Public Meetings - Redwood City, California

The regular meeting of the Redwood City Planning Commission scheduled for April 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM was cancelled. No items were discussed or voted upon.

The Redwood City Council met on April 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM, with the meeting extended to 11:30 PM. The agenda included presentations from the Sequoia Healthcare District and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a public hearing on sewer service charge increases, review of community survey results and feasibility of revenue measures, and a study session on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The council also acted on the consent calendar and received reports from subcommittees. Consent Calendar - Approved items 7A through 7L (with 7C pulled for discussion) unanimously. Items included: award of Easter Bowl and Glen Lock Tanks Seismic Improvement project; technology service agreement with Building Eye Inc.; amendment to agreement with Pacific Pyramid Group for hotel respite program; license agreement with Redwood City Kiwanis Club for farmers market; agreement with Terry Black & Company for executive recruitment; agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for labor negotiations; authorization of payment to Silicon Valley Clean Water for emergency sewer rehabilitation; final acceptance of main library boiler replacement; approval of two settlement agreements; approval of March 11 and March 18, 2024 meeting minutes; and approval of claims and checks. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment: Pam Swint, a resident with multiple sclerosis, advocated for the city to proclaim a Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day (May 30, 2024). She highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and awareness. The council acknowledged her request. - Public Comment on Sewer Rate Increase (Item 8A): No speakers in person; 24 written public comments were received, all opposed to the increase. The council noted the public's concerns. - Public Comment on Revenue Measures (Item 9A): One speaker, Ty Tyson, a fifth-generation resident, expressed concern about the cumulative burden of taxes and fees on residents, suggesting that developers should bear more of the cost for city services. Discussion Items - Sequoia Healthcare District Presentation: Directors Bill Fong and Ivan Martinez, along with CEO Pamela Kurtzman, presented the district's mission, history, and grant programs. They highlighted over $4 million in annual grants, including funding for school nurses and mental health therapists. A proposal to convert their office into a dental clinic was discussed, with a cost estimate of $6 million, though a flood control issue (foundation two inches too short) is pending. Councilmembers asked about district boundaries and equity concerns, particularly regarding underserved areas like East Palo Alto and Bell Haven. The directors noted that boundary changes would require LAFCO and voter approval. - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Presentation: Board members Margaret McNiven and Zoe Kristan Tucker, along with Governmental Affairs Manager Josh Hugg, presented on Midpen's 72,000 acres of open space, recent acquisitions (Cloverdale Ranch), wildfire resiliency efforts (increasing fuel treatment by 600% to 2,600 acres per year), youth outreach (including partnership with Siena Youth Center in North Fair Oaks), Highway 17 wildlife crossings, regional trail projects, and mountain lion research. Councilmembers praised the focus on underserved communities and workforce development for farm workers. - Consent Calendar Item 7C – Park Impact Fee Exemptions: Councilmember Howard pulled the item for discussion. City Manager Melissa Diaz explained that the council is considering exemptions for ADUs over 750 sq ft, bedroom additions, and new child care facilities, with an estimated annual revenue loss of $300,000–$500,000. This follows a February 26, 2024 council discussion on fee burden. Councilmember Aiken clarified that this is separate from a larger $8 million fee waiver discussion to be brought back in May. The motion to approve 7C passed unanimously. - Sewer Service Charge Increase (Item 8A): Public Works Director Terrence Jo and Wastewater Superintendent Robin Kim presented the proposed rate increases: 9.5% in FY2024-25, then 7% in each of the next two years. The increase is driven by capital needs at Silicon Valley Clean Water (SVCW) and aging infrastructure. The city maintains the lowest sewer rates among SVCW member agencies and below the median for San Mateo County. The Utility Rate Assistance Program (URAP) credit will increase from $20 to $25 per month. A reserve policy targeting 25% of O&M costs plus $2 million was also proposed. Councilmembers expressed reluctance but acknowledged necessity, noting that 46% of the increase is due to SVCW costs. The motion to approve the rates and reserve policy passed unanimously. - Community Survey Results and Revenue Measure Feasibility (Item 9A): - Polco National Community Survey: Brandon Barnett presented results from 372 responses (margin of error ±5%). Highlights: Redwood City scored higher than national benchmarks in downtown vibrancy and attracting diverse backgrounds. Safety was rated highly, but utilities (including electricity/gas, not city-controlled) were identified as an area of lower quality relative to importance. Housing affordability was a concern (16% rated it excellent/good). The survey also showed declines in overall quality of life and direction, consistent with national trends. - Godby Research Public Opinion Survey: Brian Godby presented results from 603 likely voters (margin of error ±4%). The survey tested two hypothetical revenue measures: a real property transfer tax and a business license tax reform (gross receipts model). The transfer tax started at 52.6% support and dropped to 51.4% after information, remaining below the simple majority threshold. The business license tax reform started at 56.2% and rose to 59.9% after information, exceeding the threshold. Staff recommended further research on the business license tax (gross receipts) and suspending work on the property transfer tax. - Council discussion: Councilmembers Aiken, Howard, Sturkin, and Vice Mayor Espinoza-Garnica supported the staff recommendation, emphasizing careful study and community engagement. Mayor G expressed concerns about the lack of a clear definition of gross receipts and potential impacts on businesses, preferring a broader study including other models. The motion to direct staff to further research the feasibility of a business license tax (gross receipts model) and suspend research on property transfer tax passed 6-1, with Mayor G opposed. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Study Session (Item 10A): Assistant City Manager Michelle Poche Flaherty, along with department directors, presented the FY2024-25 CIP and five-year plan. The city faces a $52 million shortfall in requested capital outlay funding ($39.1M requested vs. $8.3M available). Over five years, the estimated shortfall is $42 million. Staff highlighted completed and ongoing projects (e.g., Veterans Memorial Building/Senior Center, Dolphin Park playground, Hoover Park renovation) and deferred projects (e.g., ADA compliance, sidewalk repairs, pavement management). Councilmembers thanked staff and noted the need for future bond measures to address infrastructure gaps. No action was taken; the study session will inform the June budget. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (items 7A-7L except 7C). - Item 7C – Park Impact Fee Exemptions: Approved unanimously. - Item 8A – Sewer Service Charge Increase: Approved unanimously. Rates will increase 9.5% in FY2024-25, then 7% in each of the next two years. URAP credit increased to $25/month. Reserve policy adopted. - Item 9A – Revenue Measure Feasibility: Motion passed 6-1 to direct staff to further research the feasibility of a business license tax (gross receipts model) for the November 2024 ballot and to suspend research on a real property transfer tax. Councilmember G dissented. Community outreach and business roundtables will be conducted. - Item 10A – CIP Study Session: No action taken; staff will incorporate feedback into the final budget proposal for June 26, 2024. - Closed Session: No reportable action. - Emergency Procurement: City Manager authorized emergency replacement of police department lobby doors (30-year-old system failed) on March 21, 2024. A summary will be presented to council. Additional Notes - The council received 152 emails on various topics, all part of the public record. - The next regular council meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2024. - Committee reports were given for Utilities Subcommittee, Two-by-Two-by-Two (school districts), Transportation and Mobility Subcommittee, Equity and Social Justice Subcommittee, and 101/84 Project Ad Hoc Committee.

