Combined Agency Minutes
June 28, 2022
Minutes of Special and Regular Meetings of Belmont City Council and Fire Board of Directors, June 28, 2022
SPECIAL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER 6:00 pm
ATTENDED BY: COUNCILMEMBERS: Lieberman, Hurt, McCune, Mates, Stone (arrived late) ABSENT: None
STUDY SESSION
Business License Tax Modernization Study Session
Community Development and Housing Manager Rose provided an overview of the Business License Tax (BLT) updates, She explained that staff evaluated alternatives to update the tax to minimize fiscal impacts to businesses. She explained that the current tax rate table significantly overburdens small business making less than $125 thousand as well as home-based consultants and small contractors, she further noted that two-thirds of Belmont business with gross receipts of less than $100 thousand all currently pay $27 per $1000, she provided comparison with other jurisdictions noting significant lower gross receipts models. Ms. Rose provided the progress of the modernization efforts since 2019. She provided the proposed rates by business type.
She explained that based on the feedback received at the June 2022 business forums, staff worked with HdL Companies to generate an alternative tax model for Council consideration. She stated that staff proposes a three-year phased implementation, which would take into consideration the economic impact on some businesses, allowing for a more gradual increase. She stated that a phased implementation could result in less revenue than is currently being collected in BLT for the first year and potentially the second year.
Ms. Rose explained that with the new proposed model will provided a tax relief to smallest businesses estimated that over 70% of businesses will pay less than the current rates and will create a progressive tax system ensuring a fairer structure - with lower effective tax rates for businesses bringing in less gross receipts than for larger firms and maintain locally-controlled annual revenue for city services such as street & sidewalk repair, public safety, and other community priorities.
Receive an update on the Business License Tax modernization effort, consider proposed and alternative models, and provide direction on the next steps Public Comment The following provided comments on the proposed tax structure.
Mike Picone, Carlmont Shopping Center, Art Santos, Mary Morrisey Parden, Belmont Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Freeman, Kay Shane, Danny Yay, Robert Mitchell Email corresponded received on this item.
Council discussion ensued on the current structure of the business tax model and the newly proposed gross receipts model.
Combined Agency Minutes
June 28, 2022
City Attorney Rennie noted that the San Mateo Elections Office requires notice of a proposed tax initiative for the November 2022 General Election by August 8, 2022.
Council concurred that more information is needed on the proposed models and a Belmont specific model is needed. Discussion ensued on the formation of a subcommittee Councilmembers Hurt, Stone and Liberman came forward to participate.
ACTION: a subcommittee of Councilmembers Hurt and Stone was created to focus on the BLT modernization on a condensed timeline to meet the Election Office ballot designation deadlines.
Adjournment at this being 7:56 P.M
Jozi Plut
City Clerk
CALL TO ORDER: 8:05 PM (Business License Modernization continued into the regular meeting)
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lieberman, Hurt, McCune, Mates, Stone
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Mates
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session held.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Mates announced the winner of the ReThink Waste Trash to Art Contest, Stella L., Belmont Oaks Academy 4th grade student
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Karen Shane commented in support of housing for those working in the trades.
COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Stone thanked Belmont Police for their participation in the recent Northern Californian Special Olympics Torch Run.
Mayor Mates announced “Mayor Mates in the Manor” informational meeting hours. She announced the National Night Out events.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Approved May 2022 Monthly Financial Reports as presented Ordinance 2022-1166 Adopting A Military Equipment Policy for the Police Department Combined Agency Minutes
June 28, 2022
Resolution 2022-067 Calling and Giving Notice of The Holding of A General Municipal Election To Be Held On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, To Elect Two Members Of The City Council, One From District 1 And One From District 3, A Mayor At-Large And Any Ballot Measures Approved For Placement
Resolution 2022-068 Requesting The Board Of Supervisors of The County of San Mateo to Render Specified Services to The City Relating To The Conduct of A Regular Municipal Election To Be Held On Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Resolution 2022-069 Approving A Permanent Encroachment Agreement with San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (APN 040-371-080)
Resolution 2022-070 Approving A Summary Vacation of A 5-Foot Wire Clearance Easement and Accept A 5-Foot Right of Way Dedication Along the Frontage of The Property At 3301 Haskins Drive (APN 043-221-330
Resolution 2022-071 Authorizing a Three-Year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with SoftwareONE, Inc Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with SoftwareONE, Inc. at a total cost of $293,831.82, with an annual amount of $97,943.94 each year for the next three years Resolution 2022-072 Approving A Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Belmont and The Mid-Management Confidential Employees Association For The Term Of January 1, 2022 Through December 31, 2024
In response to Councilmember Hurt, City Manager Oskoui stated that an annual report will be made to the Council regarding the Military Equipment Ordinance and procurements of any material under those categories will come before the Council for approval.
In response to Mayor Mates, City Attorney stated that the Mayor is a member of the Council, therefore the calling for an election of three seats on the Belmont City Council is correct.
Councilmember Stone expressed his appreciation to the MMCEA Bargaining Group and City Representatives on the work performed to complete the employment memorandum of understanding.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember McCune and Seconded by Councilmember Stone the Consent Business was unanimously approved by roll call vote. (5-0) PUBLIC HEARINGS (none)
GENERAL BUSINESS
Information Technology Strategic Plan Update
City Consultant Berry Dunn provided an overview of the fie year Information Technology (IT) Strategic Plan methodology categorized recommendations and the implementation strategy including the budget.
Public Comment
Karen Shane commented on the project management.
The report was informational only no action was taken.
Combined Agency Minutes
June 28, 2022
BRIEF VERBAL REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
Verbal report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Assignments
Councilmembers reported on their IGR assignments.
Verbal report from City Manager
City Manager Oskoui reported on a recent Housing Workshop. He reminded residents about fire safety educational opportunities, he announced upcoming Sunday Concerts in the Park, he noted that Phase 1 of the summer paving program is complete and second phase to begin later in July.
He announced that Park and Recreation equipment operator Kieran Cronin received 1st place in the Silicon Valley Rodeo Event and will represent Belmont at a national event.
MATTERS OF INTEREST/CLARIFICATION
Mickelson Therapy Pool
Mayor Mates stated that Council received an request to consider a resolution in support of reopening the Sutter Health, Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool for community use at the Mills Health Center in San Mateo.
Email received in support of action received from, Ginnie K. Plato Council concurred to directed staff to draft resolution for Council adoption at a upcoming Council meeting.
Resolution 2022-072-A of the City Council of the City of Belmont in Solidarity With All Individuals Affected By Roe v. Wade, Denouncing its Overturn Mayor Mates requested that the Council discuss and consider adopting a resolution in solidarity with all individuals affected by Roe v. Wade and denouncing its overturn.
Council discussed and concurred to support the resolution.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember McCune and seconded by Councilmember Hurt Resolution 2022-072-A in Solidarity with all Individuals Affected By Roe v. Wade, Denouncing its Overturn was unanimously approved by a roll call vote (5-0).
Email in support of action received from Terri Cook, Jennifer Hennings ADJOURNMENT at this time being 9:31 PM: in memory of Ruth Waters, notable Peninsula artist and community builder.
Jozi Plut
City Clerk