1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting on May 19, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in person and via Zoom at 7:04 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brownrigg, Colson, Pappajohn, Stevenson, Thayer* MEMBERS ABSENT: None
* Councilmember Thayer attended the meeting remotely from the Business Center at the Sonesta Downtown Denver, 1450 Glenarm Pl, Denver, Colorado.
4. REQUEST FOR AB 2249 REMOTE PARTICIPATION
There was no request.
5. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
PROPERTY: 255 El CAMINO REAL, BURLINGAME, CA
AGENCY NEGOTIATORS: CITY MANAGER LISA K. GOLDMAN, CITY ATTORNEY MICHAEL GUINA NEGOTATING PARTIES: CITY OF BURLNGAME
UNDER NEGOTIATIONS: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
City Attorney Guina reported that direction was given, but no reportable action was taken.
6. UPCOMING EVENTS
2 Mayor Stevenson reviewed upcoming events in the city.
7. PRESENTATIONS
a. PROCLAMATION FOR PAT KINSELLA’S 100TH BIRTHDAY
The City Council presented Pat Kinsella with a proclamation on his 100 th birthday!
Members of the public, his family, and Pat Kinsella talked about his birthday and his love for the community!
Happy Birthday Pat!
b. UPDATE FROM THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (YAC)
The Youth Advisory Committee consisting of Sophia Bella, Hope DiLaura, Katie Friedman, Charlotte Guglielmi, Kylie Min, Ellie Liu, Kristyn Lee, Dylan Lachance, Hannah Osinski, Penny Reed, Audrey Wei, Adrian Yiensu, and Zach Wong gave an update on the work they accomplished.
YAC explained that their initiative for the year was “Life Skills” focusing on three things:
1. Home Economics
• They held a sewing workshop
• An Edward Jones’ financial advisor came to talk to them about investing and saving for college
2. Sustainability
• They conducted a Bayside Cleanup
• Sam Trans gave a presentation on riding public transportation
3. Civic Engagement
• They interviewed Mayor Peter Stevenson and Commissioner Howard Wettan • They drafted new by-laws for YAC
YAC discussed their fundraising efforts from the Tree Lighting to their Gatorade Station at the Community Bike Ride. They noted that these funds are utilized to assist with future events.
The Council thanked YAC for their public service and involvement in the community!
c. NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK AND RECOGNIZING PUBLIC WORKS AS FIRST RESPONDERS
Deputy Director of Public Works Operations Mike Heathcote stated that since 1960, the American Public Works Association has sponsored National Public Works Week. He noted that this year’s theme is “People Purpose Presence”. He discussed the work that staff did for National Public Works Week to bring awareness including:
• Presentations to students at Burlingame High School and Aragon High School • Staff appreciation lunch
3 • Display in City Hall lobby
Mr. Heathcote stated that the Public Works Department’s mission is to provide quality services with commitment, courtesy, and pride. He explained that in partnership with the Burlingame community, the Department strives to offer cost-effective and environmentally responsible services in the areas of design, construction, operation, and maintenance of public works infrastructure critical to the health and safety of the community and to make Burlingame a beautiful and vibrant city in which to live and work.
Mr. Heathcote stated that the primary function of the Department is to provide essential public health and safety services to the community including:
• High-quality and safe drinking water
• Sewer collection system maintenance
• Wastewater treatment and environmental quality
• Safe streets, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure
• Storm drainage improvements and flood protection
• Traffic signals maintenance
• Streetlights maintenance
• Parking facilities maintenance
• Building facilities maintenance
• Fleet maintenance
Mr. Heathcote discussed Public Works’ presence in the community including:
• Customer service
• Community outreach
• First responders
Mr. Heathcote stated that in 2004, President Bush issued Presidential Policy Directive 8, which officially recognized Public Works employees as first responders. He explained that while police, fire, and EMS are often the three most recognized first responders, Public Works employees are also often silently there providing vital support to emergency response.
