MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY OF BELMONT CITY COUNCIL AND BELMONT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023
City Council Chambers City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, California and ZOOM
SPECIL MEETING
6:15 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt, Mates COUNCLMEMERS ABSENT: Latimerlo
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) G. Gasivoda &Assoc. v. City of Belmont et al, San Mateo Superior Court No.23-CIV-01693 STUDY SESSION-6:30 PM
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Latimerlo, Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt, Mates COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
Belmont's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan Update
City Manager Oskoui provided a presentation on the draft action plan of the goals and objectives of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan focus areas, based on discussions at the March 2nd Council and Staff Workshop. He reviewed the mid-year progress of the 3-5 year plan and provided an update on the existing priorities and development of new goals, initiatives and strategies.
Council discussion ensued, and suggested including climate resilient infrastructure, and retrofitting for decarbonization as objectives, as well as investing in active mobility infrastructure for assessment of emissions and carbon, and evaluation of economic activity hub strategies for fiscal sustainability and addressing public safety in areas of mental health.
Council concluded the discussion.
ADJOURNMENT at this time being 6:58 P.M
Jozi Plut
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Latimerlo, Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt, Mates COUNCLMEMERS ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Police Chief Stenquist.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rennie stated no reportable actions from the earlier closed session.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation Celebrating Pride Month
Mayor Mates read the proclamation.
Students from the Carlmont High School Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) thanked the Council for the recognition and commented on the importance of a welcoming, accepting, and inclusive environment for all.
APWA Presentation of Awards and Proclamation Recognizing National Public Works Week "Connecting the World Through Public Works" Mayor Mates read the proclamation.
Public Works Director Brown introduced members of the Belmont Public Works Staff.
Alec Nicholas, American Public Works Association (APWA) Silicon Valley Chapter, commented on the education and services provided by the association. He noted that the Associated recently awarded Belmont Public Works for the Ralston Avenue Signalization System as project of the Year Award and Mathew Wang Belmont Associate Engineer with the Young Leader Award. He also commended the department for their efforts in perusing the APWA Accreditation.
Proclamation Recognizing Economic Development and Housing Manager Jennifer Rose for Outstanding Public Service Mayor Mates read the proclamation.
Council and Staff thanked Ms. Rose for her service to the City.
Public Safety Employee Recognition
Police Chief Stenquist introduced the newest members of the Belmont Police Department Officer Meleseini Hafoka and Dispatcher Kaitlyn Panizza.
Family members pinned the officers’ badges and City Clerk Plut administered the Oath of Office.
Chief Stenquist presented Volunteer Ed Marion with the Volunteered of the Year award, Dana Herrera with the Professional Staff Member of the Year and Detective James O’Connor, Officer of the Year.
HIP Housing Home Sharing Program Presentation
Laura Fanucchi, Human Investment Project (HIP Housing) provided information on various housing resources provided by the organization.
RECESS: 7:50 PM
RECONVENE: 7:55 PM
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
No members of the public came forward to speak.
COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Mates and Councilmembers provided information on upcoming local and reginal events.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Resolution 2023-043 approving a list of proposed projects for FY 2023-2024 funded by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Resolution 2023-044 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with San Mateo County to join the Multi-Jurisdictional Safety Element Project with consultant support from PlaceWorks, Inc. and Community Planning Collaborative for the term of June 15, 2023, through June 15, 2026, with a total obligation not to exceed $155,11 Resolution 2023-045 approving the creation of a Deputy Director of Community Development and Planning; and revising the City’s Master Employee Pay Schedule to include Deputy Director of Community Development and Planning in accordance with California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) regulations.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Hurt and seconded by Councilmember McCune the Consent Business was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ( NONE)
GENERAL BUSINESS
American Public Works Accreditation (APWA) Update Recommendation Janice Svenson provided an update on the multi-year process of attaining the national standard accreditation. She noted that the accreditation is being sought to promote and recognize excellence in the operation and management of the public works. She outlined the process, objectives, and timeline.
In response to Council questions Public Works Director explained that the potential for lower insurance premiums and reduction in infrastructure liability claims, increased funding approvals for projects from the governing body, improved efficiencies and succession planning are all benefits of accreditation.
Council concluded the discussion; no action was required.
Introduction of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Finance Director Castaneda provided an overview of the process and proposed fiscal year (FY) 2023-24 budget. She noted that the budget will be finalized for adoption at the upcoming June 13th regular Council meeting.
She explained that the City’s budget aligns with the adopted strategic focus areas to sustain long tern operational needs and meet community identified priorities. She noted that the budget is balanced and the focus remains on infrastructure funding and capital improvement. She also explained the local control over local revenue sources remains a priority.
She explained that the City’s FY 2023-24 total operating budget including the Fire Protection District is proposed at $75.2 million and the total Citywide budget is $95 million. She noted the proposed personnel count is 144.25 plus 2.75 (full time equivalent (FTE) as the city conducts it’s needs assessment.
She provided an overview of the City’s general fund resources and explained that property tax makes up 40% of the 2024 General Fund and explained that the VLF reimbursement claims rejected by the State continue to strain the City’s budget. She further explained that the General Fund impact is a loss of $11 million over 5 years or $34 million over 10 years if the state continues to underfund property tax in lieu of the Vehicle License Funds (VLF). She explained the cause and effect of the issue and noted that the City along with a County delegation are lobbying members of the State’s legislature for reinstituting and continuing the funding.
Ms. Castaneda noted that the Fire Protection District is not impacted by the VLF Shortfall she explained that capital reserves are planned for the next five years to fund a new fire station.
She provided an overview of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and noted that the proposed FY 2023-24 CIP is $20.6 million, and a five-year plan is $75.1 million with the majority of the budgeted fund slated for sewer and storm upgrades.
Council discussion ensued regarding the actions of the State and preserving and managing the City’s reserves.
City Executive Team presented departmental budget summaries, highlights, and initiatives.
Further Council discussion ensued.
Ms. Castaneda briefly stated the next steps in the budget process and noted that a public hearing is set for June 13, 2023, to consider budget adoption.
Mayor Mates opened the item for public comment, no members of the public came forward.
BRIEF VERBAL REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
Verbal report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Assignments Councilmembers reported on their assignments.
Verbal report from City Manager
City Manager Oskoui stated that the City and Council participated in a grand opening of the Firehouse phase one event. He stated that a Harbor Industrial Area (HIA) Specific Plan community meeting is scheduled for June 8. He acknowledged Parks Staff Member Michael Moran for his Professional Merit Award from a Local Chapter of California Parks and Recreation Society.
MATTERS OF INTEREST/CLARIFICATION
None
ADJOURNMENT at this time being 9:30 p.m.
Submitted by,
Jozi Plut, City Clerk
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
May 23, 2023
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