The Redwood City City Council met in regular session on February 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM, with in-person and remote participation options. The council issued a Black History Month proclamation, unanimously approved a consent calendar, received public comments on wireless facilities and traffic safety, and adopted a resolution supporting San Mateo County Measure A, which would allow the Board of Supervisors to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus. Councilmember G recused from the Measure A vote. Proclamation - Mayor Saballos read a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month in Redwood City, honoring the contributions of African Americans and highlighting the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center in downtown Redwood City. Carolyn Hoskins, founder and curator, accepted the proclamation and described upcoming museum events, including a February 17th celebration with the Nathan's Fearless Five jazz band and special guest Maynard Holliday. She noted the museum is 22,000 square feet, open Tuesday–Saturday 12–6 and Sunday 12–5, with admission $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children, and free for teachers in school groups. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar by unanimous vote (motion by Councilmember G, second by Councilmember Howard). Items included: - Authorization to execute agreements related to the State Route 84, Woodside Road, and U.S. 101 interchange reimagined project. - Final acceptance of the Roosevelt Avenue Quick Build Traffic Calming Project, a grant-funded project to reduce vehicle speeds. - Grant of easements. - Participation in the San Mateo County HOME Investment Partnership consortium. - Service agreements with H2O Solutions LLC (water storage tank inspection and cleaning) and Drop Counter Inc. (water use portal). - Award of the Courthouse Square Fountain Bowl and Lighting Replacement Project to Pacific Water Art Inc. in the amount of $271,600, with authorization to increase the contract up to 15% (not to exceed $40,740), for a total not to exceed $312,340. - Amendments to agreements for technology services, Gilbane Building Company (project management), and ELS Architecture (construction administration) for the Veterans Memorial Building Senior Center/YMCA project. - Waiving second reading and adopting an ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Municipal Code to prohibit smoking in public places and strengthen enforcement, conforming to state law. - Approval of January 27, 2025 City Council minutes. - Approval of claims and checks from February 10–24, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Roosevelt Avenue Project: Victor Torriano, a resident, expressed frustration over decades-long delays on the Roosevelt Avenue Renewal Project, praising the traffic calming measures but requesting removal of a street bow, installation of accessible curb ramps, and construction of flood control basins near Roosevelt and Upton. Bill Newell, a 30-year resident, requested additional speed bumps on Roosevelt Avenue between specified streets and at crosswalks, and a curb extension at Fay Street to improve visibility. - Wireless Facilities: Roni Ben David, Deborah Darling, and Angela Steyer urged the council to update the city's wireless ordinance to restrict placement of small cell facilities away from homes and schools, citing potential health impacts from EMF/RF radiation. Emailed comments from Jana Jacobs and Andy & Dory Johnson echoed these concerns; Jacobs noted that Verizon and Crown Castle submitted at least 72 permit applications between September 2023 and August 2024. - Smoking Ordinance: Chris Sivill (emailed) supported the smoking amendment, though he argued for stronger enforcement and expressed skepticism about the delayed enforcement. - Roosevelt Roundabout: Jim Kaufman (emailed) offered observations on the new roundabout, noting it appears to work but called the temporary bulbouts unsightly and expressed concerns about traffic backups and safety. Discussion Items: Resolution of Support for San Mateo County Measure A - Councilmember G recused himself, citing a conflict of interest as a governing board member of a nonprofit with contracts with the Sheriff's Office. - Public comments in support were delivered by Elliot Storch (detective and Secretary of the Deputy Sheriff's Association), Sean Harper (sheriff's sergeant), Vanessa Lemos Tapia, Sheila Dom Doma, Bill Newell, Desiree Green (San Mateo Labor Council representative), and Mirella Osuna, with an emailed comment from Nancy Goodband. They cited Sheriff Corpus's alleged