Public Meetings - Redwood City, California

A special meeting of the Redwood City Council was held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers, 1017 Middlefield Road. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with a roll call, pledge of allegiance led by Council Member Howard, and a brief public comment period during which no written or in-person comments were received. The sole substantive item was a closed session for existing litigation. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted via email or provided in person. Closed Session — Item 5.A: Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation - The City Council convened in closed session pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) to discuss three ongoing court cases: - Hannig Environmental Research Organization (HERO) v. City of Redwood City, et al. (Case No. 23CIV03421) - Phil Eliason v. City of Redwood City, et al. (Case No. 21CIV02128) - Joseph Echema v. Redwood City Fire Department, et al. (Case No. 21CIV01571) - The closed session lasted until adjournment; no decisions or votes were taken that required public reporting. Key Outcomes - No reportable action resulted from the closed session. - The meeting adjourned, with the next regular City Council meeting scheduled for June 9, 2025.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. As a result, no discussion items, public comments, or decisions can be summarized.

The Redwood City Council held a special meeting on May 19, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting included community acknowledgments, consent calendar approvals, public hearings on city employment vacancies and cannabis business fees, approval of a successor MOU with the Chief Officers Association, and study sessions on fire and police department operations. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved 16 routine items by a single motion (7-0), including an interfund loan of $5 million from the general fund to the park impact fees fund (6A), an investment report (6B), excess insurance renewal (6C), final acceptance of construction improvements at 1410 Valloto Road and 200 Twin Dolphin Drive (6D-6E), speed limit reductions to 15 mph around Hoover Elementary, Kennedy Middle, and Roy Cloud School zones (6F), grant applications (6G), purchase of a tractor-drawn aerial fire truck for up to $1,543,046 (6H), curb ramp and sidewalk repair contract (6I), synthetic turf replacement at Mitchell and Farroaks fields for $2,198,996 (6J), legal services agreement for the Greater Downtown Area Plan (6K), consent to assignment agreement (6L), new classifications of crisis response clinician and payroll supervisor (6M-6N), approval of May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (6O), and claims and checks from May 19 to June 9, 2025 (6P). Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Arusa Cruz (in-person): Expressed support for the $5 million park impact fee transfer but urged council to reconsider high park impact fees (over $40,000 per unit for multifamily housing) as they may increase rents and reduce construction. Suggested exploring alternative revenue sources such as bonds or property/business taxes. Noted that "any percentage of zero is unfortunately still zero" if no construction occurs. - Scott Morton (in-person, President of San Francisco Peninsula Adaptive Miracle League baseball): Spoke in full support of item 6J (Mitchell and Farroaks synthetic turf replacement). Noted the field would serve Miracle League players with disabilities using a buddy system and that the new turf would be safer for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Thanked city staff for support. - Bill Anderson (written public comment): Expressed wholehearted support for pedestrian hybrid beacons at Upton/Jefferson and Ruby/Jefferson. Voiced concern that reducing Jefferson Avenue to one lane in each direction would push traffic onto side streets via navigation apps. Urged designers not to remove parking from Jefferson. - Clara Jekyll (written public comment on police department study session): Urged council to prioritize civilian staff for human services and keep the freeze on two sworn officer positions in place, arguing that shifting services to unarmed employees reduces risk of use of force. Discussion Items - Item 7A – Public Hearing on Employment Vacancies (AB 2561): HR Director Michelle Katsuyoshi