Public Meetings - Redwood City, California

Regular meeting scheduled for September 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM was cancelled.

The Redwood City City Council met on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6:00 PM. The meeting included recognition of outgoing Port Commissioners, a consent calendar with 20 routine items, a bond refunding proposal, and an SB1 street resurfacing program. Public comment procedures were temporarily modified due to regional disruptions; Zoom comments were suspended and in-person and email comments were accepted. Presentations & Acknowledgements - The Council honored three outgoing Port Commissioners. Laureana Castrop served 16 years and was praised for community outreach such as Port Fest and waterfront events. Dick Clare served 17 years (Mayor's statement; Clare mentioned a 45-year public service career) and was recognized for infrastructure upgrades and interagency relationships. Ralph Garcia was recognized for 17 years of service (Garcia noted he also filled in earlier, possibly 19 years total). All three received proclamations and thanked port staff, fellow commissioners, and community partners. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael and Loretta Reagan opposed a Crown Castle cell tower proposed near 14/16 Hawes Court, citing a cease and desist order in San Mateo due to shoddy work and substandard installations. They requested the tower not be placed within 200 feet of residences. - Clifford Shook and Betty Matsumoto Shook requested that the City moderate the proposed three-foot setback for heat pump compressors. They argued that older homes (e.g., 1929-built) have narrow lots and need a two-foot setback to install electric heat pumps, which aligns with the City's all-electric goals. - Pamela Estes, on behalf of the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation, reported on an August 10 fundraiser that raised funds for teen center memberships and programming. She also announced Art Advisory Work Group applications through September 6 and requested volunteers for Oktoberfest. - Mae MacAllene proposed an after-school tutoring program where high school students would tutor elementary students, particularly bilingual students, to address literacy and support gaps. She asked for the Council's support. - Emailed comments included: Mike and Sharon King raised concerns about the Vera Avenue Bicycle Boulevard project feedback process; Carvin DeSanayake expressed support for the project as a resident and Silicon Valley Bike Coalition member; Greg Greenway (Seaport Industrial Association) thanked outgoing Port Commissioners; Peggy Halloran urged reinstating a heritage tree ordinance and preserving large trees; Ed Stancil demanded payment of a $116,550 judgment and criticized City actions. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved all consent calendar items except item 6K, which was pulled. Mayor G recused from 6K (Elco Yards Development) because his parent company works for the applicant. Item 6K was approved 6-0 with Mayor recused. - Approved items included: 6A recurring purchases; 6B investment report; 6C response to Grand Jury report; 6D consulting agreement for downtown/central roadway plan; 6E fiber optic maintenance agreement; 6F water main replacement project award up to $4,167,307; 6G change order for Redwood Creek channel improvement; 6H Vera Avenue Bicycle Boulevard and James Avenue intersection grant applications; 6I permitting software amendment; 6J zoning code ordinance; 6L HOME Investment Partnership; 6M affordable housing preservation program amendments; 6N Fire Department inspection compliance; 6O library digital materials agreement; 6P Zoppé Circus live performance agreement; 6Q Fair Oaks kitchen remodel award of $303,125 (up to $333,437); 6R fleet maintenance agreements; 6T approval of July 22 and August 17 minutes; 6U claims and checks. Discussion Items - 8A - Water Revenue Refunding Bonds: Finance Director Beth Goldberg presented a proposal to issue up to $16,260,000 in PFA Water Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 2024 to refinance the 2013 bonds. Estimated savings are $1.6 million, or 9.88% net present value, well above the 3% threshold. S&P affirmed AA rating with stable outlook; Moody's rates the water bonds AA2. The savings will cushion against inflation and future rates. Council members commended the transparency and the work of municipal advisor Bill Euphrat, who is retiring. The Council adopted two resolutions by unanimous votes: (1) authorizing the issuance and sale of the bonds, and (2) approving related documents as the Public Financing Authority. - 8B - SB1 Road Resurfacing Program: New Engineering and Transportation Director Tanisha Warner presented an overview of the pavement management system. Redwood City's Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is 