Redwood City Council Regular Meeting - April 14, 2025

The Redwood City Council held a regular meeting on April 14, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, approval of a consent calendar, a discussion and vote on the selection of an alternative for the Redwood Life Evolve Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR), a study session on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), committee reports, and a closed session.

Proclamations and Presentations

• The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Brownie Troop 62463 from Clifford Elementary.
• A proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month was presented to Father Rami Razouk and Jackie Khalil, organizers of the annual Lebanese Festival.
• Additional recognitions were announced for American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, Week of the Young Child (April 4-11), and Earth Day (April 22).

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Grable (City Trees president) requested $42,000/year for tree watering, noting that City Trees has planted 4,100 trees since 2000 and the watering cost is unsustainable.
• Rona Gundrum (resident) expressed that the proposed alternative for Redwood Life is insufficient, raising concerns about the landfill, storm drainage, groundwater rise, traffic, and the hotel's 20-25 year timeline.
• Liliana Acosta Solorio (Sigona's Farmers Market) invited the council to the store’s 50th anniversary celebration on April 26 and requested a certificate of recognition.
• Sue Nix (Shore resident) stated the community was unhappy with Alternative 2, alleging inaccuracies in the application and lack of genuine community input, and urged more time.
• Stephen Goodale (Boardwalk Association) requested a delay, noting over half of required items (fire safety, drainage, tree replacement, affordable housing confirmation) remain unresolved per PRC review.
• Gita Dev (Sierra Club Loma Prieta chapter) criticized placing the item on the consent calendar, said Alternative 2 is only a 13.7% reduction (not 20%), and called for more community feedback.
• Chris McIntosh (San Mateo County Bird Alliance) raised concerns about wildlife impacts, lighting, and toxins from the landfill, asking for a delay.
• Carol Ford (resident) asked to remove the item from consent, citing sea level rise, leachate, and risks of pile driving on the landfill cap.
• Ruby Slover (Royal Green senior resident) reported traffic issues near Bradford, Maine, and Jefferson due to construction, requesting a temporary stop sign.
• Nina Goodell (resident) cited substantial factual errors in the staff report and requested removal from the consent calendar.
• Emailed comments (4 received, all on Redwood Life):
  • Michael Zoller (San Mateo resident) described negative impacts from Longfellow’s nearby development, including noise and vibration.
  • Vidyut Lingamneni (Redwood Shores, Bird Alliance) mentioned light pollution, noise, and risks from high-rise buildings on a landfill.
  • Gail Robb (Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge) requested removal from consent calendar, citing concerns about landfill integrity and sea level rise.
• Written public comment on CIP (2 comments): Aileen urged bike lane separation on Woodside, Middlefield, and El Camino; Jason Lee (Palm Park co-chair) requested CIP investments for neighborhood issues like illegal dumping and traffic violations.

Discussion Items

• Consent Calendar: All items except 6C (recusal by Vice Mayor Aiken) and 6E (pulled by Councilmember G) were approved unanimously. Item 6C was later approved 6-0.
• Item 6E – Redwood Life Project (Alternative Selection for EIR): Staff clarified that the council was only selecting an alternative for CEQA analysis, not approving the project. Alternative 2 reduces square footage by approximately 13% (1.9 million net new square feet) and includes increased setbacks, buffers, and a relocated road. Councilmembers asked about process: opportunities for community input (scoping, draft EIR comment period, Planning Commission), evaluation of landfill and pile concerns, and that community benefits and precise plans are separate processes. Vice Mayor Aiken and Councilmember Howard expressed comfort moving forward; Councilmember Padilla dissented. The motion passed 6-1.
• Study Session: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP): The recommended CIP totals $72.89 million, with $31.8 million from the capital outlay fund (including $15.8 million in one-time funds). Key projects include: Hoover Park renovation, Veterans Memorial Senior Center, fire training facility, traffic safety improvements, ADA curb ramps, facility security cameras, HVAC replacements, sidewalk repair, and stormwater management. Council discussed:
  • Councilmember G: Supported a facility condition assessment, program contingency, and project readiness for unanticipated funds.
  • Councilmember Chu: Prioritized road safety funding, protected bike lanes, and making the parking fund sustainable.
  • Vice Mayor Aiken: Expressed concern about defunding the stormwater master plan; supported traffic safety and tree watering programs; questioned parking fund allocation and equity.
  • Councilmember Howard: Supported security camera funding, facility assessment, and using one-time funds for human services and arts.
  • Councilmember Sterkin: Suggested swapping pavement program funds to increase traffic safety funding; supported Elliott’s parking sustainability ideas.
  • Mayor: Endorsed facility assessment, equity carve-out, and exploring tree watering. No formal action was taken; staff will incorporate feedback.

Committee Reports

• Equity and Social Justice Committee (March 28): Received updates on CIP equity planning, diversity hiring data, and an equity evaluation framework.
• Finance and Audit Committee (March 28): Discussed the FY 23-24 annual financial report.
• Governance Committee (March 31): Received a state legislative update; will recommend reducing Police Advisory Committee to seven members with staggered terms.
• Utilities Subcommittee (March 11): Discussed small wireless facility regulations and a water rate study.
• 84/101 Ad Hoc Committee (March 21): Project in final design phase; awaiting final grant confirmation.
• Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee (March 13 & April 11): Considering an anti-camping ordinance; held community outreach.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved with exception of items 6C and 6E.
• Item 6C (Orchard Avenue improvements) approved 6-0 (Vice Mayor Aiken recused).
• Item 6E approved 6-1 (Councilmember Padilla dissenting) to select Alternative 2 for CEQA evaluation, with continued public engagement.
• CIP study session: No formal action; council provided direction to staff on priorities including facility assessment, traffic safety, tree watering, and stormwater planning.
• Proclamations and recognitions were presented.
• Committee reports were received.
• Council will hold a special meeting on April 21, 2025, for board/commission interviews.

The meeting concluded with a closed session (anticipated litigation and labor negotiations); no reportable action.