misconduct, retaliation, labor violations, the controversial arrest of union president Carlos Tapia, and financial risks from lawsuits. Bill Newell urged the council to decide that evening rather than defer. - Drew Lovell spoke in opposition, criticizing the independent investigative report by Judge LaDoris Cordell and arguing that the sheriff's refusal to cooperate was treated as evidence of guilt, raising due process concerns. - Council discussion: Mayor Saballos spoke first, noting the sheriff's office provides services to Redwood City through mutual aid, transit policing, and unincorporated areas like North Fair Oaks. Councilmember Howard, Chu, Sirkin, Padilla, and Vice Mayor Aiken all expressed support, though several noted the difficulty of overriding an election. They emphasized public safety and the need to act before the March 4th election. - Vote: Councilmember Howard moved to adopt the staff's second recommendation—determining sufficient notice and information exists to adopt the resolution of support—seconded by Councilmember Chu. The motion passed with 6 votes (Councilmember G recused). Matters of Council Interest and City Manager Update - Mayor Saballos announced recruitment for boards, commissions, and committees through March 30, 2025. Councilmember Howard invited residents to join the Pride and Beautification Committee. - Vice Mayor Aiken reported on attending an artist reception at The Yard on January 16. - Councilmember Sirkin reported on a Cal Cities housing and economic development committee meeting in Sacramento, noting the 2025 work plan prioritizes affordable housing, homelessness, land use, and economic development. - Mayor Saballos announced the formation of an ad hoc committee on homelessness comprised of Councilmembers Chu, G, and Sirkin, beginning meetings that month for about three months. - City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz provided updates: a fire at 112 Vera Avenue was detected and extinguished on February 8, with no injuries; the applicant for a proposed 178-unit 100% affordable housing development there does not expect delays. Main Street is closed for four weeks for repaving related to the Elco Yards development. The city's latest blog reported a 23% drop in homelessness in Redwood City while the county saw an increase. Closed Session and Adjournment - The council convened in closed session for anticipated litigation, as listed on the agenda. No public comment was offered on the closed item. The meeting was adjourned immediately after closed session, with the next regular meeting scheduled for February 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
Public Meetings - Redwood City, California
Public Meetings - Redwood City, CaliforniaThis was a special meeting of the Redwood City Council held as an offsite retreat with no regular business conducted. The agenda indicates the meeting was originally scheduled for February 8, 2025, but the instruction states the meeting took place on February 10, 2025. No minutes or transcript are available. No public comments, discussion items, or votes occurred.
No meeting agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this date. Therefore, no summary of the meeting can be generated.
On January 27, 2025, the Redwood City Council held a regular meeting covering presentations, public comments, a solid waste rate increase public hearing, and a housing initiatives update. The meeting was adjourned in memory of longtime resident and environmental activist Sandra Cooperman. Presentations & Acknowledgments - American Heart Month: The Mayor proclaimed February as American Heart Month and noted the council issued a proclamation to the American Heart Association. - Water Conservation Poster Contest: Winners from K-5th grade were recognized for the 29th annual contest themed "Follow H2O Joe's Blueprint for Reducing Your Water Footprint." 12 winners were selected from hundreds of entries. The city's mascots H2O Joe and Violet appeared. - Hip Housing Update: Board Member and former Mayor Ian Bain presented an update. In FY 2023-24, Hip Housing served 605 Redwood City residents, including 112 home sharing applicants, 24 families in self-sufficiency programs, 129 tenants in property management, and 23 individuals in housing readiness. - Adjournment in Memory of Sandra Cooperman: Vice Mayor Aiken eulogized Sandra Cooperman, who passed away on September 28, 2024. She was a key figure in the preservation of Bair Island (now part of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge) and co-founded the Redwood City Library Foundation. Public Comments & Testimony - Carrie Mitchell (former Senior Affairs