1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Meeting Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting on January 20, 2026
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 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Public Works Director Chris Lamm.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brownrigg, Colson, Pappajohn, Stevenson, Thayer MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REQUEST FOR AB 2249 REMOTE PARTICIPATION
There were no requests.
5. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(2): (ONE POTENTIAL CASE)
City Attorney Guina stated that no reportable action was taken.
6. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Brownrigg reviewed upcoming events in the city.
7. PRESENTATIONS
2 a. HIP HOUSING CALENDAR WINNER
HIP Housing Board President Josh Amoroso introduced the 2026 HIP Housing Children’s Art Calendar and thanked the Council for its long partnership with the organization. He explained that each year, HIP Housing runs a calendar art contest in which children submit artwork and statements about what home means to them. This year, there were 120 entries and 14 winners.
Mr. Amoroso introduced Audrey Gong, a winner from Burlingame, who showcased her drawing and explained what home meant to her. Congratulations to Ms. Gong on her beautiful artwork.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked HIP Housing for its work and said that the calendar was particularly colorful and moving this year.
Councilmember Stevenson thanked HIP Housing for their amazing work and highlighted how hard it can be to “see the need” for housing but that HIP Housing’s work and the children’s quotes make it visible.
Vice Mayor Pappajohn thanked HIP Housing and noted that their mission is aligned with Burlingame’s values around housing for all.
Councilmember Colson noted that the children’s quotes revolved around home being a place of safety and protection. She discussed the Council’ leadership roles on multiple countywide housing bodies including HEART and the revived San Mateo County “Home for All” committee.
b. UPDATE ON THE PENINSULA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT
Peninsula Health Care District (“District”) CEO Ana Pulido stated that in October 2024, the District board decided to conclude the broader Peninsula Wellness Community campus project. She explained that since then, the District conducted a competitive selection process and is now ready to move ahead with a senior housing project on a portion of its land.
Ms. Pulido introduced Matt Gray from Perkins Coie to discuss the senior housing project. He began by reviewing the RFQ/P Process:
• June 18, 2025 – The District issued a Request for Qualification and Proposal for the affordable project
• June 26, 2025 – The District Board provided the community with an overview of the affordable project and the RFQ/P process during its regularly scheduled meeting • September 26, 2025 – This date was the deadline for submitting responses to the RFQ/P. The District received a response from the team of Novin Development Corporation and Abode Housing Development
• October 23, 2025 – The District Board provided the community with an overview of the proposal submitted by Novin and Abode. Community members generally spoke in favor of the proposal. The District Board declared the affordable project site exempt surplus land. • November 13, 2025 – The District Board interviewed Novin and Abode during a special meeting.
3 • December 11, 2025 – The District Board selected Novin and Abode as the developer for the affordable housing project during its regularly scheduled meeting.
Mr. Gray reviewed the District’s key considerations when selecting a developer:
• Developer qualifications – experience developing senior and affordable housing projects in Hayward (80-unit senior project), Fremont (90-unit senior project), Burlingame (69-unit affordable housing project), and Santa Clara (80-unit senior project)
• Development Concept
o Proposed project would provide approximately 221 total units in two buildings o Target seniors earning 20-80% AMI
o Building proposed to be five stories above a one-story, on-grade podium with parking and community facilities
o Provide onsite health care and social services to support the needs of residents • Development Strategy and Timeline
o Project proposed to be developed in two phases
o First phase to commence construction by 2028, completed by 2030 o Second phase to commence construction in mid-2030, completed by 2032 • Financial Proposal
o Pursue a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources o Proposal contemplates a ground lease that would provide a monthly ground lease payment to the District, participation fee, and partnership cash flow • Management and Operations – third-party vendors to provide onsite social services and property management services
Mr. Gray reviewed the next steps of the process:
• The District and Novin/Abode will negotiate an ENA for the affordable project • Novin/Abode will complete due diligence on the development feasibility of the subject site • The District will continue to coordinate with Novin/Abode on the design of the affordable project • At least one additional community meeting will be held to receive community input and comments on the proposed design before the District Board authorizes Novin/Abode to submit applications for the affordable project to the City
• If the parties mutually agree to an ENA, the District and Novin/Abode will negotiate a ground lease for the development of the affordable project
Mayor Brownrigg asked about the location of the project. Mr. Gray responded that it would be bound by the Hetch Hetchy pipeline and Marco Polo Way.
