Public Meetings - Redwood City, California

The Redwood City Council met on June 10, 2024, for a regular meeting that included proclamations, a presentation from Peninsula Clean Energy, public comment, consent calendar actions, a public hearing, appointments to multiple boards and commissions, and a budget study session. The council approved most consent items, discussed investment policy and social responsibility, set a public hearing for the FY2024-25 budget, and made numerous appointments. Presentations & Acknowledgments - Proclamations were presented to outgoing Senior Affairs Commissioners Barbara Britsky and Hal Dreger for their long-standing service, particularly advocacy for the new Veterans Memorial Senior Center. The center's ribbon cutting is expected in December 2024. - Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) CEO Sean Marshall presented on PCE's achievements: rates 10–15% below PG&E, near-zero emissions since 2020, $17.4 million in savings for Redwood City customers since 2016, 218 EV chargers installed with 304 more in development, and a $1.3 million member agency energy grant allocated to Redwood City. PCE also offers zero-percent loans up to $10,000 for home electrification and e-bike rebates. The board will consider further rate reductions in July 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 6 (Public Comment on Consent & Non-Agenda Items): 12 in-person speakers and 6 emailed comments. - Multiple speakers urged the council to pull Item 7D (investment policy) from the consent calendar, demanding disclosure and divestment from companies (Toyota, Hyundai, Microsoft, Intel) they said profit from Israel's actions in Gaza. Speakers cited the city's $330 million portfolio and noted Hayward, CA had divested. - Other comments addressed reducing speed limits near schools, creek flooding on Cordilleras Creek, support for the pedestrian mall (7G), and concerns about the Business License Tax ad hoc committee process. - Item 9C (Budget Study): Three in-person speakers and six emails (many form letters) advocated for maintaining funding for bike lanes, especially on El Camino Real, citing safety, health, and economic benefits. Consent Calendar - Items approved unanimously (6-0, Councilmember Aguirre absent): Routine approvals including the annual appropriations limit, financial report, investment report, contracts, ordinances, and claims. Items 7D, 7K, 7N, and 7O were pulled for separate discussion. Discussion Items - Item 7D – Investment Policy Annual Review: Councilmembers discussed the city's existing ESG (environmental, social, governance) approach, which currently excludes fossil fuels. Staff noted that exploring social justice divestment (e.g., from companies allegedly supporting war) is complex and would require study. The council voted 6-0 to approve the policy with a referral to the Finance and Audit Committee to consider expanded social criteria. - Item 7K – Speed Reduction to 15 mph near Schools: Two schools (Roosevelt Elementary and Henry Ford Elementary) were selected for a pilot using county grant funds, based on city jurisdiction and complementary traffic calming. Council approved unanimously after discussion about equity and potential expansion. - Items 7N & 7O – Homeless Services Contract Amendments: The council discussed performance metrics for the Downtown Streets Team (job placements) and LifeMoves (coordinated outreach). Vice Mayor Espinoza Gamiño requested more detailed demographic data on housing placements. Both amendments were approved unanimously. - Item 8 – Public Hearing on Sewer Charges: Staff recommended continuing billing sewer charges on the county tax roll for residential customers (year 3 of a 5-year pilot) and sunsetting the separate Sewer Assistance Program, transferring the remaining $61,000 to the Utility Rate Assistance Program. No public comments or protests were received. The council approved unanimously. - Item 9A – Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees: The council filled 25 seats across eight bodies after interviewing 73 qualified applicants. Appointments were made via roll-call voting, with some requiring multiple rounds. Key appointments: Arts Commission (Paul Nas, Ashley Kintana, Anna Westendorf, Pamela Swint full-term; Sweekreedy Ratnam partial-term); Board of Building Review (Daniel Maldon, John Philpot, George Samon); Board of Port Commissioners (Chu Chang, Michael Clare, Daniela Gasparini); Housing and Human Concerns Committee (Max Disher, Albert Lowe, Elon Scheinman); Library Board (Ann Callery, Jesse Davy Kessler); Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (Isabel Ling, Marcella Padilla Ng, Yoshabel Blanco); Planning Commission (Maggie Cornejo, Kimberly Koch full-term; Dylan Finch partial-term); Senior Affairs Commission (Jacqueline Hartman, Bill Newell, Stephen Aram, Alfredo Chorro). The council also voted to maintain the applicant pool for any vacancies through January 31, 2025, with an open recruitment for new applicants. - Item 9C – Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Study Session: City Manager Melissa Stevens Diaz presented the recommended budget, highlighting a structural deficit averaging $9.3 million over the next 10 years due to pandemic revenue loss and rising costs. The capital budget