On March 18, 2024, the Redwood City Council convened a special meeting to deliver the State of the City Address. The meeting was conducted in a newsroom format, with the Mayor and councilmembers presenting pre-recorded segments highlighting key city initiatives and accomplishments. The event was celebratory and informational, focusing on housing, homelessness, transportation, youth, seniors, economic vitality, and climate resilience. No formal votes or decisions were taken. Public Comments & Testimony - Todd Freeman and Todd Wrights (emailed comment): Expressed opposition to the city’s pursuit of new revenue sources (business license fee increase and document transfer fee) to address pension obligations, arguing this approach merely defers needed service and personnel cuts. Criticized the city’s staffing priorities, specifically noting the size of the DEI department relative to shortages in police officers and maintenance services (tree trimming, sewer). Urged the city to reduce CalPERS exposure and move to fixed, manageable retirement benefit outlays. Discussion Items Housing & Homelessness (Councilmember Aguirre) - Presented updates on affordable housing, including 353 Main Street Family Apartments (125 units, city contributed $3.5 million, 61 extremely low-income, 63 low-income units). - Described the Affordable Housing Preservation Program (HPP) providing gap funding to preserve unsubsidized affordable units. - Noted over $4 million awarded for a new affordable housing project on Middlefield Road. - Reported that the city’s 2023-2031 Housing Element was adopted in February 2023, with zoning updates to increase density. Over the past year, 316 units were entitled and 586 units permitted, making progress toward the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). - Highlighted homelessness initiatives: 55 long-term unhoused residents transitioned to emergency housing and 14 to permanent housing in the last year; 24 families with children sleeping in vehicles were placed in emergency housing. The city receives approximately 2,500 calls related to homelessness annually. Transportation (Councilmember Aitken) - Reported on a Quick Build traffic calming project at Roosevelt Avenue and McGarvey Street, using temporary materials with federal grant funding to convert to permanent improvements in 2–3 years. - Announced the upcoming Woodside Road complete makeover from I-280 to US-101, incorporating Caltrans’ updated Complete Streets Action Plan, including ADA upgrades, high-visibility crosswalks, and bicycle facilities. - Noted that Redwood City adopted Vision Zero policies in 2021 aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2030, focusing on six priority corridors: El Camino, Woodside Road, Whipple Avenue, Middlefield Road, and Redwood Shores Parkway. - Provided an update on the US-101/Woodside Road Interchange reconstruction project, environmentally cleared and designed; right-of-way acquisition ongoing; construction could start as early as 2026 pending funding. Children & Youth (Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica) - Reported on youth programs: 2,000 youth in afterschool sports, 4,000 in summer camps, 1,400 in free summer mobile recreation, 62,000 library program attendees, 9,000 summer learning challenge participants. - Highlighted the Redwood City Together collaborative (38th year) and its initiatives: Promotora Youth Model, PACE Opportunity Youth Program, Youth Unlimited Bus Pass Program (766 passes distributed as of November 2023, saving low-income families an estimated $82,000). Seniors & Community Spaces (Councilmember Howard) - Provided progress on the new Veterans Memorial Building and Senior Center at Red Morton Park (45,000 sq. ft., multi-purpose rooms, health programs, veteran space); construction to be completed later in 2024. - Described the Hoover Park Master Plan (10.5-acre park) with community outreach completed; construction drawings awaiting state approval; bidding expected in early 2025. - Announced the Downtown Library Park at Middlefield Road and Main Street, designed to connect downtown to the bay; environmental review and construction drawings underway; bidding in early 2025. Economic Vitality (Councilmember Sturkin) - Reported on the permanent closure of Broadway to cars, creating a pedestrian mall to support local businesses (e.g., Zarines, Coffee Bar) and outdoor dining. - Outlined the new two-year Economic and Workforce Development Plan to be presented to council in spring 2024, focusing on small business