Commissioner) asked council permission to explore viability of a million-gallon water tank using private funding. - Carl Ebessine (Catherine Avenue resident) requested restoration of the slow street on Catherine Avenue, which lost bollards without notice. - Edward Stanzel expressed concerns about the Docktown buyout program and asked the city to pay a $116,000 judgment. - Jose Farias (city employee) spoke on behalf of the employee negotiating team, requesting reduction of pension cost-sharing contributions, noting that most cities do not require extra contributions. - Gail Rob (Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge) honored Sandra Cooperman's environmental legacy and urged continued work to protect Baylands. - Roni Ben David (District 2 resident) voiced concerns about proliferation of small cell wireless facilities in residential neighborhoods, citing fire hazards and health risks, and asked council to revise the wireless ordinance. - Faith in Action Bay Area Leaders (multiple speakers) urged council to adopt strong tenant protections, including right to return at same rent after substantial remodel, anti-harassment ordinance, and rent control. They stated they would not participate in further focus groups. - Roby Lynn Antonio (California Apartment Association) cautioned against over-regulation, noting state laws already provide protections and that excessive local rules could discourage housing investment. Consent Calendar - The council approved all consent calendar items (6A through 6I) unanimously, including: final acceptance of Redwood Creek Channel Rehabilitation project, loan forgiveness for Service League's Hope House, grant agreements, pavement overlay contract, and other routine actions. Discussion Items Solid Waste Rate Increase (Item 7A) - Staff presented proposed 2025 maximum solid waste rates to address a $2.45 million shortfall. The recommended increase uses $500,000 from the rate stabilization fund to reduce the monthly increase by $2 per customer. Proposed rates: 20-gallon cart $40.87/month (+$10 increase 25%), 32-gallon $54.86 (+$9 15.3%), 64-gallon $78.68 (+$8 8.1%), 96-gallon $107.03 (+$7 4.9%). Two written protests were received; no majority protest (50%+1 = 9,829) was filed. Council discussed equity concerns, utility rate assistance program (URAP) eligibility (50% AMI), and future service level adjustments. Councilmember G suggested exploring every-other-week service or bin sharing. The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously. Housing Initiatives & Anti-Displacement Strategy (Item 8A) - Staff presented updates on housing production (3,600 units in pipeline, 1,000+ affordable) and proposed modifications to the Anti-Displacement Strategy (ADS) work plan. Key recommendations: conduct a focus group on right to return after substantial remodel (not covered by state law SB 567), adjust timeline for mobile home park closure ordinance and repair needs assessment to FY 2026-27, and update preservation goals (renamed from Lincoln Avenue Capital model). Council discussed state laws (AB 1482, SB 567), MTC Transit-Oriented Communities requirements, and Project Sentinel's tenant-landlord mediation program (102 calls in first 6 months, 48 cases, most common issues: evictions, maintenance, quiet enjoyment). Councilmember Stirken initially moved to replace focus group with literature review and direct staff to bring back a strict right-to-return policy, but this motion failed (3-2?). A subsequent motion by Councilmember Stirken, seconded by Vice Mayor Aiken, to approve staff recommendations with a friendly amendment from Councilmember G to move mobile home timeline to FY 2028-29 instead of 2026-27 passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Solid Waste Rates: Resolution approving maximum 2025 rates and adopting franchise fee study passed unanimously. Staff directed to continue promoting URAP. - Anti-Displacement Strategy Work Plan: Council approved staff recommendations as amended (mobile home items deferred to FY 2028-29). Focus group on right to return retained; no literature review ordered. Tenant protection ordinance draft to proceed. - 2025 Appointments: Council approved the Mayor's recommended appointments to regional JPAs, subcommittees, and ad hoc committees unanimously. - City Manager Updates: New Fire Chief Baraka Carter starts February 24; tree ordinance workshops scheduled Jan 30 and Feb 4; Lunar New Year celebration Feb 1. - Closed Session: Council convened closed session for labor and real property negotiations; no further public session.
No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no detailed summary can be generated.