shows a $428 million gap over five years. Community survey results prioritized roads, flooding, public safety, and youth programs. Staff recommended using $7.1 million in one-time funds for capital projects (road repair, curb ramps, stormwater, park maintenance, security camera program, etc.). Council discussion focused on: reallocating some of the $1 million for security cameras to a pilot/study with a contingency for matching grants; support for bike lane funding; and concerns about specific allocations. Councilmember Stirkin suggested redirecting $10,000 to the Fresh Lifelines for Youth program, but this did not gain consensus. The council set the public hearing and adoption for June 24, 2024, and directed staff to return with revised one-time fund allocations. Key Outcomes - Votes: All consent items (except those pulled) and the three pulled items (7D, 7K, 7N/O) were approved 6-0. The sewer resolution was approved 6-0. The budget resolution setting the June 24 hearing was approved 6-0. - Referrals: The investment policy will be reviewed by the Finance and Audit Committee for potential social responsibility expansion. - Appointments: 25 seats filled; applicant pool preserved for future vacancies. - Budget Direction: Staff to revise the $7.1 million one-time capital allocation, reducing the security camera program to a pilot study and creating a contingency for matching grants, to be presented at the June 24 public hearing. - Next Steps: The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 24, 2024, at which the council will adopt the final budget and consider continuance of the parks impact fee discount item.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 4, 2024, starting at 6:15 PM and adjourning at 7:25 PM. The meeting was held in person at City Hall Council Chambers and via Zoom. Commissioners Present: Alvarez, Chu, Koch, Lazarus, and Vice Chair Crnogorac. Commissioner Hunter was absent. Staff included Principal Planner Chan, Consultant Attorney Barnhill, Principal Planner Francis, and Administrative Secretary Mateo. The agenda included approval of minutes, appointments to advisory committees, and a public hearing on zoning code amendments. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Dylan Finch (in-person) spoke in favor of the child care facility proposals, calling the shared open space concept a creative reuse. However, he expressed concern about locating child care facilities on El Camino Real due to traffic pollution, tire dust, and safety hazards for children. He suggested extending the by-right allowance further from the highway. Appointments to Advisory Committees - Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC): Commissioners unanimously appointed Gary Webber and Jon Goldman to two full-term seats expiring May 31, 2027. (Motion passed 5-0) - Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC): Commissioners unanimously appointed Edward Davidovits, Dawn Jedkins, Keith King, and John Stewart to four full-term seats expiring May 31, 2028. (Motion passed 5-0) Public Hearing: Zoning Code Amendments Staff (Principal Planner John Francis) presented a package of amendments with three goals: implementing Housing Element programs, advancing El Camino Real Corridor Plan strategies, and performing code maintenance. Key proposals: - Housing Element Program H3-3: - Allow Single Room Occupancy (SRO) facilities (6+ units lacking kitchen or bathroom) and group homes (shared housing for persons with disabilities) as permitted uses in mixed-use and higher-density residential zones. - Add low-barrier navigation centers as permitted in the General Commercial Residential district. - Clarify that emergency shelter parking requirements must be equal to or less than those for residential/commercial uses in the same zone. - El Camino Real Corridor Plan: - Exempt child care from Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations in mixed-use projects over 50,000 sq ft if open to the public. - Remove the use permit requirement for large child care facilities (60+ children) in districts where it currently applies. - Allow shared open space between residential and child care uses, with design and operational requirements (e.g., time separation). - Code Maintenance: - Update density bonus regulations to comply with state law. - Create a streamlined Temporary Use Permit (TUP) for uses like Christmas tree lots (valid up to 90 days). - Remove FAR requirements for hotels citywide. - Lower the threshold for Architectural Permit (AP) so that residential projects over one story (including multifamily) require AP; add exceptions for small additions (≤100 sq ft) and other minor modifications. - Additional minor updates (e.g., reduce required building separation from 30 ft to 15 ft, allow flexibility in pedestrian entry frequency for single-tenant ground floors). Commission Discussion: - Commissioners expressed strong support for the amendments, emphasizing the need to modernize zoning, increase housing opportunities, and streamline processes. - Concerns were raised about child care facilities on El Camino Real due to traffic pollution and safety (Commissioners Chu, Koch, and Alvarez echoed the public commenter’s worries). - Commissioner Chu noted that many group home residents cannot drive and that