OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Redwood City Council Meeting - October 27, 2025: Presentations, Affordable Housing Study, and Stormwater Master Planning

City Council — Monday, October 27, 2025
BodyRedwood City, California
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, October 27, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:09:40
Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

All right.

5:01

Good evening, everybody.

5:02

Thank you for joining our regular city council meeting of October twenty-seventh, twenty twenty-five.

5:07

It is past six o'clock, so we're gonna go ahead and get started.

5:10

We're holding meetings in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation available.

5:16

The city welcomes public comment on topics within the city's subject matter jurisdiction, and members of the public may provide comments as follows.

5:28

Excuse me, speaker cards are located at the back table in the council chambers and must be turned in to the city clerk at the dais.

5:35

Please be sure to indicate the agenda number which you wish to speak on.

5:39

Attendees who have joined us by Zoom will be called to speak after the in-person comments have been given.

5:44

Detailed instructions for public comment will be provided on the screen when the time for public comment begins.

5:50

If there's a high volume of public comment this evening, we may decrease the time allotted for each comment or limit the total time for each public comment.

5:59

In the event that this occurs, please feel free to send your full comments to the City Council at Council at Rewood City.org.

6:06

Written comments are not read aloud, but will be made part of the final meeting record.

6:10

And I will now turn it over to our city clerk to call the roll.

6:18

Councilmember G.

6:20

Present.

6:20

Councilmember Howard.

6:21

Here, Councilmember Padilla.

6:25

Here.

6:32

With that, we'll now go on to the pledge of allegiance.

6:34

Councilmember G.

6:35

Thank you, Mr.

6:36

Mayor.

6:37

You would rise and join me in saluting the flag of our country.

7:03

We will move on to item four.

7:05

Item four is a procedural item for the purpose of identifying and confirming any council members who wish to participate in a meeting remotely and have not already provided a remote location listed on the agenda.

7:16

This item does not pertain to public comments from the public, and we have no council members exercising this tonight.

7:23

So we will move on to our next item.

7:32

We'll now convene to our closed session regarding public employee appointment as identified on the agenda.

7:38

Before we convene closed session, I'd like to ask the city clerk if there are any public comments on the closed session item.

7:48

We'll now adjourn to closed session, which should take us hopefully less than an hour.

7:53

But following the conclusion of closed session, the council will return to the dais and reconvene open session.

7:58

We appreciate patience.

8:00

Thanks, everybody.

8:03

We're going to be a couple of people.

8:27

Okay.

8:42

Okay.

1:05:17

Good evening, everybody.

1:05:18

We're going to go ahead and get started.

1:05:20

Thank you so much for your patience while we reconvene from close session.

1:05:25

We're we're going to begin our meeting tonight with item six, which is our presentations and acknowledgments, beginning with six A, a proclamation recognizing domestic violence awareness month.

1:05:39

This is our proclamation for October 2025, declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about domestic violence.

1:05:55

And we brought an incredible organization to highlight Cora, which is the only and probably the only service DV services provider here in San Mateo County, serving people in their most critical moments of need.

1:06:33

And leading with programs like the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team or Divert, your truly leading the way for the county to help transform lives.

1:06:43

And so this month, there are various efforts to support survivors on our victims and advocate for an end to abuse.

1:06:50

And I'll read a few whereas from the proclamation, whereas more than one in three women, one in four men, and one in two transgender individuals experience some form of physical or sexual violence and or stalking by their intimate partner in their lifetime.

1:07:48

On behalf of the City Council, I'd like to extend appreciation to CORA for their important work, supporting victims of domestic abuse, and invite CEO Karen Ferguson to the podium to accept the proclamation and share a few words.

1:08:01

Welcome, Karen.

1:08:04

Thank you very much.

1:07:59

Thank you, City Council members, and thank you to all who are here today.

1:08:14

Um we really appreciate this proclamation.

1:08:17

And I have to tell you first of all that as of this week, by actually end of tomorrow, every single jurisdiction within San Mateo County will have done a proclamation.

1:08:30

And that is, I I think it's historic.

