focus on cost-efficiency alone. - To maintain PCI at 71, $4.9 million/year is needed; to improve to 76, $10.6 million/year. Current spending averages $2.2 million/year from Measure I and other sources. - The 2025 project will rehabilitate/reconstruct over 2.5 centerline miles, including Shoreway Road and Ralston Frontage Road. Comstock Circle is also included. Projected PCI after completion: 73. - The city coordinates with utilities and imposes a moratorium on excavations on streets with PCI over 70. - Councilmember Questions/Clarifications: - Councilmember McCune requested a year-by-year PCI comparison with surrounding counties; staff will provide. He also noted Comstock Circle was not on PTAP maps but staff clarified it is in the five-year plan. - Councilmember Jordan thanked staff for clarifying that the five-year plan (not PTAP modeling) is the public-facing project list. - Councilmember Ladimerlow praised the presentation and asked about cost leveling; Joe Ryrie said prices are beginning to stabilize, and alternates were added to the project to take advantage of lower bids. - Vice Mayor Peng-Maganaris highlighted a new flyer with QR code for public outreach. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Items A, C, D approved unanimously; Item B (1538 El Camino Real cannabis) approved 4-1 (Ladimerlow no). - Pavement Management update received as information; no action required. - Council directed staff to: - Produce a yearly PCI comparison chart with other San Mateo County cities (Councilmember McCune). - Continue to follow the five-year pavement plan and use critical point management. - Include the pavement presentation as a standalone document on the city website and as a supplemental document to the agenda. - Next steps: 2025 Pavement Rehabilitation Project will go to bid; construction expected May-June 2025. Staff will increase public outreach about the five-year plan.

The Parks and Recreation Commission met on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered an athletic field use policy amendment, a community center conversation update, a fire safety chipping program update, and a discussion on creating a sense of belonging in Belmont’s parks. The commission approved the consent calendar and the policy amendment, and received updates on multiple ongoing initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 5, 2025 draft minutes as presented. (Motion passed 6-0) Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the community forum or on any agenda items. Discussion Items - Belmont Athletic Field Use Policy Amendment: Recreation Manager Cody George presented proposed amendments: a winter field allocation meeting (November), an inclement weather schedule (first year due to AB 2404 Fair Play Act), a formal non-discrimination grievance policy, annual reporting metrics, and a priority use correction for BRSSD (Belmont-Redwood Shores School District). Statistics reported: Belmont youth population 51.7% female, 49.3% male; youth program enrollment 72% male, 28% female, four unidentified; five co-ed competitive soccer teams. Commissioners noted the data covers only city‑operated field programs and does not include school sports, private leagues, or competitive dance. Discussion included the high utilization of the synthetic turf field (six leagues, 375 hours in a six-week winter period), field-sharing cooperation, and the need to clarify data limitations. A motion to approve the policy amendment as presented was made and passed 6‑0 later in the meeting. - Community Center Conversation Update: Staff reported the community center discussions are now part of the citywide “Your Voice Your Belmont” budget priority survey. Outreach includes small‑group gatherings, presentations to HOAs and community groups, and a mailer. The city is re‑engaging Group 4 Architects to refresh the conceptual design (originally done in 2019) based on lessons from other community centers (e.g., Burlingame). Commissioners suggested targeting multiple age groups, involving youth commissioners, and considering bike/scooter storage and charging facilities. No action was required. - Fire Safety Chipping Program Update: Staff reported on the pilot program (grant‑funded by CalFire) serving the western half of Belmont. Over 150 homes were serviced in 10 days by a contractor. Lessons learned: improve outreach (flyer clarity on dates), require pre‑registration for route efficiency, discontinue chip‑retention service, avoid scheduling on trash pickup days, and emphasize visible house numbers. The city is seeking future grants for continued chipping and is proceeding with fuel‑reduction work on emergency access roads (Lake Road, Salsen Trail, part of John Brooks) later this year. A wildfire‑preparedness event is scheduled for April 26. Commissioners suggested coordinating with CERT and exploring neighborhood‑level tree‑trimming contractors. - Creating a Sense of Belonging in Belmont’s Parks Update: Commissioners discussed three focus areas: (1) a physical pilot in Twin Pines Park called “The Commons” — a small gathering space with a conversation bench/swing, game grove, ready post (prompt board), and string lights; (2) programming ideas such as free coffee, walking groups with ice‑cream rewards, sports watch parties on the city’s big screen, and community‑led clubs; (3) a map of meaningful public spots and activities to encourage exploration. Staff proposed targeting July (Parks & Rec Month) for groundbreaking on The Commons. No formal vote was taken. Key Outcomes - Motion to amend the Athletic Field Use Policy (including winter allocation, inclement weather schedule, AB 2404 compliance, and BRSSD priority) was approved 6‑0. - The commission directed staff to scope and plan the Twin Pines “Commons” pilot, with an ambitious goal of implementation by July 2025. - Staff will explore partnerships with the community college district for weekend classes and develop a mechanism for residents to propose and lead clubs/activities. - Continued outreach for the Community Center redesign and fire‑chipping program will proceed; the city will seek further grant funding for the latter.