presented vacancy data (citywide vacancy rate 10.4% as of March 24, 2024, below the 20% threshold for additional reporting). Highlighted recruitment/retention efforts and process improvements. Police Officers Association President Eric Otterson presented on police staffing challenges: 8 vacancies, 5 officers in field training, mandatory overtime (65 open shifts in June 2024), 50% increase in emergency response time (from 6:38 to 9:58 minutes since 2000), 58% increase in traffic collisions (2020-2024), and the need for an additional 8 sworn officers over 3 years. He noted 25% of officers live outside the 9-county Bay Area, with a sleep trailer purchased due to officers sleeping in vehicles between shifts. - Item 7B – Public Hearing on Cannabis Business Permit Fees: Economic Development Manager Amanda Anthony presented proposed fee adjustments reducing total annual costs per cannabis business from $49,129 to $32,496 (a 34% decrease), achieved by shifting program administration to consultant HDL and eliminating certain fees. Written public comments from industry representatives (Charmi Shaw, Kevin Singer, Luis Dawson, Mike Bittar, Josh Lewis) all expressed support for the fee reduction. Council discussed the need for periodic fee reviews and confirmed the fees cover city costs. - Item 8A – Tentative MOU with Chief Officers Association (COA): HR Director Katsuyoshi presented a 3-year successor MOU (2024-2027) for COA (battalion chiefs, deputy chief, fire marshal). Includes 3% COLA each year, equity adjustments for internal compaction, a $5,000 retention incentive for deputy chief executives, increased uniform reimbursement, removal of Russian and Vietnamese from bilingual pay (consistent with other groups), expanded bereavement leave, and formation of a citywide dental committee. - Item 9A – Study Session: Fire Department Operations: Fire Chief Baraka Carter presented the department’s ISO Class 1 rating (only in San Mateo County), an average response time of 5:59 (well below county standard of 6:59), and 14,000 annual calls (65-70% EMS). Recommendations from the 2023 Standards of Cover study included adopting clear response time goals, improved turnout, adding an EMS squad (Squad 409) to handle low-acuity calls (successful pilot from Jan-June 2024 improved engine/truck availability), and upgraded data tracking. Future initiatives include a training facility (projected $3.5 million), transition to Community Risk Reduction (funded by Vision 2020 Ignite program), and recruitment strategies. Council members expressed support for Squad 409, discussed balancing traffic calming with emergency response, and encouraged partnerships with the county on low-acuity calls. - Item 9B – Study Session: Police Department Operations: Police Chief Christina Bell presented the department structure (134 FTEs authorized, 8 sworn and 8 civilian vacancies as of April 2025). Key data: average response time to priority calls was 6:06 in 2024 (dispatch to arrival); traffic collisions increased significantly (auto vs. pedestrian from 48 in 2020 to 91 in 2024; auto vs. bicycle from 24 to 59; DUI from 82 to 136). The 2023 CPSM report made 54 recommendations; 24 completed, 10 in progress, 9 under consideration, 11 not feasible. Highlights include adding 5 Community Service Officers (CSOs) last year, a request for 2 more sworn positions, a non-sworn crime analyst in the recommended budget, continued recruitment, a new substation at Sequoia Station, a reimagined school liaison officer (cost-shared with Sequoia Union High School District and DTEC), and technology initiatives (drones, automated citations, IAPRO, TASER 10 devices, data dashboard). Council discussed prioritizing civilian responses for non-emergency calls, the importance of in-house training, and support for the school liaison officer. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar adopted unanimously (7-0). - Item 7A (Vacancy Report) : Received the report and closed the public hearing; motion approved unanimously (7-0). - Item 7B (Cannabis Fee Update) : Resolution adopted unanimously (7-0) updating and adopting cannabis business permit fees and the regulatory fee study. - Item 8A (COA MOU) : Approved the successor MOU, classification amendments, and budget amendment unanimously (7-0). - Items 9A and 9B : Study sessions only; no formal action taken. Council feedback to inform future budget and policy decisions.