support, streamlining permits, reviewing 7.7 million sq. ft. of proposed development, and exploring electronic billboards. - Noted the city’s evolving economy with increased life science industry interest. Climate & Sea Level Rise (Councilmember Martinez Sabayos) - Discussed sea level rise vulnerability: Redwood City has over 10 miles of bay shoreline; partner with One Shoreline on levee improvements; city initiated its own sea level rise vulnerability study, with community engagement in spring 2024 and final report expected summer 2024. - Reported expansion of recycled water pipeline (800 ft. on Marshall Street) and development of a recycled water master plan due by end of 2024. - Announced work plan to maintain and expand urban forest, prioritizing vulnerable neighborhoods, including tree inventory, maintenance procedures, financial assistance, and tree ordinance updates. - Highlighted rebate programs for electric lawn care and EV chargers; partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy resulted in $17.4 million in customer savings (94% reduction in greenhouse gas emission rate for electricity). Key Outcomes - The council delivered the 2024 State of the City Address, showcasing progress across strategic priorities: housing, homelessness, transportation, youth, seniors, economic development, and climate action. - No formal votes, resolutions, or directives were issued during the special meeting. - The presentation will be posted on the city’s YouTube channel with closed captioning and automated translation. - The next regular city council meeting was announced for April 1, 2024.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on March 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was called to order by Chair Hunter, with all commissioners present except Vice Chair Crnogorac. The primary agenda item was a public hearing on a tentative parcel map application for 879 Vista Drive, which was approved unanimously. The meeting also included approval of prior minutes, updates from staff, and commissioner liaison reports. Approval of Minutes - The Planning Commission approved the draft minutes from the February 20, 2024 meeting by a 4-0 vote (Commissioner Chu recused due to absence). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in person or submitted emailed comments regarding any agenda items. Discussion Items - 5.A. 879 Vista Drive – Tentative Parcel Map: Assistant Planner James Dotson presented a request to subdivide a 19,176-square-foot lot into two lots (Lot 1: 10,338 sq ft, Lot 2: 8,838 sq ft) in the R-1-7 zoning district. The applicant sought an exception to the lot design standard limiting lot depth to 2.5 times the average lot width; the proposed lots would have depth ratios of 3.7 (Lot 1) and 3.1 (Lot 2). Staff noted that 12 of 18 comparable neighborhood lots already exceed the 2.5 ratio, and the average neighborhood ratio is 3.1. The Subdivision Committee had recommended approval on January 23, 2024. No development is proposed at this stage; conditions of approval were advisory for future construction. Commissioners asked about the basis of the lot depth standard and the enforceability of advisory conditions. Commissioners Chu and Lazarus expressed support, noting the split aligns with typical lot sizes in the area and supports housing creation. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Resolution 24-01: Commissioner Lazarus moved to approve the tentative parcel map (TM2023-005) for 879 Vista Drive, including the request for one exception to lot design standards, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Chu and passed unanimously (5-0). Matters of Commission Interest - Staff Liaison Sue Exline reported that the City Council had approved the Annual Progress Report the previous evening. She noted the April 2, 2024 Planning Commission meeting is cancelled; the next meeting is April 16, 2024. Upcoming work includes zoning code cleanups, review of gatekeeper applications, development agreement negotiations for 1125 Arguello (expected to come to commission this summer), and a parking changes study. - Commissioner Koch reported attending the League of California Cities Planning Commissioner Academy, finding it valuable. She requested reinstating an annual joint public meeting with the City Council, noting it has been on the council's work plan but rarely held. She also inquired about the status of commissioner recruitment; staff stated the application period is still open and they will provide an update after it closes.