The Planning Commission of Belmont met on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on a single-family design review and variance for 709 Alameda de las Pulgas, a staff update on development projects, and commissioner announcements regarding a recent resignation. One public comment was received on the project update. The meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM. Commissioner Announcements & Agenda Amendments - Commissioner Kramer announced the resignation of former Commissioner Peter Meyer, who left in frustration over the City Council overriding the Planning Commission’s recommendations, particularly on cannabis. Kramer expressed shared frustration that the council was not listening to the commission. The Chair noted the issue was not on the agenda and discouraged further discussion. Consent Calendar - Approval of the March 4, 2025 meeting minutes was carried over to the next meeting due to lack of attendance from commissioners who were present at that meeting. Public Hearing: 709 Alameda de las Pulgas – Single-Family Design Review & Variance - Proposal: A 393-square-foot upper-floor addition to create a new bedroom, bringing the total home size from 2,651 to 3,044 square feet (maximum allowed is 3,598 square feet). The site has zero off-street parking (no garage or driveway); a variance is required to maintain existing parking on a pad partially within the public right-of-way. - Staff Recommendation: Approve the variance and design review subject to conditions, including maintaining a clear 4-foot sidewalk. Staff found special circumstances due to a severe 10-foot drop in grade within the first five feet of the property, making compliant parking infeasible without extreme grading or relocation. - Public Comment: One speaker (Keith Howard) attempted to comment via Zoom but could not be heard due to audio issues. His emailed comment (received March 26) expressed concern about sidewalk obstruction. The email was included in the record. - Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the uniqueness of the site, the existing parking pad, and the precedent. Some expressed concern about setting a precedent but noted the site’s extraordinary constraints. Public Works had approved the parking pad conditionally. The commission voted on the staff recommendation. - Vote: Motion to approve the variance and design review per staff recommendation passed 4–0 (Commissioners Jodala, Kramer, Coolich, Majeski in favor; Commissioners Twig and Kavich absent). Other Business: Community Development Department Project Update - Staff presented a snapshot of housing and commercial projects. Notable completed projects: Artisan Crossings (250 units, 15% affordable), The Hayden (former Belmont Iceland site), and Firehouse Square phase 2 (15 townhomes). Approved projects under construction or paused: Harbor Line (103 units, on pause), Rome (125 all-affordable, under construction), Link (37 affordable, breaking ground spring 2025), and 580 Masonic (140 units, to come before the commission in May/June 2025). - Commercial projects: Two moving forward (1301 Shoreway and Beam Reach), three on pause. The Harbor Industrial Area Specific Plan (65 acres) is in progress, targeting 200 new housing units and preserving a mobile home park. 2024 permit statistics: 6,000+ inspections, 1,500+ permits applied, 1,300+ issued, 1,100+ finalized. Housing units completed: 17 ADUs, 21 single-family, 493 multifamily. - Commissioners praised staff for progress and asked about occupancy rates and timeline extensions. Public Comments - A resident (cyclist advocate) thanked the commission and urged a focus on transit and cycling infrastructure, stating that current plans like the ADLP corridor project make cycling worse. He offered books on modern transit design to commissioners and emphasized the need for mode shift away from cars. Key Outcomes - Approved (4–0): Variance and single-family design review for 709 Alameda de las Pulgas. - Carried over: March 4, 2025 meeting minutes to next meeting. - No action: Community Development Department project update was received as information. - Adjournment: 8:19 PM.