The Redwood City Council met on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered approval of consent calendar items (with one item pulled for discussion), public testimony on multiple issues, a detailed discussion and vote on upgrading police tasers, adoption of updated fire hazard severity zone maps, and a study session on water, sewer, and stormwater utility master planning. No formal action was taken on the study session. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously with the exception of Item 6B (Agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. to upgrade TASER X2 devices to TASER 10 devices), which was pulled by Councilmember Surkin for separate discussion. - Approved consent items included: 6A (PG&E gas/electric agreement invoice), 6C (development agreement for 901 El Camino Real), 6D (ordinance amending Police Advisory Committee membership), 6E (April 28, 2025 minutes), and 6F (claims and checks through May 19, 2025). Public Comments & Testimony - Jefferson Avenue Traffic Safety Project: Multiple residents (Ingrid Falk, Ann Cano, Philip Luna) expressed concerns about insufficient notification, the proposed reduction to one lane per direction, parking impacts, and safety at crosswalks. They requested additional public meetings and better data on traffic volumes, speeds, and collisions. - Taser Upgrade (Item 6B): Eight in-person speakers and several written comments addressed this item. Opponents (Raymond Goins, Nancy Goodband, Bill Newell, Becca Keeler (written), Beverly Morgan (written), Ron Sussex (written), Rob Verse Luis (written), Clara Jekyll (written)) urged the council to remove the item from consent and schedule a study session, citing risks of tasers causing deaths, disproportionate use on people of color, and cost ($1.58 million over 10 years). They referenced specific incidents: the death of Ramsey Saad (2018) and Chinedu Okobi (2018). One speaker, Aaron Sussman (Redwood City police officer), supported the upgrade, stating tasers provide a less-lethal force option and enhance de-escalation. - Other: Written comments addressed lack of code enforcement for noise/barking dogs, a pedestrian struck at El Camino Real and Dumbarton Avenue, and opposition to bike lane projects and speed humps. Discussion Items - Item 6B - Taser 10 Upgrade: Councilmember Surkin proposed agendizing the item for a future regular meeting to allow more public input and data review. Chief Bell and Axon representatives presented: the Taser 10 has a 45-foot range (vs. 25 feet for X2), audible/visual warning, automatic body-worn camera activation, and virtual reality training capabilities. The department reported 156 taser deployments out of 108,915 enforcement contacts (0.63% use of force) from 2011-2024. The X2 model is obsolete, with parts and training no longer supported. Council debated the need for a study session vs. immediate approval, with some members emphasizing cost-effectiveness, increased safety, and accountability features. The motion to approve passed 6-1, with Councilmember Surkin dissenting. - Item 8A - Fire Hazard Severity Zones: Fire Marshal Janice Chung presented updated maps from CalFire, which redesignated previous Very High hazard areas (1,266 parcels in 2007) to zero Very High, 60 High, and 6 Moderate in 2025. The change is attributed to improved modeling (e.g., local wind data, ember cast modeling). The ordinance was introduced (first reading) and unanimously approved. Council discussed the importance of regular updates and noted that hazard maps do not reflect mitigation efforts. - Item 9A - Utility Master Planning Study Session: Engineering Director Tanisha Werner reviewed the city's water (potable and recycled), sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems. Key points: 85% of water comes from Hetch Hetchy; recycled water use reduces potable demand by 200 million gallons/year; sewer system includes 184 miles of pipe (many from 1940s); stormwater infrastructure is aging (built 1960s) with no dedicated funding source. Council members expressed support for increased investment, particularly in stormwater, and requested that the Finance and Audit Committee explore funding options (e.g., enterprise funds, fees). No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (items 6A, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F). - Item 6B - Taser 10 Upgrade: Approved on a 6-1 vote (Councilmember Surkin opposed). The agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. covers upgrade of X2 devices to Taser 10, including support, training, and software integration, at a cost of approximately $1.58 million over 10 years. - Item 8A - Fire Hazard Severity Zones: Ordinance introduced and approved unanimously (first reading); second reading scheduled for a future meeting. - Study Session: No formal action; staff directed to return with a stormwater roadmap and consider funding recommendations via the Finance and Audit Committee.