1:08:32

I'm not sure that we've ever been able to accomplish that before.

1:08:35

And so I really thank you because it's so important to call out and make sure that we really are bringing to light that domestic violence is happening because this is the statistics that you shared means that just as we're sitting here in this group, there are those of us who have been impacted by domestic violence, whether we are survivors ourselves or whether we have friends, family members, neighbors who have been going through this as well in terms of their lives.

1:09:03

And so bringing this forward into the light is a way for a proclamation like this to say if you have perpetrated, then we are going to hold you accountable.

1:09:14

And if you are a person who has endured this, then we see you and you are not alone.

1:09:20

So we deeply appreciate the moment.

1:09:23

Um Cora, as you said, is the single provider of comprehensive free and confidential services, mental health services, legal services.

1:09:32

We have an emergency shelter, we have a hotline.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████████████29%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Affordable Housing███████████████15%
Community Engagement████████████12%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Economic Development████████8%
Parks and Recreation█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Redwood City Council Meeting - October 27, 2025

The Redwood City Council held a regular hybrid meeting on October 27, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a closed session for public employee appointment and later for existing litigation, with no reportable action. The council received presentations from CORA, the Port of Redwood City, the Redwood City Improvement Association, and SamTrans on the Grand Boulevard Initiative, conducted a public hearing on a proposed 100% affordable senior housing development at 705 Veterans Boulevard, and held a study session on stormwater master planning. All consent calendar items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (7-0) without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tony Gappestone (Bravemaker) – Thanked the council for supporting the film festival and requested continued community support for Bravemaker’s eighth annual film festival.
  • Alexi Robb (student, Redwood Shores) – Asked about the September 8 vote to suspend green infrastructure development standards for commercial remodels, specifically whether mixed-use or multifamily developments were included and how the city will ensure long-term environmental equity and public safety.
  • Anthony Mistuso (Business Agent, Local 16 / San Mateo County Building Trades) – Expressed support for prevailing wage on the 705 Veterans affordable housing project and asked if it would be modular or stick-built (applicant later confirmed stick-built). Encouraged use of union labor and a Project Labor Agreement.

Presentations & Acknowledgments

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

  • Mayor read a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  • Karen Ferguson (CEO, CORA) accepted the proclamation, noting every jurisdiction in San Mateo County had issued a proclamation that week. She highlighted CORA’s free and confidential services (hotline: 800-300-1080) and partnerships with Redwood City.

Port of Redwood City Annual Report

  • Chair Stan Moppen and Executive Director Christine Zortman presented the FY 2025 annual report. Key points:
    • The port operates as a profitable business under the public trust doctrine, prioritizing maritime commerce.
    • Annual subvention payment to the city’s general fund exceeds $500,000.
    • Future ferry service: Draft EIR anticipated Q2 2026.
    • FEMA staging area designation remains stable.
    • Pursuing a new domestic Jones Act marine highway for cargo.
    • Living shoreline pilot project and 4th of July 2026 fireworks celebration.
    • Workforce development: Meeting with County Board of Education planned.
  • Council members praised the port’s work and discussed potential collaboration on a fire training facility.

Redwood City Improvement Association (RCIA) Annual Report

  • Amy Buckmaster (CEO, Chamber San Mateo County) presented the FY 2024 annual report. RCIA is a 501(c)(3) community benefit district funded by property assessments ($940,000 in FY). Budget: 54% for sidewalk operations, balance for beautification, economic development, and promotion. Highlights: art kiosk, seasonal placemaking (fall arch, holiday decorations), public art, trash can maintenance, and a new drone docking station for downtown safety.
  • Council members commended RCIA’s impact on downtown vibrancy, specifically the Broadway pedestrian improvements and family-friendly spaces. Councilmember G noted the district’s 10-year success and potential for expansion.

Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) Action Plan Presentation

  • Cassie Halls (SAMTrans) and Jessica Manzi (SMCTA) presented the GBI Action Plan, a multi-agency partnership to implement safety and multimodal improvements on El Camino Real. The plan is a corridor-wide feasibility study to serve as a blueprint for a coordinated Caltrans project development process. Estimated cost: $750 million over 6–10 years. The plan focuses on safety, complete streets, and streamlined delivery. Two local plans affect Redwood City: the Central El Camino Real Multimodal Plan (from Finger Ave to Brewster) and the Caltrans Selby Lane to Brewster bike/ped safety project.
  • Council members voiced support for the vision but stressed the need for robust business outreach, especially regarding parking and deliveries. Concerns about the loss of parking for businesses like Togo’s and Baskin-Robbins were raised. Several members advocated for quick-build pilot projects and protected bike lanes, and emphasized the importance of a cohesive vision across all 14 corridor cities to avoid disjointed design at city limits. Councilmember G encouraged a unified inter-city vision.

Discussion Items

705 Veterans Boulevard – 100% Affordable Senior Housing (Informational Public Meeting)

  • William Chu (Senior Planner) presented staff overview: The applicant, Eden Housing, submitted a Notice of Intent to use SB 35 streamlining. The project: 5-story, 76-unit (75 affordable, 1 manager’s unit), 100% affordable senior (55+) housing. Affordability: 10 extremely low-income, 25 very low-income, 40 low-income units. Site near Caltrain (0.5 mi), provides 38 parking spaces (no parking required). Timeline: full application due within 180 days; ministerial review within 90 days after completeness; construction anticipated 5 years away.
  • Dixie Bows (Director of Real Estate Development, Eden Housing) presented project concept: stick-built, not modular. Design emphasizes sustainability and connection to downtown amenities. Parking and back-of-house on Brewster Street to keep Veterans Boulevard walkable. No shuttle provided but will link to external senior transportation. No cafeteria; instead, partnerships for food resources.
  • Council questions/comments:
    • Councilmember Howard asked about the Resident Resource Center (links residents to services).
    • Councilmember Chu suggested a pedestrian exit on Brewster and unbundled parking (Eden noted tax credit rules prevent unbundling).
    • Councilmember G inquired about timeline (estimated 5 years).
    • Vice Mayor Aiken encouraged a beautiful facade, referencing the Dostart Building, and suggested Peninsula Clean Energy partnerships for EV charging.
    • Councilmembers Sturkin, G, and others encouraged union labor, early engagement with artists, tribal consultation, and inclusivity for disabled adults.
  • No action taken; informational only.

Study Session: Stormwater Master Planning

  • Tanisha Werner (Engineering Director) and Paige Saber (Senior Civil Engineer) presented a roadmap for a comprehensive stormwater master plan. The city’s system includes 123 miles of pipe, 6.7 miles of concrete channels, and 20+ pump stations. Last master plan was 1986. Current resident satisfaction: 41% (vs 63% national). A comprehensive master plan (estimated $1.1–2.1 million) would assess conditions, identify projects, and guide funding. Staff are evaluating funding sources for the master plan itself. Potential future funding mechanisms include property-related fees, CFDs, and grants.
  • Council feedback:
    • Vice Mayor Aiken emphasized regional cooperation, noting that the city receives runoff from uphill jurisdictions and must partner with Woodside, Portola Valley, San Mateo County, and agencies like OneShoreline.
    • Councilmember Chu supported the comprehensive approach and suggested using waterways as pedestrian routes and monitoring microplastics.
    • Councilmember Howard stressed the need for a dual path: internal projects while pursuing regional collaboration.
    • Councilmember G advised learning from Redwood Shores lagoon bank maintenance lessons and planning for asset lifecycle replacement.
    • Councilmember Sturkin asked about feasible funding instruments; consultant explained property-related fee options.
    • Councilmember Padilla supported community engagement (e.g., adopt-a-storm-drain program).
  • Staff committed to incorporating feedback, including equity considerations (especially mobile home parks), upstream detention, and leveraging partnerships with OneShoreline.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent calendar approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Meeting extension to 11:15 PM approved 6-1 (Councilmember Padilla opposed).
  • No formal votes on informational items or study session, but council provided extensive direction to staff for the stormwater master planning process.
  • The affordable housing project will proceed with SB 35 process; council encouraged early business and community engagement.
  • The Grand Boulevard Initiative Action Plan will be finalized over the winter; council requested greater business outreach and a cohesive inter-city vision.
  • Final closed session on existing litigation: no reportable action.