The Redwood City City Council met on March 11, 2024, to address a consent calendar, receive the 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), hear an economic update from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, and consider a council referral for a ceasefire resolution in Palestine and Israel. The meeting included extensive public comment on the ceasefire item, with over 130 speakers. The council approved the consent calendar and the APR, but the motion to agendize the ceasefire resolution failed. Consent Calendar - Approved routine items including: side letters with employee associations, a LAFCO application for water service extension, final acceptance of the 2122 Waterman Replacement Project, an addendum to the agreement with San Carlos, and approval of claims and checks. - Councilmember Aiken pulled item 6C (Waterman Replacement Project) to discuss utility map accuracy. After staff explanation, the item was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Ceasefire Resolution (Item 10A): Over 132 speakers registered, with many speaking for and against the resolution. - Supporters (mostly Palestinian Americans, Jewish advocates, and community members) argued that U.S. tax dollars fund the conflict, that the situation in Gaza constitutes a genocide, and that a ceasefire is a humanitarian imperative. They highlighted personal losses, starvation, and the killing of over 30,000 Palestinians, including 14,000+ children. Some noted that ceasefire resolutions have passed in over 100 U.S. cities. - Opponents (mostly Jewish community members and supporters of Israel) argued that the resolution is one-sided, ignores Hamas’s October 7 attacks and its continued holding of hostages, and that the city council has no jurisdiction over foreign policy. They expressed concerns that the resolution would increase anti-Semitism and division in Redwood City, and that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to regroup. Several urged the council to focus on local issues. Discussion Items - 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (8A): Staff presented the state-mandated report showing the city has permitted 586 housing units in the current RHNA cycle (13% of its 4,588-unit obligation, with 7 years remaining). Key projects included 1501 Broadway (398 market-rate units), 353 Main Street (120+ affordable units), and 73 ADUs. The council discussed the affordable housing preservation program ($6 million), incentives for extremely low-income units, and the city’s goal of 150% of RHNA. The report was accepted unanimously. - Economic Update (9A): Jeff Belisario, Executive Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, presented on the regional economy. He noted the Bay Area’s slower growth post-pandemic, high office vacancy rates (though lower on the Peninsula), and the region’s continued strength in venture capital and AI. He advised cities to use the economic lull for long-term planning and community visioning. Councilmembers discussed office space conversion, competition among cities, and the importance of experiential retail. No action was taken. - Ceasefire Resolution Referral (10A): Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica introduced a referral to agendize a resolution calling for a permanent bilateral ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, release of hostages, and condemnation of hate. The council debated the motion. Supporters (Councilmembers Sterkin and Espinoza Garnica) argued that the violence is a local issue due to impacts on residents and tax dollars. Opponents (Councilmembers Aiken, Howard, Gitting, Martinez Saballos, and Mayor G) stated that the council lacks jurisdiction, the resolution would be divisive, and it would not affect the conflict. They emphasized the need to focus on local unity and combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia through other means. The motion was seconded but failed on a 2-5 vote. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (except item 6C pulled, then approved). - Housing Element APR: Accepted unanimously. Staff directed to submit to the state by April 1, 2024. - Ceasefire Resolution Motion: Failed 2-5 (Councilmembers Sterkin and Espinoza Garnica in favor; Councilmembers Aiken, Howard, Gitting, Martinez Saballos, and Mayor G opposed). - Committee Reports: Updates were given on the Climate Action Subcommittee, the 901 El Camino Real ad hoc committee, and the 1900 Broadway ad hoc committee.

The Redwood City Council met on February 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a closed session with no reportable action, recognition of Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year participants, public comment on the consent calendar and general matters, a public hearing on solid waste rates, and discussion of an aggregate fee burden analysis and mid-year budget update. The council voted unanimously on several items, including the consent calendar, solid waste rate increase, and budget framework. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (6-0) without discussion: Investment report for period ending December 31, 2023; amendments to agreements with Strategic Economics Inc., Economic and Planning Systems Inc., and ELS Architecture and Urban Design; approval of Pro Housing Incentive Pilot Program funds; approval of February 12, 2024, City Council minutes; and approval of claims and checks from February 26 to March 11, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment (Item 6): Fifteen speakers (12 in person, 3 emailed) addressed the council. The majority urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution on Palestine at the March 11 meeting, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Key points: Alice Robinson (Jewish American, supports ceasefire for unity); Sima Shami (described family trapped in Gaza, 30,000 dead, 69,879 injured, 1.5 million displaced); Michelle Riaz (honored Aaron Bushnell, asked