Redwood City Council Meeting Summary - December 4, 2023

The Redwood City Council met on December 4, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a closed session (no reportable action), presentations from Senator Josh Becker and Hip Housing, a public hearing on proposed water rate increases, an informational report on district boundary adjustments, and council committee updates. The council approved the water rate increase 6-0 (Vice Mayor absent) and took no formal action on the district boundary adjustment.

Presentations & Acknowledgments

• Senator Josh Becker presented a $200,000 state grant to Redwood City Together for the PACE (Purposeful Action Creation and Engagement) program, which supports at-risk youth through job opportunities, mental health support, and community engagement. The program has exceeded its first-year goals. Youth participant Hector and program partners Ivan Martinez (PAL Center), Tito Alvarez, and others spoke in support.
• Hip Housing presented their 2024 calendar and highlighted their work in Redwood City: 384 people served, 19 through home sharing, 36 through self-sufficiency, and 129 living in Hip Housing properties. Fifth-grader Pavi, the calendar contest winner, read her statement about what home means.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (non-agenda):
  • Chris Romell spoke, correcting what he called false statements by city staff and council regarding the proposed property transfer tax. He argued the city currently collects no such tax, the county rate is $1.10 per $1,000 (not $0.55), the average home price is $2.25 million (not $1.7 million), and fewer than one-third of charter cities have a property transfer tax. He also criticized council urging blind trust in staff reports.
  • Nine emailed comments were read: Most opposed the property transfer tax, raised city manager pay, and overall spending. One comment (Paul Bocanegra) urged support for a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East. Another comment (Julie Pardini) criticized the council's hostile reception of Chris Romell at the prior meeting.
• Public Hearing on Water Rate Increases (Item 8A):
  • In-person speaker Chris Romell noted the fixed water rate is increasing 39% (bi-monthly from $59.04 to $82.09), which penalizes conservation. He also flagged upcoming garbage and sewer increases.
  • 20 emailed comments were read: Most opposed the increase, citing high costs, inflation, and lack of cost-cutting measures. Some noted the 30% fixed rate increase and urged smaller increments. One comment (Barb Valley) supported the increase, noting the city's rates are in the middle compared to neighbors and that the council also pays these rates. The city received 60 written protests, far below the majority threshold of 10,913.

Discussion Items

• Water Rate Increase (Item 8A):
  • Staff presented a comprehensive study showing the need for revenue increases due to a 27% rise in SFPUC wholesale water costs since 2018, along with operating and capital costs. The proposal: 8% increase effective February 1, 2024, and 7% effective January 1, 2025. For the average single-family customer using 14 units per bi-monthly bill, the combined increase is 12.2%. Fixed service charges for single-family customers increase 30% (first year), but consumption charges rise only about 1%. The city has not raised water rates since 2018.
  • Town councilmembers Aiken, Geary, and Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica, who served on the Utilities Committee, spoke in support. Councilmember Aiken noted the 280 miles of water mains, 15 storage tanks, and 12 booster stations needing maintenance. Councilmember Howard requested a bill calculator tool and emphasized the URAP program (funded by late penalties) which provides $20/month (proposed to increase to $25/month) for low-income households.
  • Councilmember Sturkin highlighted conservation efforts and the need to maintain infrastructure. Mayor G questioned what happens if reserves are depleted, and Public Works Director Terrence Kier answered that lack of revenue could lead to system failures like those in Flint, Michigan. The city uses a pay-as-you-go approach to avoid bond debt.
• District Boundary Adjustment (Item 9A):
  • City Clerk Jessica Castro presented an informational report on technical adjustments to District 7 following discovery that three parcels (one on Upland Road, two on Alameda de las Pulgas) were annexed in the 1950s but not reflected in the council district map. The adjustment adds these parcels to District 7, affecting no substantive population or candidate eligibility. No formal action required; the city clerk can execute the change.

Key Outcomes

• Water Rate Increase: Approved 6-0 (Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica absent). The ordinance updates water service charges and the water reserve policy. Staff will return in early 2024 with recommendations to increase the Utility Rate Assistance Program (URAP) benefit by 25% (to $25/month or $50/bi-monthly).
• Consent Calendar: Approved 6-0. Items included rejection of a general liability claim, Historic Resources Advisory Committee Work Plan, grant applications for recycled water, notification of drone use, approval of November 27, 2023 minutes, and claims/checks.
• Closed Session: No reportable action.
• Council Committee Reports:
  • Climate Action Subcommittee: Update on wet weather preparedness, fleet electrification, sea level rise vulnerability study, and leaf blower summit.
  • Transportation Mobility Subcommittee: Update on mobile parking payment system, Broadway Pedestrian Mall project, Woodside Road construction outreach.
  • Equity and Social Justice Subcommittee: Launch of VOICE program (youth leadership), 2024 policy calendar.
  • Ad Hoc Committee on 10184: Update on advocacy progress and next steps.
• City Manager Announcements:
  • Third cannabis retail store (Airfield Supply) opened; three more in pipeline.
  • Automated license plate reader installation began; annual reporting to council.
  • Park safety community engagement feedback available on city website; Parks and Recreation Commission continuing pop-up outreach.