Redwood City Council Meeting - November 4, 2024

On November 4, 2024, the Redwood City Council held a regular meeting that included an update from the Police Advisory Committee, approval of two Mills Act historic preservation contracts, a discussion on the PACE youth program, and a study session on sea level rise vulnerability. The meeting opened with modified public comment procedures (suspending Zoom comments) due to regional disruptions, and concluded with a closed session on labor negotiations.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6A-6G (except 6D): Approved unanimously. Items included amendments to agreements with Cherry Road Technologies (Oracle ERP support), authorization for transit-oriented community grant applications, approval of October 28 minutes, and approval of claims and checks through November 25, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alondra Piri Fuentes (10th grader, Sequoia High School) spoke in support of the Dream Club’s annual event on November 22 to raise awareness for undocumented students, inviting council to attend.
• Ed Stancil submitted a written comment (video not played); will be part of the record.
• Mark Bartholomew (resident, former city planner) urged the council to initiate a General Plan amendment to change the urban reserve designation on Cargill salt ponds to preservation, citing sea level rise risks.
• Chris McIntosh (Audubon Society) submitted a written comment supporting nature-based solutions and referencing BCDC’s draft regional plan.
• Nina Goodale submitted a written comment emphasizing groundwater rise, compound extremes, and the need to update the vulnerability assessment with 2024 state guidance.

Discussion Items

• Police Advisory Committee (PAC) Work Plan Update: Chief Christina Bell and Vice Chair Roxana Enriquez presented. The PAC, created in response to 2020 racial justice protests, advises the police chief. It has 11 seats (7 appointed by councilmembers, 4 by full council). The committee’s second work plan covers trust, workforce, technology/policing, and youth interactions. Two ad hoc committees are updating the police data dashboard (publishing June 2025) and planning a youth town hall on November 13 at Sequoia High School. Council expressed gratitude and requested a follow-up report on the town hall outcomes.
• Item 6D – PACE Program (Purposeful Action Create Engage Program): Councilmember Sterkin pulled this consent item to discuss funding and partnership with the Police Activities League (PAL). Staff reported that PAL has sufficient funding through June 2025; the proposed amendment extends the grant agreement. Sterkin expressed concern about the city’s reliance on nonprofit partners and urged that future funding align with council priorities. Councilmember Howard noted the city already provides in-kind support (rent, building maintenance). Vice Mayor Espinosa Garnica noted recent positive fundraising by PAL and requested financial reports. The item was approved unanimously after discussion.
• Historic Landmark Designation & Mills Act – 1337 Hopkins Avenue: The property (1924 Spanish revival, associated with Dr. George Franklin Shields and builder Charles Miller) received unanimous approval from HRAC and Planning Commission. Applicant Emmanuel Robinson presented a 10-year improvement plan including window replacement, porch restoration, and roof maintenance. Council approved the designation and contract (the 36th Mills Act in the city) unanimously.
• Historic Preservation Agreement (Mills Act) – 1200 Arguello Street: The property (1867 Greek revival, contributor to Mezesville Historic District) also received unanimous recommendations. Applicants Chandra Skara and Tapika Sridhar presented a plan for exterior paint, structural study, heating system upgrade, and roof replacement. Council approved the contract (the 37th Mills Act) unanimously.
• Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment & Adaptation Planning (Study Session): Public Works Services Director Terrence Straw and consultant Matt Brennan presented the study, which divides the shoreline into four reaches. Key vulnerabilities include coastal flooding, groundwater rise, and stormwater drainage. Adaptation costs are estimated at $31-40M per reach (total ~$590M). Existing projects (e.g., Bayfront Canal improvements) have reduced flooding. Council discussed the need for regional cooperation, nature-based solutions, and funding strategies. No formal action was taken; staff will return for further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Police Advisory Committee: Council will receive a follow-up report on the November 13 youth town hall.
• PACE Program (Item 6D): Amendment approved unanimously; staff to provide PAL financial reports and evaluate future funding for 2025.
• Mills Act Contracts: Both 1337 Hopkins Avenue and 1200 Arguello Street were unanimously approved as historic landmarks, with 10-year preservation agreements.
• Sea Level Rise: Council directed staff to explore regional partnerships (e.g., One Shoreline), update land use policies, and consider a shoreline tour for council members. The Climate Action Subcommittee will continue to review.