to not be complicit); America Yamaguchi (formerly homeless, student, argued $1.1 million from Redwood City taxpayers goes to Israel military, urged redirecting funds to local needs); Brandon H (distributed pamphlets, denounced genocide, called for ceasefire); Nam Lee (distressed tax dollars funding bombs); Mary Bernier (did not speak); John Howat (Palestinian, showed father's death certificate from Palestine, asked for ceasefire); Zach Kleiman (emphasized interconnectedness of Jewish and Palestinian safety, supported ceasefire); Jackson Peterson (promoted GovGPT AI tool for city governance); Marcelena Luna (appealed to humanity, cited poet Mahmoud Darwish); Valerie Robinson (asked council to support ceasefire). Emailed comments: Rona Gundrum (requested outreach to homeless near Navigation Center, praised barbershop providing free haircuts); Kennedy Matern (urged ceasefire, noted identity as queer Pacific Islander); Chris Robell and Chris Wright (objected to $1.023 million in consultant contracts for tax and fee increases, alleged push polling by Godby Research, cited Government Code 54964). - Public Hearing on Solid Waste Rates (Item 8A): One emailed comment from Chris Robell and Chris Wright criticized the city's use of consultants to raise utility rates and called for a cost reduction subcommittee. No in-person speakers. No majority protest was filed. - Public Comment on Fee Burden Analysis (Item 9A): Three in-person speakers and four emailed. Leo McCarroll (American Legion Post 105) requested reduction of park impact fees for their project at 651 El Camino Real, citing community benefits for veterans and low-income housing. Bob Mendelson supported the request, noting the Legion's long history of free community use. Chester Palasol Sr. echoed the request. Emailed comments: George W. Smith (same request); Kevin Guabara (opposed increased fees, said they reduce jobs); Veronica Klein (Tishman Speyer, asked for pipeline projects to be subject to fees at initial application submittal); Mark Manning (called bedroom addition fees excessive and disproportionate). Discussion Items - Solid Waste Rate Increase (Item 8A): Public Works staff presented a proposed $7/month increase on all cart sizes (from $12 projected) to meet a $26 million revenue requirement for 2024, due to contractual cost increases and a new disposal contract. The increase is reduced from $12 by using one-time funds ($1.2 million balancing account, $348,000 cap carry forward, $481,000 Rethink Waste stabilization fund). The new rates keep Redwood City below average for 20- and 32-gallon carts, slightly above for 64- and 96-gallon. The council discussed the URAP assistance program (currently 250 households, increasing credit by $5/month). Councilmember Howard noted the need for multi-year planning. The item was approved unanimously (6-0). - Aggregate Fee Burden Analysis (Item 9A): Staff and consultant EPS presented a comparison of impact fees across seven peer cities for multiple development prototypes. Key findings: Redwood City is generally in the middle, with the highest fees only for single-family bedroom additions (parks fee per bedroom). Staff recommended: (1) exemptions for ADUs, bedroom additions, and child care facilities; (2) TIFF discounts within AB 2097 area (38% residential, 25% non-residential) and 38% discount for affordable housing outside that area; (3) expire TIFF phasing in July 2024; (4) inform applicants of existing fee deferral ordinance; (5) monitor pending legislation. Council debated an additional option to reinstate 50% parks fee discount for pipeline projects (nine projects, 521 units, representing 10% of RHNA, $8.1 million in lost revenue). Councilmember Aiken and Vice Mayor Espinoza-Garnica opposed the discount, citing existing park deficits and financial uncertainty. Councilmember Sturkin made a motion to adopt staff recommendations plus direction to study the pipeline project option, specifically for projects with community facilities. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martinez-Sabayos and amended to direct staff to study the option and return with analysis. The motion passed 6-0. - Mid-Year Budget Update (Item 9B): City Manager Melissa Diaz presented the FY2023-24 mid-year budget update. Key points: 75% of departmental goals on track; economic challenges from soft property and sales tax, high commercial vacancy, and state funding uncertainties. Preliminary forecast: $18 million operating balance for current year, $7 million to cover projected FY2024-25 deficit, with a recommended framework including 80% of remaining balance to liabilities and 20% to one-time priorities (deferred to February 2025). Council discussion included support for the framework, concerns about pension liabilities ($312 million unfunded as of 2022), and a suggestion to redirect unclaimed currency ($45,000) from police equipment to the PACE program. The council voted to approve all six staff recommendations, including the budget framework, mid-year adjustments, and appropriation of unclaimed currency for police equipment. Motion passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 6-0. - Solid Waste Rate Increase: Resolution adopted 6-0, with new rates effective March 1, 2024. - Fee Burden Analysis: Council directed staff to prepare implementing resolutions for the five staff-recommended items (exemptions, TIFF discounts, phase-out, etc.) and to study the pipeline project option for parks fee discount, focusing on projects with community facilities, and return with options (current fee at time of application vs. 50% discount). Motion passed 6-0. - Mid-Year Budget Update: Approved 6-0, including the budget framework, mid-year budget amendments, and direction for FY2024-25 budget development. - Meeting Extended: Motion to extend meeting to 11:15 PM and then to 11:30 PM, both passed. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:30 PM in memory of Margaret "Peggy" Ellen Clifford.

