OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Belmont City Council and Fire Protection District Regular Meeting - February 24, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, February 24, 2026
BodyBelmont, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:01:29
Transcript — Verbatim
3:54

The regular meeting of the Belmont City Council and the Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors.

4:01

We're properly noticed in our meeting concurrently, and we are taking separate actions in each legal capacity.

4:30

So that roll call membership is identical for both bodies.

4:33

Thank you.

4:34

Alright.

4:35

It is, I forgot to mention it's February 24th, 2026.

4:39

We're in city council chambers, and our published agenda also has instructions for how to participate via Zoom and also streaming on our website.

4:50

Item number three, items before 7 o'clock.

4:52

We don't have any.

4:54

We did not have a study session or a closed session.

4:57

Item starting at 7 starts with the Pledge of Allegiance.

5:00

Please rise if you're able.

5:04

I plan allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the following for which it stands on nation by the individual.

5:18

Alright, thank you.

5:19

Item five on the agenda is report from closed session.

5:23

Good evening, Madam Mayor.

5:24

As you mentioned earlier, we had no closed session.

5:27

Right, thank you.

5:28

Item six, special presentations.

5:30

We have none.

5:30

We had a handful earlier this month.

5:33

Item seven, public comments and items not on the agenda.

5:36

This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the body on any city matter that is not on the agenda tonight.

5:42

The period for public comment at this point is limited to five minutes with three minutes per speaker.

5:48

So if you are joining us uh virtually or in um the chambers, please let us know uh by filling out comment card or raising your hand virtually if you have any comments for item seven, public comments on items not on the agenda.

6:02

Madam Clerk.

6:04

Uh, yes, this evening we have uh two slips in-house on this item, and I have a raised hand.

6:10

Okay, let's go ahead and take in house first, please.

6:12

Okay, and we will begin with Michael Stagnaro, followed by um Carline, um Giuliano Carlini, excuse me.

6:22

Mayor, City Council, uh, City Manager.

6:26

My name is Michael Stagnero, and I and my wife live in Area 3 on Carlmont Drive and Alameda de Las Polgas.

6:35

The corner of Carlmont Drive and Alameda is five lanes.

6:41

Two lanes north, two lanes south, and one lane turning either north or south at the T intersection.

6:48

This corner is an important junction for the city.

6:51

Carlmont High School is three blocks away.

6:54

The library is there with an adjoining park.

6:58

Also across the street is an outside mall with a full service grocery store.

7:02

With poor lighting at night, no hawk system at the intersection, and drivers not making a full stop, and at times driving through the intersection at speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour.

7:15

This intersection has become a danger zone for pedestrians.

7:19

As students make their way to and from Carlmont High School, and families make their way to and from the librarian park.

7:26

I insist that the city take a more concerted approach to addressing the pedestrian traffic needs at this intersection.

7:34

In 2016, the council adopted a resolution approving the Alameda de las Polgas San Carlos Avenue corridor study.

7:43

And according to the conceptual plans online, the city is to install a stoplight.

7:49

But as of 2023, there has been no update on the city's website for the completion of this project.

7:56

In fact, there is a disappointing statement about waiting for grant funding.

8:02

Now it is February 2026.

8:05

Three years since the last workshop presentation, and 10 years since the resolution.

8:11

And there's been no update on funding or completion.

8:14

Yet I have a solution.

8:17

There are two Hawk systems, one installed across from Immaculate Heart, and the one there's another one for further south on Alameda, but not at this intersection.

8:29

By installing a Hawk system, at least Belmont citizens who live in area three and travel through Area 3 will know that walking across the street will not be as dangerous as it is now.

8:41

If further proof is needed, I urge you to make your way down to the intersection when traffic is greatest.

8:47

The morning before school, after school, and between 5 p.m.

8:52

and 7 p.m.

8:54

I understand about the slow wheel of government.

8:57

I know my public comment is not an action item tonight, but I will be following subsequent council meetings, and when required, if by a lack of council effort or future action taken on this need, I will be back.

9:11

And when a hock system is installed and a stoplight has been installed, I will be back to thank the council for making the city a safer place for all.

9:20

Thank you.

9:21

Thank you.

