EAST PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR SESSION AMENDED AGENDA
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6:00 PM
EPA Government Center
2415 University Avenue, First Floor
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
NOTICE
This meeting will be held virtually and in- person at the Council Chambers located on 2415 University Ave, First Floor East Palo Alto, CA 94303. The virtual portion of this City Council meeting will be conducted in accordance with City of East Palo Alto Resolution adopted pursuant to Assembly Bill 361.
The public may participate in the City Council Meeting via Zoom Meeting or by attending inperson in the Council Chambers at 2415 University Ave, First Floor East Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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Councilmember: Martha Barragan
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East Palo Alto City Council May 5, 2026 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
3.1 On-Call Contract Award with CSG Consultants and CSWST2 Recommendation:
Adopt a resolution:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to award, negotiate and execute an agreement with CSG Consultants, in a form approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of $150,000 to provide on-call civil engineering services, for a three-year term with the option for a one-year extension;
2. Authorizing the City Manager to award, negotiate and execute an agreement with CSWST2, in a form approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of $150,000 to provide on-call civil engineering services, for a three-year term with the option for a one-year extension; and
3. Finding that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) in that it is a governmental fiscal, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
3.2 Jewish Heritage Month Proclamation
Recommendation:
Present the proclamation.
3.3 Asian American & Pacific Islander Month Proclamation Recommendation: Present the proclamation.
3.4 Proclamation of The City of East Palo Alto Affirming the City’s Commitment to Combat Antisemitism
Recommendation: Present the proclamation.
East Palo Alto City Council May 5, 2026 Agenda
3.5 Public Safety Dispatch Services
Recommendation: Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a four-year agreement with San Mateo County Public Safety Communications (PSC) for the continued provision of Public Safety Dispatch services in an amount not to exceed $6,267,298
3.6 Execute the updated Animal Control Services Agreement with County of San Mateo for the period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029.
Recommendation:
Adopt a resolution:
1. Approving the updated three-year Animal Control Services Agreement between the City of East Palo Alto and County of San Mateo for the continued supply of animal control, shelter, veterinary, and animal licensing services, which will cost the City of East Palo Alto approximately $2,454,279;
2. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the updated
agreement once finalized by the County;
3. Finding that the proposed action is exempt from the City’s Purchasing Ordinance, codified at East Palo Alto Municipal Code Section
2.84.060(B) (10)(Contracts with Other Governmental Entities); and
4. Finding that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) in that it is a governmental fiscal, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
3.7 City Council Strategic Priorities Fiscal Years (FY) 2025-27 Work Plan - Third Quarter Status Update
Recommendation: Receive a third quarter update on the City Council Strategic Priorities FY 2025-27 Work Plan.
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) One Potential Matter
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
6. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
6.1 First Time Homebuyer Program Research
Recommendation: Receive an informational update on the First Time Homebuyer Program research, and provide staff with direction on how to proceed. This report includes an overview of the potential options for a program supporting first time homebuyers, a summary of feedback received from bank and credit union staff, existing programs, and potential staffing costs.
East Palo Alto City Council May 5, 2026 Agenda
7. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
7.1 Fresh Approach Community Garden Presentation
Recommendation: Accept the presentation.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1 Development Code Text Amendment (ZTA25-002) to amend various Chapters and Sections of Title 18 (Development Code) of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code (continued from 4/21/2026 Council meeting) Recommendation:
By motion, waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance (Attachment 1) amending the Title 18 (Development Code) of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code to:
1. Repeal, replace and amend various Chapters and Sections of the Development Code regarding site design, architectural standards, definitions, typographical errors, corner lot standards, refueling and service stations, setbacks of multi-family zones, tree removals by government/quasi-government entities, Temporary Use Permits (TUPs), alcohol sales at bonafide eating establishments, Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) for public and private schools, home occupations, and other areas as set forth therein; and
2. Find the proposed Development Code Amendments to be exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption), 15378(b)(5) (Not a Project), and 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan, or Zoning) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
9. POLICY AND ACTION
9.1 Adoption of Legislative Platform and Formalization of Legislative Advocacy and Intergovernmental Relations Program
Recommendation:
1. Adopt a resolution:
a. Approving the City of East Palo Alto Legislative
Platform, which establishes formal policy direction for the City’s legislative advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels; b. Authorizing the City Manager to take all reasonably
necessary actions to implement the Legislative Platform and take advocacy positions on legislation, regulatory matters, and funding opportunities that are consistent with the
adopted Platform;
c. Directing staff to return to the City Council for consideration of legislative matters that fall outside the scope of the adopted Platform or involve significant policy considerations; and
2. Discuss, consider and provide direction on whether to establish a City Council Legislative Committee to support ongoing coordination East Palo Alto City Council May 5, 2026 Agenda
and periodic review of legislative matters.
9.2 Discuss Ordering the Submission of a Measure on Term Limits for a Future Municipal Election
Recommendation:
Discuss and consider the following regarding term limits:
1. Determine and select the number of consecutive terms to be established in the proposed term limits measure.
2. Adopt a Resolution:
1. Ordering the submission of a measure on term limits for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election; Setting priorities for filing arguments for or against the ballot measure;
3. Appoint two members to write the argument for and rebuttal against the ballot measure.
9.3 Amendment to City Council Code of Ethics and Conduct – Section 7: City Council Agenda Setting
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution amending Section 7 of the City Council Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials (Resolution No. 67-2024) to:
1. Clarify the agenda setting process,
2. Confer upon the Mayor, as
presiding officer, ultimate decision making authority
on agenda setting, including the content, order, and timing of agenda items, subject to legal and operational constraints,
3. Establish a process for councilmembers to add items to the agenda and rules governing disputes over the same; and
4. Make any other amendments the Council directs from the dais.
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
11. ADJOURNMENT
Upcoming meetings:
Budget Meeting May 12, 2026 6:00 PM
Regular Meeting May 19, 2026 6:00 PM
Budget Meeting May 21, 2026 6:00 PM
East Palo Alto City Council May 5, 2026 Agenda
5 This AGENDA is posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a) This Notice of Availability of Public Records: All public records relating to an open session item which are not exempt from disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act, that are distributed to the majority of the City Council will be available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA at the same time that the public records are distributed or made available to the City Council. Such documents may also be available on the East Palo Alto website www.cityofepa.org subject to staff’s ability to post the documents prior to the meeting. Information may be obtained by calling (650) 853-3100.
The City Council meeting packet may be reviewed by the public in the Library or the City Clerk's Office. Any writings or documents pertaining to an open session item provided to a majority of the City Council less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, shall be made available for public inspection at the front counter at the City Clerk's Office, 2ND Floor, City Hall, 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, California 94303 during normal business hours. Information distributed to the Council at the Council meeting becomes part of the public record. A copy of written material, pictures, etc. should be provided for this purpose.
East Palo Alto City Council Chambers is ADA compliant. Requests for disability related modifications or accommodations, aids or services may be made by a person with a disability to the City Clerk's office at (650) 853-3127 no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
This Notice is posted in accordance with Government Code §54954.2(a) or §54956. Members of the public can view electronic agendas and staff reports by accessing the City website. Under penalty of perjury, this Agenda was posted to the public at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
POSTED: April 24, 2026
AMENDED: April 30, 2026
ATTEST:
James Colin
City Clerk
East Palo Alto City Council May 5, 2026 Agenda
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