Public Meetings - Redwood City, California

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The special meeting of the Redwood City Planning Commission scheduled for March 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM was adjourned to Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM. No discussions or actions took place. The agenda items (920 Shasta/122 Buckeye and 901 El Camino Real) will be considered at the adjourned meeting.

The Redwood City Council held a joint regular meeting on March 24, 2025, featuring a State of the City address delivered by Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos and individual councilmembers. The meeting included public comments from five speakers and one written comment, followed by presentations on housing, transportation, community well-being, economic opportunity, safety, and sustainability, each culminating in a "Redwood City Roots Award" to a notable initiative. Public Comments & Testimony - Carolyn Hoskins (Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center) responded to a negative online review, asserting the museum's value and thanking Senator Josh Becker and Supervisor Ray Mueller for support. She invited councilmembers to visit the museum at 890 Jefferson Avenue. - Barbara Finnegan (American Association of University Women) noted that March 25 is Equal Pay Day, stating women earn 83 cents on the dollar nationally (64–65 cents for women of color). She urged the city to address the gender pay gap to reduce poverty and boost the economy. - Michael Arrasa Cruz (Peninsula for Everyone) presented a white paper arguing that the city's gatekeeper process is a significant impediment to housing construction. He stated that projects stuck in the process contain over 900 housing units (311 affordable) and urged streamlining and moving projects forward. - Maurice Goodman (NAACP San Mateo County) supported Carolyn Hoskins and the Black History Museum, calling on the city to stand against hate and affirm that Black history is American history. - Jose Reyes (resident) described an alleged incident of excessive force and mistreatment by San Mateo County Sheriff's deputies in 2018, including a hog-tie restraint and subsequent alleged cover-up. He requested an investigation by the California Attorney General. - Written comment: Jack O'Hara submitted a concept proposal for Redwood City's urban development, emphasizing service to the community, county, state, and union. Discussion Items Councilmembers each presented a segment of the State of the City address, followed by the presentation of a Roots Award. - Housing and Homelessness (Councilmember Chris Sturken): Outlined the "four Ps" framework (preserve, protect, produce, partner) including a preservation fund, mobile home park rezoning, development of a tenant protection ordinance, and homelessness partnerships. Award: The collective effort to expand affordable housing was recognized for achieving nearly 1,000 affordable units approved, under construction, or recently completed, including projects like 353 Main, Arroyo Green, Hallmark House, and Miramontes. - Transportation (Councilmember Jeff Gee): Highlighted Vision Zero, the 101/84 Woodside Road Interchange Project (construction starting 2027), Caltrain grade separations, and equitable safety improvements. Award: The 101/84 Woodside Road Interchange Project was awarded for its potential to reduce congestion and improve safety. - Community Well-being (Councilmember Marcella Padilla): Discussed the Complete Parks Indicator, mental health services partnerships, the Veterans Memorial Building and Senior Center (opening fall 2025), library programs, and the Redwood City Together collaborative. Award: The new Veterans Memorial Building and Senior Center was recognized as an intergenerational space for wellness and connection. - Economic Opportunity (Councilmember Isabella Chu): Described the outdoor business program, Broadway Pedestrian Mall, Greater Downtown Area Plan, new businesses, and a potential digital billboard pilot. Award: The Broadway Pedestrian Mall was awarded for enhancing downtown vitality and economic activity. - Safe and Connected Neighborhoods (Councilmember Diane Howard): Covered community policing, the transition of the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team (CWCRT) from pilot to ongoing service, organized retail theft response, CERT academies, and neighborhood associations. Award: The CWCRT program was recognized for its care-first approach to crisis situations. - Sustainable Future (Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin): Addressed climate action, sea level rise adaptation, Bayfront Canal flood management, and digital equity through the Wi-Fi hotspot lending program. Award: The city's Wi-Fi hotspot lending program was awarded for promoting digital equity and connectivity. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or ordinances were passed during the meeting. The council received public comments and unanimously presented six Roots Awards. - Councilmember Sturken noted that the Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness will consider recommending an ordinance to limit camping on public property. - The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2025.

No meeting content was available for summarization. The agenda, minutes, and transcript were empty or not provided.