The Redwood City Council held its first regular meeting of 2025 on Monday, January 13, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, a significant policy discussion on smoking restrictions, and appointments to key public safety positions. Public comment procedures were temporarily modified (suspending Zoom comments) due to regional disruptions, with comments accepted in-person or by email. The council also convened a closed session for litigation and labor negotiations. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved all consent calendar items with one motion, including: - Acceptance of the development impact fees report for FY ended June 30, 2024. - Purchase agreement with Dell and Microsoft for software licenses and support. - Agreement with Granicus for meeting management software. - Renewal of the San Mateo County Operational Area Emergency Services Organization agreement. - Amendment to Highland Master Software license agreement. - Approval of December 16, 2024 City Council minutes. - Approval of claims and checks for January 13–27, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Gosh (newly elected San Mateo County Supervisor, District 4) introduced herself and expressed a desire to partner with the city. - Ed Stancil (written comment) offered a settlement regarding marina slips, referencing boat slip 36 (Kismet) for $50,000 and other concerns. The council acknowledged the comment but did not respond publicly. Discussion Items - Tobacco Ordinance (Item 8A): Staff proposed amending Chapter 15 to ban smoking and vaping in two new public areas: the pedestrian mall (Broadway) and within 20 feet of restaurant/bar entrances, exits, or operable windows. The ordinance also reorganizes enforcement and delays enforcement for hookah lounges (existing permitted businesses) until August 31, 2025. Staff (Amanda Anthony, Economic Development Manager) presented survey data, noting strong public support (e.g., 2/3 for bans in pedestrian malls and near restaurants). Councilmembers asked clarifying questions on definitions, public engagement, enforcement, and equity. A motion to add a written warning (no fine) as a first step in the penalty schedule was made by Councilmember Sirkin and seconded by Councilmember Padilla, but it failed (2-5). The council then approved the ordinance as presented by staff (5-2). - Interim Fire Chief (Item 8B): Council approved a resolution to hire retired annuitant Ray Iverson as interim fire chief, effective February 18, 2025, with a PEPRA 180-day waiting period exception. Approved unanimously. - Communications Dispatcher (Item 8B): Council approved a resolution to hire retired annuitant Jacqueline Barberini as an extra-help dispatcher, effective January 14, 2025, addressing staffing shortages. Approved unanimously. - Matters of Council Interest (Item 9): Councilmembers shared meeting reports and announcements, including a childcare providers event, an art exhibit, and a League of California Cities legislative address. Key Outcomes - Tobacco ordinance: Approved on first reading (5-2, with Councilmembers Sirkin and Padilla opposed). The ordinance prohibits smoking/vaping in the pedestrian mall and within 20 feet of restaurant/bar entrances/exits/windows, with enforcement delayed for hookah businesses until August 31, 2025. - Interim Fire Chief: Resolution passed unanimously to appoint Ray Iverson with PEPRA exception. - Extra-Help Dispatcher: Resolution passed unanimously to appoint Jacqueline Barberini with PEPRA exception. - Closed Session: The city council convened a closed session for existing and anticipated litigation and labor negotiations. The meeting adjourned immediately after, with the next regular meeting scheduled for January 27, 2025.
The Redwood City Council held its regular meeting on December 16, 2024, the final meeting of the year. The council approved the consent calendar, adopted updated park and transportation impact fee project lists, approved a community engagement strategy for the Downtown and Central Redwood City Plan, and held a study session on the 84/101 interchange project. The meeting also featured public comments from city employees advocating for improved contract terms and staffing. Consent Calendar - Adopted a resolution amending the city's classification and salary and wage plan and the full-time equivalent employee tables (Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget). - Adopted a resolution authorizing submission of the State of California Office of Emergency Services Form 130. - Approved the December 9, 2024 City Council minutes. - Approved claims and checks from December 16, 2024 through January 13, 2025. - All items approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Six speakers addressed the council, primarily city employees or union representatives (SEIU Local 521) raising concerns about labor contracts and retention: - Mike Flynn: Expressed concerns about bumpy city streets and suggested better contractor oversight. - Amador Garcia (police dispatcher): Highlighted critical understaffing, mandatory overtime, and difficulty retaining employees due to better incentives in neighboring cities. - Jose Farias (26-year city employee): Spoke about dedication during COVID and the need for fair compensation so employees can afford to live nearby, stressing that retention affects emergency response times. - Pam Evans (youth services librarian, reading for Monique Rodriguez Gomez): Described the Project Reed literacy program and asked for a strong contract for city workers. - Nick Nickel (water utility specialist, 30 years): Shared a story about the Kannada fire response to demonstrate the dedication and risks faced by public works staff, and requested a fair and equitable contract. - Ed Stanzel: Criticized the