parking requirements take space away from people; he proposed an amendment to eliminate minimum parking for group homes. - Commissioner Lazarus inquired about SRO definitions and parking (SROs proposed with no parking requirement). - Commissioner Alvarez asked about non-conforming parking and outdoor equipment noise limits. Staff responded that noise limits (55 dBA) remain unchanged and that the non-conforming parking change is intended to simplify use changes for similar intensities. - Vice Chair Crnogorac expressed support for eliminating group home parking, noting that limited transit availability in chosen zones makes parking less necessary. Amendments and Voting: - Commissioner Chu moved to approve the resolution with an amendment to eliminate the proposed minimum parking requirement for group homes (0.5 spaces per room). Seconded by Commissioner Koch. The amendment passed 5-0. - The main motion to approve the resolution (as amended) recommending the City Council adopt the zoning code amendments passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: May 21, 2024 (5-0) and May 7, 2024 (4-0, Commissioner Chu abstained). - Appointments: Gary Webber and Jon Goldman to HRAC; Edward Davidovits, Dawn Jedkins, Keith King, and John Stewart to AAC. - Zoning Code Amendments: Approved resolution (with amendment to remove group home parking minimums) by a 5-0 vote. The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council. - Next Meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting is July 16, 2024 (June 18 and August 13 meetings canceled; a special meeting may be held August 20).

On June 4, 2024, from 6:00–6:15 PM, the Redwood City Planning Commission convened a special interview session in Council Chambers at 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA, to interview candidates for the Architectural Advisory Committee. The meeting was also accessible via Zoom. No minutes or transcript were provided for this meeting, so this summary is based solely on the agenda. Consent Calendar - None. No consent calendar items were listed. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda included a period for public comment on items not on the agenda. No comments were recorded in the available materials. Discussion Items - The Planning Commission was scheduled to interview Architectural Advisory Committee applicant Keith King. The committee has four full-term seats (four-year terms) expiring May 31, 2028. The agenda listed one applicant for these seats. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes are recorded in the agenda. The meeting was scheduled to adjourn immediately after the interview, with the next regular Planning Commission meeting to follow at 6:15 PM on the same date.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on May 21, 2024, starting at 6:30 PM and adjourning at 7:30 PM. The sole public hearing item was a proposal to demolish an existing single-story office building at 77 Birch Street and construct two four-story buildings containing nine for-sale townhome units. The Commission voted unanimously (6-0) to approve the Architectural Permit, Vesting Tentative Map, Condominium Permit, and Planned Development Permit, subject to conditions of approval. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Glenn Babbitt (in-person speaker): Expressed strong support for the project, noting it is a “delightful change” to replace office space with housing and stated the design will fit well into the eclectic neighborhood. - Janet Paul (email read into record): Owner of a duplex at 68 Arch Street, directly to the rear of the project site. Opposed the project, stating that a four-story building would completely block sunlight and privacy for her tenants, cause noise during construction, and reduce property value. She also noted two mature trees on her property that cannot be trimmed. - Wayne & Jennifer Deutscher (email read into record): Owners of 80 Arch Street, rear neighbors sharing a property line. Opposed the project, citing concerns about permanent shading from the proposed 40-foot-tall building located approximately 20 feet away. They requested a daylight plane study to ensure adequate natural light reaches their property before moving forward. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Assistant Planner James Dotson presented the project, describing the site’s existing conditions (16,640 sq. ft. lot, currently a multi-tenant office), the proposed demolition and construction, and the use of a Planned Development Permit to reduce front and rear setbacks in order to preserve a mature 46-inch-circumference Coastal Redwood tree on the rear of the property. The project achieves a density of 24 dwelling units per acre (allowed up to 40), includes 18 parking spaces (2 per unit in attached garages), and increases pervious area from 5% to 29.5%. Staff recommended approval, finding the project consistent with zoning and General Plan policies. - Applicant Presentation: Kriselle Rodrigues, associate at Dahlin Architecture, presented the design rationale, emphasizing the preservation of the redwood tree, the staggered building frontages, and the high-quality materials. She clarified that the rear setback reduction is nine feet for the balcony and 13.5 feet for the building wall, and