The Redwood City Council held a regular meeting on March 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with a proclamation declaring March 9–15, 2025 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, presented by Mayor Martinez Sabayos and accepted by community advocate Pamela Swint. The council then addressed the consent calendar, pulled two items for discussion (2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and the 2025 Legislative Platform), and later approved executive management compensation changes. The meeting concluded with a closed session on anticipated litigation; no reportable action was taken. Consent Calendar - Approved all consent items except 6A and 6D, which were pulled for discussion. Items included: emergency sewer repairs (6B), conflict of interest code update (6C), outdoor business activity program (6E), community wellness crisis response team MOU (6F), tentative agreements with SEIU (6G) and Police Supervisors Association (6H), purchase of vehicles and equipment (6K–6L), on-call concrete/asphalt repair (6M), planning services amendment (6N), approval of minutes (6O), and claims/checks (6P). All passed 6–0. Public Comments & Testimony - One emailed comment from Clara Jekyll urged the council to support anti-displacement efforts at regional and local levels, beyond state-level action. Discussion Items - Item 6A – 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR): Vice Mayor Aiken led discussion on challenges of moderate-income housing, noting that subsidized units can cost more than older market-rate units. Staff (Sue X-line and Ellen Lancaster) explained that most funding is targeted to low-income units, and moderate rents are tied to 120% of median income, making them less competitive. Vice Mayor also inquired about naturally occurring affordable housing and preservation programs. Councilmember Chu asked whether density bonuses and expedited approvals could lower costs for moderate housing. Councilmember Sterkin echoed concerns about meeting RHNA goals given construction cost increases and market uncertainty. The report was approved 6–0. - Item 6D – 2025 Legislative Platform: Councilmember Sterkin proposed adding two statements supporting LGBTQ+ rights and opposing discrimination. After debate, some members (Councilmember G, Vice Mayor Aiken) preferred a broader anti-discrimination statement rather than singling out one group. Staff noted the existing platform already includes an equity definition that covers all identities. The council approved the staff-recommended platform and referred the proposal for expanded language to the Governance Subcommittee. Motion passed 6–0. - Item 8A – Executive Management Compensation: Human Resources Director Michelle Katsuyoshi presented amendments to the compensation summary, including expanded sick leave use, bilingual pay for public safety executives, and a new compensation philosophy. Councilmember G spoke in favor of retention through competitive pay. The item was approved 6–0. Key Outcomes - Proclamation declared March 9–15, 2025 as MS Awareness Week. - Consent calendar approved in bulk; Items 6A and 6D individually approved. - Item 6A: 2024 Housing Element APR adopted. - Item 6D: 2025 Legislative Platform adopted; Governance Subcommittee to consider broader anti-discrimination language. - Item 8A: Executive management compensation and compensation philosophy approved. - Closed session on anticipated litigation; no reportable action. - Next regular meeting scheduled for March 24, 2025 (State of the City Address). Councilmember Padilla was absent for all votes.

On March 4, 2025, the Redwood City Council and Planning Commission held a joint study session to receive an update on the Redwood Life project, a proposed life sciences and office development at 800-3400 Bridge Parkway. The meeting focused on community engagement results, a sensitivity analysis, and two project alternatives. No formal action was taken, but the bodies provided feedback to direct staff toward initiating the environmental impact report (EIR) process. Public Comments & Testimony - Adelaide Nye (Redwood Shores resident) opposed the project, citing risks from the 42-acre unlined landfill beneath the site, potential pollution from pile driving, and sea level rise. She requested a special insurance policy to protect taxpayers. - Mary Morrissey Pardon (Redwood Shores resident since 1989) strongly supported the proposal and alternative two, arguing the project improves stormwater management and sea level rise protection, and that delays are unnecessary. - Ken Chan (Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County) expressed appreciation for the partnership with Eden Housing and the $85 million commitment to affordable housing, urging support to keep low-income residents housed. - Henry Yoon (reading for Louis Kwan) spoke in strong support, noting the project would bring well-paying jobs, fund affordable housing and child care, and benefit all Redwood City residents. - Sarah Morgan's statement (read by another) emphasized sea level rise concerns and the need for levee reinforcement, arguing traffic concerns are misplaced and the project would improve walkability and bikeability. - Johnny DeRosa (Peninsula Chinese Business Association) supported the project, highlighting sea level rise mitigation and the city's budget deficit, and commended Longfellow's 20% reduction in project size. - Chuck Schultz (Redwood Shores resident) voiced support, noting the current site is an underutilized parking lot and the project would revitalize the area and bring biotech jobs. - Rona Gundrum (Redwood Shores resident) expressed concern that the alternatives do not adequately address building heights (up to 100 feet) and density, with only a 10-20% reduction. - Amy Buckmaster (Chamber San Mateo County CEO) strongly supported alternative two, noting a compromise with 65% of former opponents now supporting it, but urged faster progress. - Felicia Basquez (15-year Redwood Shores resident) supported the project, citing community benefits, parks, and sea level rise protection, and warned against misinformation. - Anthony Urbina (building trades union) urged moving forward with studying alternative two, emphasizing local jobs and workforce benefits. - Nels Delander (Carpenters Local 217) supported alternative