Mr. Heathcote reviewed some of the duties under the control of the Public Works Department including:
• Infrastructure Custodians
o Water, sewer, and storm drains
o Facilities
o Roads
o Fleets
• Facility Stewards
o Libraries
o Community Center
o City Hall
o Police Department
4 o Fire Stations
o Pump Stations
• Infrastructure Guardians
o Inspections
o Maintenance
o Regulatory compliance
o Repair, replacement, and rehabilitation
• Rapid Responders
o Citizen requests
o Water main breaks
o Sewer back-ups
o Police Department requests – traffic control
o Winter storm response
o Pump station alarms
The Council thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Steve Duncan voiced concern about the condition of El Camino Real.
9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Stevenson asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Colson pulled item 9k, and Vice Mayor Brownrigg pulled item 9j.
Councilmember Pappajohn made a motion to approve items 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, and 9i; seconded by Councilmember Colson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 23, 2025 PLANNING
COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approval of the City Council meeting minutes for the April 23, 2025 Planning Commission Interviews.
b. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE MAY 5, 2025 CLOSED SESSION
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approval of the City Council meeting minutes for the May 5, 2025 Closed Session
c. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE MAY 5, 2025 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
5 City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approval of the City Council meeting minutes for the May 5, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.
d. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE MAY 7, 2025 CLOSED SESSION
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approval of the City Council meeting minutes for the May 7, 2025 Closed Session.
e. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREA (LRA) FIRE HAZARD
SEVERITY ZONES AS DESIGNATED BY THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 211; CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378 AND 15061(b)(3)
CCFD Chief Pucci requested Council adopt Ordinance Number 2039.
f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE MACKAY METERS TO REPLACE EXISTING IPS METERS; UPGRADE THE EXISTING BENTEK KIOSK MACHINES; AND APPROPRIATE $790,100 FROM THE PARKING
ENTERPRISE FUND FOR THE PURCHASE AND UPGRADE
Interim Police Chief Boll requested Council adopt Resolution Number 044-2025.
g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BURLINGAME AVENUE INTERSECTION REHABILITATION PROJECT, PHASE 1, BY C2R ENGINEERING, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $163,000
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 045-2025.
h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING A $899,400 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO STATE ROOFING SYSTEMS, INC. FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS CORPORATION YARD ROOF RETROFIT, CITY PROJECT NO. 86061, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT AND APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PROJECT
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 046-2025.
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING ASSISTANCE SERVICES WITH RAFTELIS FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS INC. ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS, WITH A NOT-TO-EXCEED LIMIT OF $150,000 FOR FY 2024-25, A TOTAL OF $200,000 FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO-YEAR TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2027,
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
Finance Director Yu-Scott requested Council adopt Resolution Number 047-2025.
6 j. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SEND A LETTER TO STATE LEGISLATORS IN OPPOSITION OF SB 79, THE “ABUNDANT & AFFORDABLE HOMES NEAR TRANSIT ACT”
Vice Mayor Brownrigg suggested redrafting the letter to start with the work the City had done in housing to showcase why SB 79 wasn’t necessary in Burlingame.
City Manager Goldman stated that the City had a bit of time because SB 79 was sent to the suspense file.
Mayor Stevenson opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to authorize the mayor to send a letter to State Legislators in opposition to SB 79, the “Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act” with the recommended edits; seconded by Councilmember Pappajohn. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
k. APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2025
Councilmember Colson stated that Councilmember Lee had asked questions about bonds in the City’s portfolio. Finance Director Yu-Scott replied that staff will bring forward an investment policy for the Council to discuss in June.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that Councilmember Lee was satisfied with the policy after digging in a little deeper to better understand the City’s position.
Mayor Stevenson opened the item for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Colson made a motion to approve the Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending March 31, 2025; seconded by Vice Mayor Brownrigg. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. PUBLIC HEARING TO RENEW THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE DOWNTOWN BURLINGAME AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Assistant Public Works Director Okada stated that in April 2012, the City Council initiated the proceedings to form the Downtown Burlingame Avenue Streetscape Improvement Assessment District No. 2012-1. He explained that the City mailed ballots to the property owners, and in May 2012, the Council tabulated ballots, with the results showing no “majority protest”. He noted that the assessment district is for 30 years and levies an annual assessment of approximately $336,000.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg discussed the financing of Burlingame Avenue’s remodel. He asked about the length of the assessments. DPW Murtuza replied that the assessments run for 30 years.
