Public Meetings - San Jose, California

The committee met to review the May 6, 2025 final agenda and the May 13, 2025 draft agenda, approve the consent calendar, and handle procedural matters. The meeting lasted approximately five minutes, with no public comments. Consent Calendar - Public Record for April 17–24, 2025 (ROGC 25-160): Received and filed unanimously (4-0). Discussion Items - Review of May 6, 2025 Final Agenda (ROGC 25-158): The committee discussed the placement of item 10.2 (Guadalupe Gardens Master Plan Amendment) to be heard with item 5.1 (RFP for advanced metering infrastructure). A motion carried 4-0 to approve the agenda with the note that item 10.2 would be heard immediately before item 5.1. - Review of May 13, 2025 Draft Agenda (ROGC 25-159): The committee reviewed the draft agenda, which included a cancellation of the evening session, a public hearing on operating/capital budgets, and several other items. A motion to approve the draft agenda with the cancellation of the evening session carried 4-0. Key Outcomes - The May 6, 2025 final agenda was approved with the modification that item 10.2 be moved to be heard before item 5.1. - The May 13, 2025 draft agenda was approved with the cancellation of the evening session. - The consent calendar (public record) was approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.

The San José City Council met on April 29, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers to consider a range of routine and substantive items, including ceremonial proclamations, consent calendar approvals, a major land use rezoning under SB 1333, adoption of a park master plan and naming of a new park, and formation of the first new property-based improvement district in 15 years. The meeting also featured an intergovernmental relations update, a policy revision for multifamily housing revenue bonds, multiple public works contracts, and an open forum. Ceremonial Items - Raymond Townsend Day: A proclamation declaring April 29, 2025, as Raymond Townsend Day was presented to honor the first Filipino American to play in the NBA, a San José native. Townsend spoke about his career and community service. - Black April: A proclamation declaring April 30, 2025, as Black April was presented to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and honor the Vietnamese American community’s resilience. Councilmember Bien Doan and a community member spoke. - Older Americans Month: A proclamation declaring May 2025 as Older Americans Month was presented by Vice Mayor Pam Foley and the Senior Citizens Commission, with a theme of “Flip the Script on Aging.” Consent Calendar All consent items were approved unanimously (Councilmember Doan absent) after Mayor Mahan briefly commented on Item 2.13, the CalAIM grant application for interim housing sites. Key items included: - 2.13: Grant application for up to $3,000,000 in CalAIM funding to pilot health service reimbursements at interim housing sites. - 2.7: Agreement with Holland & Knight for federal legislative advocacy services (up to $780,000 over five years). - 2.8: MOU with SAP Center and Sharks Ice for security improvements. - 2.9: Sixth Amendment with Calpine Energy Solutions ($2.3 million increase). - 2.11: Amendments with Smart Wave Technologies for broadband and radio frequency equipment (up to $720,000 total increase). - 2.10: Ordinance amendment to align building performance audit requirements with industry standards. - Various sewer repair and assessment projects (Items 2.14, 2.15, 2.16) totaling over $14 million. - Travel authorization for Mayor Mahan to attend a Mayoral Roundtable in Denver (Item 2.17). Public Comments & Testimony Land Use Consent (10.1A) – Rezoning Under SB 1333: Six speakers opposed the rezoning of properties along Glen Erie Avenue and Creek Drive to open space, arguing it would devalue property, intrude on homes, and could enable future trail development or homeless access. Several noted the line ran through bedrooms. One speaker (Pablo Mendoza) opposed a commercial-to-residential