This special meeting of the Redwood City Planning Commission was held on May 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, 1017 Middlefield Road, with remote participation via Zoom. The primary agenda item was a public hearing to determine whether the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is consistent with the city's General Plan. The commission also received updates on transportation and parking policies. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in person or submitted email comments for the public hearing on the CIP consistency item. Public comment via Zoom was temporarily suspended due to disruptions at other regional meetings. Discussion Items - Item 5A: General Plan Consistency for the 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program – Associate Planner Evelyn Garcia presented the staff report explaining that the CIP includes 59 projects targeting transportation, drainage, park, and facility improvements. She noted that individual projects will still undergo environmental review and City Council approval. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the general plan update timeline (comprehensive update in 2010, but many elements updated since), the extent of community outreach (budget study sessions, housing action plan hearings), and specific projects such as the replacement of synthetic turf fields (confirmed by Engineering Director Tanisha Werner that cork will be used instead of tire rubber). Commissioner Cornejo inquired about inclusive outreach; staff offered to connect with the finance director for more detail. Commissioner Robinson highlighted the importance of ADA transition plans and pedestrian-cyclist safety. Commissioner Finch praised the breadth of projects, including the county garage permit program. Chair Crnogorac discussed enforcement challenges related to the daylighting law and potential conflicts between green infrastructure and ADA curb ramps. Commissioner Cornejo noted the planned essential wheels e-bike loaner program and asked about dropped-bike management; Tanisha Werner explained designated drop-off zones and daily collection. - Item 6A: Transportation Updates in 2025 – Assistant Community Development Director Sue Exline provided a high-level overview of upcoming policy work: (1) Transit-Oriented Community policies from MTC, requiring parking minimum elimination and maximums within a half-mile of Caltrain, to be studied for a City Council study session in winter/spring 2026; (2) increasing and improving bicycle parking as part of a zoning code update; (3) parking code updates tied to housing element; and (4) Muni code updates for a points-based Transportation Demand Management system and a Transportation Management Association. Commissioner Finch clarified that zoning code updates will come before Planning Commission, while Muni code updates go directly to City Council. - Item 6B: Planning Commission Liaison Updates – Staff welcomed new commissioners Craig Robinson, Chair Crnogorac, Commissioner Hunter, and incoming appointee Shashir Bhat (joining in June). The 901 El Camino Real and 920 Shasta projects were approved by City Council the previous week. The next regular meeting will be June 3, 2025; the May 20 meeting is likely cancelled. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Resolution No. 25-03 (finding that the CIP for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 conforms to and is consistent with the General Plan) passed 5-0 (Motion: Commissioner Hunter; Second: Commissioner Finch). - Minutes of April 15, 2025 approved 4-0-1 (Commissioner Robinson abstained because she was not present at that meeting).

No meeting content was available. The agenda, minutes, and transcript provided are empty. Therefore, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated.

The Redwood City Council met on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM for a regular meeting. The meeting included recognitions, public comments, consent calendar items, public hearings on an affordable housing project and a mixed-use development, a resolution of necessity for property acquisitions, and appointments to city boards and commissions. All votes were taken by roll call. Recognitions - The council recognized winners of the fourth annual Climate Action and Resiliency Video Contest for 6th-8th graders, with first place awarded to a team from Kennedy School, second place to a student from Clifford School, and third place to a team of 6th graders from Clifford School. Two honorable mentions were also awarded. - The council proclaimed May 4–10, 2025, as Public Service Recognition Week, honoring city employees and employee organization leaders (Liz Meeks, Debbie Ivasis, Jeff Balton, Eric Otterson, and a representative from IAFF Local 2400). Public Comments & Testimony (Item 5) - Shah (works in Redwood City) asked the council to reassure the LGBTQ community that Redwood City is safe, citing a coworker’s fear about going out in public. - Kate Allison (resident near Laurie Duncan Park) voiced strong opposition to the current pilot project at Laurie Duncan Park, arguing it was a bait-and-switch that focused on park amenities instead of addressing traffic safety on Brewster. She said the closure has worsened traffic and asked the project be suspended. - Bill Newell presented Fixin San Mateo County’s annual 2024 report and commented on the Police Advisory Committee (PAC) restructuring, urging the council to ensure district representation and that PAC report directly to the council. - Pamela Estes (Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation) announced upcoming events (Silicon Valley Open Studios May 10-11, Music on the Square starting May 30) and requested volunteers for the bucket brigade. - Written comments from Mavy Arias and Justin Rogers expressed concern about parking impacts from the 112 Vera Avenue development and requested a residential parking permit program and parking impact study. Consent Calendar (Item 6) The consent calendar (Items 6A–6K) included routine approvals. Councilmember Sturkin pulled Item 6C (modifications to the Police Advisory Committee ordinance). After discussion and a failed motion on the original staff recommendation, a second motion to approve staff recommendation with an amendment to bring back discussion on the committee’s role to the Governance Subcommittee passed unanimously. The remaining consent items were approved by a single vote (7-0). Key outcome on 6C: The council voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance reducing PAC membership from 11 to 7, staggering appointments, changing terms to four years, and requiring majority council appointment. The council also directed that further discussion on the committee’s role be agendized for a future Governance Subcommittee meeting. Public Hearing: Affordable Housing Project at 920 Shasta (Item 7A) - Staff presentation (Sue X Line, William Chu): The project proposes 99 deed-restricted affordable units plus one manager unit at 920 Shasta and 122 Buckeye Streets. It is part of the gatekeeper process and includes density bonus concessions (five concessions, one waiver) due to state law. The project site is zoned Mixed-Use Transitional. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant presentation (Jacqueline Figaroa, Abode Communities): Described the project as 100% affordable family housing (30%–80% AMI) with 74 parking spaces (stacked), 112 bike spaces, and amenities including a courtyard, community room, and fitness room. Relocation assistance is provided for existing tenants. Community engagement included door-to-door outreach within a quarter-mile. - Public comment: One in-person speaker (Shishir Bat) spoke in favor, warning against delays. Written comments from California Housing Defense Fund reminded the council of legal obligations under the Housing Accountability Act and Density Bonus Law. - Council discussion: Members praised the project, especially the deep affordability and family-sized units (half are 2- and 3-bedroom). Questions were raised about insurance cost contingencies, parking, soundproofing, and pedestrian access to nearby retail. Staff noted flexibility in affordability mix and ongoing insurance dialogue. - Key outcome: Motion to approve staff recommendation (three resolutions) passed unanimously (7-0). Public Hearing: Mixed-Use Development at 901 El Camino (Item 7B) - Staff presentation (William Chu): The project includes 305,222 square feet of office/R&D lab space, a 6,450 sq ft teen center/multipurpose space, a public plaza, and a restored creek (Little River Park). It requires a General Plan and Downtown Precise Plan amendment to increase office capacity. The affordable housing requirement is met by donating the land at 920 Shasta (valued at $10 million, exceeding the $7.3 million fee). Community benefits total about $10 million, including the teen center, street improvements, and land donation. - Applicant presentation (John Fong, Rob Zirkel): The project has evolved over five years, increasing affordable housing from 20 studios to 100 family homes. The design includes terracotta exteriors, a chrysanthemum plaza honoring Japanese American history, and a teen center designed with input from local youth. The developer committed to engaging with labor unions for union mechanical trade labor. - Public comment: Speakers included Nadine Fogarty (Caltrain) expressing support; Jarvis White (IBEW 617) supporting with union wage commitments; Max Schomkel (IBEW 617) supporting with a focus on local workforce; and Ed Stancil suggesting rent control provisions. Three written comments from teens fully supported the teen center. One written comment (from a resident) expressed concerns about traffic, hazardous materials, and the valuation of community benefits. - Council discussion: Clarifying questions covered parking (three-level valet garage, 513 spaces), bike lanes (buffered class IV), teen center hours (2pm-midnight weekdays, extended weekends/summer), rooftop mechanical screening, shared parking, and the land donation mechanism (city retains reverter rights if housing not built). Councilmembers praised the project for its community benefits, design, transit orientation, and youth engagement. Vice Mayor Aiken noted the preference for community-wide planning but supported the project. - Key outcome: Motion to approve all five resolutions and waive first reading of the development agreement ordinance passed unanimously (7-0). Public Hearing: Resolution of Necessity for Property Acquisitions (Item 7C) - Staff presentation (Tanisha Werner, Leo Scott): The city needs to acquire property interests (fee acquisitions, temporary construction easements) for 11 parcels to complete the SR84/Woodside Road/US101 interchange reimagined project. The project aims to reduce congestion and improve safety (49% of collisions are rear-end). Environmental clearance was completed in December 2016. Negotiations have been ongoing; the resolution authorizes eminent domain if needed. No business closures are required. - Public comment: One written comment expressed concern about CVS and Smart & Final closures; staff clarified these are not affected. - Council discussion: Members confirmed the parcels were in the environmental document, and that the project is critical for safety and access. The council voted on 11 separate resolutions, each passing unanimously (7-0). Staff Reports: Appointments to Boards and Commissions (Item 8A) - City Clerk (Yessica Castro) oversaw the appointment process for 14 seats across five bodies (Housing and Human Concerns Committee, Library Board, Parks Recreation and Community Services Commission, Planning Commission, Transportation Advisory Committee). 69 applicants were considered. - Key outcomes: - HHCC (partial term): Max Disher appointed. - Library Board (full terms): Reem Al-Humadi and Laura Covington appointed. Partial term: Amy Swanson appointed. - Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission (partial term): Crystal Tran appointed. - Planning Commission (full terms): Philip Cernogoretz, Rick Hunter, and Craig Robinson appointed (third round). Partial term: Shishir Bat appointed. - Transportation Advisory Committee (full terms): Robin Betts, David Frybush, Rona Gundrum, and Nicole Noga appointed. Partial term (after two rounds): Brian Schmidt appointed. - The council approved keeping the current applicant pool open for vacancies through January 31, 2026, with the option to solicit new applications if needed (motion passed 7-0). Matters of Council Interest (Item 9) - Councilmember Howard thanked the Pride and Beautification Committee for a cleanup event on April 26 with over 100 volunteers. - Transportation and Mobility Subcommittee (Councilmember G): Reported on April 17 meeting discussing a Transportation Management Association study and implementation of AB 413 daylighting ordinance. - Governance Subcommittee (Councilmember G): Reported on April 21 meeting covering state legislative advocacy and revisions to council norms. - 84/101 Ad Hoc Committee (Councilmember Chu): Reported on April 25 meeting; project is in final design and right-of-way acquisition, within budget, next meeting May 23. - City Manager updates: Open houses for Greater Downtown Area Plan (RWCGreaterDowntown.com); closure of Jefferson Avenue underpass for mural repairs; July 4th activities including a drone show instead of fireworks. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified]. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2025.