Note: The agenda and transcript identify the meeting as Tuesday, March 25, 2025, but the metadata supplied for this summary lists the meeting date as 2025-03-24. This summary uses the supplied date while flagging the discrepancy. The Belmont City Council met for a regular meeting that included a special police oath ceremony, a 5-0 consent calendar approval, two public hearings on cannabis retail dispensaries, a housing element report, and staff/council announcements. The meeting was extended by 30 minutes. Special Presentation - Police Chief Kenneth Stenquist administered the Oath of Office to newly promoted supervisor Michael Paul Stoffer, dispatcher Nicole Rajario, and newly sworn officer Matt [name not fully captured]. Families pinned badges, and the Mayor congratulated them. Consent Calendar - Approved 5-0 by one motion: Approval of Minutes; Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy annual review under AB 481; State Legislative Advocacy agreement with California Public Policy Group; Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Update agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. ($216,400 plus $25,000 contingency, not to exceed $241,000); 2025 Sewer Rehabilitation Project (plans, specs, advertisement, contract up to $2,330,000 plus $233,000 contingency, and MNS Engineers construction management task order up to $314,340); Revised Master Employee Pay Schedule; MOUs with Belmont Police Officers Association, Mid-Management Confidential Employees Association, and unrepresented confidential employees. - Councilmember McCune pulled item E only to commend Public Works Director Nisha Patel for coordinating with MidPen Water District on the sewer project. - Public commenter Juliana Carlini urged more aggressive climate action, noting 25-33% of greenhouse gases come from transport and criticizing the modest mode-shift target. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda comments: Victor Garza, Gerard Kirsten, and Max Reinhardt, property owners in the San Juan Hills/Alhambra Drive area, raised concerns about certificate of compliance requirements, inconsistent staff determinations of improved road frontage, failed lot mergers, and lack of open space planning. - Cannabis-related comments: Many residents spoke against one or both proposed dispensaries, citing neighborhood character, proximity to homes, negative impacts, and the presence of two stores in a small area. Mary Morrissey Parton, a longtime Belmont business owner, spoke in support, citing economic development benefits. John Heredia, a cannabis attorney, spoke in support of NUG. Discussion Items Public Hearing 11A - Canna-Bel, 1397 El Camino Real - Staff presented four entitlements: rezone to the S-3 Cannabis Overlay District, development agreement, conditional use permit, and design review. Councilmembers discussed the proposed community advisory board and its future accountability; the applicant agreed to develop and submit bylaws. - Motion approved 5-0 to introduce the rezoning and development agreement ordinances, with amended development agreement language requiring bylaws, and to place the CUP/design review resolution on a future agenda for adoption with the ordinances on April 8, 2025. Public Hearing 11B - NUG, 1538 El Camino Real - Staff presented the same four entitlements. The Planning Commission had recommended disapproval 4-2, citing proximity to residences and noticing concerns; the Zoning Administrator recommended approval. NUG described its experience (31 cannabis businesses), security features, e-commerce (30% of sales), local hiring plans, and community benefits (1.5% of gross receipts up to $12 million annually, 2% above that, plus $50,000 one-time parks vehicle). - Public comment included questions about whether two dispensaries are needed and whether an alternative location might be better. - Motion to approve the NUG entitlements passed 4-1; Councilmember Laudemerlow voted no, citing the location's proximity to the adjacent neighborhood and a desire for more time for the community to adjust. General Business 12A - Housing Element Annual Progress Report 2024 and Successor Agency Annual Report FY 2023-24 - Toby Lieberman presented the state-required annual progress report. Highlights for 2024: 24 ADU permits issued; building permit for the 125-unit affordable housing project at 803 Belmont Avenue; approval of the 65-unit Ridge at Ralston project; and the Link Housing project expected to start construction the next month. The successor agency report covered fiscal year 2023-24. - This was an informational item with no separate vote; council directed staff to transmit the reports to OPR and HCD. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved 5-0. - Canna-Bel (1397 El Camino Real) entitlements approved 5-0, with the development agreement amended to require community advisory board bylaws. - NUG (1538 El Camino Real) entitlements approved 4-1, with Councilmember Laudemerlow dissenting. - Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Successor Agency Annual Report were received for transmittal to state agencies. - Meeting extended by 30 minutes and adjourned.