zoning change on Kerner Avenue. Councilmember Mulcahy, representing the district, requested additional time for community engagement, leading to a decision to defer the second reading to late May. Park Master Plan (7.1): Five speakers addressed the proposed Eiichi Edward Sakauye Park. Ben Leach and Mike Sodergren (Preservation Action Council) and Vanessa Hatakiyama (Japanese American Museum) expressed disappointment that the historic Sakauye farmhouse would not be preserved onsite and urged meaningful commemorative elements and support for relocation to History Park. They noted the house is currently on cribbing and vulnerable. Deanna Chalfont (Hanover Company) expressed support for the naming and the park design. Alameda Community Benefit Improvement District (8.1): Two speakers supported formation: Ani Aghian (consultant) thanked staff and Councilmember Mulcahy; a Plant 51 resident praised the collaboration and potential. Open Forum: Two speakers appeared: Raika Cholich alleged the city is withholding $375,000 from her subcontracting firm for over a year; Christopher West raised concerns about interim housing at the Arena Hotel, including lack of tenant rights and inadequate wellness checks. Discussion Items - 3.3 – Special Primary Election Results: Approved resolution declaring results of the April 8, 2025 special election and establishing tie-breaking procedures. Passed. - 3.4 – Spring Intergovernmental Relations Report: Staff presented updates on state and federal advocacy, including monitoring 238 bills, loss of $5.5 million in federal earmarks due to continuing resolution, state budget uncertainties, and legislative priorities on homelessness, transit, and public safety. Councilmembers (Mayor, Cohen, Campos) asked about Prop 36 implementation, child care legislation, CEQA streamlining, and AB 1061 (SB9 in historic districts). Report accepted and positions reaffirmed. Passed unanimously. - 3.5 – Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds Policy Revisions: Approved resolution amending Council Policy 1-16 to allow external conduit issuers and expand Director of Finance authority for TEFRA hearings, with direction to return with comprehensive revisions in fall 2025. Passed. - 5.1 – Better Bikeway San José – San Fernando Corridor Re-Bid: Delegated authority to award contract up to $9.9 million. Passed. - 5.2 – 2025 Major Streets Sealing Project: Awarded contract to Graham Contractors, Inc. for $7,445,538.90 plus 10% contingency. Passed. - 7.1 – Park Master Plan at 0 Seely Ave (Eiichi Edward Sakauye Park): Approved master plan for 2.5-acre park, turnkey agreement including $11.1 million in park fees, and official park naming. Councilmember Kamei expressed frustration over communications regarding funding for the Sakauye farmhouse relocation. After discussion, her motion was accepted with a friendly amendment (“explore the acquisition of funding”) to seek grants and other sources. Passed unanimously. - 8.1 – Alameda Community Benefit Improvement District (Joint Meeting): After a presentation showing 38.75% of property owners (by assessment) signed petitions, Council approved resolutions to set a public hearing on June 17, 2025, for final approval, and to negotiate a management agreement with the Alameda Business Association. The district covers 419 parcels, with an annual budget of $340,977 focused on clean and safe services. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (Doan absent). - Land Use Consent (10.1A): First reading approved; second reading deferred to late May 2025 to allow further community outreach. - Election Results: Resolution adopted (unanimous). - IGR Report: Accepted, legislative logs reaffirmed (unanimous). - Policy 1-16 Revision: Approved (unanimous). - Bikeway and Streets Sealing Contracts: Approved (unanimous). - Sakauye Park: Master plan, agreement, and naming approved; council directed staff to explore relocation funding for the farmhouse (unanimous). - Alameda CBID: Initial petitions approved, public hearing set for June 17, 2025 (unanimous).