The Planning Commission met on February 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM to conduct a public hearing on the 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), a state-mandated report on the city's progress toward housing production goals. The commission voted unanimously to accept the APR and recommend that the City Council submit it to the California Department of Housing and Community Development by the April 1, 2024 deadline. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 PM. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No in-person or emailed public comments were received for the public hearing or other agenda items. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (December 5, 2023): The minutes were approved unanimously (5-0) as submitted. - Public Hearing: 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report: Staff presented an overview of the APR, which reports on housing entitlements, building permits, and progress toward the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the 2023-2031 cycle. Key data points include: - 586 housing units received building permits in the first year of the cycle, including 398 market-rate units at 1501 Broadway and 73 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). - RHNA allocations by income level: The city has exceeded its total RHNA allocation to date but has not yet met its pro-rata share in lower-income categories (very low, low, moderate). - Completed projects include 353 Main Street (63 affordable units), 1305 El Camino Real (39 affordable units), and the County Navigation Center (240 beds). - Upcoming projects include 1330 El Camino Real (130 rental units), 1201 Main Street (28 rental units), and 505 East Bay Shore (56 ownership units). - Program achievements: Zoning updates for SB9, density increases, affordable housing streamlining, launch of an over-the-counter affordable housing preservation program with $6 million, and a $8 million NOFA for affordable housing production. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners expressed pride in the progress but raised concerns about the pace of rezoning in high-opportunity areas (Program H1-4, study completion by December 2026). Commissioner Lazarus urged accelerating community engagement and mapping to ensure 2031 goals are met. Vice Chair Crnogorac noted that major zoning obstacles have already been removed. Commissioner Koch inquired about affordability covenant expirations at Franklin Street Apartments (31 affordable units, owner not interested in extending affordability). Staff clarified that the city is exploring options and that state law requires replacement of lost units under the no-net-loss program. Key Outcomes - Motion to Accept the 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report: Moved by Vice Chair Crnogorac, seconded by Commissioner Koch. The motion passed 5-0 (Commissioner Chu absent). The commission recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit the APR to the State of California in compliance with Government Code Section 65400. - Upcoming Meetings: Staff noted a City Council meeting on February 26, 2024, for a fee burden analysis, and a March 11, 2024, City Council meeting for the economic forecast and the APR presentation. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2024.

