Redwood City Council Meeting – November 24, 2025

The meeting began at 6 p.m. with roll call, Pledge of Allegiance, and presentations honoring Dr. Jason Wong and Palestine Cultural Day. The Council adjourned the meeting in memory of Rose Felicetti. Public comments addressed union representation for contractors, support for the arts, and a request for a four-way stop sign. The Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, introduced and approved municipal code amendments, approved modifications to the Elko Yards Affordable Housing Plan, and appointed Patrick Heisinger as City Manager. The meeting concluded with closed session with no reportable action.

Presentations & Acknowledgments

• Honored the memory of Dr. Jason Wong, longtime medical director of Samaritan House Free Clinic (17 years of service), for his leadership in the Food Pharmacy Initiative and holistic community health. A proclamation was presented to his family and colleagues.
• Recognized October 18, 2025 as Palestine Cultural Day, celebrating the 46th annual event at Courthouse Square with an estimated 20,000 attendees. The proclamation was presented to the Palestinian American Coalition, who praised Redwood City as welcoming.
• The Council adjourned the meeting in memory of Rose Felicetti, aunt of Council Member Sturken, a former elected official (Santa Cruz County Board of Education, Mountain View-Whisman School District) and founder of Digital Nest. A celebration of life was announced for December 1, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Martinez (Human Services Coordinator, Fair Oaks Community Center) spoke as a contractor seeking SEIU union recognition for job stability, sharing her family’s past experience with the center’s support. She urged the Council to invest in stability for workers serving vulnerable residents.
• Tony Gapastone (founder, Brave Maker) encouraged support for the Cinemark Theater and arts nonprofits, promoted the December 6 annual gala, and thanked the community.
• Bernadette Hadnagy (District 7) reported a November 10, 2025 hit-and-run at Farm Hill Boulevard and Eden Bower Lane, resulting in minor injuries and a dog’s death. She requested a four-way stop sign at that crosswalk and noted nearly 1,000 signatures in support. Council Member Sturken asked staff to follow up.
• On Item 8A: AJ Lair and Alex Lair spoke in support of the lot split code change, explaining their deep lot could not be split side-by-side without the amendment. Kim Hurst (Zoom) expressed concern that a flag lot would affect curb appeal and bring construction closer to her property.
• No public comments were made on Item 8B or Item 9A.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved all routine items on the consent calendar unanimously (7-0).

Discussion Items

Item 8A – Municipal Code Amendments (Chapters 18, 27A, 30, 41)

• Staff proposed updates to align with state law: clarify underground service requirements for utilities; strengthen creek protections (20-foot setback from top of bank or 30 feet from centerline, whichever larger) by requiring engineering studies for new development within the setback; allow lot design exceptions for urban lot splits on wide lots under SB 9; and update floodplain management to require finished floors one foot above base flood elevation (aligning with state building code).
• Council discussion included questions about creek ownership (limited easements) and maintenance responsibilities. Council Member Chu asked about further flexibility for narrower lots. Council Member Sturken noted ongoing resident concerns about creek maintenance beyond their means.
• The Council voted unanimously (7-0) to waive first reading and introduce the ordinance.

Item 8B – Elko Yards Affordable Housing Plan Modifications

• Staff and applicants (High Street Residential via Margo Solmont, and IQHQ via Carrie Algazi) presented modifications due to changed economic conditions (high interest rates, inflation, tariff uncertainty). The project originally envisioned 147 on-site affordable units; the proposal reduces that to 119 affordable units while adding a $5.8 million housing impact fee (paid in early 2026). Affordability levels shift: extremely low-income stays the same (20 units), very low-income increases from 24 to 47 units, low-income decreases from 67 to 8 units, moderate-income increases from 41 to 49 units. Total residential units remain 501 (plus 39 already built on Parcel F). The applicant also seeks revised state density bonus concessions: allowing affordable units smaller by square footage but with same bedroom count, reducing open space (no interior balconies), and adding local preference. The applicant plans to start construction in 2026 with completion in early 2029. The commercial buildings are largely complete (37% pre-leased, including to Chan Zuckerberg Initiative).
• Council discussion highlighted the need for housing, the value of child care (provided at zero rent), local preference, and $19 million in total impact fees. Vice Mayor Aiken raised concerns about moderate-income units being rentals rather than condos and about corporate ownership of housing. Council Member Sturken noted prevailing wage does not apply but urged tenant protections (referencing the RealPage lawsuit). Council Member Chu suggested the $5.8 million could be used for other affordable projects or preservation.
• The Council voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the modifications.

Item 9A – Appointment of City Manager

• Staff presented the recruitment process for a new city manager following Melissa Stevenson-Diaz’s retirement after 10 years. The ad hoc committee used an external search; finalist interviews were in October 2025. The Council selected Patrick Heisinger, currently Assistant City Manager (joined Redwood City in 2023, over 20 years of local government experience). Key employment terms: start date December 31, 2025; annual salary $390,000; severance of 9 months base pay plus benefits; 160 hours management leave; standard executive benefits.
• Council members praised Melissa Stevenson-Diaz’s legacy and Patrick Heisinger’s energy, bias for action, and collaborative style. No public comments.
• The Council voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the appointment and employment agreement.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• Municipal Code Amendments introduced and approved (unanimous); second reading scheduled for a future meeting; effective 30 days later.
• Elko Yards Affordable Housing Plan Modifications approved (unanimous), including revised conditions of approval, density bonus concessions/waivers, and updated affordable housing plan; city manager authorized to execute amended regulatory agreements.
• City Manager Appointment approved (unanimous); Patrick Heisinger to assume role December 31, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned to closed session (labor negotiations, litigation) with no reportable action, and was adjourned in memory of Rose Felicetti. The next regular council meeting is December 8, 2025, with a celebration for outgoing City Manager Melissa Stevenson-Diaz at 5 p.m.