71 (out of 100), and the network includes 156 centerline miles with a replacement cost of $289 million. Staff recommended adopting a resolution accepting approximately $2.16 million in SB1 funds for a five-year list of paving projects. The list includes overlay treatments on arterials such as Redwood, Broadway, Jefferson, and Farm Hill. Council members discussed safety improvements, equity priority areas, truck routes, and outreach to underrepresented communities. The resolution was approved unanimously. Matters of Council Interest - Vice Mayor Espinosa Garnica was appointed as the voting delegate, and Councilmember Sturkin as alternate, to the League of California Cities Annual Conference (October 16-18). - Councilmember Howard reported on a downtown cleanup event on September 21. Councilmember Aiken reported on a County Association of Governments committee meeting highlighting green infrastructure installations at schools and BART stations, and volunteer openings on committees. Committee Reports - Climate Action Subcommittee (Vice Mayor Espinosa Garnica): Met August 14; received presentations on Sustainable San Mateo County's sustainability dashboard, updates on the zero-emissions fleet transition plan, environmental rebates, and home electrification workshops. - 8/4101 Project Ad Hoc Committee (Councilmember Howard): Met July 26 and August 23; received updates on project status, visual simulations, grant applications, and next steps. Next meeting October 4. City Manager Update - City Manager Stevenson Diaz announced the retirement of Fire Chief Ray Iverson at year-end. An online survey in English and Spanish will gather community input on desired qualities for the next chief, with additional input at Fiesta Patrias. - A homelessness strategy update will be provided at the September 9 meeting, reflecting Governor Newsom's call for urgency. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved: Items 6A–6U, with 6K approved separately (6-0, Mayor recused). - Resolution authorizing water revenue refunding bonds passed unanimously (both city and PFA motions). - Resolution approving the SB1 resurfacing list and acceptance of $2.16 million in state funding passed unanimously. - Voting delegate and alternate appointed for League of California Cities conference. - Next regular meeting scheduled for September 9, 2024.

The Redwood City Council held a special meeting on August 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. The meeting was convened primarily to enter closed session to discuss labor negotiations and real property negotiations. Council Member Aguirre participated remotely from 867 Edgewood Road. The meeting was adjourned to closed session after recusals were noted, with no reportable actions anticipated. Public Comments & Testimony - The public comment period was opened with procedural instructions, including a 2-minute limit per speaker and the option to submit comments via email by 5:00 PM. No public comments are reflected in the transcript. Closed Session Items - Labor Negotiations (Government Code Section 54957.6): The City Council was scheduled to confer with its negotiators (Kelly Tuffo of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, Human Resources Director Michelle Katsuyoshi, and City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz) regarding negotiations with four employee organizations: San Mateo County Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2400, Chief Officers Association, Redwood City Police Officers Association, and Redwood City Police Supervisors' Association. - Real Property Negotiations (Government Code Section 54956.8): - 1900 Broadway Property: Approximately 21,100 sq. ft. abutting 1900 Broadway, bounded by Main, Spring, Marshall, and Walnut Streets (APN 053-231-200). Negotiating parties: Mark Murray, Lane 1900 Broadway Owner LLC. Under negotiation: Price and terms for sale of property. - California Street Property: An approximately 8,700 sq. ft. portion of California Street between Winklebleck and James Avenue, and an approximately 14,750 sq. ft. portion bounded by California Street and James Avenue (APN 052-352-010). Negotiating parties: John Fong and Dan Minkoff, El Camino Real Holdings JV LLC. Under negotiation: Price and terms for exchange of property interests. Recusals - Council Member Eakin recused herself from the 1900 Broadway real property negotiations item. - A second Council Member (identified as serving on a nonprofit board, Casa Cilical Catural, with materials/programming in the building) also recused from the 1900 Broadway item for precautionary reasons. Key Outcomes - The City Council adjourned to closed session to discuss the listed labor and real property negotiation items. - No reportable actions were anticipated out of closed session, as stated by the Mayor. - The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2024.