The City of San José Community & Economic Development (CED) Committee met at 1:30 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Council Chambers. Chair Pam Foley, Vice Chair Rosemary Kamei, and Members Peter Ortiz, Michael Mulcahy, and George Casey were present, establishing a quorum. The committee reviewed the work plan, heard annual and quarterly reports from economic development staff, and voted to accept the reports. Work Plan Review - The Housing Balance Status Report (CC 25-0641) was deferred to the May 19 CED Committee meeting to allow time for it to be presented to the HCD Committee first. - No public comment was offered on the work plan item. Business Development Division Activities Annual Report - Deputy Director Blogg Lolich and colleague Vic Farley presented the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 annual report for the Business Development Division. The division is organized into small business and neighborhoods, corporate outreach and engagement, and downtown economic vitality teams. - Economic context: San José's business stock remained broadly flat in 2024, but the city lost approximately 20,000 jobs, with the largest losses in professional, scientific, and technical services, manufacturing, and retail. Unemployment remained around 4%. Office and retail vacancy rates fell slightly, while industrial vacancy rose modestly. Sales tax was a record for restaurants, but overall sales tax dipped 1%—the first decline in three years—largely due to lower EV car sales and gas prices. Business investment contributed close to 30% of sales tax. - Small business highlights: 2,500 businesses received permitting advice; 100% of the storefront budget was allocated, resulting in 65 awards; the women's entrepreneurship program created 39 startups and 130 jobs; free legal advice supported 50 business owners. New business improvement districts were established on Tully Road and the Monterey Corridor, with up to four more planned over the next 15 months. - Corporate outreach: the city estimates it receives almost $3 in revenue for every $1 of staff salaries, and retained or attracted approximately 7,000 jobs in 2024-2025. About 1,100 large employers sustain more than half of the city's jobs. The city supported CHIPS applications resulting in over $90 million in investment, and is promoting San José as an AI hub. - Downtown highlights: the Moment Pop-Up Program, NVIDIA conference with more than 25,000 attendees, City Council approval to pedestrianize Post Street, the unpermitted vendor program, and downtown safety and security improvements. - Staffing: the division currently has 18 positions (12 permanent and six time-limited), decreasing to 15 by July 1, 2025. Staff said the OED strategic work plan will guide prioritization. - Committee discussion included concerns about the East Side business coordinator role and East Side services, BART Phase II impacts on small businesses, the economic data analyst position, business license and sales tax data quality, promotion of free legal services, and the disability access improvement grant. Juan Borelli reported that two grant applications had been completed, three were in process, and many businesses had inquired but not applied. work2future Activities Annual Report - Assistant Director Jeff Ruster, work2future Director Sangeeta Dural, San Jose Works Program Manager Ruby Carrasco, and intern Jacob Topete presented the annual report. - work2future placed a total of 1,735 clients: 935 through WIOA and 800 through San Jose Works. - WIOA: 555 adult and dislocated-worker placements and 380 young-adult placements; 82% of placements were in high-wage, high-growth occupations. The program is on track to serve 1,200 clients this fiscal year; 80% are BIPOC and 65% have multiple barriers to employment. Sector distribution was 28% business and accounting, 19% construction and trades, 17% healthcare, 16% advanced manufacturing, 13% information technology, and 7% other. - San Jose Works: 375 subsidized and 425 unsubsidized placements; 100% of paid work experience participants were trained in high-wage, high-growth sector skills; 90% came through the Youth Empowerment Alliance, Parks and Recreation, or priority neighborhoods; and the completion rate was 93%. Highlights included an AI training initiative with East Side Union High School District placing 70 clients in paid internships with companies such as Roku and NVIDIA, a 25-participant in-custody pilot, six job fairs in low-resource neighborhoods, and follow-up showing 29 participants secured high-wage, high-growth jobs and 32 continued their education. - Jacob Topete, a Mount Pleasant High School graduate, described how San Jose Works led to employment at JP Graphics and enrollment at San José State University. JP Graphics owner Joan Escobar spoke in support of the program, saying she has hosted multiple interns and urging the committee to fund the program big time. - Committee discussion covered handoffs to other workforce programs, employer outreach, WIOA reauthorization, and the proposed increase in the training requirement from 30% to 50%. Staff said current training spending is about 30%, the change could be a medium-to-big deal, and it would likely take effect in FY 2026-2027. Economic Development Activities Quarterly Status Report - Public Information Manager Carlos Velasquez presented the verbal quarterly update on economic development activities. - The office highlighted Black History Month and Women's History Month spotlights, noting that 7 of the 11 local business associations are led by women. - Outreach for disability access improvement grants included presentations in Vietnamese and Spanish to small business communities. - The AI startup incentive grant program offers up to $50,000 to early-stage AI startups; 80 applications had been received before the deadline, with grantees to be announced later in the summer. - A ribbon cutting was held April 2 for Plug and Play's AI Center of Excellence in downtown San José. On April 11, staff joined a press conference for Nokia's new semiconductor fabrication facility, supported by a $93 million federal grant. - Downtown progress included installation of 92 pedestrian and bike wayfinding signs, strong NVIDIA GTC attendance of 25,000, more than 13,000 dining visits at downtown restaurants (a 132% increase over the previous year's conference), and new downtown businesses such as Jackie's Place. - Other items included the Okayama, Japan sister-city delegation, which is celebrating 70 years of the relationship in 2027, and a spring career fair with more than 60 employers and resource providers. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was offered on the work plan, the Business Development Division report, or the Economic Development quarterly report. - Two speaker cards were submitted on the work2future item. Jacob Topete had already spoken as part of the presentation, and Joan Escobar, owner of JP Graphics, addressed the committee. She praised San Jose Works, described her experience hosting interns, and expressed strong support for continued funding of the program. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to approve the work plan review, including deferral of the Housing Balance Status Report to the May 19, 2025 CED meeting. - The committee accepted the Business Development Division Activities Annual Report (CC 25-0651) by motion. - The committee accepted the work2future Activities Annual Report (CC 25-0682) by motion. - The committee accepted the Economic Development Activities Quarterly Status Report (CC 25-0673) by motion. - Staff noted that a fifth objective requested for the OED strategic work plan would be addressed through a memo in the budget process.