two, highlighting union labor commitments and local economic benefits. - Stephen Goodale (Boardwalk Association) opposed the process, alleging the developer cherry-picked engagement, manufactured support, and conducted meaningless meetings. He asked for a restart of the process. - Nina Goodale (Redwood Shores resident) questioned the project's compliance with the Westport Specific Plan, incomplete applications, and whether the sensitivity analysis truly informed alternatives. - Anthony Newanis (Painters union) supported the project, citing local hire and apprenticeship opportunities. - Scott Beale (HVAC apprenticeship instructor) supported alternative two, emphasizing the value of skilled trades and apprenticeships. - Sue Nix (42-year Redwood Shores resident) opposed, stating community meetings were frustrating, alternatives insufficient, and concerns about the landfill, property values, and responsibility for toxic leaks. - Sigal Alon (resident across Marine Parkway) opposed, describing the project as a mini-downtown on a toxic landfill in a seismic zone, and raised concerns about wind blockage. - Mark Nye (Redwood Shores resident) expressed distrust, citing broken promises and inadequate community feedback mechanisms. - Thomas Gomez (IBEW Local 617 resident) supported alternative two, citing job creation and apprenticeship opportunities. - Carol Ford (30-year Redwood Shores resident) opposed, noting the toxic landfill and methane risks, and suggested building taller on existing structures instead. - Emailed comments: Richard Hedges supported; Roger Hausler opposed the hotel; Vidyut Lingam Nenny opposed; Bridget and Earl Aiken (Stop Redwood Life) reported 68% of signers support alternative two but with hotel removed and N1/N2 heights reduced; Jeff Schibels (Silicon Valley Lions Club) supported community space; Corey Smith (Housing Action Coalition) supported affordable housing investment; Kristen Mercer opposed, citing landfill and levee issues; Christine Padilla (Build Up San Mateo County) supported child care investment; Alejandro Santillian supported; Jenny Lee opposed, citing environmental and traffic impacts. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Community Development Director Jeff Schwab and consultant Eric Yerkovich (Ramian Associates) presented an overview of the city-led engagement process, sensitivity analysis (transportation, utilities, environment), and two project alternatives. Alternative one reduces project size by 10% (244,000 sq ft removed), alternative two by 20% (459,000 sq ft removed), both increasing setbacks from residences and the Belmont Slough, shifting Longfellow Lane inward, and reducing building heights near neighbors. - Applicant Presentation: Peter Fritz (Longfellow Real Estate Partners) highlighted major changes in alternative two, including a 20% size reduction, removal of buildings N7 and N12, doubling setbacks, and increasing greenway buffers. He noted 70% of the Stop Redwood Life group supports studying alternative two and requested EIR initiation. - Planning Commission Comments: - Commissioner Hunter: Clarified differences between specific and precise plans; questioned ability to study more than one alternative in detail; raised biosafety level concerns. He supported alternative two but wanted biosafety studied. - Commissioner Koch: Asked about levee funding responsibility and landfill liability (property owner). Supported alternative two, noting 35 acres of open space would be the city's largest park. - Commissioner Finch: Supported alternative two, appreciated design changes, emphasized need for robust TDM (transit passes, parking cash-out, unbundled parking). - Vice Chair Koch: Echoed need for strong TDM, bike infrastructure. - Chair Sinagora: Highly commended community engagement, supported alternative two, noted 35 acres of open space as a major benefit. - Commissioner Cornejo: Supported moving forward with alternative two. - City Council Comments: - Councilmember Chu: Clarified that moving Longfellow Lane inward could also be applied to the original plan. Preferred alternative one for more jobs but open to either. Supported unbundling parking, bike routes from Caltrain. - Vice Mayor Aiken: Asked about insurance for landfill/sea level rise risks; questioned timeline for community benefits (tied to phases). Supported alternative two, emphasized robust TDM and TMA. - Councilmember Surkin: Noted traffic analysis without mitigation; asked about TMA timing. Supported alternative one or two, stressed EIR will address hazards. - Councilmember G: Questioned traffic modeling post-COVID; favored alternative two but asked staff to explore further reductions, underparking, and VMT analysis comparing hotel vs. no hotel. Suggested learning from Stanford development agreement. - Councilmember Howard (virtual): Applauded developer's responsiveness on setbacks, heights, and sea level rise. Asked about building heights (90-100 feet) and their placement; supported alternative two. Proposed variance for BSL-3/4 labs citywide rather than per project. - Councilmember Padilla: Praised robust community engagement; supported moving forward to address sea level rise. - Mayor Martinez Samayos: Concluded that alternative two is the preferred direction, with continued community engagement and sensitivities. Thanked all participants. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken; the study session was for feedback only. - The majority of council and commission members expressed support for directing staff to proceed with the EIR process, studying the original Longfellow proposal and alternative two (the 20% reduction) alongside the required no-project alternative. Additional alternatives may be studied in lesser detail. - Staff will incorporate feedback on transportation demand management (TDM), unbundled parking, transit pass programs, and the potential Transportation Management Association (TMA) with neighboring cities. - The city attorney noted that a future council action to initiate the EIR could be placed on the consent calendar. - Community engagement will continue through the EIR process, with emphasis on addressing landfill, sea level rise, traffic, and ecological concerns. - Next steps: Staff to prepare materials for council consideration to formally initiate the precise plan and EIR process.

