Public Meetings - Redwood City, California

On November 7, 2023, the Redwood City Planning Commission convened at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. Commissioners Alvarez, Chu, Koch, Lazarus, Vice Chair Crnogorac, and Chair Hunter were present; Commissioner Espinoza was absent. Staff included Assistant Community Development Director Exline, Senior Planner William Chu, Consultant Attorney Rick Jarvis, and Administrative Secretary Christina Mateo. The meeting featured a public hearing on the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) work plan for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, approval of previous minutes, and commission interest updates. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. Consent Calendar - No items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment cards or emails were received for general public comment. - During the public hearing, Glenn Babbitt, HRAC member, spoke in support of the work plan, citing the recent landmark designation of the Women's Club of Redwood City as an example of the prestige landmark status can provide. Discussion Items - Approval of October 3, 2023 Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Chu, seconded by Vice Chair Crnogorac. Passed 6-0. - Review of HRAC Work Plan for FY2023-2024 and FY2024-2025: Lindamarie Roche, HRAC Chair, presented the work plan. Key goals include updating the historic preservation ordinance (last revised in 1980), researching under-documented history (e.g., Japanese flower growers along Woodside Road), improving outreach and education for historic preservation, especially targeting youth, and increasing awareness of the Mills Act program. Commissioners discussed the benefits of landmark designation, challenges of engaging young people, the importance of clarifying the preservation ordinance, and ideas for public outreach such as public forums and website improvements. Commissioner Koch and others expressed support for the plan's ambition. Key Outcomes - Motion to recommend City Council approval of the HRAC Work Plan: Moved by Commissioner Chu, seconded by Commissioner Alvarez. Passed 6-0. - Approval of October 3, 2023 meeting minutes: Passed 6-0. - Meeting schedule update: The November 14, 2023 meeting was canceled; the next regular meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2023. - Commissioner recognition: Chair Hunter acknowledged the service of Commissioner Rudy Espinoza, who was attending his last meeting before moving to New York.

The Redwood City Council met on Monday, October 23, 2023, in open session after a closed session. The meeting included presentations, public comments, a study session on homelessness initiatives, approval of compensation adjustments for the city manager and city attorney, and routine consent calendar items. Key actions included approving settlement agreements related to Docktown Marina, accepting the library board's work plan, and approving salary increases for the city manager and city attorney. Closed Session Report - The City Council unanimously approved two written settlement agreements resolving litigation with Tanya Soleil and John Chambers regarding Docktown Marina and the Docktown Plan. - John Chambers: City will pay $190,000 for Docktown-related compensation; mutual releases; Chambers will vacate Docktown by November 27, 2023. - Tanya Soleil: City will pay $190,000 for Docktown-related compensation plus $8,000 in attorney's fees; mutual releases; Soleil will vacate within 14 days of settlement. Presentations & Acknowledgments - Carolyn Hoskins presented on the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center, which has chosen Redwood City for a permanent home. She announced the museum opening on February 4, 2024, with a photo session with Senator Josh Becker on February 2 and a celebrity guest on February 3. The museum is one of the largest Black history museums on the West Coast. Hoskins also noted a Halloween party for kids with former NFL players and received the Jefferson Award for her work. Public Comments & Testimony - John Tivierge (in person): Opposed the city exploring new revenue streams, citing fixed incomes, Prop 13 concerns, and upcoming 2024 ballot measures that could further weaken Prop 13. - Kimberly Gopar and Abel Chavez (in person, Sequoia High School Dream Club): Invited the council and community to the 14th annual Making Dreams Come True Dream Club Dinner on November 17, 2023, a fundraiser for scholarships for undocumented students. - Written comments included: - Stephen Howard: Expressed disappointment in approval of the Toredo project and violation of the FAR ordinance's intent. - Kathy Miller: Raised concerns about a fire hydrant knocked over, response delays, and liability. - Penny Erickson: Opposed tax increases, citing fixed-income retirees. - Ingrid Kirsten: Commented "It is not fair or equitable." Consent Calendar - Items 7A-7F were approved unanimously, with Mayor G recused from