Councilmember Colson asked if the project was utilizing the SB 35 streamlined approval process and whether the City would still have meaningful opportunities to provide input on design quality and community benefits. Mr. Gray replied that the final approach to entitlements is to be set by the developer, and SB 35 is likely among the tools that they will consider. He added that the District believes in collaboration with the City.
4 Councilmember Colson asked about community benefits beyond affordability including improvements to the Hetch Hetchy corridor and senior-oriented amenities. Mr. Gray replied that the current concept includes recreational improvements along the Hetch Hetchy pipeline and ground floor spaces that will serve on-site residents.
Vice Mayor Pappajohn thanked the District for the update. She discussed concerns about the traffic impacts that the project could create regarding its proximity to Burlingame Intermediate School and Franklin Elementary. Mr. Gray replied that traffic studies will be part of the City entitlement process.
Councilmember Colson asked if the District is seeking County funding or other public funds. Mr. Gray replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Colson asked the District to review the City’s Age-Friendly Plan for potential community benefits and emphasized that neighborhood compatible design and amenities are important.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked the District and praised their decision to proceed with a solid senior affordable project on part of the site. He invited the District to keep City staff and Council informed about ways Burlingame can assist as the project moves into entitlements.
c. REVIEW OF THE CITY’S OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS – RETIREE HEALTHCARE PLAN (OPEB)
LIABILITIES
Mayor Brownrigg moved item 7d ahead of 7c.
Finance Director Yu-Scott introduced the presentation by stating that this is part one of a two-part effort to inform current and incoming Councilmembers about:
• The City’s other post-employment benefits (“OPEB”) liabilities • The City’s pension obligations
Finance Director Yu-Scott introduced Doug Pryor from Rael and Letson, who conducted the June 30, 2025, actuarial valuation of the City’s retiree health plan.
Mr. Pryor explained that the actuarial valuations are prepared every two years as required by GASB 75. He reviewed the City’s medical benefits for retirees. He noted that the City pays medical premiums up to a cap varying by:
• Bargaining unit
• Hire and retirement date
• Medicare status
• Coverage level
• City service
5 He reviewed the breakdown of participants in the different tiers of medical benefits post retirement
Actives Retirees
Counts
Tier 1 212
Tier 1a 40 64
Tier 2 14
Tier 3 175 7
Total 229 283
Mr. Pryor explained that the City pre-funds OPEB via the CalPERS OPEB Trust using Asset Strategy 2 (medium risk/return). He stated that based on a survey of investment advisors, the assumed long-term return rate is 6.1%. He stated that this is the rate used for funding and accounting, distinct from any one or two-year actual returns.
Mr. Pryor discussed changes since the previous valuation:
• Investment returns – FY 2023/24 and FY 2024/25 returns of 8.2% and 10.6%, respectively, exceeded
5.75% annual assumed return
• Significant premium increases – roughly 20% and 40% increases for under age 65 retirees and Medicare retirees over age 65, respectively, for the most popular retiree plan (PERS Platinum) • Discount rate – changed from 5.75% to 6.10% to reflect a significant increase in investment advisors’ future expected returns
Mr. Pryor reviewed charts depicting the City’s accrued OPEB liabilities. He noted that the City has $70 million in accrued liability with about 80% being associated with retirees. He noted that the plan assets are about $34.8 million, and the unfunded liability is about $35.2 million. He stated that accrued liability increased by $5 million since June 30, 2023. However, the City’s assets increased from $28.5 million to $34.8 million.
Mr. Pryor reviewed the recommended trust contributions:
• Actuarially determined contribution
o Normal cost (cost of benefits accruing for active employees) o Payment on the unfunded actuarially accrued liability (approximate 10-year payoff) • Benefit payments
o Portion of premiums paid by the City to current retirees o To the extent benefit payments exceed the actuarially determined contribution, the trust should reimburse the City for the excess
Councilmember Colson asked if she was correct that this OPEB analysis applies only to retiree medical and not pensions. Finance Director Yu-Scott replied in the affirmative. She explained that Tier 3 employees receive the statutory minimum medical payment as a City obligation and an HRA defined contribution
6 payment. She added that the enhanced medical OPEB is limited to employees in the earlier tiers, and no new employees are entering those tiers.