Matters of Council Interest & Committee Reports

  • Council Reports: Vice Mayor Aiken reported on C/CAG (soil carbon sequestration), Silicon Valley Community Foundation annual meeting, and OneShoreline board meeting (received $2M grant for South Bay Shoreline Resilience Plan).
  • Finance & Audit Subcommittee (Councilmember Howard): Met October 14; recommended approval of proposed investment policy changes (housekeeping) and no change to reserve policies.
  • Governance Subcommittee (Vice Mayor Aiken): Met October 20; received state legislative update.
  • Climate Action Subcommittee (Councilmember Padilla): Met October 24; received updates on Peninsula Clean Energy’s EV charging program, SB 1383 edible food recovery, wet weather preparedness (sandbag stations), and safe walkable pathways.
  • City Attorney Employment Agreement Ad Hoc (Mayor): Met October 22; anticipate returning in closed session in December.
  • Next regular council meeting: November 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

All right. Good evening, everybody. Thank you for joining our regular city council meeting of October twenty-seventh, twenty twenty-five. It is past six o'clock, so we're gonna go ahead and get started. We're holding meetings in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation available. The city welcomes public comment on topics within the city's subject matter jurisdiction, and members of the public may provide comments as follows. Excuse me, speaker cards are located at the back table in the council chambers and must be turned in to the city clerk at the dais. Please be sure to indicate the agenda number which you wish to speak on. Attendees who have joined us by Zoom will be called to speak after the in-person comments have been given. Detailed instructions for public comment will be provided on the screen when the time for public comment begins. If there's a high volume of public comment this evening, we may decrease the time allotted for each comment or limit the total time for each public comment. In the event that this occurs, please feel free to send your full comments to the City Council at Council at Rewood City.org. Written comments are not read aloud, but will be made part of the final meeting record. And I will now turn it over to our city clerk to call the roll. Councilmember G. Present. Councilmember Howard. Here, Councilmember Padilla. Here. With that, we'll now go on to the pledge of allegiance. Councilmember G. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You would rise and join me in saluting the flag of our country. We will move on to item four. Item four is a procedural item for the purpose of identifying and confirming any council members who wish to participate in a meeting remotely and have not already provided a remote location listed on the agenda. This item does not pertain to public comments from the public, and we have no council members exercising this tonight. So we will move on to our next item. We'll now convene to our closed session regarding public employee appointment as identified on the agenda. Before we convene closed session, I'd like to ask the city clerk if there are any public comments on the closed session item. We'll now adjourn to closed session, which should take us hopefully less than an hour. But following the conclusion of closed session, the council will return to the dais and reconvene open session. We appreciate patience. Thanks, everybody. We're going to be a couple of people. Okay. Okay. Good evening, everybody. We're going to go ahead and get started. Thank you so much for your patience while we reconvene from close session. We're we're going to begin our meeting tonight with item six, which is our presentations and acknowledgments, beginning with six A, a proclamation recognizing domestic violence awareness month. This is our proclamation for October 2025, declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about domestic violence. And we brought an incredible organization to highlight Cora, which is the only and probably the only service DV services provider here in San Mateo County, serving people in their most critical moments of need. And leading with programs like the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team or Divert, your truly leading the way for the county to help transform lives. And so this month, there are various efforts to support survivors on our victims and advocate for an end to abuse. And I'll read a few whereas from the proclamation, whereas more than one in three women, one in four men, and one in two transgender individuals experience some form of physical or sexual violence and or stalking by their intimate partner in their lifetime. On behalf of the City Council, I'd like to extend appreciation to CORA for their important work, supporting victims of domestic abuse, and invite CEO Karen Ferguson to the podium to accept the proclamation and share a few words. Welcome, Karen. Thank you very much. Thank you, City Council members, and thank you to all who are here today.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com