The City Council met on March 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included special presentations, consent business, a legislative advocacy update, and an annual workforce report. All items on the consent calendar were approved, and the Council reaffirmed the legislative platform with modifications. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of February 25, 2025 (no separate discussion). - Approved December 2024 and January 2025 monthly financials. - Adopted an ordinance (second reading) establishing a Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access fee to support PEG channels, including penalties for material breach. - Authorized Amendment 3 to Task Order 1 with MIG for environmental monitoring at the San Juan Pump Station Slope Repair Project, increasing the contract by $6,496 to a total not-to-exceed $101,366. - Authorized the purchase of a Vac-Con from Vac-Con Inc. for $667,167.19 through Municipal Maintenance Equipment. - Adopted a resolution accepting public improvements for the Firehouse Square Townhouse Project (1300 El Camino Real), releasing the subdivision improvement bond, and accepting a one-year maintenance warranty bond. Public Comments & Testimony - One speaker (Juliano) thanked the Council for the MLK contest and announced a volunteer effort supported by Footsteps at Barrett, offering free childcare to enable more volunteering. - A second speaker (Max R, via Zoom) expressed frustration with the Community Development Department, stating that an application for a permit took over 30 days to receive a number and that he had received no response since January 27 despite multiple follow-ups. He urged the Council to evaluate the culture and professionalism of city staff. Discussion Items - 12A: State Legislative Advocacy Update – Dane Hutchings (lobbyist) presented an overview of 2025 state legislation, noting 2,518 bills introduced, a focus on affordability and fee reductions, and the ongoing fight to preserve Vehicle License Fee (VLF) reimbursement ($3.85 million secured in 2024). He proposed two modifications to the City’s legislative platform: (1) adding “fire mitigation planning and suppression technology” to the existing public safety statement, and (2) adding a new statement supporting affordable home insurance rates for residents. The Council discussed the bill volume and turnover in the legislature. - 12B: Annual Report on Vacancies and Recruitment/Retention Efforts for 2024 – Interim Administrative Services Director Ann Ritzma presented the required report. The city has 139.75 budgeted full-time positions (excluding Council). The average vacancy rate was 3.2% over 2024 (highest 5.7%, lowest 1.4%). The city filled 19 vacancies in 2024 (12 external, 5 combined internal/external, 2 internal promotions). The city uses a rigorous recruitment process and provided data on separations and retention efforts. Councilmember Jordan noted improvements in HR under Ritzma’s leadership. The report was received without further action. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: All items approved unanimously (5-0). - Legislative Platform: Reaffirmed with the two proposed modifications (motion passed 5-0). - Vacancy Report: Received by Council; no formal vote required. - Councilmember Reports: Vice Mayor reported on Peninsula Clean Energy board updates (10% discount, new battery storage budget). Councilmember Jordan reported on Commute.org (new app, accredited as TDM organization, elected chair). Councilmember McCune noted a potential regional transportation measure (SB 540) that could affect Belmont’s sales tax rate. - City Manager Report: Announced strategic planning session results, centennial planning, Belmont PD’s new Instagram account, an age-friendly town hall on March 18, and upcoming summer construction.