Councilmember Colson asked how the City’s funding status compares to other cities. Mr. Pryor replied that among all California agencies, Burlingame is probably at or slightly above average. He stated that among his own client set, Burlingame is somewhat below average in funded ratio, partly due to having a relatively high retiree-to-active ratio.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up to public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Colson noted that the Council takes these liabilities seriously and that the City is balancing current capital/operating needs with long-term amortization of pension and OPEB costs.
d. UPDATE ON THE PETROLEUM DISCOVERY NEAR BROADWAY AND CALIFORNIA DRIVE
City Manager Goldman provided a comprehensive narrative of the petroleum discovery near Broadway and California Drive. She stated that the initial discovery occurred on Wednesday January 7. She explained that following an earlier power outage in the Broadway area, PG&E crews were working to repair underground equipment near Broadway and California Drive. She noted that they discovered petroleum/gasoline contamination intruding into their undergound electrical values. She stressed that the petroleum did not belong to PG&E. She also stated that as soon as PG&E discovered fuel in their electrical infrastructure, they had to shut off power again to ensure safety. This impacted about 125 to 127 customers. However, large generators were brought in to restore power to all those affected by the outage.
City Manager Goldman explained that the contaminated vaults were located in and around the intersection of Broadway and California, extending north toward Rhinette near Goodwill. She stated that to protect the public, the City closed Broadway and sections of California Drive to both vehicles and pedestrians.
City Manager Goldman stated that PG&E hired a specialty contractor to pump out fuel from the vaults.
Over the course of several days, PG&E removed tens of thousands of gallons of petroleum and contaminated water. After pumping, PG&E:
• Sealed their vaults with concrete, epoxy, and other materials • Monitored lower explosive limits (“LELs”) to ensure vapor levels were safe
City Manager Goldman stated that on January 12, as PG&E was nearly done and preparing to switch customers back from generator power, additional petroleum was discovered. This time the petroleum was found in an AT&T underground communications vault and in vaults of a related communications company.
She added that Broadway, which had been partially reopened, had to be closed again, along with additional stretches of California Drive from Carmelita to Lincoln.
City Manager Goldman stated that AT&T hired the same contractor PG&E had used. The contractor pumped out the petroleum and attempted to seal the telecom vaults. However, the issue was persistent,
7 and after sealing, crews continued to find sheens on the water and elevated LEL readings in some of the vaults, suggesting continued intrusion or migration. She stated that this led to a “whack-a-mole” dynamic because as one vault was cleared and sealed, another would show contamination, including one just north of Goodwill. Additional specialized help was brought in to fully seal the vaults. Once all vaults were sealed, continuous 24-hour monitoring took place over the weekend.
City Manager Goldman explained that on Sunday, January 18, a multi-agency call was conducted where it was agreed that conditions were finally stable, and all road closures could be lifted.
City Manager Goldman thanked the following agencies that worked together on this emergency: Central County Fire Department, PG&E, AT&T, City Manager’s Office, Burlingame Police Department, Public Works Department, San Mateo County Environmental Health Services, and San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management.
City Manager Goldman stated that San Mateo County Environmental Health Services tested five nearby gas stations including A&A, the Chevron across the street, the Chevron across the tracks, the Valero near Rollins, and another station at El Camino and Broadway. The initial testing was inconclusive and showed indications that the petroleum was both new and old. However, after more advanced testing was undertaken, the County identified A&A as the responsible party. A&A is being required to provide a remediation plan under a tight timeline.
City Manager Goldman explained that at the same time as the petroleum leak was discovered, Caltrans started performing emergency tree removal work on El Camino Real. She stated that the El Camino Real Renewal project planned to start at the south city limits, but due to emergency tree issues, Caltrans started in the north part of town. She noted that the City asked Caltrans to relocate or adjust the work to reduce congestion, but Caltrans stated that they could not move the work location due to staging and cost constraints. Caltrans did hire extra flaggers and an off-duty Burlingame police officer to assist with traffic.
City Manager Goldman stated that the City deployed police and parking enforcement personnel to key intersections and school areas to manage severe congestion. Additionally, Public Works and the police coordinated detours and monitored choke points citywide.