9:22

Our next speaker is Giuliano Carlini.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters██████████████████18%
Miscellaneous█████████████████17%
Procedural███████████████15%
Land Use Planning█████████████13%
Economic Development███████7%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Active Transportation█████5%
Transportation Safety████4%
Fiscal Sustainability████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Belmont City Council and Fire Protection District Regular Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Belmont City Council and Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors held a joint regular meeting on February 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered a range of topics including a major commercial development project, disposition of city-owned properties, mid-year financial results, and appointments to city commissions. All actions were approved unanimously, with key decisions on a life science project, property transfers, and commission appointments.

Consent Calendar

  • City Council: Approved an ordinance admitting the conceptual development plan for Charles Armstrong School at 1405 Solana Drive to allow for school expansion. (Motion 5-0)
  • Fire Protection District: Approved the minutes of the November 25, 2025 meeting. (Motion 5-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michael Stagnaro (Area 3 resident) urged the city to install a HAWK signal or stoplight at the intersection of Carlmont Drive and Alameda de las Pulgas, citing dangerous conditions for pedestrians, especially students from Carlmont High School. He noted a 2016 corridor study and a lack of progress since.
  • Giuliano Carlini criticized the council for approving a center left-turn lane extension on southbound El Camino to eastbound Ralston as part of a consent agenda without public discussion. He argued for improved cycling infrastructure on Ralston Street, stating that only 10 cars use nearby parking spaces while hundreds of cyclists would benefit from safer routes.
  • Shwesta (virtual) requested a review of the certificate of compliance process for lots with a notice of merger, asking why Belmont does not accept such notices as sufficient for building permits.
  • Dominic Cron (new resident) requested a mid-year summary of overall financial numbers similar to the annual report and emphasized that strong schools attract new residents and increase property tax revenue.
  • Andy Frisch (Kynos Women Training Center) expressed gratitude for the partnership with the city on the group home at 730 El Camino Real and noted a resident retiring after 27 years at Safeway.

Discussion Items

10A: 1301 Shoreway Road Commercial Development Project

  • Staff and applicant (Four Corners Properties) presented a plan for two office/life science buildings (542,035 sq ft total), a nine-level parking garage (1,626 spaces, including 201 bicycle stalls), and publicly accessible amenities including a trail, sports court, and exercise nodes. The project requires rezoning from Regional Commercial to Planned Unit Development, a Development Agreement, and other entitlements.
  • The applicant's community benefits package includes: a $6.3 million contribution (escalating to $7 million if project starts after 7 years), a public art contribution, union signatory contractor requirements, 30% local workforce from San Mateo County, and apprenticeship participation.
  • The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) found less-than-significant impacts with mitigation measures after receiving seven public comments.
  • Public commenter Giuliano Carlini urged reducing parking to 200 spaces and requiring Caltrain passes, arguing the site is within one mile of transit.
  • Council discussion noted the industrial location, support for flexibility between office and lab uses, and encouragement for shuttle programs and reduced parking. A condition allows staff to approve a 10% parking reduction.
  • Key Outcomes: Council unanimously (5-0) introduced the ordinance and approved related resolutions to certify the EIR, adopt the Development Agreement, rezone the property, and approve the Conceptual and Detailed Development Plans, Conditional Use Permit, and other permits.

10B: Disposition of City-Owned Properties (730 El Camino Real and 1000 O'Neill Avenue)

  • 730 El Camino Real: The city will transfer the property to nonprofit operator Kynos for $1, with a 55-year regulatory agreement restricting use as a residential supportive living group home for low-income individuals with developmental disabilities. The reuse appraisal value was negative due to operating costs.
  • 1000 O'Neill Avenue (Emmett House): Council authorized sale of the historic duplex at market value (appraised at $2.23 million) with proceeds used for affordable housing. A historic preservation deed restriction will run in perpetuity. The city adopted a replacement housing plan for two lost moderate-income units, designating the 100% affordable Romic Project (125 units) as the replacement.
  • Staff selected broker AMID Investments (2.5% fee). Council discussed the in-perpetuity restriction and the use of sale proceeds for the affordable housing fund.
  • Key Outcomes: Council unanimously (5-0) adopted resolutions for both properties, authorizing the transfer to Kynos and the sale of Emmett House.