The Redwood City Council held a special meeting on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 9:30 AM. The agenda included public comments and a closed session for performance evaluations of the City Manager and City Attorney. No reportable action was taken. Public Comments & Testimony - Olivia Austin (resident of 1090 Main Street) thanked all agencies involved in the recent sweep of the encampment at the library downtown area. She described disturbances including noise, odors of marijuana, and fire hazards from cooking, and expressed hope that the area remains free of encampments so residents feel safe. - Mary Jo Palumbo (resident) thanked the City for the cleanup of the encampment behind the Redwood City Library and suggested placing large rocks around the fence to discourage re-entry. - Email comment from Mr. Greenway (on behalf of the City Port of Seaport Industrial Association) thanked the Council for listening to community input on the city's business license tax proposal. He commended the Council for keeping an employee-based model, lowering the annual tax cap, supporting regular public review, and approving reasonable rates for retail industrial businesses in the port area, along with a phased implementation approach. Key Outcomes - The Council adjourned from public session to a closed session to evaluate the performance of the City Manager and City Attorney, as authorized under Government Code Section 54957. - No reportable action was taken in closed session. - The meeting was adjourned; the next City Council meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2024.

The Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for August 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM was cancelled. No items were discussed and no actions were taken.

The Redwood City Council met on July 22, 2024, to address a range of items, most notably the proposed modernization of the business license tax, which was ultimately approved for the November ballot with amendments. The council also made appointments to city committees and adopted zoning code updates. The meeting, which began at 6:00 PM, included extensive public comment and deliberation, culminating in unanimous decisions on all major items. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar unanimously, which included: - Amendment to agreement with Cherry Road Technologies for Oracle Cloud Services. - Excess insurance policy renewal with PRISM for workers' comp. - Annexation of 23 Don Court to Oak Knoll Seward Maintenance District. - Final acceptance of the Hopkins Avenue Traffic Calming Project, a grant-funded safety project. - Ordinance amendment to remove property owner consent for outdoor business activities (parklets and sidewalk cafes). - Agreement with Crossing Guard Services LLC. - Approval of July 15, 2024 City Council minutes. - Approval of claims and checks through August 26, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Pamela Estes (Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation) updated the council on summer events, including Chalk Full of Fun (104 amateur artists, 16 professional artists) and Family Camp Out (over 300 campers, 190 burgers, 90 hot dogs, 40 veggie burgers served). She invited council members to volunteer at Music on the Square and announced the upcoming 'Picnic on Blanc' fundraiser for youth initiatives. - Ruth Robinson and Marty Putnam expressed support for the revised business license tax proposal. - Stacey Wagner (Kaiser Permanente) noted a 622% increase in their tax (from $26,457 to $191,000) and urged the council to consider alternative structuring like South San Francisco's. - Pat Mappelli (Granite Rock) suggested holding excess revenue in reserves and considering the cumulative tax burden on businesses. - Greg Greenway (Seaport Industrial Association) supported the proposed rates for port businesses but urged caution to avoid a failed ballot measure. - Steve Mincy (DES Architects) opposed the tax, citing a five-fold increase for his firm. - Lenny Scutieris (Chamber San Mateo County) opposed the current recommendation, calling the cap 'unreasonable' and urging rejection. - Elon Scheinman (HHCC, HART) suggested adding a gross receipts reporting requirement for multifamily housing to track rents, though this was not adopted. - Jim Rimmer (Toyota 101) supported the employee-based model but sympathized with professional services concerns. - Mike Grizzo (Kilroy Realty) warned the tax would make Redwood City less