This was a brief director's hearing convened on April 24, 2025, by hearing officer Ruth Gueto on behalf of the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. The meeting consisted of a single consent calendar item and no public hearing items. The session concluded with the approval of the consent item. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (SP24-038 / ER24-262): A request for a special use permit to allow an incidental adult day care center in approximately 5,360 square feet of an existing 56,776 square foot office building on a five‑acre site at 22 Great Oaks Boulevard (Council District 10). Staff recommended approval under a CEQA exemption. No public comments were received, and the hearing officer approved the permit. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak on the consent item, and no speakers were recognized. Discussion Items - No items were listed under the public hearing portion of the agenda, so no discussion occurred. Key Outcomes - Approved: Item 3A (SP24‑038 / ER24‑262) was approved as consent, authorizing the establishment of the adult day care center.

The San Jose Planning Commission met on April 23, 2025, at 6:54 PM under Chair Anthony Tordillos. Roll call confirmed six members present, three absent (Vice Chair Cantrell, Commissioners Barosio and Young), achieving a quorum. The meeting covered consent calendar items, general plan amendments, and one public hearing item for a conditional use permit. Consent Calendar - Minutes approval: Minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (6-0-3). - PDC 23-008 etc.: Approval of planned development zoning, vesting tentative map, and permit for 25 single-family homes at 3315 Sierra Road. The motion passed 6-0-3. General Plan Consent Calendar - GPT 25-001: A city-initiated text amendment to policy IP-5.15 was adopted without discussion, passing 6-0-3. Discussion Items - CP23-024 and ER23-256: Conditional use permit for demolition of an existing 4,763 sq ft McDonald's restaurant and construction of a new approximately 3,786 sq ft restaurant with a double drive-through lane at 1869 Camden Avenue (northeast corner of Camden and Lee). The project includes all-electric building, 28 new 24-inch box trees, 20 employees, operating hours 6 a.m. to midnight, and drive-thru noise levels of 50.8 dBA (below the 55 dBA standard). Access will be from Lee Avenue (right, left, turn in and right out) and Camden Avenue (right in, right out). Staff (Rina Shah) and applicant (Haila Ibrahim, architect; Adam Branerberg, McDonald's construction manager) presented. Commissioner Ben Dahl expressed support, noting the outdated existing restaurant and the beneficial economic update. Commissioner Larnois questioned the project's consistency with growth area and urban village plans; staff clarified the CG zoning permits drive-throughs with a CUP, unlike pedestrian zones. Another commissioner commented that such developments are less permanent than housing. A motion to approve the staff recommendation passed 6-0-3. Other Business - Referrals: None. - Good and Welfare: Commissioner requested the upcoming study session on the capital budget be held in the same room (staff to check availability). Commissioner Bickford inquired about progress on Zoom remote dial-in; liaison Councilmember Casey has been contacted but no follow-up yet. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM.

The Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC) and Committee of the Whole met jointly on April 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered review of upcoming City Council agendas, approval of a consent calendar, and a discussion item on a resolution to support digital representation of the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag as an emoji. All votes were unanimous (5-0). No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Public Record (April 10–17, 2025): Received and filed unanimously. - Travel Authorization for Mayor Mahan: Authorized travel to a Mayoral Roundtable in Denver, Colorado on May 3, 2025, and acceptance of travel payments. - Pride and Transgender Flag Raisings and Lighting for Pride Month: Approved as City Council sponsored special events, including expenditure of funds and acceptance of donations, to be agendized for the May 6, 2025 City Council meeting. Discussion Items - Resolution to Recognize Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag as an Emoji: Councilmember Doan introduced the resolution (co-authored by Mayor Mahan, Councilmembers Doan, Casey, and Salas) to agendize a full City Council discussion on adopting a resolution urging the Unicode Consortium and major digital platforms to add the yellow flag with three red stripes as an emoji. Doan emphasized the flag's significance to the Vietnamese-American community and noted that currently only the flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is available as an emoji. The resolution reaffirms prior City Council resolutions (7267 from 2005 and 72679 from 2017) supporting the Vietnamese-American community. Assistant City Manager Lee Wilcox confirmed that staff (IT and Intergovernmental Relations) would coordinate with the authors and that the item would be added to the horizon report, and a letter of support would be sent to the Unicode Consortium. Key Outcomes - April 29, 2025 Final Agenda: Approved 5-0, with a sunshine waiver for item 3.3 (certification of special election primary results). - May 6, 2025 Draft Agenda: Approved 5-0. - Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0. - Resolution on Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag: Motion to agendize for a future City Council meeting passed 5-0. The resolution will be forwarded to the full council, and a letter of support will be sent to the Unicode Consortium. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:09 PM.

The City Council of San José met on April 22, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with ceremonial proclamations for Earth Day, Arbor Day (celebrating San José's 40th consecutive year as a Tree City USA), and National Fallen Firefighters Weekend. The Council then adopted a consent calendar, heard public testimony, and debated several major policy items, including the Welcoming San José Plan 2025-2030, the Market Street Garage Improvements Project, San José Clean Energy Programs, the Climate Smart San José semi-annual report, and the Consolidated Annual Homelessness Mid-Year Report. The meeting adjourned in memory of Nguyên Trung Chinh (aka Chinh Nguyên). Consent Calendar - Item 2.7 – Christmas in the Park Agreement: The Council approved a three-year agreement with Christmas in the Park, Inc. with an option to extend, following a memorandum from the Mayor and several councilmembers expressing interest in exploring potential relocation while maintaining the event's free admission. The item passed unanimously after public testimony emphasizing the event's economic impact ($20 million annually) and 700,000 visitors. - Item 2.8 – Shuttle Bus Services at SJC: Awarded a contract to Ace Parking III, LLC for up to $5.16 million with a $516,000 contingency, after public comment from outgoing contractor Trans Dev Services thanking the city for 25 years of partnership. - Item 2.9 – Homelessness Prevention System Program: Approved an amendment to increase grant funding by $3 million from the County of Santa Clara. - Item 2.10 – Agreement with Verizon for Small Cells: Authorized a seventh amendment to include small cell upgrades on SmartPoles. - Item 2.11 – Microsoft Corporation Agreement for Guadalupe River Trail Access: Approved funding for construction of trail access from Component Drive. - Item 2.12 – Balbach Park Transportation Improvement Project: Awarded contract to Redgwick Construction Company for $1,666,232. - Item 2.13 – Annexation to Community Facilities Districts No. 8 and No. 11: Initiated annexation proceedings for Communication Hill and Adeline-Mary Helen areas. - Item 2.14 – Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study: Adopted the study and appointed Councilmember Kamei as the City's representative on the steering committee. Public speakers urged adoption without delay, citing safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians. - Item 2.15 – Raymond Townsend Celebration: Approved a special event for April 29, 2025. - Item 2.16 and 2.17 – Deferred Compensation Advisory Committee and VEBA Advisory Committee Appointments: Approved appointments