The Redwood City Council held a special meeting on March 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM (local time). The meeting began with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a public comment period, followed by a closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation. No votes or decisions were taken during the open session. Public Comments & Testimony - The public comment period was opened for comments on the closed session item or any topic within the city's jurisdiction. No public comments were recorded in the available transcript. Closed Session - The City Council convened in closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation as identified on the agenda. Mayor Martinez Savallas recused herself from item two in the closed session due to her service on the board of directors of the parties involved. Key Outcomes - No actions or decisions were reported from the open session. The closed session discussion was not disclosed.

The Redwood City Council held its regular meeting on February 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered the introduction of a new fire chief, approval of the consent calendar, public comments on encampment issues, a comprehensive budget update, and discussion of fiscal priorities for the upcoming year. The council voted unanimously on mid-year budget adjustments and set the timeline for the FY 2025-26 budget. Consent Calendar - Items Approved Unanimously: The council approved the consent calendar (items 6A through 6H) in one motion, including the investment report, rejection of a liability claim, annexation to Oak Knoll Sewer District, acceptance of state grant funds for encampment resolution, amendment for permitting software, relocation of CDBG-CV funds for a health care job training program, approval of minutes, and claims. Councilmember Howard highlighted the use of $143,000 in unused CDBG-CV funds for a health care job training program that will serve up to 20+ students. Public Comments & Testimony - Written Comment from Marty Udishes (Bear Island Aquatic Center): Reported ongoing encampment issues near Maple Street and the Navigation Center, including criminal activity, theft, vandalism, human waste, and a fire. Requested city action to address the encampment. - Written Comment from Clara Jekyll: Urged the council to prioritize services like housing, youth programming, and recreation. Expressed concern about delayed parks and community center projects from the FY 2024-25 budget and recommended a formal safety net services program similar to Half Moon Bay. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation on Budget Update: City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz and Finance Director Beth Goldberg presented the FY 2023-24 year-end results, mid-year update for FY 2024-25, and a framework for developing the FY 2025-26 budget. Key points included: - Preliminary FY 2023-24 results: $18 million better than projected due to stronger revenues, especially property tax and charges for services. - Mid-year adjustments: $12.5 million in increased revenues and $10.2 million in increased expenditures across all funds; a net draw of $303,000 from the general fund balance. - Proposed addition of 5.5 full-time employees to address staffing needs. - Economic outlook: underlying fundamentals strong but uncertainty from federal and state policy, sales tax softening, and potential loss of federal funding. - Measure BB approval: anticipated $3.85 million in FY 2025-26, rising to $7.7 million in FY 2026-27. - Recommendation to use $12.7 million of operating balance for one-time capital projects and liability reduction, but council directed staff to return with a full list for decision in June. - Council Discussion: - Councilmember G expressed caution about spending surplus given fiscal chaos, emphasized need for revenue forecasts tied to park impact fees, and suggested strengthening reserves. - Councilmember Chu supported Vision Zero, noting increases in pedestrian and bicycle injuries since 2018, and advocated for prioritizing safety improvements. - Councilmember Howard supported bolstering the rainy day fund above 15% and questioned long-term funding for new positions. - Vice Mayor Aiken highlighted needs for climate adaptation (e.g., sea level rise), homelessness partnerships, and enforcement in underserved neighborhoods. - Councilmember Starzynski supported the park impact fee loan, proposed nominal funding for domestic violence prevention (CORA) and neighborhood improvement reimbursement, and advocated for Vision Zero. - Mayor Martinez Saballos emphasized economic development, caution, and district-level equity. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Staff Recommendations: The council voted unanimously (7-0) to adopt a resolution appropriating and transferring funds for mid-year budget adjustments (including the $303,000 draw and 5.5 new positions) and to set June 9, 2025, as the date for the city manager to present the proposed FY 2025-26 budget. - Direction on Operating Balance: Council directed staff to bring a full list of proposed allocations for the remaining $12.7 million operating balance to the June budget meeting, allowing council to decide on spending versus reserves at that time. - Upcoming Meetings: Joint council-planning commission session on March 4, 2025, to discuss the Redwood Life project; budget study sessions in April; recommended budget presentation on June 9, 2025. Other Business - New Fire Chief: Barak Ocarta, formerly of CalFire, started his first day and was welcomed by the council. - City Manager Update: Reported flooding at City Hall caused by a broken water line, estimated damage at $200,000. Also noted conversion of lobby restrooms to gender-neutral single-use spaces. - Closed Session: The council convened in closed session to discuss real property negotiations (Government Code § 54956.8) and adjourned without returning to open session.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a special meeting on February 18, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM and adjourning at 8:15 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on the city's 2024 Annual Progress Reports (APR) for the Housing Element and General Plan, and the appointment of a Vice Chair. Commissioners present: Cornejo, Finch, Hunter, Koch, and Chair Crnogorac. All votes were 5-0. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received in person or by email on any agenda item. Discussion Items - 5.A. 2024 Annual Progress Reports (APR) – Housing Element and General Plan Staff Presentation (Principal Planner John Francis): - The APR reports the city's progress on housing approvals, building permits, and implementation of 39 Housing Element programs. - In 2024, 176 housing units received building permits. Over 60% of those were at the low-income affordable level. - To date in the current RHNA cycle (2023-2031), the city has issued building permits for 831 housing units, fulfilling approximately 18% of its total RHNA obligation across all income levels. - ADUs continue to be a significant source: over 500 ADUs have been permitted since 1992, and they count toward RHNA after building permits are issued. - Staff highlighted progress including: - Transitioning 131 homeless households to interim or permanent housing. - Committing $4.3 million to the 100% affordable project at 1304 Middlefield Road. - Launching a pre-approved ADU plans program and co-hosting a Peninsula ADU Tour with 300 participants. - Completing a sea-level rise vulnerability study and receiving a $300,000 MTC technical assistance grant to revise parking standards near transit. - Commission Q&A: - Commissioner Hunter asked about future ADU events; staff indicated interest but no fixed plans. - Commissioner Hunter clarified that the Harbor View preservation project (Renato Court) was counted toward RHNA after HCD determined the developer's community benefits qualified as an in-kind public contribution. - Commissioner Koch inquired about actual construction rates from building permits; staff noted that once a building permit is issued, construction is highly likely. - Commissioner Finch asked about projects that receive permits but are not built; staff said they do not lose RHNA credit and that tracking is done for larger projects. - Commissioner Koch confirmed that ADUs may be counted toward RHNA, contrary to what some local groups had stated. - Commissioner Finch noted that the term "secured funding" for the US 101/Woodside Road interchange might imply full funding; staff agreed to clarify that only partial funding has been secured. - Chair Crnogorac noted the even geographic distribution of ADUs across the city. - Commissioner Finch asked about parking requirements for ADUs; staff read from city code: no additional parking or replacement parking is required, including if a garage is demolished. - Staff mentioned that the San Mateo County ADU Resource Center is exploring low-interest loan programs for ADU construction. - Commissioner Finch expressed concern about enforcing the daylighting law without painted curbs; staff noted they will provide warnings first. - Staff confirmed the sea-level rise study is available on the city website. - 6. Planning Commission Vice Chair Appointment Commissioner Hunter moved, seconded by Commissioner Cornejo, to appoint Commissioner Kimberly Koch as Vice Chair. Commissioner Koch accepted. No public comments. Motion passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - Motion passed 5-0: To accept the 2024 Housing Element APR and the 2024 General Plan APR, and recommend that the City Council accept both reports and authorize the City Manager to submit them to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, in compliance with Government Code Section 65400. - Motion passed 5-0: To appoint Commissioner Kimberly Koch as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. - Upcoming meetings announced: - March 4, 2025 – Joint meeting with City Council on Redwood Life project. - March 18, 2025 – Regular meeting cancelled. - March 26, 2025 – Special meeting for 901 Al Camino Real and 920 Shasta Avenue entitlements. - April 1, 2025 – Regular meeting likely cancelled. - Staff reminded commissioners that board/commission applications are due March 30, 2025.