Belmont City Council Regular Meeting – July 8, 2025

The Belmont City Council met on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included a closed session (6:15 p.m.) for evaluating the City Manager and City Attorney, a special presentation on National Night Out, public comments on non‑agenda items, the approval of a 21‑item consent calendar, and a general business item on the updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). Councilmember Cathy Jordan was absent.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 21 items on a single 4‑0 vote (Councilmember Jordan absent). Notable items include:
  • Permanent encroachment agreements for utility cabinets at 901 Alameda de las Pulgas and 2369 Lyall Way.
  • Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2029).
  • Revised City Clerk classification and salary range.
  • Grant agreement with Peninsula Clean Energy for EV chargers (value: approximately $380,000).
  • Service agreements with 4 Leaf, Inc. ($265,000) and CSG Consultants, Inc. ($258,000 for FY 24‑25; $420,000 for FY 25‑26).
  • Ordinances ratifying 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and Fire Code amendments.
  • Updated Strategic Communications Plan for 2025‑2030.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Juliana (in person) expressed frustration that the city continues to prioritize car infrastructure (e.g., $1.5 million El Camino left‑turn lane, $16.5 million Alameda project) over active transportation. She argued that “if you build it, they will come,” citing examples from Paris, Amsterdam, and Switzerland. She urged the council to make cycling and walking infrastructure a real priority.
• Julie Al Sayak (in person), a real estate agent, asked about delays in processing a Certificate of Compliance for a lot she is trying to sell. She noted the application was submitted in 2024 and requested acceleration or clarification of the process.
• Mr. She (in person) raised safety concerns about the crosswalk at Ralston Avenue and Puma Avenue. He stated that there were 17 accidents in the past four years, including three pedestrian injuries (one a 17‑year‑old girl). He requested a timeline for traffic analysis and improvements, noting that initial contact with staff occurred eight months earlier.
• Mr. Berger (in person, late) spoke about the catastrophic flooding in Midland, Texas, and suggested the council consider sending a message of support and revisit climate readiness.

Special Presentation

• National Night Out: Police Chief Ken Stenquist presented an overview of the 2025 event scheduled for August 5, 2025. The city‑sponsored site will be at the library; 8–10 neighborhood zones are expected. Community partners include Recology, Rethink Waste, Mid‑Peninsula, and the San Mateo County Library. Residents can register neighborhoods by contacting the City Clerk.

Discussion Items

• Approving the Updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP): Public Works Director Nisha Patel presented the 2025 SSMP update, required every six years per State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2022‑0103‑DWQ. Key facts: the system serves 27,500 people with 10 pump stations and 8,000 service laterals; 66% of mains are cleaned annually; the city has one of the lowest inflow and infiltration rates in the area. The plan covers goals, operations, spill response, capacity, and capital improvement funding. Councilmember McCune noted it is “one of the most essential” functions. Vice Mayor Pang‑Maganaris echoed its importance. The resolution was adopted 4‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (4‑0).
• SSMP Update adopted via resolution (4‑0).
• Council will recess until the next regular meeting on August 26, 2025.
• Council announcements: Lemonade Day (July 12), last concert in the park (July 13), and congratulations to the Bel‑Mateo Babe Ruth 15‑year‑old all‑star team that won the state championship and is advancing to regionals in Long Beach.