Mayor Stevenson opened the hearing for public comment. No one spoke.
7 Councilmember Colson discussed the success of the public/private partnership that helped to create the vibrancy on Burlingame Avenue.
Councilmember Thayer made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 048-2025; seconded by Vice Mayor Brownrigg. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
11. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. CONSIDERATION OF BROADWAY BURLINGAME GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT UPDATE AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 65% RE-DESIGN OF THE PROJECT AND ALLOCATING A LOCAL MATCH OF $3.83 MILLION FROM THE CITY’S CAPITAL INVESTMENT RESERVE TO THE STREET CIP PROJECT NUMBER 82540
DPW Murtuza stated that on March 3, 2025, Caltrain presented four value engineering design options to the Council. He noted that the Council was very unhappy with the costs of the four designs. He explained that during the meeting, the Council selected the “no station” alternative in order to significantly reduce the project costs and ensure continued progress. He added that the Council also directed staff to further refine the proposal to lower costs before authorizing additional funding for continued design work and early construction packages.
DPW Murtuza stated that after the March 3 meeting, representatives from Caltrain, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and the City collaborated to renegotiate contracts related to redesign, Construction Manager/General Contractor services, right-of-way acquisition, and soft costs. He explained that the estimated cost for the 65% redesign package has been reduced by approximately $4.6 million, from $19.9 million to $15.3 million. He added that the reduction reflects a $1 million decrease in the design fee, as well as a $700,000 reduction in Caltrain’s costs, as well as deferred consultant activities such as testing for hazardous soil and materials until after the 65% design phase.
DPW Murtuza stated that as the City continues with this project, staff will look for additional cost-saving measures.
DPW Murtuza stated that representatives from the City, the SMCTA, and Caltrain held multiple meetings to negotiate a funding agreement to advance the project re-design and prevent further delays. He explained that as a result, Caltrain has committed to funding 25% of the redesign costs ($3.83 million), with the City contributing an equal share. The remaining 50% - or $7.65 million – will be provided by the SMCTA through Measure A funds. Additionally, Caltrain agreed to contribute approximately $700,000 toward right-of-way acquisition for the project.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked how the City will ensure that after this 65% redesign, the Council will understand the cost of the project and be able to move forward. DPW Murtuza replied that with electrification in place and a Construction Manager/General Contractor, the City is in a better position. He added that staff plans to work with SMCTA in order to find outside resources to help fund the project.
8 Councilmember Thayer asked about funding set aside for the Broadway Grade Separation. DPW Murtuza replied that the $3.83 million would be from the City’s Capital Investment Reserve.
Councilmember Colson asked how much the City has set aside for the Broadway Grade Separation project.
DPW Murtuza replied that there is $15 million.
Councilmember Colson asked about the City’s expected contribution to finalize the project design. DPW Murtuza replied that typically it is 10%. However, he noted that SMCTA funds have been strained.
Mayor Stevenson opened the item up for public comment.
Tony Paul discussed his belief that because the project was related to safety, the Federal administration would assist in funding.
Mayor Stevenson closed public comment.
Councilmember Thayer thanked staff for working with all the entities to help bring the cost down.
Councilmember Colson stated that she agreed that the City needed to invest in this project and stay in pole position in order to get the project funded.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg discussed the potential closure of the Broadway Station. He explained that he didn’t see any other options in order to make this project doable. He added that his main concern is that even without the station, the cost is still going to be staggering.
Mayor Stevenson discussed the importance of collaboration and stressed the need to bring the cost down.
Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 049-2025; seconded by Mayor Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
b. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DECLARING ONE OR BOTH PARCELS COMPISING PARKING LOT H AS
SURPLUS LAND PURSUANT TO THE SURPLUS LAND ACT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO PREPARE, PUBLISH, AND DISTRIBUTE A NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR ONE OR BOTH PARCELS
City Manager Goldman stated that earlier this year, the City executed a Tenant Improvement Agreement, Lease Agreement, and Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1440 Chapin Avenue to serve as the City’s new City Hall. She noted that the purchase price for the new City Hall is $34.5 million. She explained that in order to finance the purchase, the City will use the General Fund, bonds, and potentially the sale of City owned property.
