Belmont City Council Regular Meeting – January 27, 2026

The Belmont City Council met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. After a closed session, the council addressed a full agenda including special presentations, approval of the consent calendar, a legislative update, a regional sea level rise protection project, and an interim staff appointment. All votes were 4–0 (Councilmember Pang Manganaris absent) except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar (items A–D) with a single motion after clarifying questions. Councilmember Laudamerlo questioned the minutes for the vice mayor appointment and requested a correction; the city clerk will make the correction. Councilmember McCune asked about the intent of the new HAWK crossing at El Camino Real and Ralston. Public Works Director Edward Kwan explained it serves pedestrians and bicyclists from new housing developments (including affordable housing) to access transit. The city manager noted the crossing is part of the bike/ped master plan and complements a future underpass at O'Neill.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment on items not on the agenda: None.
• Public Comment on Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection Project (11B): Doug Beasley, president of the California Colleges Homeowners Association in Belmont Island Park, described the complex private levee maintenance situation. He stated that the master association (controlled by commercial members) is not acting on levee raises despite collecting fees, and the homeowners association lacks contractual authority to compel action. He requested city assistance.

Discussion Items

6A – HIP Housing Annual Calendar Presentation

• Lauren Borrow (HIP Housing Board Member) and James Simmons (Program Director) presented the 2026 calendar featuring artwork by children. HIP Housing serves over 4,000 individuals annually, housing 1,200 low-income households countywide, including 121 Belmont residents. Two local winners, Evelyn Chen and Adeline, read their poems about home. The council thanked them and presented City of Belmont awards.

6B – Introduction of Poet Laureate Greg McCullough

• Parks and Recreation Director Bridget Shearer and Library representative Chris Liu introduced Greg McCullough as the new Poet Laureate for a three-year term. McCullough read his original poem “My Home is a Century Now” in honor of the city’s centennial. He plans to continue poetry nights, the MLK Jr. Poetry and Essay Contest, and engage youth through outreach.

6C – Mosquito & Vector Control Annual Update

• Brian Weber, District Manager of San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control, presented 2025 statistics: 199 total calls from Belmont, including 131 yellow jacket removals, 37 rodent-related calls, and 9 mosquito-related calls. The district performed 758 inspections and 200 treatments. No West Nile virus was detected. Services are free to residents. Councilmember McCune raised a concern about a neglected swimming pool where vector control placed mosquito fish but the homeowner was not required to fix or remove the pool; Weber noted enforcement gaps between his agency and code enforcement. Mayor Mates encouraged residents to use the district’s tick identification service.

8 – Council Member Announcements

• Councilmember Laudamerlo announced: the second round of the “Happy Hydrant” painting program (applications due March 2); Lunar New Year Celebration on February 8 at Twin Pines Senior Center; Coffee with the Cop on February 11; Chamber ribbon cutting for Shoot 360 on February 26. Mayor Mates noted that January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day (81st anniversary of Auschwitz liberation) and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to rejecting hate and protecting civil rights.

11A – State Legislative Advocacy Platform 2026 Update

• Dane Hutchings of California Public Policy Group presented the proposed updates to the city’s state and federal legislative platform. Key issues: SB 79 cleanup (transit-oriented development) with timing challenges for local alternative plans; attacks on impact development fees; proposed bills to curb institutional investor home purchases; and Brown Act and CEQA changes. The council specifically supported adding language about incentives for “good actor” cities that meet housing goals. The platform was reaffirmed by a 4–0 vote.

11B – Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection Project

• Edward Kwan (Public Works Director) and Elizabeth Wada introduced a presentation by Chuck Anderson (Schafnocker, consultant) and Summer Bundy (One Shoreline). The project, led by Redwood City, aims to raise the levee around Redwood Shores to meet FEMA requirements and address sea level rise. The existing levee is already too low (elevations 10–12 feet; FEMA requires two feet freeboard above a 100-year tide). The January 3, 2026 tide was the second-highest on record. A portion of the project along Belmont Creek is needed to prevent “end around” flooding. Redwood City also offered to include Belmont’s Island Park area in the project at an incremental cost. Anderson recommended a “catch-up” study (30% design) funded by Belmont to align with Redwood City’s schedule. Council expressed interest in proceeding with the catch-up study and exploring cost-sharing agreements. Public comment from Doug Beasley detailed the private levee maintenance challenges in Island Park.

11C – CalPERS 180-Day Waiting Period Exception for Interim Administrative Services Director

• City Attorney Scott Rennie presented a resolution to waive the 180-day waiting period for Ann Ritzma to serve as interim Administrative Services Director while a permanent recruitment is underway. The council approved the exception by a 4–0 vote.

12 – Verbal Reports from Council and Staff

• Subcommittee & JPA Reports: Councilmember McCune reported on the BRSSD middle school realignment (three scenarios under consideration) and the first Housing & Long Range Planning Subcommittee meeting. Councilmember Laudamerlo reported: Peninsula Clean Energy rates dropped 10% below PG&E; PGE rates also decreased. Rethink Waste board discussed battery recycling with special orange bags placed on trash carts. The Fire Board elected Councilmember Rob Newsom (San Mateo) as chair. Library JPA will have new county representatives.
• City Manager Report: Tom Hagan introduced a video recap of the Belmont Creek restoration project ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting 500 feet of restored creek, 2,000 new native plants, and multi-agency collaboration.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 4–0.
• Legislative Platform (11A): Reaffirmed with added language supporting good-actor incentives; approved 4–0.
• Sea Level Rise Project (11B): Council directed staff to proceed with a 30% catch-up study for Island Park and to return with cost estimates and a framework for cost-sharing and long-term maintenance. Public engagement with affected residents will be conducted.
• CalPERS Exception (11C): Approved 4–0.
• Closed Session: Direction given to legal counsel to defend the city in Belmont Village Community Association v. City of Belmont (San Mateo Superior Court 26 CIV00463), which challenges the council’s approval of the 580 Masonic Project.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM, following the mayor’s remarks honoring Renee Good and Alex Predi and reaffirming the city’s commitment to human and constitutional rights.