City Manager Goldman stated that the City relied heavily on SMC Alerts for emergency notifications, but some subscribers did not receive alerts. She urged residents who are subscribed to SMC alerts that did not receive alerts to contact the County for trouble shooting. She acknowledged that the City needs to continue pushing residents to sign up for SMC Alert and improve coordination across City social media accounts and messaging platforms.
Councilmember Stevenson discussed the importance of conveying why closures and long delays are necessary when the City releases SMC alerts and posts on social media.
Councilmember Thayer discussed the importance of starting communication earlier as the information is still evolving. She suggested creating a prominent “landing page” on the City’s website for major incidents
8 that informs members of the public about current closures, status updates, and links to SMC Alert registration.
Councilmember Colson discussed the need for the City to fully understand the cleanup plan and timetable.
She asked staff to communicate to the public about how residual contamination will be monitored and addressed over time.
Councilmember Colson discussed the public’s frustrations regarding the release of information and updates on the situation. She suggested a banner or bar at the top of the City’s homepage with live incident information and not just a static alert. She asked that the Council evaluate limited, time-bound no-parking zones during major detours.
Councilmember Colson suggested that the Economic Development Subcommittee look into ways to assist the Broadway merchants who suffered from spoiled inventory and business losses as a result of the closures.
Vice Mayor Pappajohn suggested having an updated visual map of closures and detours on the City website. She stated that while maintaining such a map would be dynamic and resource-intensive, it would greatly help residents.
Councilmember Stevenson suggested exploring coordination with navigation apps (Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps) beyond Caltrans-related closures. City Manager Goldman replied that Caltrans coordinates with navigation companies in order to update street closures.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Ross Bruce representing the Broadway merchants thanked the City for its efforts in navigating a complex and dangerous situation.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked the City Manager, Central County Fire Department, Public Works Department, Police, and all others involved. He noted that the focus should be that no one was hurt, and no explosions occurred. He suggested that the City consider designating a temporary “Traffic Czar” for the duration of the El Camino Real Renewal Project.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
9 Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. A member of the public pulled item 9c.
Councilmember Stevenson made a motion to adopt the following items from the Consent Calendar: 9a, 9b, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i, and 9j; seconded by Vice Mayor Pappajohn. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL INTERVIEWS FOR THE
TRAFFIC SAFETY & PARKING COMMISSION AND SMC MOSQUITO VECTOR CONTROL BOARD ON DECEMBER 9, 2025
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the City Council Interviews for the Traffic Safety & Parking Commission and SMC Mosquito Vector Control Board on December 9, 2025.
b. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE DECEMBER 15, 2025 REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the December 15, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.
c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REQUEST TO REMOVE THE 1600 BLOCK OF
MCDONALD WAY FROM THE THEMED BLOCK DESIGNATION
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
A member of the public stated that she and her husband have lived on McDonald Way for 30 years. She explained that after removing a tree in front of her home, she had wanted to plant a Coastal Live Oak but was informed that McDonald Way is a “themed block”. She stated that she worked with neighbors to get a petition signed to remove her block from the themed block designation.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 001-2026; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REQUEST TO REMOVE THE 1600 BLOCK OF CHAPIN
AVENUE FROM THE THEMED BLOCK DESIGNATION
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad requested Council adopt Resolution Number 002-2026
e. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE JANITORIAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KARLA’S JANITORIAL AND SUPPLIERS, LLC, TO EXTEND THE JANITORIAL
10 SERVICES CONTRACT FOR A PERIOD OF AN ADDITIONAL TWO MONTHS, AND INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $92,785, FOR A TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,776,702
DPW Lamm requested Council adopt Resolution Number 003-2026.
f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL PROPOSALS RECEIVED FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES
AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO REVISE THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS AND RE-
ADVERTISE THE PROJECT
DPW Lamm requested Council adopt Resolution Number 004-2026.
g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO JOIN THE COALITION
PROVIDING COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RULEMAKING ADDRESSING LOCAL REGULATION OF WIRELESS FACILITIES
City Attorney Guina requested Council adopt Resolution Number 005-2026.
h. CONFIRMATION OF THE MAYOR’S COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2026
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council confirm the Mayor’s Council Assignments for 2026.
