Belmont City Council Regular Meeting - June 25, 2024

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).