requirement to sue the city to obtain medical benefits after workplace injuries, and also requested a buyout for his boat lease at the marina. A written comment from Katie Causey (Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition) expressed interest in participating in downtown planning focus groups. Parks and Transportation Impact Fee Project Lists Community Development Director Jeff Schwab presented the updated project lists required under the Mitigation Fee Act. The Parks Impact Fee list identifies approximately $1.4 billion in needs over 5–20 years including land acquisition and development to achieve 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents (currently 2.25). The Transportation Impact Fee list includes $105 million in fees for 80 projects, such as the El Camino Real bike lane, Jefferson Avenue safety improvements, and the Woodside/101 interchange. Council discussion covered: - Artificial turf vs. natural grass (water savings of 1.6–2 million gallons per field, use of cork infill, injury prevention). - Park acreage equity (some neighborhoods have less than 0.1 acres per 1,000 residents). - Request for consistent format between the two reports and inclusion of fund balances. - Identification of needs vs. specific project prioritization (priorities set later through CIP). - Public restroom at Palm Park and other improvements. The council unanimously adopted the resolutions approving both the Parks Impact Fee Project List and the Transportation Impact Fee Project List. Downtown and Central Redwood City Plan Community Engagement Strategy John Francis, principal planner, and Punam Narkar from WRT presented the proposed engagement strategy, built on four pillars: equity, efficiency, communication, and flexibility. Methods include focus groups, pop-ups, workshops, speaker series, surveys, and a project website. Key audiences include residents, businesses, property owners, underrepresented groups, and stakeholders. Public comment: - Shishir Bat (resident and Peninsula for Everyone) urged considering future residents who will be impacted, as well as hiring residents for outreach. Council members supported the strategy and offered suggestions: - Include employers such as Google, Seaport Industrial Association, and the County. - Reach out to Cañada College, youth, non-drivers, non-English speakers, school PAL centers, and the San Mateo County Pride Center. - Incorporate regulatory agencies (FAA) and transit districts (SamTrans, Caltrain) to align with their initiatives. - Provide stipends for focus group participation. - Use multiple formats (paper surveys, social media, senior-friendly materials, radio). - Consider language access beyond Spanish, including Mandarin. The council unanimously approved the community engagement strategy. State Route 84/101 Interchange Study Session City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz and Leo Scott from Gray Bowen Scott presented the "84/101 Reimagined" project. The current five-legged interchange and intersecting slip ramps cause congestion and safety hazards. The project will construct two bridges for Veterans Boulevard ramps, add bicycle and pedestrian facilities (over 4 miles of new bike/ped paths), and improve intersection operations. Key updates: - Total project cost: $14.2 million still needed (applied for through state Trade Corridor Enhancement Program and SHOPP). - $48 million from Regional Measure 3 and $105 million federal INFRA grant secured. - Right-of-way acquisition underway; most parcels are partial acquisitions. Denny's parcel pending hazardous waste clearance. - Construction expected to start in 2027, but council urged acceleration to manage cost escalation. Council discussion: - Councilmember G urged expediting the schedule and advocated for closing the funding gap. - Councilmember Chu asked about lane widths, bicycle/pedestrian connectivity, induced demand, pedestrian refuges, and prohibiting right-on-red for safety. - Councilmember Howard (ad hoc committee member) praised progress and ad hoc work. - Councilmember Sturgeon asked about disadvantaged communities and potential private funding. - Vice Mayor Aiken asked about recycling construction materials. No action was taken as the item was a study session. Council Reports and City Manager Updates - Councilmember Howard reported on the C/CAG meeting where Vice Mayor Aiken was appointed to the One Shoreline board. Also reported on MTC meetings where the Redwood City Ferry Terminal project was proposed for removal from Plan Bay Area 2050+; she advocated for keeping the project due to dedicated funding and planning progress. - City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz provided updates: - Storm activity: three city-owned trees down; Redwood Shores levee had 30–40 feet of new erosion from overtopping but repaired section held. Trail closed. - Holiday hours: City Hall closed Dec 24–Jan 1, reopening Jan 2; reduced hours thereafter. - Quality of life at Sequoia Station/transit center: multiple improvements by SamTrans, Caltrain, and Hunter Properties including increased cleaning, security cameras, and a future police satellite office. Caltrain evaluating paid fare zone. City continues homeless outreach. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Parks and Transportation Impact Fee Project Lists: Two resolutions adopted unanimously. - Downtown and Central Redwood City Plan Engagement Strategy: Approved unanimously. - 84/101 Interchange Study Session: No formal action; staff to continue right-of-way negotiations and pursue remaining $14.2 million funding. Council expressed strong support. - Reports: Noted Vice Mayor Aiken's appointment to One Shoreline; council supported retaining ferry terminal in regional plan; city manager's updates acknowledged.