of Andrew Gardanier and Scott Hamilton. - Item 2.5 – Council Travel Report: Councilmember Campos presented a report on her trip to Vienna to study social housing policies, highlighting key takeaways on long-term investment and child-centered urban design. Public Comments & Testimony - Christmas in the Park (Item 2.7): Multiple speakers, including Debbie DeGudis (Managing Director), Ellen Coleman (daughter-in-law of founders), and community members, expressed strong support for the event. Speakers highlighted its 75-year history, free admission, and economic benefits. Some urged the Council to keep the event at Plaza de Cesar Chavez but acknowledged the need for flexibility. - Stevens Creek Corridor Vision Study (Item 2.14): Several speakers, including transit advocate Harry Neal, urged adoption without changes, citing dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. They noted that the corridor has seen many injuries and fatalities. - Shuttle Bus Services (Item 2.8): The outgoing contractor, Trans Dev Services, expressed gratitude for the 25-year partnership and disappointment over the ending due to a labor violation that has since been resolved. - San José Clean Energy Programs (Item 6.1): David Heindel spoke in favor of a leaf blower rebate program. Vince Sugro (Sheet Metal Workers Local 104) supported the inclusion of high-road contractor badges. Jordan Moldow advocated for including e-bike rebates in the EV incentive program. - Welcoming San José Plan (Item 3.3): Brian Darby and Mishray Mendoza (Amigos de Guadalupe) urged adoption, emphasizing the need to protect immigrant communities amid federal policy changes. - Homelessness Report (Item 7.1): Brian Darby shared personal reflections on the need for housing and praised the city's efforts. Discussion Items - 3.3 Welcoming San José Plan 2025-2030: Director Sulma Massiel presented the plan, which is rooted in seven strategic focus areas to foster inclusion and belonging. The plan recognizes San José as a city of immigrants (40% foreign-born) and emphasizes trust-building and strength-based approaches. Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting the urgency due to national immigration policies. The resolution was adopted with a vote of 11-0 (corrected from an initial 10-1). - 3.4 Market Street Garage Improvements Project: The Council approved a contract with Plant Construction Company, LP for $6,085,340 and authorized $1.8 million for a public art facade. The project includes structural repairs, seismic upgrades, lead abatement, and a perforated metal curtain wall. Construction is expected to be completed by September 2027, with the San Pedro side completed by December 2025. The art design, selected through a public process, will feature an abstract composition of color and light. The vote was 10-1 (Mayor absent). - 5.1 2025-2027 LS Resurfacing Project: Awarded a contract to MCK Services, Inc. for $14,522,607 with a 10% contingency. The project covers resurfacing in Districts 2, 9, and 10. The vote was 10-1 (Mayor absent). - 6.1 San José Clean Energy Programs Roadmap: The Energy Department presented a status report on eight existing programs and recommended five new programs for FY 2025-2026, including EV concierge services, residential EV rebates, heat pump education, and a home electrification advisor. The Council approved the programs and authorized contracts up to $10.45 million. Councilmembers emphasized the importance of workforce development and a leaf blower trade-in program. The vote was unanimous. - 6.2 Climate Smart San José Semi-Annual Report: The Environmental Services Department reported on progress, including $23 million in pending grants, 7.4 miles of new bikeways, and 325 heat pump rebates reserved. The Council accepted the report and noted concerns about federal funding cuts. The vote was unanimous. - 7.1 Consolidated Annual Homelessness Mid-Year Report: Deputy City Manager Omar Passons and other staff presented an update on the Engage, Shelter, Clear, Preserve, Restore framework. Key metrics: 1,400 shelter beds in progress, 530 abatements, 9 miles of waterway cleared, 6.5 million pounds of trash removed, and 380,000 pounds of bio waste collected. The OLIV program (oversized/lived-in vehicle enforcement) has addressed 30 high-priority sites. The Council discussed the need for family-focused shelters, data consolidation, and the importance of prevention. The report was accepted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Adopted Welcoming San José Plan 2025-2030 (11-0). - Approved Market Street Garage contract (10-1) and public art facade. - Awarded resurfacing contract (10-1). - Approved Clean Energy Programs and authorized contracts (unanimous). - Accepted Climate Smart San José and Homelessness Mid-Year Reports (unanimous). - Consent Calendar adopted (unanimous) with items pulled for discussion. - Councilmember Campos presented a travel report on Vienna's social housing. - Staff directed to explore further enforcement tools (72-hour parking, registration) and to bring back a report on family homelessness strategies.