item 7B. - 7A: Side letter with SEIU Local 521 regarding child-based recreation program discounts. - 7B: Final acceptance of construction improvements for 1304 El Camino Real and release of bonds (passed 6-0 with Mayor recused). - 7C: Loan agreement, parcel map, and associated agreements for Broadway Plaza Development. - 7D: Ordinance updating fees and charges for multiple city departments. - 7E: Approval of October 9, 2023 City Council Minutes. - 7F: Approval of claims and checks through November 13, 2023. Board, Commission, and Committee Work Plan: Library Board - Library Director Derek Wolfgram introduced the presentation; Library Board Chair Ann Callery presented the board's accomplishments and work plan. - Highlights included supporting community events, facilitating community feedback sessions, collaboration with support groups (Friends of the Library, Friends of Literacy, Library Foundation, Archives Committee), and the opening of the Makerspace. - Future goals include supporting library initiatives, advocating for marginalized populations, and increasing accessibility. - Council members praised the collaboration, asked about volunteer opportunities, and discussed the Archives Committee and upcoming events like the "Right to Read" film screening on November 6. - Motion to accept the work plan passed unanimously. Study Session: Homelessness Initiatives Update - Human Services Manager Terry Chin presented an update on the city's homelessness initiatives, joined by partners from Life Moves, the OS team, and police. - Key metrics: Baseline 205 unsheltered residents (March 2023 one-day count); active encampments reduced from 34 to 25 (26% reduction) as of October; 60 individuals (29% of baseline) transitioned to shelter or permanent housing; 54 engaged in medical services, 22 in alcohol/drug services, and 22 in mental health services (numbers through September, not unduplicated). - The Shasta Manzanita neighborhood encampments were resolved through coordination with Caltrans and CHP, with four residents moved to shelter and one to permanent housing. - The OS team (Redwood City Outreach Strategy Team) provides after-hours services and uses creative approaches, including hotel respite and storage assistance. - Public comment from Clara Jekyll urged avoiding framing homelessness as a police matter and investing in affordable housing. - Council discussion addressed tracking outcomes, concerns about family voucher program loss, the navigation center's policies, coordination with county systems, and data on demographics. No formal action was taken; staff will return in spring 2024 with more data. Staff Report: Compensation Adjustments for City Manager and City Attorney - Human Resources Director Michelle Katsyoshi presented compensation survey results showing the city manager is 9.88% below median and the city attorney is 6.51% below median. - Mayor G presented the ad hoc committee's recommendation: a two-step increase for the city manager (6% in 2023, 4% in 2024) and a 6% increase for the city attorney in 2023, keeping both at approximately the median. - Public comments (including 17 written comments) largely opposed the raises, citing city deficits, tax/fee increases, and high existing salaries. - Councilmember Howard spoke in favor, emphasizing the value of leadership and retention. - Motion to approve the staff recommendation passed unanimously. Matters of Council Interest - Councilmember Aiken reported on the Finance and Audit Subcommittee meetings (Sept 18 and Oct 11) discussing tax revenues; the subcommittee will bring a recommendation on business license tax/property transfer tax research to the November 27 council meeting. - Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica reported on the Utility Subcommittee meeting (Oct 20) regarding proposed water/sewer fees and a Bay Area Water Supply Conservation Agency update. - Mayor G announced a new ad hoc committee (Mayor, Councilmember Zager, Councilmember Sturkin) to provide input on a potential development agreement for the American Legion project, meeting late October through early January. City Manager Report - City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz announced mailing of property manuals for residents adjacent to Cordilleras Creek. - Promoted United Against Hate activities, including library events and workshops. - Upcoming meetings: November 13 study session on Caltrain grade separation; November 27 updates on police/fire studies and revenue generation options. Key Outcomes - Approved settlement agreements with Tanya Soleil and John Chambers (unanimous). - Approved consent calendar items (unanimous, with Mayor recused on 7B). - Accepted the Library Board work plan (unanimous). - Approved compensation adjustments for city manager (6% in 2023, 4% in 2024) and city attorney (6% in 2023) (unanimous). - Homelessness study session held for input; no formal action taken. - Next regular council meeting scheduled for November 13, 2023.

The Redwood City Council met on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 6:00 PM to address a consent calendar, three public hearings, and a study session on economic development. The meeting included a proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day, a decision on the Stanford Development Agreement 10-year extension, a first reading of citywide fee updates, and a council call-up of a planning commission approval for a home at 636 Toredo Drive. The council also heard public testimony and debated issues of housing affordability, neighborhood character, and cost recovery. Proclamation & Acknowledgments - Indigenous Peoples Day: Mayor read a proclamation recognizing October 9 as Indigenous Peoples Day, honoring the Ohlone people and their unceded ancestral lands. Gloria Gutierrez, co-chair of the San Mateo County Native and Indigenous Peoples Initiative, accepted the proclamation and thanked the city for continued partnership. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) routine items including amendment to the Woodside sewer agreement, rejection of bids for the 2023 pavement overlay, final acceptance of an emergency sewer repair, response to a grand jury report on bike safety, a housing committee work plan, a settlement agreement in litigation, approval of prior meeting minutes, and claims/payments through October 23, 2023. Public Comments & Testimony - Stanford Development Agreement (Item 7a): Chris Johnson criticized the original negotiation, stating the city should have hired professional negotiators and noting that community benefits were inadequate compared to similar agreements (e.g., Palo Alto’s $165M for children’s hospital, San Carlos’ $90.8M from PAMF). John Donohoe (Stanford Real Estate) supported the extension, highlighting the project’s community partnerships during COVID and completion of Phase I. Jim Gernand (email) echoed concerns that the $15M in benefits over 30 years is far less than comparable deals. - 636 Toredo Drive (Item 7c): 22 total public comments (2 in-person, 20 email). Most speakers opposed the project, arguing it exceeds the soft cap FAR (57% vs. 45% guidance), would set a precedent for McMansions, erodes affordable housing stock, and harms neighborhood character. Chris Johnson, Rona Gundrum, and several email authors urged denial. The applicant Alan Ting spoke in favor, noting support from adjacent neighbors and compliance with all zoning standards. - Fee Updates (Item 7b): Nevada Merriman (Midpen Housing) requested deferral, asking the city to consider fee waivers for affordable housing and citing a study from San Jose. - Economic Development Study Session: Larry Moody (Job Train) and Bart Pantoja (Building Trades) expressed support for workforce development. Chris Robell (email) cautioned against prioritizing office space without considering traffic, housing demand, and environmental costs. Discussion Items - Stanford Agreement (7a): Staff recommended approval. Councilmember Aiken noted Stanford’s $36B endowment, $2.2B net income in 2021, and that no grants from Stanford’s $27M in donations went to Redwood City. He urged future partnership. Councilmember Aguirre asked about Stanford’s first expansion to Redwood City and whether benefits could be enhanced without changing the agreement. Councilmember Stirkin inquired about bike infrastructure and potential overnight parking. Councilmember Howard asked for a broader partnership to support city priorities. A motion to approve passed 6-0 (Mayor recused). - 636 Toredo Drive (7c): Staff presented that the project complies with all standards and uses design techniques to reduce perceived massing. Applicant Alan Ting described his multi-generational family’s need for space and noted approval by the Redwood Shores Community Association design board. Council discussion: Councilmember Stirkin supported, arguing the project is not a developer-driven McMansion and meets findings. Councilmember Howard opposed, recalling the 2019 FAR ordinance history, stating the house is too large for the lot and would undermine neighborhood compatibility. Councilmember Aiken opposed due to massing and precedent. Councilmember Martinez Saballos, Aguirre, Vice Mayor Espino-Sagarnica, and Mayor G supported. Motion to approve passed 5-2 (Howard and Aiken no). - Fee Updates (7b): Staff presented a comprehensive study showing the city under-recovers about $1.3M annually (10% of costs). Proposed increases to move toward full cost recovery for building, planning, engineering, and fire services. New fees for housing loan processing, fire inspections, and room rentals. Reductions for library printing (free up to 25 pages/day) and nonprofit room rentals. Council discussed impacts on child care providers, parklets, and affordable housing. Councilmember Howard suggested an appeal process for hardship. Councilmember Stirkin supported subsidizing child care inspections and parklet fees. Councilmember Aguirre emphasized cost recovery but also equity. Motion to approve first reading passed 7-0. - Economic & Workforce Development Plan (Study Session): Staff proposed five focus areas: small business support, office development, customer service enhancements, other revenue generation, and a new workforce development/economic mobility strategy (especially for youth 16-25). Council feedback: general support with additions including signage modernization, family entertainment, niche retail, workforce development for re-entry and at-risk