Sunol Community Advisory Council Meeting – July 23, 2026

The Sunol Community Advisory Council (SCAC) met on July 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The meeting covered updates from the Sheriff and Fire departments, a presentation on expanded waste collection services (SB 1383), a request for funding for wayfinding signs, a proposal for community event support from the Sunol Business Guild, and a detailed discussion with Caltrans regarding the bridge construction project and the removal of a tree near the historic water temple gates. The council also approved a formal letter to Caltrans concerning environmental and historical preservation commitments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A speaker thanked Rob Tillmans and praised Connie's (presumably a council member or resident) letter to Caltrans, noting the extensive background work and research behind it.
• Another speaker expressed support for using Rosenberg's Rules of Order in meetings and encouraged the council to adopt them.

Discussion Items

Waste Collection Update (Item 4A)

Andy Schneider, Waste Program Manager for the County Planning Department, presented the county's plan to comply with Senate Bill 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Act). Key points:

• The new County Collection Service Zone Two will include Sunol, Castlewood, Happy Valley, Little Valley, Sheridan Road, and Andrade Road.
• Mandatory three-container service (garbage, recycling, organics) will be implemented, with a self-haul certification option for residents who do not want curbside collection.
• Current PGS customers will automatically receive expanded services: recycling and organics carts, three free bulky item collections annually, curbside used motor oil collection, holiday tree collection, and free drop‑off of up to seven cubic yards of yard trimmings at the transfer station.
• Rates: 35‑gallon garbage cart increases 12.3% to $49/month; 96‑gallon cart sees a 3.4% reduction. Castlewood will see different adjustments.
• The Board of Supervisors will consider the recommendation on August 4, 2026. Notices to residents will be mailed shortly, with additional container delivery in October.
• Council members asked about self‑haul certification, disposal of animal mortalities, and the potential for container screening to address road safety and aesthetics.

Wayfinding Signs (Item 4C)

A representative presented a request for $29,382.15 from community improvement funds to fabricate and install three remaining wayfinding signs, completing a system of four signs that highlight Sunol's historic features and improve pedestrian navigation. The prototype sign has been installed and received positive feedback. The signs are designed to last 20+ years with low maintenance; ongoing maintenance will be funded through sales of coordinating house number signs. The motion to approve the funding passed unanimously (4–0).

Sunol Business Guild Fundraising Event (Item 4D)

Vina and Michael Miller from the Sunol Business Guild requested $1,000 from the community improvement fund to support a free community event, "Stroll in Sunol: Picnics and Paws," scheduled for August 22, 2026. The event aims to raise funds for community programs (scholarships, school support, etc.) and has already secured $2,500 from Supervisor David Haubert's office and donations from local businesses. Some council members questioned whether the fund should be used for fundraising events rather than tangible improvements. The discussion was tabled because the council does not meet again until September, after the event. No vote was taken; the guild was advised to seek clarification on allowable uses of the fund.

Caltrans Bridge Project & Letter to Caltrans (Item 4E and subsequent presentation)

The council discussed a letter drafted by Councilmember Connie (assumed) regarding the removal of a tree and changes to the project design near the historic water temple gates without prior consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Multiple speakers expressed strong opposition to the tree removal, citing environmental and aesthetic harm. The council voted to send the letter to Caltrans, requesting a halt to work in the area, consultation with SHPO, and a detailed explanation of project changes. The motion passed (4–0).

Caltrans representatives then gave a presentation on the bridge project. Key points:

• The bridge replacement will provide a wider, safer structure with ADA sidewalks and a bike lane.
• Construction is constrained by a work window from June 1 to October 15 due to environmental restrictions in the creek.
• The shuttle service for pedestrians during construction was halted due to minimal usage (1–2 riders) but remains available upon request.
• Regarding the tree removed near the water temple gates: Caltrans stated the tree conflicted with the planned relocation of a signal pole, which was part of the approved design. They claimed SHPO had cleared the work. Council members expressed frustration that the change from the environmental phase to the design phase was not communicated to the community. Caltrans agreed to provide a formal written response to the council's letter and offered to hold monthly community updates.
• Caltrans also noted that the area near the gate will not be further disturbed; only the signal pole will be installed. No additional tree removal is planned.
• Council requested that a potential 55‑hour closure (currently under consideration for September) avoid the weekend of October 27, and Caltrans agreed to work around that date.

Key Outcomes

• Wayfinding signs: Approved (4–0) for $29,382.15 from community improvement funds.
• Letter to Caltrans: Approved (4–0) to demand consultation, project transparency, and preservation of historic resources.
• Minutes of June 17, 2026: Approved (4–0).
• Business guild funding request: No action taken; will be revisited after clarification of fund guidelines.
• Caltrans bridge project: Caltrans will respond to the letter, provide monthly construction updates, and consider community requests regarding closures and tree preservation.