On February 12, 2024, the Redwood City Council held a regular meeting. The meeting included a presentation on the new ownership of Sequoia Station, recognition of participants in a sister-city art contest, extensive public comment on a proposed ceasefire resolution, approval of routine consent items, a public hearing on animal control ordinance adoption, and a staff report on affordable housing funding. The meeting began with a closed session (no reportable actions) and concluded with council member reports and city manager updates. Consent Calendar - Items approved unanimously (6-0, with Vice Mayor Espinosa Garnica absent): Items 7B through 7I (except 7E). These included final acceptance of the 2020–2021 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, an ordinance amending water main upgrade standards, a memorandum of understanding for a compost quality improvement campaign, approval of minutes, and claims and checks. - Item 7E (Star Elevator services): Approved 5-0 (Vice Mayor absent, Councilmember Aiken recused). - Item 7A (Architectural Advisory Committee Work Plan): Pulled for brief discussion. Councilmember Aiken asked staff about objective design standards and the committee’s future role. The council approved the work plan unanimously (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Closed session comment: Chris Robell urged the council to be judicious about a potential land acquisition, questioning its necessity given financial constraints. - Public comment on ceasefire resolution (not on agenda): 29 speakers (16 in-person, 13 emailed) addressed the council. Speakers expressed both support and opposition to placing a ceasefire resolution on a future agenda. - Opponents (pro-Israel perspective): Idan Harel, Valerie Rutenberg, Sophie Berstein, Leah Kruppnik, Dave Bauer, Corinne Feigenberg, Bri Hanney, Irina Krupnik, Tamar, and others argued that a ceasefire resolution would be divisive, outside the council’s purview, and would legitimize Hamas. Several cited rising anti-Semitism and the need to focus on local issues. Some referenced promises made by Councilmember Jeff Gee that a ceasefire would not be considered. - Supporters (pro-Palestinian perspective): Jared Peterson, Brandon Henriquez, Laksh, Michelle Riaz, Mary Bernier, Zach Kleiman, and many emailed comments called for a ceasefire resolution, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the International Court of Justice’s finding of plausible genocide, and the need for the city to stand for human rights. They referenced similar resolutions passed in other Bay Area cities and noted that over two-thirds of Americans support a ceasefire. - Public comment on city tax proposals: Chris Robell presented a petition signed by 160 residents alleging the city is providing misleading information about a potential new property transfer tax. He claimed the city’s website states “the city is not considering new taxes” while a consultant is working on the tax. Several emailed comments supported the petition. Discussion Items - Sequoia Station Presentation (Item 5A): Deke Hunter, principal of Hunter Properties, introduced himself as the new owner of the Sequoia Station shopping center. He outlined plans to stabilize the property, fill vacancies, and eventually redevelop the site in alignment with the downtown precise plan, likely within five to seven years. Councilmembers expressed support, noting the need for a safe and vibrant environment. Hunter emphasized his local roots and commitment to responsible ownership. - Art Contest Recognition (Item 5B): Barbara Pierce (Redwood City International) and Veronica Scamas (Casa Circolo Cultural) recognized 19 student participants in a sister-city art contest with Zhuhai, China. The theme was “Friendship Around the World.” Two students received awards in person; all will be recognized at the Lunar Festival on February 24. - Public Hearing on Animal Control Ordinance (Item 8A): The council adopted an ordinance incorporating the San Mateo County animal control code by reference, with penalties for violations. No public comments were received. The motion passed 6-0. - Affordable Housing NOFA (Item 9A): Staff recommended awarding $4,366,460 in two loans to the 1304 Middlefield Road affordable housing project (94 units, 92 affordable). The project scored highest in the NOFA process and is still assembling financing. Councilmembers asked about loan terms, timeline, and marketing for residents with disabilities. The council approved the resolution 6-0, authorizing the city manager to execute loan documents and a budget amendment. - Matters of Council Interest (Item 10): Councilmember Raykin reported attending the San Francisco Community Roundtable, which discussed advanced air mobility vehicles. No other reports. Key Outcomes - Closed session: No reportable actions. - Consent calendar: Approved all items (7A–7I) with specific votes, including removal of 7E due to Councilmember Aiken’s recusal. - Animal control ordinance: Adopted (6-0). - Affordable housing funding: Approved $4,366,460 in conditional loans for 1304 Middlefield Road (6-0). A future NOFA round in FY 2024-25 will use remaining RDA funds. - Ceasefire resolution: Not on the agenda; the mayor announced it is tentatively scheduled for the March 11 council meeting. No action taken. - City manager update: Noted CERP academy (April 3–May 18), President’s Day office closure, and upcoming February 26 meeting agenda (solid waste rates, fee burden analysis, budget update).

The scheduled Planning Commission regular meeting for February 06, 2024, was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, and no decisions were made.