Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
Meeting of July 25, 2023
PAGE 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BELMONT CITY COUNCIL AND BELMONT FIRE
PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
City Council Chambers City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, California TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt, Mates COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Latimerlo
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation under Government Code Section 54956(d)(2): one case Letter threatening litigation dated June 22, 2023, from Greenfire Law, PC on behalf of Deniz Bolbol, Joseph P. Cuviello and Friends of Waterdog Open Space Adjournment at this time being 6:20 pm
Jozi Plut, City Clerk
STUDY SESSION (6:20 p.m.)
ATTENDED BY
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt, Mates COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Latimerlo (arrived late)
Commercial Cannabis Overlay General Plan/Zoning Amendments – South El Camino Real Community Development Director de Melo provided a background on Commercial Cannabis in Belmont, noting that the Council had the item before them at several meeting in 2021 and 2022.
He requested the Council consider the information presented and provide direction to staff regarding facilitating potential Commercial Cannabis Overlay General Plan and Zoning Amendments for certain properties along South El Camino Real.
At this time being 6:25 p.m. Councilmember Latimerlo joined the dais.
Public Comment
Michael Olson commented in support of cannabis retail.
Terri Cook, Belmont resident commented in support of cannabis retail in Belmont.
Anon, commented in support of cannabis with modification to the zoning allowances.
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
Meeting of July 25, 2023
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Council deliberation ensued, Council concurred to move with staff recommendation of allowing a maximum of two commercial retail cannabis use permits and maximum of two distribution use permits and proceed with the General Plan and Zoning Amendments.
ADJOURNMENT at this time being 7:00 p.m.
Jozi Plut, City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Latimerlo, Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt, Mates COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Police Chief Stenquist and Fire Chief Thrasher
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action was made in the closed session.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Check Presentation For Funding of Upgrade of the City's 911 Communications System Assemblymember Papan presented a check to the City in the amount of 100,000 dollars.
Council thanked her for her efforts to secure the funding.
Silicon Valley Clean Water (SVCW) Update Presentation
Finance Director Castaneda explained that Belmont is a member agency of the SVCW and noted that Belmont’s portion of the Capital Improvement Plan is 9.45% of the cost. She further explained that the City has a dedicated funding source to support the costs by establishing a waste water treatment facility charge to which there have not been increases to the charge since 2011.
General Manager Teresa Herrera and Staff members Kim Hackett, Authority Engineer and Matt Anderson, Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Manager provided an update on the engineering and construction of the Reginal Environmental Sewer Conveyance Upgrade (RESCU) system and funding the treatment plant projects.
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Update
Fire Chief Thrasher provided an update an organizational update on the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department consisting of the Cities of Belmont, Foster City and City of San Mateo.
Deputy Fire Chief Marshall provided an update and recommendations for residential fire safety in Belmont including creating defensible space. He commented on the wildland and open space Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
Meeting of July 25, 2023
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projects conducted in the City. He noted that the department is considering changes to the fire ordinance in regard to dead trees and other minor changes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Giuliano Carlini commented on the items addressed on the special agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Mates announced the passing of San Mateo County Consolidated Fire Mike Ramsey. She commented on funding received for the Carlmont Crossing Guard. She announced that Council will not be meeting in August. She provided comments on events and projects happening in Belmont. And she read a list of National Night Locations for August 1st.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Approval of Minutes
Approve minutes of City Council Meeting July 11, 2023 and BFPD Meeting July 11, 2023 Approve Monthly Financial Reports - May
Resolution 2023-060 authorizing the City Manager to execute an amended service agreement with Eye P Solutions, Inc. to provide installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of outdoor and indoor WIFI access points at the Sports Complex, Corporation Yard, Quanset Hut, and Barrett Community Center in the amount of $71,000, for a total not-to-exceed amount for this service agreement up to $321,765.98
Resolutions 2023-061 authorizing the City Manager to amend a services agreement with 4 Leaf, Inc. to provide building inspection services on an as-needed bases Resolution 2023-062 authorizing the City Attorney to procure legal services from Shute Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
Resolution 2023-063 amending the City of Belmont Financial Policies Pertaining to Practices of the Purchasing Control System to meet current Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requirements and authorize city staff to make ministerial changes to the policy to keep pace with program requirements ACTION: By motion made by Councilmember Hurt and seconded by Councilmember McCune the Consent Business was unanimously approved by roll call vote (5-0).
PUBLIC HEARINGS (none)
GENERAL BUSINESS
Response to Grand Jury Report on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) Community Development Director de Melo outlined the City’s response to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report dated June 12, 2023 entitled, “Accessory Dwelling Units: Affordable Housing’s Panacea or Prevarication". He noted that City staff collaborated with the 21 Elements group on best practice for housing planning and policy to draft the response. He noted that staff agrees with certain Grand Jury findings and recommendations although in some cases data is lacking to confirm or refute assertions.
Council Discussion ensued.
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
Meeting of July 25, 2023
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ACTION: By Council unanimously approved Staff’s response letter to the Grand Jury Report.
BRIEF VERBAL REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
Verbal report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Assignments
Councilmembers reported on their assignments.
Councilmember McCune noted that SBWMA will begin inspections of trash, recycle and compost bins in in response to SB1383 short lived climate pollutants.
Verbal report from City Manager
None.
MATTERS OF INTEREST/CLARIFICATION
ADJOURNMENT at this time being 8:20 p.m. in memory of San Mateo Consolidated Fire Fighter Mike Ramsey.
Submitted by,
Jozi Plut, City Clerk