The Redwood City Council held a regular meeting on December 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM, primarily focused on the transition of council members and the selection of new mayor and vice mayor. The meeting was presided over by outgoing Mayor Jeff Gee, who noted it was his last meeting as mayor. The agenda included certifying election results, recognizing outgoing council members, swearing in new council members, and electing a new mayor and vice mayor. Public comment procedures were modified to temporarily suspend Zoom comments due to regional disruptions, allowing in-person and emailed comments instead. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included: - Declaration of results for the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election. - Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Folger Graphics Inc. for recreation activity guide printing services. - Approval of the November 25, 2024, City Council minutes. - Approval of claims and checks from December 9 to December 16, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Bill Newell, a member of the Senior Affairs Commission, raised concerns about off-leash dogs in Red Morton Park, citing an incident where an older adult was knocked down by a running dog. He urged the city to address safety issues. - Pamela Estes, a volunteer board member with the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation, highlighted the foundation's achievements over the past year, including over 3,500 volunteer hours, fundraising totals (over $21,000 for summer events and over $30,000 for youth initiatives), and hosting numerous community events. - Kimberly Cochle expressed gratitude to outgoing Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica and Councilmember Aguirre, noting their impact on underrepresented community members. - During the recognition of outgoing Councilmember Aguirre, multiple speakers offered tributes, including elected officials' representatives and community members. Rona Gundrum spoke on the council rotation policy, suggesting that Councilmember Howard should be placed ahead of Councilmember Sturkin based on criteria such as vote totals and prior mayoral service, arguing the current policy is unfair. Discussion Items - Recognition of Outgoing Councilmembers: The council recognized outgoing Councilmember Alicia Aguirre (19 years on council, 5 on school board) and Vice Mayor Lisette Espinoza Garnica (4 years). Speeches highlighted their advocacy for marginalized communities, education, and regional leadership. - Swearing-In of New Council Members: The city clerk administered the oath of office to new Councilmembers Isabella Chu (District 3) and Marcella Padilla (District 7), and re-elected Councilmembers Jeff Gee (District 1) and Elmer Martinez Saballos (District 4). Jeff Gee's daughter administered his ceremonial oath. - Recognition of Outgoing Mayor Jeff Gee: The council recognized Mayor Jeff Gee's two-year term, highlighting his transportation advocacy, community engagement, and work with boards and commissions. - Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor: City Clerk Jessica Castro outlined the rotation policy. Staff recommended installing Councilmember Martinez Saballos as mayor and Councilmember Aiken as vice mayor, both for two-year terms through December 2026. The council unanimously elected Elmer Martinez Saballos as mayor and Kaya Aiken as vice mayor. Both were sworn in. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the consent calendar. - Adoption of a resolution honoring outgoing Councilmember Alicia Aguirre. - Adoption of a resolution honoring outgoing Vice Mayor Lisette Espinoza Garnica. - Oath of office administered to new and re-elected council members. - Elmer Martinez Saballos was unanimously elected as Mayor for a two-year term (through December 2026), becoming the youngest mayor in Redwood City's history. - Kaya Aiken was unanimously elected as Vice Mayor for a two-year term (through December 2026). - Both new mayor and vice mayor took the oath of office. - The meeting was adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for December 16, 2024.
No agenda items, public comments, or discussion items were provided in the source materials. The agenda was empty and no minutes or transcript were available. Therefore, no substantive summary can be generated.