Redwood City Council Special Meeting - April 21, 2025: Board and Commission Interviews\n\nThe Redwood City Council held a special meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers (1017 Middlefield Road) and via Zoom. The sole purpose of the meeting was to interview applicants for several city boards, commissions, and committees. No votes on appointments were taken during the meeting; the council will consider appointments at a future meeting. No transcript or minutes are available, so the summary below is derived solely from the published agenda.\n\n Public Comments & Testimony\n- The agenda provided for public comment (2-minute limit, accepted in person or via email). No public comments were recorded in the agenda or in any available meeting record.\n\n Discussion Items\nThe council conducted interviews for the following bodies, with applicants listed by district or affiliation:\n\n1. Housing and Human Concerns Committee – One partial-term seat (expires May 31, 2026)\n- Applicants: Kiara Arai (D7), Max Discher (D3), Anastasia Grandy (D1), Sarah Recinos (Unincorporated), Ilana Su (D2), Sophia-Marie Thibault (D4), Victoria Valenciam (D2)\n\n2. Library Board – One partial-term seat (expires June 30, 2026) + two full-term seats (expires June 30, 2029)\n- Applicants: Reem Al-Humadi (D2), Juliana Costello (D7), Laura Covington (D7), Cynthia Dalbor (D2), Sue Field (D6), Whitney Glockner Black (D6), Christopher Mayer (D6), Aimee Swanson (D7), Jordan Winokur (D5)\n\n3. Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission – One partial-term seat (expires May 31, 2028)\n- Applicants: Emily Prado (Unincorporated), Aravind Somanchi (D5), Crystal Tran (D1)\n\n4. Planning Commission – One partial-term seat (expires June 30, 2026) + three full-term seats (expires June 30, 2029)\n- Applicants: Alexander Avina (D7), Shishir Bhat (D2), Filip Crnogorac (D4), Mohamed El-Gasseir (D1), Marcel Gradidge (D1), Rick Hunter (D7), Bryan Jacobs (D7), Michelle Kapnias (D4), Anthony Lazarus (D7), Malik Navarra Gilbert (D4), Craig Robinson (D6), Edward Stancil (D2), Michael Verdone (D7)\n\n5. Police Advisory Committee – Seven two-year term seats (expires May 31, 2027) and four four-year term seats (expires May 31, 2029) – Note: Agenda states that council was considering modifications to Police Advisory Committee membership as recommended by the Governance Sub-Committee.\n- Applicants: Austin Baik (D1), Christie Chang (D2), Lou Covey (D3), Clara Jaeckel (D5), Samantha Kelley (D6), Asteris Ling (D1), Joy Magana (Employed in RWC), Michael Mansour (D6), John McMullen (D7), Kathi Petrick (D5), William Reach (D6), Nuvya Sharda (D6), Daniel Torunian (D6)\n\n6. Transportation Advisory Committee – One partial-term seat (expires June 30, 2027) + four full-term seats (expires June 30, 2029)\n- Applicants: Robin Betz (D4), Max Chen (D2), James Cowing (D1), Nicole De La Cruz (D4), Carl Ebeling (D6), David Fribush (D5), Rona Gundrum (D1), Nicole Noga (D4), Brian Schmidt (D2), Joseph Wisniewski (D2), Jean Yang (D7)\n\n Key Outcomes\n- The council interviewed all applicants for each body as listed above. No appointments were made during the special meeting; formal appointments will be decided at a future regular council meeting (next scheduled for April 28, 2025).\n- No votes, deliberations, or decisions were recorded in the available agenda or any accompanying materials. The meeting adjourned after the interviews.

The Redwood City Planning Commission met on April 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road. The meeting focused on two significant development projects: a 100-unit affordable housing project at 920 Shasta Street / 122 Buckeye Street and a large mixed-use office and lab development at 901 El Camino Real. Both projects were recommended for City Council approval unanimously (5-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - 920 Shasta (Item 5A): No in-person speakers. One email comment from Michael Arruza Cruz was read into the record, expressing strong support for the project and urging approval to avoid further delays (project had been in the gatekeeper process since October 2020). - 901 El Camino (Item 5B): In-person speakers included: - Nadine Fogarty (Director of Real Estate, Caltrain/Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board), who stated Caltrain's support, noting a three-way property exchange approved by Caltrain's board and executed in February 2025. - Thomas Gomez (Vice President, IBW Local 617) and Max Schaumkel (Business Representative, IBW Local 617) spoke on behalf of over 300 union construction workers residing in Redwood City. They expressed support for the project's community benefits but raised concerns that the development agreement lacks a binding commitment to local workforce hiring and apprenticeships. - Email comments: Michael Arruza Cruz repeated his supportive comment (also applicable to 901 El Camino). Elton Wu (San Francisco Public Utilities Commission) noted that the SFPUC's Alameda Water Transmission Pipeline is adjacent to the project site and requested coordination regarding excavation; staff later confirmed the line is inactive and poses no constraint. Discussion Items - 5A: 920 Shasta / 122 Buckey – Staff (Senior Planner William Chui) presented an affordable housing project: 99 deed-restricted units (48 very-low-income, 51 low-income) plus 1 manager's unit, 74 vehicle parking spaces, 112 bicycle spaces, and amenities. The applicant, Abode Communities (Lara Regus) and David Baker Architects (Carley Leckie), presented design and community outreach. The project includes a density bonus with 5 concessions and 1 waiver (parking). Commission discussed parking allocation (lottery, no parking fees allowed by tax credit rules), relocation assistance for existing tenants (offered first right of refusal), and the flexibility to adjust incomes based on future financing. Staff recommended approval with conditions. - 5B: 901 El Camino Real – Staff presented a mixed-use project with approximately 305,225 sq. ft. of office/R&D lab space, a 6,450 sq. ft. teen center, a public plaza, and improvements including a creek restoration. The project required amendments to the General Plan and Downtown Precise Plan to add office capacity (from 870,000 to 1.1 million sq. ft.), a land swap with Caltrain, a street vacation (California Street), and a development agreement. Applicant Kenson Ventures/Minkoff Group (John Fong) and HGA (Rob Zirkle) detailed the complex land assembly, the teen center's design co-created with teens, and the community benefits, including a $10 million land donation for the 920 Shasta affordable housing project (exceeding the $7.2 million fee alternative). Commission discussed lab biosafety levels (limited to 1-2), parking ratios (513 spaces, with valet stackers to reach 1,000), the teen center's operation schedule (2 p.m.–midnight weekdays, 7 a.m.–midnight weekends), and the maintenance of Little River Park (restored as a visual amenity but not programmable due to steep slopes and flood risk). Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 25-01 (920 Shasta): Motion by Cornejo/Koch to recommend City Council approval of the project, CEQA review (Section 15183), architectural permit, vesting tentative parcel map, density bonus, affordable housing plan, conditions, and land donation agreement. Passed 5-0. - Resolution No. 25-02 (901 El Camino): Motion by Hunter/Cornejo to recommend City Council approval of the project, CEQA review (Sections 15168 and 15183), General Plan/DTPP amendments, affordable housing plan/partner/land donation, permits, vesting map, and development agreement. Passed 5-0. - The City Council is anticipated to review both projects on April 28, 2025. - The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2025.