City Manager Goldman stated that the property the City is considering selling is Parking Lot H. This is located across El Camino Real from Safeway and Walgreens, between Burlingame Avenue and Ralston
9 Avenue. She noted that Lot H is two parcels with a total square footage of 32,922 square feet. She added that one parcel is 8,500 square feet and zoned R-1 Low Density Residential Zoning, and the other parcel is 24,422 square feet and zoned R-3 Medium/High Density Residential Zoning.
City Manager Goldman stated that any time a city considers selling property, the municipality needs to go through the Surplus Land Act. She explained that the Surplus Land Act is State law that governs the disposition of publicly owned properties. She noted that the process takes about a year.
City Manager Goldman stated that the City would begin leasing the 1440 Chapin property for its new City Hall on August 1, 2026, and purchase the property by June 30, 2027. Therefore, the City has approximately a year to get the Surplus Land Act process done.
City Manager Goldman reviewed the Surplus Land Act process:
• Declare, usually pursuant to a City Council resolution, that the parcel is surplus • Distribute a Notice of Availability to affordable housing developers, school districts, and open space districts, that the property is available
• If one or more of these preferred agencies provides a Notice of Interest in the parcel(s), the City is obligated to enter into good faith negotiations regarding the sale of the property. However, the City is not obligated to sell the property to any of the preferred agencies for less than fair market value.
• If the City and an entity (that submits a Notice of Interest) are not able to reach an agreement on the terms of sale of the property within the time frame specified in the statute, the City is then free to dispose of the parcel(s) on the open market, but the City will be obligated to record a covenant on the property that requires that if more than 10 residential units are constructed on the property, at least 15% must be affordable.
• Throughout the notice and negotiation process, the City is obligated to provide notices to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which oversees compliance with the Surplus Land Act.
City Manager Goldman stated that it is important to begin the Surplus Land Act process quickly, as significant notice periods are required by law. She explained that the sale of City owned land will allow the City to pay down significant portions of any debts that may be incurred to acquire the new City Hall property.
City Manager Goldman reviewed the five alternative directions that are included in the resolution:
1. Declare the entirety of Lot H to be surplus land, with the intention of selling or leasing both parcels composing Parking Lot H through a single transaction.
2. Declare the entirety of Lot H to be surplus land, with the intention of selling or leasing each parcel composing Parking Lot H separately.
3. Declare the entirety of Lot H to be surplus land, with the intention of allowing a buyer to purchase or lease both parcels composing Parking Lot H through a single transaction or allowing a single or multiple buyers to purchase or lease each parcel separately.
10 4. Declare APN No. 028-285-250 to be surplus land, with the intention of selling or leasing only APN No. 028-285-250
5. Declare APN No. 028-285-290 to be surplus land, with the intention of selling or leasing only APN No. 028-285-290.
City Manager Goldman stated that if the City sells or leases one or both of the parcels composing Parking Lot H, the funds may be utilized to either lessen the debt required to pay for 1440 Chapin Avenue or pay off debt that is acquired to pay for 1440 Chapin Avenue.
Councilmember Colson asked if the appraised value of the property(s) is included in the Notice of Availability. City Attorney Guina replied in the negative.
Councilmember Colson asked if an affordable housing developer moves forward with the sale or lease, who sets the affordability. City Attorney Guina replied that the City would need to work with HCD on that issue.
Councilmember Colson asked if the City could set the affordability levels with a bidder. City Attorney Guina replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Stevenson opened public comment. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg discussed the importance of the City maximizing its returns from selling Lot H. He stated that there is a lot of community interest in utilizing City Hall’s current lot as open space. Therefore, the more the City can get from selling Lot H, the more flexibility the City will have with City Hall’s current lot.
Councilmember Colson thanked Assistant to the City Manager Kirshner for his hard work on this matter.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 050-2025; seconded by Councilmember Pappajohn. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
12. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were none.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked for an update from the Peninsula Healthcare District regarding their redevelopment project. The Council agreed to agendize this item.
14. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
11 The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Library Board of Trustees are available online at www.burlingame.org.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk