The Redwood City Planning Commission held a special meeting on August 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM to receive public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Recycled Water Master Plan (RWMP) Phase 2 Project and to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair. No decisions were made on the EIR; the public comment period remains open until September 21, 2026. The Commission also received updates on recent City Council actions.
Public Hearing on Draft EIR for Recycled Water Master Plan Phase 2 Project: Staff presented the project, which aims to expand the recycled water service area to include the east market assessment area (south and east of Woodside Road), extend pipelines in central and east areas, and add backup storage and pumping capacity. The Draft EIR analyzed environmental impacts and identified no significant and unavoidable impacts; all potential impacts were related to construction and were mitigated to less-than-significant levels. Mitigation measures cover air quality (dust control), biological resources (surveys, best management practices), archaeological and tribal cultural resources (worker education, consultation), paleontological resources, hazardous materials (contaminated soil management), and noise (equipment restrictions). The project would deliver an additional 762 acre-feet (250 million gallons) of recycled water per year, increasing the city's recycled water use from the current ~500 acre-feet per year (about 7-8% of total demand) to potentially double. Two alternatives were analyzed: a branch transmission alternative (environmentally superior) and a multiple loop alternative. Staff expressed a preference for the proposed project, which offers the most flexibility and reliability. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about future phases, pipeline types, tank size options, dual-plumbing requirements for affordable housing, project timeline (10-20 years), and the status of neighboring jurisdictions. Commissioner Arruza Cruz noted that all impacts are typical construction effects and expressed excitement about the project. Commissioner Koch praised the timing and environmental stewardship. Chair Crnogorac raised a concern about potential effects of recycled water on existing green infrastructure (e.g., heritage trees) and suggested the city examine exceptions.
Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair Appointments: The Commission appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming term.
Matters of Commission Interest: Assistant Community Development Director Exline provided updates on recent City Council actions from July 13, 2026 (referred to as "planning night"). Key outcomes:
All right. Good evening, and thank you for joining our August 18th, 2026. Oh, not special planning commission meeting. Where am I? No, I do not have the script. No, I think it's this one. I think the second one is also special. I guess we're both special. Yes, both meetings were special. So there is this is a special planning commission meeting. As a reminder, items will be taken in order as I listed on the agenda. Before we start, I want to briefly go over public comment procedures for the meeting for those who may be joining us for the first time. Public comments on the approval of minutes, consent items, planning commission. Um chair and vice chair appointments, matters of commission interest and items not on the agenda will be taken during item number three tonight. Comments on other agenda items will be taken only when that item is called. In-person speakers will be called first, followed by virtual attendees. In-person speakers, if there are any, please fill out a speaker's card at the front of the council chambers and bring to staff for the days. For those joining us virtually, you may raise hand feature on the zoom to speak. Uh if you're joining by teleconference, you may raise your hand by dialing star nine and star six to unmute your microphone when prompted. Please only raise your hand at the time that the item on which you are speaking is called. Uh we're allotting three minutes, but time may be adjusted. Lastly, we know that we each bring different perspectives to discussion. We want to be sure everyone has a chance to be heard without interruption. Uh Planning Commission welcomes public comments on the items within our purview. Thank you for your attention and considering consideration during this process. I will turn it over to staff for the roll call. Commissioner Cornejo? Here. Commissioner Russo Cruz? Here. Commissioner Finch? Here. Commissioner Hunter. Here. Commissioner Robinson. Here. Vice Chair Koch. Here. And Chair Sonagaratz. Here. I'm Sue Xine, and the Assistant Community Development Director and Staff Liaison to the Commission. Other staff attending this evening. Eleanor Ignacio, Assistant City Attorney. I think this is your first meeting, Eleanor. Excited to have you. Uh Alexander Barnhell, our consultant city attorney is joining us remotely. Linda Hugh is our principal planner. Justin Chappell is assistant public works director and chief sustainability and resiliency officer. And Christina Mateo, administrative secretary and meeting host. Do we have any remote participation notification or requests from the commission to consider?