that the project qualifies for a parking exemption under AB 2097 due to proximity to transit. - Commission Clarifying Questions: Commissioners asked about the upper story setback, the bioretention basin, bike parking, and the tree protection measures. Staff explained that the project qualifies for a parking exemption under AB 2097. Commissioner Koch questioned the applicant about the driveway surface (asphalt, not permeable). Chair Hunter asked why the project did not go to the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC); staff responded that, due to the Housing Accountability Act, they opted to reduce hearings for this housing project. - Commission Deliberation: All commissioners expressed strong support. Vice Chair Crnogorac praised the preservation of the large tree and the conversion of an office/blacktop site into housing with increased permeability. Commissioner Koch noted the design fits well in the eclectic neighborhood and called the project a “wonderful guidepost.” Commissioner Chu highlighted the ADA-compliant unit and the elevators in every unit, allowing aging in place, and noted that while shadows are a concern, the trade-off for nine homes is worthwhile. Commissioner Lazarus echoed the sentiment, adding that shade is increasingly valuable. Chair Hunter voiced concern about shadows but did not propose changes, acknowledging the discretion over setbacks had been exercised for tree preservation. Key Outcomes - Motion: Vice Chair Crnogorac moved to adopt Resolution 24-04 approving all requested permits; seconded by Commissioner Koch. - Vote: 6-0 (all commissioners present in favor). - Conditions of Approval: The project must comply with 56 conditions covering project conformance, fees (parks impact fee $327,742, affordable housing fee $564,275, water/sewer fees $82,427), landscaping, tree protection, stormwater management, construction parking, and final map requirements. - Next Steps: The project will proceed to building permit issuance. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2024, to discuss zoning code updates.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a special interview session on May 21, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM, to interview applicants for the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) and the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC). No appointments were made during this session; the commission deferred formal appointments until its June 2024 meetings. The meeting was recessed around 6:25 PM before the regularly scheduled 6:30 PM meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted in person or by email. The city temporarily suspended public comment via Zoom due to disruptions at other regional meetings but continued to accept in-person and emailed comments, subject to a three-minute time limit. Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) Interviews - John Goldman: A 24-year Redwood City resident and the current Vice Chair of the HRAC (serving since 2018). Goldman has 27 years of experience in commercial property management and historic restoration. He expressed strong support for the committee's mission and emphasized the importance of practical, real-world experience in providing feasible and constructive input to applicants. He stated he approaches his role without a political agenda and has a genuine passion for architectural and historical preservation. - Gary Weber: A 35-year Redwood City resident and fifth-generation Californian. Weber has 40 years of experience in commercial construction project management and five years as an engineer for Daly City Public Works. He is a member of the San Mateo County Historical Association and a docent for the Woodside Store. He expressed interest in preserving historically significant properties and structures. Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) Interviews - Edward Davidovitz: Holds a BA in Architecture from the University of Chile and has owned a general contracting business in Redwood City for 30 years. He emphasized the role of buildings in defining a city's cultural, historical, and economic character. He expressed a commitment to blending historic architectural appreciation with modern, forward-thinking design to accommodate growth and innovation. - Don Ditkins: An Associate Principal at DES Architects + Engineers and a 19-year Redwood City resident. Ditkins has led large projects, including the Design Tech High School. He stressed the importance of design sensitivity to neighborhood context, materiality, streetscape integration, and community dialogue in reviewing projects. - John Stewart: A current AAC member seeking reappointment. Stewart founded Stewart Associates Architects in 1982. He discussed the challenges of reconciling the city's preferred architectural styles (Classical, Mediterranean, Craftsman) with contemporary developer proposals, citing examples where modern buildings are proposed with token Mediterranean features. He recommended that the commission appoint all four applicants to fill anticipated vacancies or create an alternate position to ensure quorum. - Keith King: Was absent and did not connect to the meeting. Key Outcomes - No appointments were finalized during this special interview session. The Planning Commission will formally appoint members to the HRAC (two seats, expiring May 31, 2027) and the AAC (three seats, expiring May 31, 2028) during its June 2024 meetings. - The meeting was recessed for approximately five minutes at 6:25 PM to transition to the commission's regularly scheduled 6:30 PM meeting.

