Minutes Of Regular and Special Meetings of the Belmont City Council and Belmont Fire Protection District Board of Directors, September 27, 2022
SPECIAL MEETING
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
CALL TO ORDER 6:19 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lieberman, Hurt, McCune, Mates, Stone joined at 6:20 pm ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Labor Negotiators Government Code Section 54957.6 Unrepresented Employees: City Manager, City Attorney
Designated Representatives: Warren Lieberman and Charles Stone Public Employee Performance Evaluations Government Code Section 54957(b) Titles: City Manager, City Attorney
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) Coleman v. City of Belmont, San Mateo Superior Court No. CIV 523248 ADJOURNMENT at this time being 6:52 PM
Jozi Plut
City Clerk
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lieberman (virtual), Stone, Hurt, McCune, Mates COUNCILMEMBERS: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Historian Karl Mittelstadt.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rennie stated that no reportable action was taken at an earlier held closed session.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
National Hispanic Month
Mayor Mates read the proclamation and presented it to Rocsana Escobar, Belmont Planning Commissioner and Latinx Community leader and advocate.
Presentation From Belmont Historian
City Historian Karl Mittelstadt provided a presentation on the History of Belmont Schools.
National Emergency Preparedness Month
Mayor Mates read the proclamation.
Jim Yoke, San Mateo Consolidated Emergency Services Manager thanked the Council for recognizing the importance of emergency preparedness.
National Night Out Recap
Police Chief Stenquist provided a brief recap of the August 2nd National Night Out community events throughout Belmont. Councilmembers drew names for winners of the NNO raffle.
Belmont Age Friendly Task Force Accomplishments
Cynthia Nakayama, Deputy Director Center for Age Friendly Excellence (CAFE), provided an update on the efforts and accomplishments of the Age Friendly Task and stated that the City recently received Age-Friendly designation from AARP.
Belmont Summer Camp Program Recap
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Moran provided and overview of the successful return of the Summer Camp program after the COVID Pandemic.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Lindsey Rake commented on the San Mateo Sutter Health Michelson Therapy Pool.
Marybeth Witkowski, Insurance Commission commented on insurance regulations.
Written communication received from Tim Strinden.
COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember McCune commented on his Mother’s 100th Birthday.
Councilmember Stone commented on the successful San Mateo Consolidated chili cook-off, he noted his attendance at the unveiling of CalTrain EMU - Electric Module Unites. He reminded the community of the upcoming Water Dog Run.
Councilmember Hurt recapped the Star Vista, Mental Health Emergency Response event.
Mayor Mates announced upcoming City Halloween events. She stated that September is National Suicide Presentation Month and noted that the Belmont Police will hold a Mental Health Symposium on November 16th.
CONSENT BUSINESS 2022-091
Approval Off Minutes of Special and Regular Meeting March 8, 2022 Minutes of Special and Regular Meeting April 26, 2022 Minutes of Special And Regular Meeting May 10, 2022 Minutes of Special Meeting September 19, 2022 Motion To Receive July 2022 Monthly Financial Reports
Resolution 2022-091 approving a permanent encroachment agreement to allow construction of a necessary fence and retaining wall within the public right-of-way fronting 3213 Longfellow drive (APN: 043-221-070) Resolution 2022-092 (1) authorizing the city manager to execute a task order with pavement engineering, inc. To provide design services for the Davey Glen ADA upgrade project for an amount not to exceed $89,085, (2) transferring $89,085 budget funding from project #3107 to fund the design phase, and (3) appropriating $350,000 from Measure I fund to fund the construction phase of the Davey glen ADA upgrade project Ordinance 2022-1169 amending the conceptual development plan (CPD) for 401 island parkway to allow research and development laboratory, life sciences, and related light industrial uses subject to several limitations, subject to conditions of approval Resolution 2022-093 approving the city's revised master employee pay schedule in accordance with California public employees retirement system (CalPERS) regulations Councilmember Stone requested to remove resolution approving a Permanent Encroachment Agreement to allow construction of a pergola and fencing for outdoor seating within the public right-of-way at 1301 6th Avenue (Farm House Restaurant).
City Attorney read the title of the ordinance on the consent agenda.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Stone and Seconded by Councilmember Hurt the consent business was unanimously approved as amended by a roll call vote. (5-0)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT BUSINESS
Adopt a resolution approving a Permanent Encroachment Agreement to allow construction of a pergola and fencing for outdoor seating within the public right of way at 1301 6th Avenue (Farm House Restaurant) Public Works Director Brown provided a background on the permanent encroachment agreement and the construction a pergola at 1301 6th Avenue. He noted that the structure encroaches on the public right-of-way and requires Council approval for construction. He explained the city is requiring a sound attenuation wall to reduce noise from patrons of the restaurant tension in the surrounding neighborhood.
Community Development Director stated that the property is zoned commercial in a mixed used zone dating back to the 1970’s and current use of the property as a restaurant is since 2017. He noted that the property is within in legal permits and operation of a restaurant.