youth, financial empowerment, and partnerships with nonprofits. Council urged focusing on achievable actions without overextending staff, using grants to expand capacity. No formal action taken. Key Outcomes - Stanford Agreement Extension: Approved (6-0). The first 10-year extension was granted after Stanford demonstrated compliance by paying required contributions (bicycle program, delta payment for 350,000 sq ft equivalent). The council directed staff to explore future partnerships beyond the agreement. - 636 Toredo Drive: Approved (5-2). The council upheld the Planning Commission’s decision, finding the project meets all architectural permit findings and the additional findings in Article 48.4. The home’s size (3,811 sq ft, 57% FAR) exceeds the soft cap, but the council majority determined it is compatible with the neighborhood due to design, setbacks, and support from immediate neighbors. - Fee Ordinance (First Reading): Approved (7-0). The ordinance updates fees across all departments to better reflect full cost recovery, effective January 1, 2024. Staff will consider an appeal process for child care inspections and further study on parklet and housing fee impacts before the second reading on October 23, 2023. - Next Steps: The economic development work plan will be refined based on council feedback and returned early 2024 with a detailed implementation timeline. The city manager noted upcoming community meetings on park safety (October 19) and Caltrans closures of northbound 101 impacting local roads.

The Redwood City Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom, adjourning at 8:15 PM. All seven commissioners were present; Chair Hunter recused herself from the main item due to prior service on the Subdivision Committee. Staff presentations and public testimony focused on the proposed 1 Twin Dolphin Drive research and development project. The Commission approved the project with amendments encouraging safer bike infrastructure and a raised crosswalk. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - Bryan Shields, field representative for Carpenters Local 217, expressed concerns about labor practices at previous developments by Prince Street Partners, citing low wages and lack of response to union outreach. He urged the Commission to ensure workforce protections and requested a meeting with the developer. - Georganne Morin, Executive Director of Healthy Cities Tutoring, spoke in support, praising Prince Street Partners for funding that expanded tutoring services to Taft Community School in the Fair Oaks neighborhood. - Ilana Garcia, Development Director at PAL Center, expressed strong support, highlighting the developer’s financial contributions and engagement with the PAL Center. - Tony Gapastione, founder of Bravemaker, endorsed the project, noting Prince Street Partners as the 2022 Film Fest presenting sponsor and their multi-year commitment to emerging filmmakers. - The minutes also list Rona Gundrum as a Zoom speaker, but her remarks were not captured in the provided transcript. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (September 5, 2023): Motion by Commissioner Chu, seconded by Vice Chair Crnogorac, passed 5–2. Commissioners Espinoza and Koch abstained. - 1 Twin Dolphin Drive – Architectural Permit, Vesting Tentative Parcel Map, and Planned Development Permit: - Consultant Principal Planner Jana Wismer presented the staff report. The project includes demolition of two existing office buildings and construction of a five-story, 197,520-square-foot research and development/laboratory building with a two-level parking podium, 456 parking spaces (vs. 526 required), 38,000 square feet of publicly accessible open space, off-site bike lane and crosswalk improvements, and a $576,976 contribution to Dolphin Park. The project also requests a floor area ratio (FAR) bonus to 1.0 and modifications to side setbacks and parking. A Class 32 CEQA infill exemption was recommended. - Applicant architect Rob Zirkle presented design details, emphasizing public amenities, a food truck program, a publicly usable conference center, bike parking, and connection to the Bay Trail. The existing buildings at 100 Marine Parkway will remain, and tenants of the existing buildings are expected to have opportunity to move into the new building. - Commissioner questions covered setback standards, the vesting map, an estimated $3.2 million affordable housing impact fee, existing parking count (377 spaces), TDM shuttle details, bike lane safety, tree replacement, and biohazard safety levels (BSL-1 and BSL-2 expected). - Public comment and Commission deliberation raised concerns about bicycle safety and road design, with several commissioners urging a raised crosswalk across Lagoon Drive and a protected Class 4 bikeway rather than standard striped bike lanes. Key Outcomes - The Commission approved Resolution No. 23-21, as amended, by a vote of 6–0 (Chair Hunter recused). Amendments included: - Revising Condition of Approval 49 to encourage the applicant to work with the City to implement a Class 4 protected bike lane and a raised crosswalk across Lagoon Drive. - Correcting the resolution title to include the vesting tentative parcel map. - The Commission encouraged the applicant to continue discussions with City engineers regarding final design of bicycle and pedestrian improvements. - The meeting adjourned to the next regular Planning Commission meeting on October 17, 2023, which was noted as likely to be cancelled.