The meeting was a special session of the Redwood City Council held on May 14, 2024 at 5:30 PM, designated for interviews related to a Board of Commissioners or similar body. No minutes or transcript were provided, so details on specific discussions, public comments, or votes are unavailable.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on May 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Commissioners present: Alvarez, Koch, Lazarus, Vice Chair Crnogorac, and Chair Hunter. Commissioner Chu was absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. The commission approved minutes from March 12, 2024, and conducted two public hearings: a review of the Capital Improvement Program's consistency with the General Plan for fiscal year 2024-2025, and an application for a six-townhome development at 2336 El Camino Real. Both items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - No consent items. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received in person or via email for any agenda item. Discussion Items Public Hearing: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Consistency with General Plan (Item 5.A) - Associate Planner Evelyn Garcia presented the staff report, explaining that a new state law requires the Planning Commission to review the proposed CIP for consistency with the General Plan. The FY2024-2025 CIP includes 56 projects covering transportation, drainage, parks, and facilities improvements. The planning commission's role is to confirm the CIP as a whole is consistent with the General Plan, not to evaluate individual projects. Staff recommended adoption of a resolution finding consistency. - Commissioners asked clarifying questions about project numbering, statuses (e.g., planning, design, construction), funding sources (general fund, enterprise funds, impact fees, grants), and prioritization. City Engineer James O'Connell answered technical questions about specific projects, including the 101/84 interchange, residential permit parking platform, emergency vehicle traffic signal pre-emption devices, and parking meter upgrades. - Commissioner Lazarus expressed concern about parking-related projects (structural repair and meter modem upgrade), suggesting they may conflict with evolving city values. Vice Chair Crnogorac and Commissioner Koch noted that the General Plan (2010) supports parking as part of multimodal transportation, and that the parking garage repair is linked to the recently approved Broadway pedestrian mall. Consultant Attorney Jarvis clarified that the commission could find the plan consistent as a whole even if individual projects serve different goals. - Commissioner Lazarus initially moved to approve the resolution except for the two parking projects, but no second was offered. Vice Chair Crnogorac then moved to adopt the resolution as presented, seconded by Commissioner Koch. Public Hearing: 2336 El Camino Real – Townhome Development (Item 5.B) - Assistant Planner Jonathan Turner presented the request for an Architectural Permit, Condominium Permit, and Tentative Map for six three-story townhome units (approx. 35 feet tall) on a 23,000 sq. ft. lot currently occupied by a daycare. The project was previously entitled in April 2023; the current request modifies conditions of approval to allow a phased parcel map for financing. The project complies with current zoning standards, including parking. - Vice Chair Crnogorac asked about phasing: Phase 1 subdivides the lot (with improvements to curb/gutter and truncated dome), Phase 2 constructs the townhomes. The daycare will remain operational throughout construction. - Commissioner Lazarus asked about impact fees (over $400,000 for parks and affordable housing) and whether parking reductions were proposed. Staff confirmed fees are based on new construction standards and no parking deviations are requested. - Commissioner Lazarus moved to adopt Resolution 24-02 as presented, seconded by Vice Chair Crnogorac. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes (March 12, 2024): Motion passed 5-0. - Resolution 2024-?? (CIP Consistency): The commission voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution finding that the proposed Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2024-2025 is consistent with the Redwood City General Plan. - Resolution 24-02 (2336 El Camino Real): The commission voted 5-0 to approve the Architectural Permit, Tentative Map, Condominium Permit, and Planned Development Permit, subject to conditions of approval, allowing a six-townhome development with a phased approach. - Next Steps: The CIP will be submitted to City Council for final adoption on June 10, 2024 (recommended budget) and June 24, 2024 (public hearing and adoption). The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2024. - Commissioner Updates: Staff noted an upcoming training opportunity (21 Elements) and that BCC application interviews for Planning Commission will occur on May 14, 2024 at 5:30 PM.

