Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2023
MINUTES OF SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS OF CITY OF BELMONT CITY
COUNCIL AND BELMONT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS City Council Chambers City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, California TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
SPECIAL MEETING: 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Latimerlo (arrived at 6:20 p.m.), Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Mates
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), One case: Joseph P. Cuviello v. City of Belmont et al., U.S.
District Court, N.D. Cal. 23-cv-00029-LB, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit No. 23- 16135
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 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION initiation of litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4):1 case No public comment received.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION 6:30 P.M.
Research and Development/Life Sciences - Understanding Biosafety Levels (BSL) Community Development Director de Melo introduced the item stating that the information received will be used in the zoning text amendments for that portion of the City.
Melanie Cohn, Sr. Director, Regional Policy & Government Affairs Biocom California presented an overview of research and development and life sciences in California. She noted that the industry is growing exponentially and providing a diverse workforce. She provided an overview of biosafety levels, noting that there are four levels each with specific controls that outline safeguards designed to protect lab personnel and the surrounding community. She described the regulations processes.
Council discussion ensued. Item was informational only no action taken.
No public comment received on the item.
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2023
Adjournment to the regular meeting at this time being 7:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER 7:00 PM
ROLL CAL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Latimerlo, Pang-Maganaris, McCune, Hurt COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Mates
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Vice Mayor Hurt.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
On the matter of Patrick Cuviello Joseph P. Cuviello v. City of Belmont et al., U.S. District Court, N.D. Cal. 23-cv-00029-LB, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit No. 23-16135 direction was given to defend the appeal. There is no reportable action on the two remaining items.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
County Child Care Report
Sarah Kinahan, Coordinator, Child Care Partnership Council provided an overview of a recently conducted childcare needs assessment in San Mateo County and specific to the City of Belmont.
She noted that there is an overall decrease in childcare spaces since 2017 in both in family child care homes as well as child care centers and demands continues to rise.
National Night Out Recap
Police Captain Armando presented an overview of the August 1, 2023, National Night Out Community event.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Giuliano Carlini commented on bicycle safety in Belmont.
COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmembers commented on upcoming community events.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Monthly Financial Reports - June and July 2023
City of Belmont’s response letter to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report dated July 10, 2023 entitled Bike Safety in San Mateo County
Resolution 2023-070 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an amendment to the service agreement with The Z Bridge LLC for diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting for an additional $30,000 and a total not-to-exceed of $72,000 Resolution 2023-071 creating the New Classification, Parks and Facilities Supervisor; Revising The Job Classifications of Parks Manager, Senior Parks Maintenance Worker and Parks Maintenance Worker I/II and Revising The City’s Master Pay Schedule Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2023
Resolution 2023-072 creating the New Classification, Senior Permit Technician; And Revising The City’s Master Pay Schedule
Resolution 2023-073 approving the Job Description for Teachers Aide Resolution 2023- 074 Adopting the City’s Revised Master Pay Schedule In accordance with California Public Employees retirement system regulations Resolution 2023- 075 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for the acquisition of public safety portable radios and associated equipment for a total amount not to exceed $162,854.36
City Manager Oskoui noted that a revised Monthly Financials document was distributed to the Council prior to the meeting and would be included in the record.
In response to Council inquiry Police Lieutenant Hussey explained that the acquisition of public safety portable radios will be compatible with other radio systems used in the surrounding agencies.
In discussion regarding the response to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report entitled Bike Safety in San Mateo County Councilmember Latimerlo suggested that a dedicated reporting portable be added to the City’s website for bike theft.
Public Comment:
Giuliano Carlini commented on the Grand Jury Report on Bike Safety in San Mateo County response letter.
ACTION: by motion made by Councilmember McCune and seconded by Councilmember PangMaganaris the Consent Business items were unanimously approved by a roll call vote. (4-1, Mates absent).
PUBLIC HEARINGS-None
GENERAL BUSINESS
2023-2031 Housing Element Update
Assistant City Manager Kleinbaum explained the Housing Element Update process and city actions to date. She provided an overview of the comments received from the state, noting that they requested more robust detail and justification for the City’s analysis. She noted that the State found the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) strategy the City submitted to be incomplete. She further noted that the State requested the City add actions to encourage development of more housing choices and affordable housing throughout the City. She outlined the Staff’s recommendations in response to the State’s ask including a commitment to additional dwelling unites (ADU) financial incentives and allowing conversion to 2-units – allowing homes to split into 2-units with their existing footprint without restricting the unit size. Ms. Kleinbaum concluded her presentation and requested that Council provide direction on the additional proposed programs to affirmatively further fair housing per the States Department of Housing and Community Development.
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2023
Council deliberation ensued.
No public came forward to speak on this item.
Council concurred to support Staff’s recommendation.
General Plan Safety Element Update Project
Senior Planner DiDonato provided an update on the General Plan Safety Element, he explained that the General Plan is the long-range policy document that includes certain mandatory elements.
He noted that the Safety Element is a mandatory element that identifies potential hazards and includes a plan to minimize risk and harm to the community. He noted that the documents were last updated in 2017. He further explained that in April 2023, The Belmont City Council adopted a Resolution entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with San Mateo County to participate in the Safety Element Collaborative. He provided an outline and schedule for the update project and noted that PlaceWorks was engaged to consult on the City’s involvement in the collaborative and has identified touch points when the City is expected to contribute to the project, and what those contributions would entail. He noted that more briefings will be provided to the Council as outreach begins.
No public comments received for this action.
And no other action required at this time.
SB 1383 Resolution Approval of Local Assistance Grant and Update Public Works Director Brown provided a background on Senate Bill 1383. He explained that the bill is an unfunded state mandate, and the City is looking for ways to mitigate the cost. He noted that the City is eligible for a second-round local assistance grant for $75,000 to be used for continued community outreach, inspections, mandatory enforcement, and part-time supplemental staffing. He provided an overview of the City’s compliance with the regulations to date.
Mr. Brown conclude his report and noted that the grant application requires Council approval.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Latimerlo and seconded by Councilmember Pang-Maganaris Resolution 2023-076 authorizing an application for the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant for up to $75,000 and receive an update on compliance with CalRecycle SB 1383 regulations was approved by roll call vote (4-1 Mates absent).
BRIEF VERBAL REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
Verbal report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Assignments
None
Verbal report from City Manager
City Manager Oskoui noted the actions of the Belmont Police Personnel in the apprehension of an arsonist, setting fires along in certain areas of the City. He announced the upcoming movies in the park and an open house, Waterdog Run, and a high school faire at Twin Pines Center.
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2023
He reported on attending the League of California Cities Conference.
MATTERS OF INTEREST/CLARIFICATION
Vice Mayor and Councilmember Pang-Maganaris requested Council interest in contracting with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA).
City Manager Oskoui stated that staff will review options and report findings to Council.
ADJOURNMENT at 8:20 p.m. in memory of Belmont Police Officer in varying capacities from 1959 to 1983, and longtime Belmont resident Robert Goran, and Lloyd Edwards civic leader, entrepreneur, co-founder of the Lew Edwards Group with whom the City contracts for consulting services.
Jozi Plut, City Clerk