The Redwood City Council convened on October 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Filipino American History Month, public comments on Zoom participation and traffic safety, approval of the consent calendar, adoption of work plans for the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and Arts Commission, and two study sessions on children and youth services and the city's climate action plan. Councilmembers Akin and Vice Mayor Espinosa Carnica were absent. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (5-0) with the following items: water connection for 11 Agua Vista Court, stormwater treatment agreement for 351 Galveston Drive, extended day learning services agreements with Redwood City School District and Belmont-Redwood Shores School District, ordinance amending Chapter 8A (Bingo Games), settlement agreement in Emilio Diaz litigation, approval of September 11 and 18 meeting minutes, and claims and checks for October 2-9. Public Comments & Testimony - Rona Gundrum expressed support for the city's decision to limit Zoom comments but urged that hate speech be addressed through modifications to the communications guide, stating that the current approach infringes on engaged public participation. - Jim Wrecker urged the council to suspend and re-examine road projects with bulb-outs, arguing they create dangerous conditions for bicyclists. - Bill Newell thanked the city for park safety meetings but called for meetings in the actual parks (Masis, Hoover, Red Morton) to reach affected communities. - Marcelina Luna (Centennial Neighborhood chair) reported on the 101 closure weekend: traffic congestion on side streets, warning tickets issued to neighbors, and suggested more officers for future closures. - Written comments (read into the record): - Carrie Bloomquist opposed the suspension of Zoom comments, calling it censorship and questioning the definition of hate mail. - Nick Chiochos supported hate speech suppression, distinguishing it from free speech. - Erica Engel requested continued slow streets efforts and raised concerns about pedestrian visibility at Chick-fil-A on Whipple. - Stephen Howard supported eliminating Zoom comments until hate speech can be controlled, noting the difficulty of vetting callers. Discussion Items - Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Work Plan (FY 2023-25) : Staff liaison Malahat Orang and TAC Chair Sophie Minter presented the plan, focusing on Vision Zero, improved bicycle network, community outreach, and equity. Councilmembers discussed the Stambaugh Pedestrian Bridge (missing from the plan), quick-build projects, and community input. The council voted to approve the plan with an amendment to include the Stambaugh Bridge. - Arts Commission Work Plan (FY 2023-25) : Chair Anna Westendorf and Vice Chair Ashley Cantana presented goals: advocate for visual and performing arts, sponsor grants/events, and facilitate public art. Councilmembers highlighted equity, youth outreach, and data collection on grantees. The plan was approved unanimously. - Study Session: Children and Youth Services : Library Director Derek Wolfgram and Parks & Rec Director Chris Beth presented a 19-page report on city programs, funding ($7.3M annually), and outcomes. Topics included early literacy, after-school programs, child care gaps, mental health partnerships, and the diversion program. Council discussed data collection, community engagement, and the need for a child care liaison. No formal action was taken. - Study Session: Climate Action Plan & Sustainability : Assistant Director Cindy Milliano-Denry and Public Works Director Terrence Straue presented updates on greenhouse gas emissions (19% reduction since 2005), sea level rise vulnerability assessment, disposable foodware ordinance, green infrastructure, urban forest plan, and fleet electrification. Council asked about outreach, charging infrastructure, and collaboration with Peninsula Clean Energy. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - Approved the Transportation Advisory Committee work plan for FY 2023-25 with an amendment to include the Stambaugh Pedestrian Bridge (5-0). - Approved the Arts Commission work plan for FY 2023-25 (5-0). - No action on the study sessions; council provided feedback and requested future reports. - Consent Calendar approved with all items (5-0). - Council committee reports noted: Utilities subcommittee reviewed water rates; Finance/Audit subcommittee discussed revenue enhancement options; Governance subcommittee considered modifications to council communications; Transportation/Mobility subcommittee reviewed El Camino Real bike facilities and Woodside Road repaving. Two ad hoc committees were formed for city manager/attorney compensation and the 1125 Arguello development agreement. - City Manager Update : The 101 closure (Cordilleras Creek Bridge) will continue; staff will improve communications. A new California vs. Hate hotline was announced for reporting non-emergency hate incidents.