i. OPEN NOMINATION PERIOD TO FILL TWO VACANCIES ON THE MEASURE I CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
City Manager Goldman requested Council open the nomination period to fill the two vacancies on the Measure I Citizens’ Oversight Committee.
j. OPEN NOMINATION PERIOD TO FILL THREE VACANCIES ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION
City Manager Goldman requested Council open the nomination period to fill the three vacancies on the Planning Commission.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDNANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6.54 “BURLINGAME AVENUE AREA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT” TO ADJUST THE FISCAL YEAR OF THE BURLINGAME AVENUE AREA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FROM OCTOBER 1 – SEPTEMBER 30 TO JULY 1- JUNE 30; CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378, 15601(b)(3)
11 ACA Burke explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to adjust the Burlingame Avenue Area Business Improvement District fiscal year from October 1 – September 30 to July 1 – June 30, to align with the City’s fiscal year. She stated that state law prescribes detailed procedures for BID formation and modification, and therefore Council action is required to move the fiscal year.
ACA Burked asked if any formal protests had been received in the City Clerk’s Office. City Clerk Hassel- Shearer replied in the negative.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the public hearing. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Pappajohn made a motion to bring back the proposed ordinance for a second reading; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
11. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. CONSIDERATION OF ARTS COMMISSION TASK FORCE FINDINGS
City Librarian McCulley stated that at the December 16, 2024, Council meeting, staff recommended forming an ad hoc Arts Commission Task Force to explore the feasibility of a permanent Arts Commission to provide guidance on the following topics:
• Inventory and assessment of current public art
• Processes for acquiring art
• Funding sources for future public art
• Community and public art engagement
• Arts Commission make-up, staffing, and experience
City Librarian McCulley stated that the Council subsequently appointed Preeti Deb, Leslie Holtzman, and Janet Martin to the task force.
City Librarian McCulley discussed the benefits of public art:
• Promotes well-being and community cohesion
• Supports economic vitality and place-making
• Improves traffic safety
City Librarian McCulley reviewed some of the public art pieces that exist in the city such as the Anson Burlingame bust, the Owl sculpture in the Library, and the metal structure on Meta’s campus. He then discussed aspirational examples of what the task force would like to see in Burlingame such as The Loop project in San Francisco.
City Librarian McCulley discussed potential funding sources including:
• A percent-for-art requirement on development projects • Grants
12 • Burlingame Arts Foundation
• Seed Funding from the City’s General Fund for maintenance and activation
City Librarian McCulley reviewed the task force’s recommendation for the Arts Commission structure. The task force recommended a five-member commission with:
• All regular voting members being Burlingame residents • A non-voting student member
• Optional participation from Hillsborough residents
Leslie Holtzman recommended creating an arts maintenance fund to commission a professional conservation assessment of all City-owned art and to develop a schedule and cost estimates for appropriate maintenance. She also recommended creating an art activation fund to:
• Pilot events, student projects, and community engagement activities • Raise awareness of public art and test what the community responds to
Councilmember Stevenson thanked the task force for their work. He expressed strong enthusiasm for creating an Arts Commission, citing economic and cultural benefits. He also discussed activating the new town square with live/performing art.
Councilmember Thayer supported the creation of a commission but stressed the importance of clarifying their initial scope and priorities.
Vice Mayor Pappajohn voiced support for initial seed funding from the City. She expressed a preference that all commissioners be Burlingame residents and not from Hillsborough.
Councilmember Colson strongly endorsed both forming an Arts Commission and having the City provide initial funding. She voiced support for including Hillsborough representation on the commission.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked the task force for their work and suggested that the task force come back to Council with a budget and outline of what the commission should look like.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Mike Nagler voiced support for the creation of an Arts Commission and stressed the importance of local funding for art.
Batya Berenfus, on behalf of the Downtown Burlingame Business Improvement District, stated that the BID is actively exploring having murals painted on downtown commercial walls.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Mayor Brownrigg and his colleagues voiced their support for establishing a Burlingame Arts Commission with seed funding.
13 12. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmembers reported on their various committees and activities.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
14. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
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 Brownrigg adjourned the meeting at 10:32 p.m. in memory of Giuliano Polano.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk