OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Belmont City Council Regular Meeting – December 9, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 9, 2025
BodyBelmont, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:27:48
Transcript — Verbatim
0:54

Good evening, welcome to the City of Belmont, City Council regular meeting.

1:00

It is December 9th, 2025.

1:02

We're here in Council Chambers, and this is our last city council meeting for 2025.

1:08

Um, we have our posted agenda both online and in all the um exterior places we're supposed to um post.

1:17

So we can go ahead and start the meeting.

1:19

Item one is a call to order.

1:21

We can we please have roll call.

1:23

Yes, good evening.

1:24

Council members Jordan here, Laudamarlo?

1:27

Here, McCune.

1:28

Vice Mayor Pang McGonaris, President and Mayor Maids.

1:31

Here, all present.

1:32

Thank you.

1:33

Great, thank you.

1:34

Uh, we have some items um before 7 p.m.

1:37

This is uh agenda item number two.

1:39

Uh we do not have a closed session today, nor do we have a study session.

1:43

So that brings us to item two C, special session, other topics.

1:47

And our first is a uh community service award presentation.

1:53

Hello.

1:56

We're gonna do beautiful Belmont first.

1:58

Okay, so we'll just jump right in.

2:01

Um C1, which is our Community Service Award presentation.

2:10

We're excited to honor the recipients of our beautiful Belmont and Community Service Awards for 2025 tonight.

2:16

Since 2007, the Beautiful Belmont program recognizes property owners who have enhanced our community by making noticeable exterior improvements that have a positive impact on the surrounding area.

2:28

Our first and only residential nomination is for Jonathan Penn and Lisa Meltzerpen and their property located at 1010 Notre Dame Avenue.

2:38

If you're the owners, can you just stand or raise your hands so we can see?

2:42

There you go.

2:43

Yay!

2:48

1010 Notre Dame underwent a complete garden overhaul.

2:52

They replaced their lawn with natural stone, integrated native plants, and planted a meadow of grasses along with a curving walkway for a more natural look that requires less water and is more eco-friendly.

3:04

Neighbors continue to comment on the improvements and enjoy seeing the new garden.

3:08

Jonathan and Lisa have been Belmont residents for over 25 years and take pride in contributing to the well-being of the neighborhood.

3:15

They love so much.

3:27

And if you want to just wave or stand up when I call your commercial property, the first is Jolly's Old Fashion Teas Ice Cream.

3:40

Dolly's old-fashioned teas cream is a new business tucked into a quaint small wood structure that is one of the last surviving pieces of Belmont's original main street.

3:49

It was initially built in 1910, and is where the former Chanticlair Ice Cream and Candy Shop once delighted this neighborhood over a century ago.

3:58

Now in 2025, ice cream has returned to this beloved space, and the new owners are delighted to carry on its sweet tradition.

4:06

From the exterior paint color to the entry planters, exterior signage and attention to detail in all interior finishes.

4:13

Jason Herrick and Vanessa Green were careful to preserve and complement the original and essential elements of this existing building.

4:27

So congratulations.

4:46

The salon takes pride in creating an inviting presence for our community with a focus on healthy hair, exceptional service, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

4:54

The team's dedication is reflected in glowing reviews across Google, Nextdoor, and Yelp.

4:59

Salon 1322's consistent efforts to care for its space and its clients truly beautify Belmont.

5:06

Thank you.

5:06

Do we have anyone from Salon 1322?

4:59

All right.

5:10

Well, we will be sure to um their award.

5:17

AJ and Rena, owners of Amara, created a Mediterranean oasis in the heart of Belmont.

5:23

Inspired by their family travels across the Mediterranean, AJ and Rena carefully curated both the menu and the restaurant's aesthetic to reflect the colors, flavors, and warmth of the region.

5:34

Their goal is to transport guests with every detail, offering a dining experience that feels like a small escape from the bustle of the Bay Area.

5:41

Amara is truly a work of art, located at the Carlmont Shopping Center.

5:46

The decor is both thoughtful and exemplary.

5:48

Every finish was carefully chosen, and the space is warm, intentional, and inviting.

5:53

The project also extended their space in design and connection to the adjacent nursery to create a beautiful patio layout that gives the restaurant a peaceful, welcoming outdoor area.

6:03

Amara has become a beautiful addition to Belmont, and we're very excited to have them as part of our community.

6:10

So I don't see any Amara folks here, but let's go ahead and give them a round of applause.

6:19

Yes, exactly.

6:20

They probably have things to do tonight as people are dining out.

6:23

Congratulations to all our beautiful Belmont winners.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Arts And Culture██████████████████████22%
Environmental Protection██████████10%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Procedural█████████9%
Fiscal Sustainability███████7%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

City of Belmont City Council Regular Meeting - December 9, 2025

The council held its final regular meeting of 2025 on December 9, 2025. The meeting featured presentations of community service awards, the swearing-in of two new police officers, proclamations for the outgoing poet laureate and retiring administrative services director, a centennial planning update, the year-in-review video, and several actions including appointment of the 2026 vice mayor, adoption of intergovernmental assignments, and reappointment to the vector control district.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the consent calendar (6 items) as a block, including the second reading of the zoning ordinance implementing the 2023-2031 Housing Element (Ordinance No. 360 amendment) and approval of electric vehicle charger installations at three city sites. (Councilmember Latimerlo recused himself from item 8F due to living within 500 feet.)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On non-agenda items: Giuliano Carlini (spoke as resident) expressed concerns about Ralston Avenue being on the county’s high injury network and urged quick-build safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. He criticized past staff rejections of his proposals.
  • On consent calendar (zoning ordinance): Brian Singh (resident) urged council to adopt the Planning Commission's recommended 15-foot setback (plus 5 feet per floor) for commercial zones adjacent to residential, instead of staff's 10-foot setback. He argued staff's recommendation would allow a 74-degree daylight plane vs. typical 45-60 degrees in other cities.
  • On consent calendar (parking/cycling): Giuliano Carlini also commented that the zoning ordinance should reduce car parking minimums near transit and improve bicycle parking standards (including for cargo bikes and e-bikes), and called for a bike rack at City Hall.

Discussion Items

  • Community Service and Beautiful Belmont Awards (before 7 p.m.): Recognized residential winner Jonathan Penn and Lisa Meltzerpen (1010 Notre Dame Ave) and commercial winners Jolly's Old Fashioned Teas Ice Cream, Salon 1322, and Amara Restaurant. Community Service Awards went to Clarissa Nafster (absent, birthday) and Carl Middlestat (nominated by five individuals) for decades of volunteer service.
  • State Legislative Update: Assemblymember Diane Pappen provided an overview of the state budget (projected $18 billion deficit), vehicle license fee shortfall affecting San Mateo County ($114 million, received two-thirds), and key bills: AB60 (banning musk in cosmetics), land conservation stewardship, paratransit eligibility reform, Caltrain energy compensation (AB 650), housing element process reform (AB 650, vetoed but will reintroduce), data center water usage (vetoed), and Prop 4 climate bond ($10 billion, 40% to underserved communities). She also discussed Cap-and-Trade extension to 2045.
  • Oath of Office for Police Officers: Fernanda Ramirez and Xavier Childs were sworn in.
  • Proclamation for Outgoing Poet Laureate Monica Corday: Recognized her four years of service, including Project Poetry 360, virtual poetry nights with up to 50 attendees, and community events. She recited an original poem, "An Immigrant's Praise Song for Belmont."
  • Proclamation for Retiring Administrative Services Director Anne Ritzma: Recognized her leadership in HR, IT, and organizational development programs (BOLD, Know & Grow). She thanked the city and her wife.
  • Centennial Planning Update (2026): Parks and Rec Director Bridget Shearer presented plans: banners on Ralston, a signature event on October 24, 2026 (parade, picnic), community-hosted events with stipends, historical walking tours, oral history recordings, time capsule, art project, Happy Hydrants, and sponsorship opportunities. Budget from sponsors and city funds.
  • Year in Review Video: Highlighted accomplishments: 162 affordable housing units under construction, 268 more approved; police responded to 20,000 calls, 400 arrests; Public Works paved 2.5 miles of road, PCI rose to 71; Parks & Rec served 4,673 senior meals, 837 campers; Finance received state and national awards; Community Development processed 1,425 building permits; Fire engine 14 purchased.
  • Appointment of Vice Mayor and IGR Assignments: Council appointed Kathy Jordan as Vice Mayor for 2026 per protocol. Approved intergovernmental committee assignments and created a new ad hoc Housing and Long-Range Planning subcommittee (Councilmembers Jordan and Latimerlo appointed). Discussion included caveats to minimize staff time.
  • Reappointment to Mosquito and Vector Control District: Council reappointed Chuck Cotton for a four-year term (2026-2029), as requested by Cotton.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar approved 5-0 (with Latimerlo recused from item 8F).
  • Vice Mayor appointment – Councilmember Kathy Jordan elected Vice Mayor for 2026 (unanimous).
  • Intergovernmental assignments approved as presented (unanimous).
  • New ad hoc housing subcommittee created; Councilmembers Jordan and Latimerlo appointed (unanimous).
  • Chuck Cotton reappointed to Vector Control District for four-year term (unanimous).
  • Council announcements: Holiday events (Santa at Firehouse Dec 11, Santa Parade Dec 18, Local Spot Sip & Shop Dec 18). Commission applications due Jan 9, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, welcome to the City of Belmont, City Council regular meeting. It is December 9th, 2025. We're here in Council Chambers, and this is our last city council meeting for 2025. Um, we have our posted agenda both online and in all the um exterior places we're supposed to um post. So we can go ahead and start the meeting. Item one is a call to order. We can we please have roll call. Yes, good evening. Council members Jordan here, Laudamarlo? Here, McCune. Vice Mayor Pang McGonaris, President and Mayor Maids. Here, all present. Thank you. Great, thank you. Uh, we have some items um before 7 p.m. This is uh agenda item number two. Uh we do not have a closed session today, nor do we have a study session. So that brings us to item two C, special session, other topics. And our first is a uh community service award presentation. Hello. We're gonna do beautiful Belmont first. Okay, so we'll just jump right in. Um C1, which is our Community Service Award presentation. We're excited to honor the recipients of our beautiful Belmont and Community Service Awards for 2025 tonight. Since 2007, the Beautiful Belmont program recognizes property owners who have enhanced our community by making noticeable exterior improvements that have a positive impact on the surrounding area. Our first and only residential nomination is for Jonathan Penn and Lisa Meltzerpen and their property located at 1010 Notre Dame Avenue. If you're the owners, can you just stand or raise your hands so we can see? There you go. Yay! 1010 Notre Dame underwent a complete garden overhaul. They replaced their lawn with natural stone, integrated native plants, and planted a meadow of grasses along with a curving walkway for a more natural look that requires less water and is more eco-friendly. Neighbors continue to comment on the improvements and enjoy seeing the new garden. Jonathan and Lisa have been Belmont residents for over 25 years and take pride in contributing to the well-being of the neighborhood. They love so much. And if you want to just wave or stand up when I call your commercial property, the first is Jolly's Old Fashion Teas Ice Cream. Dolly's old-fashioned teas cream is a new business tucked into a quaint small wood structure that is one of the last surviving pieces of Belmont's original main street. It was initially built in 1910, and is where the former Chanticlair Ice Cream and Candy Shop once delighted this neighborhood over a century ago. Now in 2025, ice cream has returned to this beloved space, and the new owners are delighted to carry on its sweet tradition. From the exterior paint color to the entry planters, exterior signage and attention to detail in all interior finishes. Jason Herrick and Vanessa Green were careful to preserve and complement the original and essential elements of this existing building. So congratulations. The salon takes pride in creating an inviting presence for our community with a focus on healthy hair, exceptional service, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The team's dedication is reflected in glowing reviews across Google, Nextdoor, and Yelp. Salon 1322's consistent efforts to care for its space and its clients truly beautify Belmont. Thank you. Do we have anyone from Salon 1322? All right. Well, we will be sure to um their award. AJ and Rena, owners of Amara, created a Mediterranean oasis in the heart of Belmont. Inspired by their family travels across the Mediterranean, AJ and Rena carefully curated both the menu and the restaurant's aesthetic to reflect the colors, flavors, and warmth of the region.

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