The Planning Director Hearing was held on April 17, 2025, via Zoom, presided over by Hearing Officer Martina Davis, delegated by the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. The meeting covered one consent calendar item with no public testimony or discussion. Consent Calendar - File SPA 20.019 03 and ER2501: A special use permit amendment to allow removal of a state density bonus incentive for a parking and regulatory agreement condition from a previous approval (File SP 20019), replacing it with a Transportation Demand Management requirement per Section 20.9900 of the zoning code. The project changes the previously approved provision of 5% of units at 50% Area Median Income (AMI) to 5% of units at 100% AMI. The site is approximately 0.83 gross acres located at 486, 490, and 498 West San Carlos Street and 332 and 338 Josefa Street, in City Council District 6. CEQA clearance: a determination of consistency with the Downtown 2040 Final Environmental Impact Report (adopted by Council Resolution 78942 on December 19, 2018) and addenda. The staff recommendation was to approve. No requests for removal were made. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved in a single action, approving File SPA 20.019 03 and ER2501 with no public comment. No items were moved to the public hearing portion, and the hearing concluded.

The Public Safety, Finance and Strategic Support Committee (PSFSS) met on April 17, 2025, to consider two reports: a status report on hemp regulation and a status report on fire communications. The committee also approved a consent calendar item on the bi-monthly financial report. No public comments were received on any agenda item. Both reports were accepted unanimously, with a request that the fire communications report be presented annually. Consent Calendar - CC 25-060 Bi-Monthly Financial Report for January/February 2025: The committee accepted the report on actual revenues and expenditures compared to the 2024-2025 Budget for the eight months ending February 2025. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion Items - CC 25-061 Hemp Regulation Status Report: Staff presented an update on efforts to ban the sale of chemically synthesized hemp and require registration of industrial hemp retailers. Wendy Salazzi (Police Department's Division of Cannabis Regulation) and Rachel Roberts (Deputy Director of Code Enforcement) explained that Governor Newsom's emergency regulations (effective through September 2025) already ban THC-detectable hemp products and set a minimum purchase age of 21. Staff recommended focusing on collaborating with state enforcement rather than creating a separate local ban, given cost-recovery funding constraints. Committee members voiced concerns about enforcement and bad actors. Vice Chair Kamei urged exploring random checks and higher fines. Councilmember Salas asked about undercover operations and fines issued. Chair Doan asked about leveraging state resources and sending warning letters. Staff noted that code enforcement lacks expertise to test products and that a tobacco retail license flavored ban update is coming to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee in June. The committee voted unanimously to accept the status report. - CC 25-062 Fire Communications Status Report: Fire Chief Robert Sapien and Division Manager Michael Woodnick presented an overview of Fire Communications operations. Key statistics: call volume increased 25.52% from FY 2019-20 to FY 2023-24; 911 abandoned call rate rose from 7.16% to 16% over the same period; medical event triage rate was 86.70% for events created at fire communications terminals. Staffing remains at budgeted levels from 2010, with standard staffing of 6 personnel during day/swing shifts and 5 on midnight shift. Vacancy reductions of 50% were achieved between June 2023 and 2024. The Measure T 911 center expansion (estimated completion October 2026) will add nine consoles (100% capacity increase). Committee members thanked staff and acknowledged National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Chair Doan asked about pay ranking compared to surrounding cities (Deputy City Manager noted it is close to market) and the role of senior dispatchers as working shift supervisors. The motion to accept the report and request it return annually passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Accepted the Bi-Monthly Financial Report (Consent Calendar) unanimously. - Accepted the Hemp Regulation Status Report unanimously. Staff will provide further updates as state regulations evolve. - Accepted the Fire Communications Status Report unanimously and directed that it be presented to the committee annually for ongoing review. - No public comments were made during Open Forum.