competitive. - Laureana Castrop (small architecture firm) opposed the proposal, highlighting a 300% increase for her business. - Multiple emailed comments included support for child care exemptions (from providers and parent advocates) and opposition from business groups like SAMCEDA, Lane Partners, and Premia. - George Saman (business owner and North Fair Oaks councilmember) opposed the tax, arguing it would be passed to tenants and consumers. Discussion Items - Business License Tax Modernization (Item 7A): Staff presented a proposal to update the 1967-era business license tax, which currently raises $2.8 million annually. The original gross receipts model was abandoned after extensive outreach; the new model increases registration fees from $86 to $90, sets per-employee rates by category (retail, contractor, services, professional services), maintains residential rates at $31/unit, and increases commercial property rates to $75/1,000 sq ft. The cap would rise from $7,121 to $500,000, generating an estimated $7.7 million annually. The ad hoc committee (Aguirre, Howard, Sterkin) supported the proposal. Amendments were proposed by Councilmember Martinez Sabayos to lower the cap to $250,000 and phase in the tax over two years. After debate, the council voted unanimously to adopt the staff recommendation with these amendments. - Zoning Code Updates (Item 8A): Principal Planner John Francis presented amendments to implement housing element programs (allowing SROs and group homes in certain districts, low-barrier navigation centers, and parking clarifications for shelters), implement El Camino Real Corridor Plan strategies for child care (FAR exemptions for on-site child care in large mixed-use developments, by-right use for large child care facilities, and allowance of shared open space), and code maintenance (density bonus compliance, new Temporary Use Permit, hotel FAR removal, and architectural permit threshold changes). The planning commission had recommended eliminating parking minimums for group homes, but staff recommended keeping them pending a citywide study. The council adopted the ordinance unanimously. - Committee Appointments (Item 7B): The council appointed Clinton Chang to the Housing and Human Concerns Committee (4-3 vote) and reappointed Max Disher to the Police Advisory Committee. Key Outcomes - Business License Tax: Council adopted a resolution to place the business license tax modernization on the November 5, 2024 ballot, with a $250,000 cap and a two-year phase-in (50% in FY 2025-26, 50% in FY 2026-27). Estimated to generate $7.2 million annually. The ordinance includes a CPI adjustment starting July 1, 2027. - Zoning Ordinance: Unanimously introduced and adopted the zoning code amendments, including the parking minimum for group homes as recommended by staff. - Appointments: Clinton Chang appointed to HHCC; Max Disher reappointed to Police Advisory Committee. - Next Meeting: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2024, with a special meeting on August 17.

The Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for July 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, no public comments were taken, and no decisions were made. Cancellation Notice - The meeting was officially cancelled prior to its start as indicated on the agenda. Key Outcomes - No actions or discussions occurred.

The Redwood City City Council held a special meeting on July 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM (listed in the agenda as 2:00 PM UTC, but the city meeting began in the evening). The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, a lengthy informational public hearing for a proposed 100% affordable housing development at 112 Vera Avenue, committee reports, and a closed session regarding labor negotiations. No formal action was taken on the housing project, which was presented under state law SB 35/SB 423. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar (items 6A-6B, 6D-6I) with a unanimous vote, excluding item 6C. - Item 6C (benefit assessments for River Shores Landscape Maintenance District) was approved separately with six votes (Mayor G. recused). - Items approved included: amendments to service agreements with True North Compliance, West Coast Code Consultants, and TRB and Associates; contract award to CRATUS Inc. for the Redwood City Recycled Water Project Phase 2C-1; benefit assessments for Seaport Boulevard Landscape Maintenance District; resolution authorizing the display of the Disability Pride Flag from July 16–26, 2024; agreement with Hinderliter de Lamas & Associates (HDL) for cannabis program technical support; amendments for the Veterans Memorial Building Senior Center YMCA project; approval of June 24, 2024 minutes; and approval of claims and checks through July 22, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Comment on Pensions (Todd Freeman): Expressed concern about the city's CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, arguing it shifts market risk to the city and suggesting a transition to defined contribution or hybrid plans. - Comment on Business License Tax (Amy Buckmaster, Chamber of San Mateo County): Supported moving away from a gross receipts model and urged that any per-employee tax modernization include reasonable rate increases, a cap, and a phased-in approach. - Comment on Labor (Nels D. Lander, field representative of Carpenters Local 217): Urged that the Vera Avenue project use a responsible general contractor that employs apprenticeships, provides health care, and pays living wages. - Public Comment on 112 Vera (John Davey, reading on behalf of Alberto and Lourdes Romero): Opposed the project's density, noting the neighborhood is already overdeveloped and that the scale (178 units replacing 10) would burden residents. - Public Comment on Trees (Philip Cernukoritz): Requested preservation of four mature London plane trees in front of the property, noting the project's lack of landscaping. - Email Comments: Included opposition citing parking impacts (Tina Kyriakis, Maria Berisific, MJ Davy, Liza Bizarro), support from housing advocacy groups (YIMBY Law, SAMCEDA, Housing Action Coalition, Housing Leadership Council), and detailed concerns about parking and neighborhood quality. Discussion Items - Disability Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor G. read a proclamation declaring July 2024 as Disability Pride Month, honoring the disabled community. Angela Fiazza, a local advocate, accepted the proclamation and expressed appreciation, noting the flag raising ceremony would take place on July 16th at 5:30 PM at Courthouse Square. - 112 Vera Avenue Affordable Housing Project (Informational Public Meeting): Staff presented details of the proposed 100% affordable housing project, which includes 178 units (25 studios, 153 one-bedroom units) on 0.6 acres. The project is a 7-story, 78-foot-tall building with six surface parking spaces. It would serve households at 30-70% of Area Median Income (AMI), with rents ranging from $913 to $2,365. The project is fully funded ($96 million) via federal and state tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, and developer equity, with no local funding. The developer (Corporation for Better Housing/Integrated Community Development) discussed design, amenities, and transit-oriented principles. Council members raised concerns about parking, height, unit mix, and community outreach, while also recognizing the need for affordable housing. - City Manager Update: Reported that a petition for additional rent control and just cause eviction limits did not qualify for the ballot; welcomed new Engineering and Transportation Director Tanisha Warner; and reminded about the household hazardous waste program on July 27. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent calendar (unanimous for most items; 6-0 for item 6C). - Hold an informational public meeting only; no formal action was taken on the 112 Vera project. The applicant will file a streamlined ministerial review application under SB 35/SB 423. - The city will aim to process the application within 90 days for consistency review and 180 days for final decision. - The council will hold a disability pride flag raising ceremony on July 16, 2024, at 5:30 PM at Courthouse Square. - Councilmember Howard indicated he would write to state senators about the unintended consequences of state housing laws. - The council will consider tenant protection measures early next year, as part of the anti-displacement strategy. - The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2024. Closed Session - The council convened into closed session to discuss workers' compensation and labor negotiations pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956 and 54957. No reportable action was expected. Meeting Adjourned in Memory of Leah Ezra - The meeting was adjourned in memory of Leah Ezra, beloved mother of Rabbi Nat Ezra, who passed away on July 3, 2024, at age 91. Councilmember Howard read a tribute.