11A: Mid-Year Financial Results (FY 2025-26) and Investment Policy Update

  • Finance Director reported that the state's Vehicle License Fee (VLF) reimbursement was only two-thirds of the amount owed ($1.2 million of $1.7 million), creating a $2.5 million shortfall. Future annual shortfalls are projected at $2.6–$6 million. Without full VLF funding, general fund reserves could drop below target by FY 2032.
  • Other revenue trends: Property taxes up due to VLF payment, sales tax flat, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) down $240,000 from budget due to hotel closures. The city is working with the county on a legislative fix.
  • The investment policy was updated to allow diversification into Local Government Investment Pools (LGIPs) alongside LAFE, citing safety, liquidity, and return priorities.
  • Council adopted resolutions for budget amendments and the annual investment policy.
  • Key Outcomes: Council unanimously (5-0) as City Council and as Fire Protection District Board approved the mid-year budget adjustments and investment policy.

11B: Appointments to Commissions

  • Council decided to maintain seven-member commissions for both Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission.
  • Planning Commission Appointments (3 seats): Brent (3-year term), Cherry Twig (2-year term), Joanne Adamkowitz (2-year term). (Vote 5-0)
  • Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission Appointments (2 adult, 2 youth): Bubby (incumbent, 3-year term), Hattel Vasoveda (3-year term). Youth: Shavita (8th grader, 1-year term) and Ariel (1-year term). (Vote 5-0)

Key Outcomes

  • All votes were 5-0 in favor of the actions described above.
  • The 1301 Shoreway Road project approval represents the largest commercial development in city history, with a $6.3 million community benefit contribution.
  • The city will transfer the group home at 730 El Camino Real to Kynos for $1 with a 55-year affordability restriction.
  • The city will sell Emmett House (1000 O'Neill Avenue) with proceeds dedicated to affordable housing and a historic preservation covenant.
  • Reserves are threatened by persistent state VLF underfunding; the city will continue advocacy and explore revenue options.
  • New commissioners will begin terms in March 2026.

Meeting Transcript

The regular meeting of the Belmont City Council and the Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors. We're properly noticed in our meeting concurrently, and we are taking separate actions in each legal capacity. So that roll call membership is identical for both bodies. Thank you. Alright. It is, I forgot to mention it's February 24th, 2026. We're in city council chambers, and our published agenda also has instructions for how to participate via Zoom and also streaming on our website. Item number three, items before 7 o'clock. We don't have any. We did not have a study session or a closed session. Item starting at 7 starts with the Pledge of Allegiance. Please rise if you're able. I plan allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the following for which it stands on nation by the individual. Alright, thank you. Item five on the agenda is report from closed session. Good evening, Madam Mayor. As you mentioned earlier, we had no closed session. Right, thank you. Item six, special presentations. We have none. We had a handful earlier this month. Item seven, public comments and items not on the agenda. This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the body on any city matter that is not on the agenda tonight. The period for public comment at this point is limited to five minutes with three minutes per speaker. So if you are joining us uh virtually or in um the chambers, please let us know uh by filling out comment card or raising your hand virtually if you have any comments for item seven, public comments on items not on the agenda. Madam Clerk. Uh, yes, this evening we have uh two slips in-house on this item, and I have a raised hand. Okay, let's go ahead and take in house first, please. Okay, and we will begin with Michael Stagnaro, followed by um Carline, um Giuliano Carlini, excuse me. Mayor, City Council, uh, City Manager. My name is Michael Stagnero, and I and my wife live in Area 3 on Carlmont Drive and Alameda de Las Polgas. The corner of Carlmont Drive and Alameda is five lanes. Two lanes north, two lanes south, and one lane turning either north or south at the T intersection. This corner is an important junction for the city. Carlmont High School is three blocks away. The library is there with an adjoining park. Also across the street is an outside mall with a full service grocery store. With poor lighting at night, no hawk system at the intersection, and drivers not making a full stop, and at times driving through the intersection at speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour. This intersection has become a danger zone for pedestrians. As students make their way to and from Carlmont High School, and families make their way to and from the librarian park. I insist that the city take a more concerted approach to addressing the pedestrian traffic needs at this intersection. In 2016, the council adopted a resolution approving the Alameda de las Polgas San Carlos Avenue corridor study. And according to the conceptual plans online, the city is to install a stoplight. But as of 2023, there has been no update on the city's website for the completion of this project. In fact, there is a disappointing statement about waiting for grant funding. Now it is February 2026. Three years since the last workshop presentation, and 10 years since the resolution. And there's been no update on funding or completion. Yet I have a solution. There are two Hawk systems, one installed across from Immaculate Heart, and the one there's another one for further south on Alameda, but not at this intersection.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com