The Redwood City Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for September 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, no public testimony was taken, and no decisions were made. The meeting notice indicated cancellation prior to the scheduled start time.

The meeting was a special session of the Redwood City Council held on September 18, 2023. The agenda packet indicates a closed session, but no transcript, minutes, or detailed agenda items were provided in the available materials. Consequently, no public comments, discussion items, or decisions can be summarized. The meeting occurred as scheduled, but substantive content is not accessible.

The Redwood City Council held a hybrid meeting on September 11, 2023, covering proclamations, consent calendar items, commission work plans, a Vision Zero progress study session, and approvals for an automated license plate reader (ALPR) system and updated bingo regulations. Public comments highlighted concerns about bike safety, data privacy, and bingo transparency. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously, with item 7D (response to grand jury report on bike safety) pulled for discussion. After discussion, 7D was approved with a directive to research the county's online reporting portal for near-miss incidents and explore adding a reporting option in the My Redwood City app. The motion passed 7-0. Other consent items included: Mexican flag display for Fiestas Patrias, water service extension, traffic calming project acceptance, drone use notification, Zoppé Circus agreement, boiler replacement, parking meter permit ordinance, minutes approval, and claims. Public Comments & Testimony - Taylor, Corinne, and Adrian (bike safety): Expressed opposition to the draft response to the grand jury report, arguing it dismisses the need for a near-miss reporting system and that close calls are underreported. Urged the council to pull the item and strengthen reporting mechanisms. - Isabella Chu (Vision Zero): Stated that U.S. roads prioritize automobiles over people, calling for courage to narrow lanes and remove parking. Noted that Redwood City's crash rates are high and that policy changes are needed. - Mac Hart (Vision Zero): Urged quick-build bike lanes on El Camino Real, citing prior council authorization and community studies. Requested immediate action. - Dylan Finch (Vision Zero): Argued pedestrian deaths are unacceptable and preventable, supporting quick-build projects and designed speed reduction. - Taylor Pope (Vision Zero): Noted insufficient progress toward Vision Zero 2030 goal, emphasized need for action on state highways (El Camino, Woodside), and suggested lowering school zone speed limits to 15 mph. - Philip Cernegoritz (Vision Zero): Supported speed bumps, noting multi-year wait for installation, and urged investment in traffic calming. - Masalin Luna (Vision Zero): Raised safety concerns about the only pedestrian bridge over Woodside Road, stating it is unsafe and deterring use, especially for Hoover School families. - Clara Jekyll (ALPR): Expressed privacy concerns, citing risk of tracking legal activities and potential misuse. Requested very short retention (minutes) as seen in New Hampshire. - Stephen J. and John Smith (ALPR): Supported ALPR, with John Smith recounting his stolen van recovery aided by ALPR in another jurisdiction. - Tyler Wolf (ALPR): Detective supported ALPR, noting its value in solving property crimes and road rage incidents, especially for working-class victims. - Sue Nix (ALPR): Supported ALPR, citing crime in Redwood Shores and need for police tools. - Monica Crawford (Bingo): Opposed the bingo ordinance update, alleging lack of transparency and mismanagement of funds at American Legion Post 105. - Richard Pierce and George Smith (Bingo): Supported the update, stating operations would be transparent and benefit veterans and the community. Discussion Items - Proclamations: Recognized Suicide Prevention Month, Welcoming Week (with Star Awards to Tito Alvarez and Familias Unidas), and Hispanic Heritage Month. Council expressed support. - Planning Commission Work Plan (8A): Chair Hunter and Vice Chair Cerner Goratz presented a two-year plan focusing on housing element implementation, Central Redwood City Plan, Redwood Life Precise Plan, historic preservation ordinance update, and collaboration with other commissions. Council approved unanimously. - Senior Affairs Commission Work Plan (8B): Chair Hal Drager and staff Bruce Utech presented on transportation surveys, a new senior support list (multilingual), age-friendly city action plan, and intergenerational