The Redwood City City Council held a regular meeting on May 6, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting began with proclamations recognizing Jewish American History Month, Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, as well as honoring winners of the Climate Action and Climate Resiliency Video Contest. The council addressed several substantive items, including an update on the Anti-Displacement Strategy (ADS) with a new dispute resolution pilot project, a discussion on transportation and park impact fee discounts, and the establishment of a pedestrian mall on Broadway. Councilmember Howard was absent for the entire meeting. Consent Calendar - 7A: Award contract to Musco Sports Lighting, LLC for the Fair Oaks Field LED Sports Lighting Project. - 7B: Final acceptance of the 2022-2023 water main replacement project. - 7C: Reject all bids for the Red Morton Park, Mitchell Field Infield synthetic turf field replacement project. - 7D: Final acceptance of the Dolphin Park Playground Renovation Project. - 7E: Waive second reading and adopt ordinance amending municipal chapter 2 administration section 2.110 (Architectural Advisory Committee) to modify membership eligibility and project review criteria. - 7F: Grant application to the State of California for homelessness encampment funding. - 7G: Waive second reading and adopt ordinance amending sections 27.100 (sewer service charges) updating sewer service charges and adopting a sewer enterprise fund reserve policy. - 7H: Authorization for disposal of surplus personal property through donation to Sister City organizations or sale at public auction. - 7I: Purchase of two combination sewer cleaners on Freightliner cab and chassis from Owen Equipment Sales in the amount of $1,426,415 to replace end-of-life equipment. - 7J: Approve April 15, 2024 City Council minutes. - 7K: Approve claims and checks from May 6 to May 20, 2024, and usual and necessary payments through May 20, 2024. The consent calendar was approved by a vote of 6-0 (Councilmember Howard absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Docktown Resident: Edward Stancil spoke on behalf of Mark Bernard, a 32-year Docktown resident facing eviction. Stancil requested compassion and an extension until June 1st so Bernard could find alternative housing, noting Bernard is deaf and received only half the buyout offered to others. - Anti-Displacement Strategy: One emailed comment from Evangeline Mesa opposed the proposed tenant protections, analogizing them to "band-aid solutions" and urging legislation to encourage housing providers. - Fee Discounts (Park and Transportation Impact Fees): - Alice Kaufman (Green Foothills, Redwood City Parks Commissioner, speaking as resident) opposed cutting park impact fees, emphasizing that parks are essential for community well-being and that impact fees mitigate development impacts. - Dylan Finch supported reduced transportation impact fees for transit-oriented development, noting it aligns with reduced infrastructure costs. - 87 emailed comments were received; 75 were identical template emails opposing cuts to park fees. Twelve unique emails also opposed cuts, citing the importance of parks for health, equity, and community. - Pedestrian Mall on Broadway: - Ali Ahmad (business owner) urged approval of the permanent closure, stating outdoor dining helped his business survive COVID-19. - Shishir Bat supported the pedestrian mall and requested that bicyclists be allowed through the area. - Dylan Finch expressed strong support, noting a petition with 83 signatures in favor, and thanked staff for addressing pedestrian signal concerns. - One emailed comment from Taylor Pope supported the mall and asked to allow courteous bicycle traffic. Discussion Items - Anti-Displacement Strategy (ADS) Update: Staff presented the status of the ADS, highlighting completed tasks (Affordable Housing Preservation Fund with $6.8M, mobile home park rezoning, and a $1.5M Calhome grant from Habitat for Humanity). Pending items include a housing preservation model and community land trust. Staff proposed a two-year dispute