Belmont City Council and Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors Regular Meeting – May 28, 2024

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.