The Redwood City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 25, 2024, convening at 6:00 PM. The council addressed a consent calendar, heard extensive public comment on a proposed immigration enforcement ordinance referral, approved executive management compensation changes, accepted the 2025 meeting calendar, and received committee reports. The meeting concluded with memorials and a closed session. Consent Calendar - The council approved a consent calendar (items 6A–6Q) with one motion, minus items 6C, 6K, 6L, and 6O due to recusals by Councilmember Howard (6C, 6K, 6L) and Councilmember Aiken (6O). The motion passed unanimously. - Items approved included: investment report for period ending September 30, 2024; final acceptance of several construction projects; temporary removal of the Docktown floating dock; submission of a Bay Road Complete Street funding application; tentative agreement with the Police Officers Association; agreement to provide financial services to South Bayside Waste Management Authority; parcel map for Stanford Health Care Block E; award of contract for sewer capacity design; amendment for emergency management services; and approval of claims and checks. - The council then voted separately on the recused items. Item 6O (1900 Broadway) passed 5-0 (Mayor G and Councilmember Aiken recused). Items 6C, 6K, and 6L passed 6-0 (Mayor G recused). Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda public comments: Jose Reyes recounted an alleged police beating and requested an investigation. Jim Crampton, co-chair of the Bear Island Neighborhood, thanked staff for addressing homelessness along Redwood Creek and requested fencing of undercrossings. Marty Udiches, president of Bear Island Aquatic Center, supported consent item 6G regarding the Docktown dock removal, citing deterioration and safety hazards. - On item 7A (immigration ordinance referral), the city clerk reported 26 in-person speakers and 24 written emails. The vast majority expressed strong support for placing and passing an ordinance restricting city cooperation with immigration authorities. Speakers represented organizations such as Casa Circulo Cultural, Redwood City Education Foundation, Faith in Action, and youth groups. They cited fear of deportation, the contributions of immigrants (e.g., "over 39% of San Mateo County residents are foreign-born", "undocumented immigrants contribute over $3 million annually in state and local taxes across California", and "in 2022 alone, undocumented people paid $54.4 billion in federal taxes and $37.3 billion in state taxes"), and the need to build trust with law enforcement. Several spoke in Spanish, with interpretation provided. - Opposition was primarily in written comments: Sharon King questioned public safety impacts and urged a community survey; Thomas and Catherine Delphs, 55-year residents, opposed and called for a public vote. The California Apartment Association submitted a letter arguing the ordinance would be illegal and discriminatory, citing the Unruh Civil Rights Act and Civil Code 1940.35. Discussion Items - Item 7A – Referral for an ordinance restricting city resources for immigration cooperation. City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz clarified that the referral would direct staff to conduct research, and that no ordinance was being voted on that night. Councilmember Sterkin, the referral author, argued that a welcoming city designation is not enough and that codifying and expanding the existing police non-cooperation policy to all departments would provide stronger protection. Some members, including Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica and Councilmember Martinez-Savos, supported exploring the ordinance, with the Vice Mayor favoring the county's no-exemption language. Councilmembers Aiken, Howard, and Mayor G expressed caution, citing the 2017 experience, the need for community outreach, concerns about the term "sanctuary," and the risk of federal retaliation. Councilmember Aguirre clarified that the proposal is specifically about city resources, not a sanctuary designation. After discussion, Councilmember Sterkin amended his motion to direct staff to draft an ordinance for council consideration in the first quarter of 2025. - Item 9A – Amendments to executive management benefits and classification, including a 40-hour vacation advance and increased bereavement leave. Approved unanimously after no public comment. - Item 9B – Amendment to the City Attorney's employment agreement to increase severance pay from six to nine months if the council terminates employment. The ad hoc committee recommended the change; no public comment was received. Approved unanimously. - Item 10A – The 2025 City Council meeting calendar was accepted unanimously. - Item 10B – Councilmember Aiken reported on several meetings attended (Veterans Day celebration, SFO roundtable, climate talk, CCAG, Peninsula Clean Energy). - Committee reports: Councilmember Sterkin summarized the Climate Action Subcommittee's November 13 meeting (presentations from SAMTRANS and city staff). Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica summarized the Utilities Subcommittee's November 15 meeting (solid waste rates and stormwater management). - City Manager update: Melissa Stevenson Diaz thanked public works staff for winter storm preparation, including storm drain clearing, pump maintenance, and providing sandbag resources. She reminded residents about the self-serve sandbag station at 1400 Broadway and creek maintenance responsibilities. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved as described, with separate votes for recused items. - The council adopted a motion (4-3: Sterkin, Espinoza Garnica, Aguirre, Martinez-Savos in favor; Howard, Aiken, Mayor G opposed) directing staff to draft an ordinance restricting the use of city resources to assist or cooperate with immigration authorities, for consideration in Q1 2025. - Unanimous approval of executive management benefits changes (9A) and City Attorney severance amendment (9B). - Unanimous approval of the 2025 meeting calendar (10A). - The public meeting was adjourned in memory of Janet Thomas and Ruby Inoue, and the council moved into closed session for labor negotiations and litigation. No reportable action was anticipated.