Public Comment
The following individuals provided comments on the proposed permit, Eliza Stern, Patti Smith, Laure Meyer, Nicki Fox, MaryBeth Jones, Ruy Zhang, Fernando Vasquez, Sue Arabaki, Written Correspondence also received on this item.
City Attorney Rennie noted that the application is to allow an encroachment within the excess right-of-way that fronts the property. He further noted that changing the time of operation is not in the application.
Council concurred to table the item for more information on sound attenuation to a consecutive Council meeting agenda.
RECESS 8:56 PM
RCONVENE: 9:00 PM
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Appeal Of Planning Commission Approval Of Application No. 2021-0037 For a Single Family Design Review (SFDR) and Tree Removal Permit At 1513 Folger Drive (CEQA Exemption: Section 15301) Exparte Communication, Councilmembers Hurt, Lieberman, Stone, McCune stated that they conducted site visits. Councilmembers Mates and Stone viewed the Planning Commission meeting when the item was presented.
Email correspondence received in support and opposition of the project.
Belmont Associate Planner Shek provided an overview and stated that staff made findings in the affirmative for the single-family design review and tree removal permit at 1513 Folger Drive and recommends approval.
Anna Felver and Jamie Mathern, designer and architect for the applicant provided a project summary and outlined revisions made to the application.
Yadong Yu, Appellant presented details of his appeal, he stated that the applicants design is in contrast with existing architecture in the area. He stated concern with the buildings bulk and the removal of the existing tree line.
Council discussion ensued regarding floor area ratio (FAR). Community Development Director noted that the home is a large lot home, and the application is within the limits. City Attorney Rennie clarified that, and auxiliary unit (ADU) are state exempt and may not be counted in the FAR.
Mayor Mates opened the public hearing, the following came forward; Tina Saparia, Aice, Karina L, Erica, Xiaobin, Vinay, Ryan Lewis, Lee Boman, Saul Gerdus, Sue Arabaki, Fernando Vasrez Mayor Mates closed the public hearing.
ACTION: on a motion made by Councilmember Stone and seconded by Councilmember Hurt the meeting was extended by 30 minutes to 11 pm.
Council concurred to support the Planning Commission findings.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember and seconded by Councilmember Resolution 2022-094 Approving Application No. 2021-0037 for the Single-Family Design Review and Tree Removal Permit For 1513 Folger Drive was unanimously approved by a roll call vote. (5-0)
GENERAL BUSINESS
Appointment To a Vacant Parks and Recreation Commission Non-Voting Seat City Clerk Plut explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission has an ongoing recruitment for two non-voting youth members. She noted that the Council received one application and conducted an interview on September 19th. She explained that Council may consider appointing applicant Edward Kogan for the remainder of the term ending in February 2022.
ACTION: on a motion made by Councilmember Hurt and seconded by Councilmember Lieberman Resolution 2022-095 Appointing Edward Kogan to a Vacant Parks and Recreation Commission Non-Voting Seat for an appointment period from September 2022 through February 2022 was unanimously approved by roll call vote. (5-0) Affordable Housing Funds Loan Request For 800-803 Belmont Avenue Economic Development and Housing Manager Rose provided background on the request from ROEM Development Corporation to provide up to $2.5 million of Belmont affordable housing funds for construction of a 125-unit affordable housing project. She briefly described the 125-unit project at various affordability levels. She explained that the applicant ROEM, included a range of funding sources in their proposal including local Belmont funds, San Mateo County affordable housing funds and tax credit financing. She explained that as part of that plan ROEM is requesting a loan from Belmont. She further noted that findings for this loan include the affordable housing needs, she noted that the project can assist the City in meeting its Reginal Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) housing needs.
In response to Councilmember Lieberman, Ms. Rose stated that interest rate on the loan is not yet negotiated. She concurred that the loan term is fifty years.
City attorney Rennie stated that the funds are not a request against City’s general fund and only affordable housing funds may be used affordable housing projects.
Public Comment
Lorring Di Martini commented in support of the project.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Hurt and seconded by Councilmember McCune Resolution 2022-095 Authorizing the City Manager To Negotiate and Enter Into a Loan Funding Agreement with ROEM Development Corporation To Provide Up To $2.5 Million Of Belmont Affordable Housing Funds For Construction Of A 125-Unit Affordable Housing Project At 800-803 Belmont Avenue was unanimously approved by a roll call vote. (5-0) ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Stone and seconded by Councilmember McCune the meeting was unanimously extended by 30 minutes to 11:30 by a roll call vote. (5-0)
BRIEF VERBAL REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
Verbal Report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Assignments none
Verbal Report from City Manager
none
MATTERS OF INTEREST/CLARIFICATION
ADJOURNMENT at this time being 11:00 PM
Jozi Plut
City Clerk
Combined Agency Minutes
September 27, 2022
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