programs with youth. Council approved unanimously. - Vision Zero Study Session (10A): Transportation Manager Jessica Manzi presented collision data showing increasing trends, with 15-17 fatal/severe crashes per year. Speeding and DUI were major factors. El Camino Real and Woodside Road are hotspots. Staff discussed quick-build projects, Safe Routes to School, enforcement, and education. Council members expressed urgency, called for equitable enforcement, and supported exploring quick-build bike lanes on El Camino. No formal action taken. - ALPR Policy and Flock Agreement (11A): Lt. Lee and Sgt. Boyce presented the program (25 fixed cameras at city ingress/egress points, 30-day retention, no facial recognition, no ICE sharing). Public comment included privacy concerns and support. Council discussed annual reporting, verification procedures, and prohibited uses. The motion to approve the purchase contract passed 6-1 (Councilmember Sturkin opposed). The policy itself is administrative and not subject to council approval. - Bingo Ordinance Update (11B): Staff presented updates to allow third-party operation of bingo games by qualified nonprofits, with annual permits, caps on sessions, and prize limits per state law. Public comments raised concerns about past mismanagement at American Legion Post 105. Council waived first reading and introduced the ordinance unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 7D (Bike safety response): Approved with direction to research county reporting portal and explore adding an option in My Redwood City app. Vote 7-0. - Planning Commission Work Plan: Adopted unanimously. - Senior Affairs Commission Work Plan: Adopted unanimously. - ALPR Contract (11A): Approved purchase of 25 Flock cameras with 3-year service contract. Motion passed 6-1. Council also expressed interest in an annual progress report and policy refinements. - Bingo Ordinance (11B): Waived first reading and introduced ordinance updating Chapter 8A. Vote 7-0. - Future Meetings: Special meeting September 18, 2023; next regular meeting October 2, 2023. - Meeting Adjourned: In memory of Michael Fernandez, longtime educator and community supporter.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on September 5, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The primary agenda item was a public hearing for the rehabilitation and expansion of the historic Hotel Sequoia at 800 Main Street. The project includes a Downtown Planned Community Permit, Conditional Use Permit, and Historic Preservation Permit. After presentations from staff and the applicant, and public testimony, the commission voted 5-0 to approve the project with minor condition revisions. Commissioner Koch recused himself due to residing at 830 Main Street, and Commissioner Espinoza was absent. Consent Calendar - No items were presented on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Glenn Babbitt (Historic Resources Committee member, speaking as an individual) expressed support for the project, urging the commission to keep conditions concise and actionable to allow timely progress. He noted the urgency of preserving the 100-year-old unreinforced masonry building. - Nancy Radcliffe (community member) spoke in support, noting the project complies with the original downtown precise plan before a 2008 lawsuit altered setback requirements. She applauded the applicant's handling of resident relocations and support for local art. - Kate Mosley (local business owner) attested to applicant Danny Gasparini's integrity, dedication to community, and plans to minimize construction impacts. She highlighted the projected $1.1 million annual transit occupancy tax revenue. - Mark Murray (Lane Partners, representing nearby properties) offered enthusiastic support, citing architectural respect for the historic building and the project's ability to bring daytime and nighttime energy to surrounding streets. - Kathy Oyster (owner of 2000 Broadway Street) supported the project, noting Danny Gasparini's long-standing commitment and the positive transformation of downtown Redwood City. - Neal Wall (24-year resident and former Box executive) endorsed the project, emphasizing the need for a local boutique hotel to accommodate business visitors. - Brianna Maryiol (downtown resident) expressed support, noting the project would allow visiting family and friends to stay nearby and praising Danny Gasparini's love for Redwood City. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation (Senior Planner Ryan Kuchenig): Outlined the project scope – rehabilitation of the historic facade, seismic retrofit, addition of three new guest room floors (82 total), a rooftop bar and event space, ground-floor restaurant and retail. The project requires exceptions to the downtown precise plan's 40-foot setback (proposing 8 feet) and a one-story height limitation (proposing three stories) due to the small lot and historic constraints. Staff found the design compliant with Secretary of the Interior Standards after review by the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) and the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC), both recommending approval. CEQA review determined the project is within the scope of the previously certified EIRs. Two minor condition revisions were noted: adding flexibility to backflow prevention location (Condition 34) and removing a car stacker condition (Condition 64) as no car stackers are proposed. - Applicant Presentation (Danny Gasparini, co-owner/managing partner): Described the project as a 10-year family effort to restore the hotel to its early 1900s grandeur. Detailed the relocation of 18 SRO residents over 18 months, all placed in permanent housing with support. Explained the need for additional height and reduced setbacks to achieve a viable room count (82 keys) to attract a quality hotel operator. Emphasized community engagement and plans to address neighbor concerns, especially residents of nearby Redwood Villa apartments. - Historic Preservation Consultant (Nancy Goldenberg): Clarified that the 40-foot setback requirement originated from a 2008 lawsuit and has no basis in Secretary of Interior Standards. Showed that the proposed addition is compatible and that other nearby buildings are similarly tall. - Architect (Mark Hornberger): Detailed design elements – differentiation of new construction from historic fabric, use of glass, aluminum panels, and brick veneer, setback of upper floors, enclosed mechanical penthouse, and public art plans for the west-facing wall. Noted the building's overall height is 89 feet 2 inches, under the 92-foot limit. - Traffic Consultant (Jocelyn, Hexagon): Reported that the project would generate fewer than 100 trips in peak hours (25 AM, 32 PM) and that VMT impacts would be less than significant after converting hotel trips to retail equivalents. The drop-off area can accommodate a queue of three vehicles. - Commission Questions & Discussion: - Clarified that the 40-foot setback would render the project infeasible; the 8-foot setback meets Secretary of Interior Standards. - Confirmed that the hotel rooms will have ensuite bathrooms, unlike the former SRO configuration. - Noted that parking is not required under the updated downtown precise plan; a valet agreement with a neighboring property is in place. - The rooftop bar and restaurant will be open to the public; - The project's estimated annual transit occupancy tax (TOT) is $750,000 initially, rising to $1.1–1.2 million by year five. - No specific hotel operator has been signed, but the applicant indicated a local operator has expressed interest. - The applicant met with residents of the adjacent Redwood Villa apartments on August 4, 2023, and committed to ongoing communication regarding construction impacts. - Commissioner Comments: - Commissioner Alvarez praised the project's excitement and the applicant's engagement with neighbors. - Commissioner Chu emphasized the project as a "labor of love," noting the importance of building versus the risk of losing a historic resource. Applauded the policy flexibility on setbacks and parking. - Vice Chair Crnogorac appreciated the architectural coordination, the eight-foot setback for sunlight penetration on Broadway, and recommended using larger tree boxes and ensuring the west wall art is fade-resistant. - Chair Hunter called the project a "nearly perfect addition" that restores a historic building, provides a needed downtown hotel, and includes a unique rooftop bar. Key Outcomes - Motion (Vice Chair Crnogorac, seconded by Commissioner Lazarus): To approve Resolution No. 23-20, granting a Downtown Planned Community Permit, Conditional Use Permit, and Historic Preservation Permit for the 800 Main Street Hotel Sequoia Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, and determining that environmental review is completed per CEQA Guidelines Sections 15168 and 15183, with revisions to Conditions of Approval: modification of COA 34 (backflow protection flexibility) and removal of COA 64 (car stacker condition). - Vote: 5-0 (Commissioner Koch recused; Commissioner Espinoza absent). - Meeting Adjourned: 7:40 PM, to reconvene at the next Regular Planning Commission Meeting on October 3, 2023.