The Redwood City Council met on June 24, 2024, beginning with a closed session at 6:00 PM (no reportable actions) and reconvening for the regular meeting. The agenda included recognitions, consent calendar approvals, public comments, a budget adoption, federal grant plan approval, park impact fee discussions, and parklet program modifications. Key decisions included adoption of the FY24-25 budget with a $400,000 contingency, rejection of a park impact fee discount, and updates to the outdoor business activity program. Presentations & Recognitions - Proclamation for Dr. Grace Firch: Recognized for her 30-year tenure as physician-in-chief at Kaiser Permanente Redwood City, including leadership in LGBTQ+ healthcare and transgender care. Dr. Firch spoke about her transition and community support. - Oath of Office for Commissioners: 29 newly appointed or reappointed members to various boards and commissions were sworn in by City Clerk Jessica Castro. Consent Calendar - Items 7A through 7N were approved in one motion, except Item 7J (Arts Commission funding) which was voted separately due to recusals from Councilmembers Aiken, Aguirre, and Mayor G. Item 7J passed 4-0 (three recused). - Item 7H (Fire services agreement with San Carlos) was highlighted: a three-year agreement with optional two-year extension, including contributions for emergency management, training, wellness, and recruitment, as well as a fair allocation of unfunded pension liability. City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz thanked staff. Public Comments & Testimony - In-person: Olga Gabries and Stacey McClam from Brave Maker Organization promoted the Brave Maker Film Festival (July 2024), featuring films from Turkey, Sundance award-winning "Daughters," and noted a $50,000 loss in sponsorships. - Written comments: Two emails regarding security cameras urged privacy safeguards and questioned total costs. - For Item 9A (park impact fees): 21 written comments (7 customized, 14 template) opposed fee reductions, citing Redwood City's low parkland per capita (0.25 acres/1,000 residents) and the need to fund parks. Discussion Items - 8A: FY24-25 Budget and CIP Adoption - Staff presented the revised recommended budget, using community survey priorities (infrastructure, fire/police response, after-school programs). One-time funds of $7.1 million allocated with $400,000 set aside as contingency (reducing security cameras by $200,000 and ADA curb ramps by $200,000). - Council debated security cameras ($1M proposed): Vice Mayor Espinosa Garnica expressed concerns about ongoing subscription costs and lack of prevention; Councilmember Sterkin proposed a study/pilot. Councilmember Aiken supported full funding, citing community requests after an incident at Red Morton Park. - Motion to adopt staff recommendation passed 6-1 (Vice Mayor dissented). Council directed staff to refer the camera policy to the Equity and Social Justice Committee. - 8B: CDBG/HOME Action Plan - Planning and Economic Development staff presented the 2024 action plan for $1.299 million in federal funds. Housing and Human Concerns Committee recommended funding for Project Sentinel (fair housing), Renaissance (economic development), minor home repair programs, and First Community Housing for elevator modernization at Villa Montgomery (CDBG). HOME funds earmarked for a future rental project due to BABA requirements; staff exploring joining San Mateo County Home Consortium. - Motion to approve passed 6-0 (Mayor G recused). - 9A: Park Impact Fee Discounts for Pipeline Market-Rate Housing - Community Development Director Jeff Schwab presented options: no reduction, 25%, or 50% discount. Staff recommended no reduction, citing Redwood City's low parkland ranking and mid-range fees. Two projects may convert to affordable housing (exempt from fees). - Councilmember Sterkin motioned for 25% discount; failed 3-4 (Councilmembers Aguirre, Howard, Aiken, Vice Mayor opposed). Councilmember Aiken then motioned to keep fees as-is; passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Sterkin and Martinez Saballos opposed). - 9B: Parklet Program Modifications - Assistant City Manager Patrick Heisinger and Economic Development Manager Amanda Anthony presented changes: (1) Require only property owner notification (not explicit consent) for parklet permits, and (2) Allow parklets to extend into adjacent building frontage with both business and property owner consent. Four license agreements executed; six businesses blocked by lack of owner consent. - Motion to adopt the ordinance passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Budget Adoption: FY24-25 budget and five-year CIP approved (6-1). $400,000 contingency included. - Park Impact Fees: No discount for pipeline market-rate housing (5-2). Staff recommendation upheld. - Parklet Ordinance: Amended to ease property owner consent and allow adjacent frontage with consent (unanimous). - CDBG/HOME Plan: Approved (6-0). - Security Camera Policy: Referred to Equity and Social Justice Committee for review. - Next Meeting: Special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2024.