resolution pilot project with Project Sentinel (not to exceed $131,000, with optional one-year extension at $68,000) to provide mediation and education for tenants and landlords. Staff also recommended pausing further work on tenant protections and mobile home activities until the first quarter of 2025, pending outcome of a pending citizen-sponsored rent control initiative. Council discussed metrics, definitions, and reporting. Councilmember Espinoza Garnica requested a one-year update rather than waiting two years. The council voted to approve the pilot and the pause. - Fee Discounts for Transportation and Park Impact Fees: Staff recommended reducing transportation impact fees (TIFF) for transit-oriented development (25% discount within a half-mile of Caltrain platform) and for affordable housing (additional discount outside that radius) to incentivize development consistent with strategic priorities. Staff recommended against further discounts for park impact fees, citing potential $18.6 million revenue loss that would hinder park master plan goals, and instead suggested evaluating fee credits case-by-case through development agreements. Council extensively debated park fees: Councilmember Sterkin proposed temporarily reinstating the 50% park impact fee rate for nine pipeline market-rate multifamily projects for up to three years with a 1.5-year check-in, arguing that projects started before the current fee was adopted in 2022. Councilmember Aiken and Councilmember Aguirre supported staff's full-fee recommendation, emphasizing parks' importance and reliable revenue. Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica opposed non-residential TIFF discounts but supported residential discounts and staff's park fee recommendation. Councilmember Gede supported TIFF discounts and park fee credits. Mayor G emphasized process fairness and suggested a shorter incentive period. The council did not take a vote on park impact fees but directed staff to return with options for a temporary discount for the nine pipeline multifamily projects, possibly with shorter duration. - Pedestrian Mall on Broadway: This was a continued public hearing from April 15. Staff recommended introducing an ordinance establishing a pedestrian mall on Broadway between Jefferson Avenue and Main Street and on Redwood Creek between the Main Street parking lot and Marshall Garage. The project includes permanent bollards, signal adjustments, furniture, and public art. Funding of $400,000 from parking fund and $150,000 from Redwood City Improvement Association was proposed. Staff noted that concerns about the closure were not related to the closure itself. The council approved the staff recommendation unanimously. Key Outcomes - Anti-Displacement Strategy: Motion to approve the staff recommendation (authorize Project Sentinel pilot for $131,000 with optional extension, and pause tenant protections and mobile home activities until Q1 2025) passed 6-0 (Councilmember Howard absent). - Transportation Impact Fee Discounts: Motion to adopt the resolution reducing transportation impact fees for transit-oriented and affordable housing projects (as presented) passed 6-0. - Park Impact Fees: No vote taken. Council directed staff to prepare a resolution for consideration at a future meeting that would reinstitute a 50% park impact fee rate for nine pipeline multifamily residential projects for a limited duration (up to three years with a 1.5-year review, possibly shorter). Council was split; staff will return with options. - Pedestrian Mall on Broadway: Motion to waive first reading and introduce the ordinance, adopt the resolution establishing the pedestrian mall, and adopt the appropriation of $400,000 passed 6-0. - Matters of Council Interest: Reports were given on the Progress Seminar and other conferences. Adjournment was in memory of former City Attorney David Schricker, who served from 1966 and was the youngest city attorney in California at the time.

The Planning Commission Regular Meeting scheduled for April 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed and no actions were taken.