CITY OF FOSTER CITY/
ESTERO MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 21, 2022
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL/EMID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Regular Meeting of March 21, 2022 of the City Council of the City of Foster City, sitting as said Council and as ex officio the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID), was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor/President Richa Awasthi.
Pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, as amended through Order N-08-21, the meeting was held as a hybrid meeting.
ROLL CALL
The Communications Director/City Clerk/District Secretary called the roll:
PRESENT: Councilmembers/ex officio Directors Sanjay Gehani, Sam Hindi, Patrick Sullivan, and Mayor/President Richa Awasthi.
ABSENT: Vice Mayor/Vice President Jon Froomin absent.
STAFF PRESENT: Kevin Miller, Interim City/District Manager, Benjamin Stock, City Attorney/District Legal Counsel; Jennifer Phan, Interim Deputy City Manager; Edmund Suen, Finance Director; Marlene Subhashini, Community Development Director; Maria Saguisag-Sid, Human Resources Director; Tracy Avelar, Police Chief; Robert Marshall, Fire Marshal; Rob Lasky, IT Manager; Tiffany Oren, Recreation Manager; Yelena Cappello, Deputy City Clerk; Vanessa Brannan,
Management Analyst; Francine Magno, Senior Engineer; Monica Ly, Associate Planner; Oz Jimenez, Recreation Coordinator; Sandra Firpo, CERT Coordinator; Shuli Chen, Video Technician and Priscilla Schaus, Communications Director/City Clerk/District Secretary.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION TO YOUTH PARTICIPANTS OF THE FOSTER CITY 50TH ANNIVERSARY WRITING CONTEST -- AMEER H.D, ANEESH R., BADRI N., NAVYA K., NEEL V., AND NILA K.
Eileen Shaine, Chair of the Essay Writing Committee, congratulated the participants for submitting their essays and encouraged them to keep writing.
Mayor Awasthi presented the Certificates of Recognition to Youth Participants of the Foster City 50th Anniversary Writing Contest -- Ameer H.D., Aneesh R., Badri N., Navya S., Neel V., and Nila K.
Ameer H.D., 8th grade student at Bowditch Middle School, thanked the City Council, and thanked his sister for the inspiration to write his essay.
PRESENTATION BY CALIFORNIA PARKS AND RECREATION SOCIETY OF HALL OF FAME AWARD TO INTERIM CITY MANAGER KEVIN M. MILLER.
San Mateo Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Canzian, representing California Parks and Recreation Society, presented the Hall of Fame Award to Interim City Manager Kevin M. Miller.
PRESENTATION BY SAN MATEO CONSOLIDATED FIRE DEPARTMENT (SMC FIRE) ON COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT).
Fire Marshal Robert Marshall gave a presentation on Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember/Director Sullivan, seconded by Councilmember/Director Gehani, and carried unanimously, 4-0-0, Vice Mayor/Vice President Froomin absent, approving the following items on the City/District Consent Calendar:
City/EMID Consent Calendar
1. Minutes of Special Meeting of February 28, 2022;
2. Minutes of Special Meeting of March 1, 2022;
3. Minutes of City and Planning Commission Special Joint Meeting of March 2, 2022;
4. Minutes of Special Meeting of March 3, 2022;
5. Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 7, 2022;
6. City Ordinance No. 644, “An Ordinance of the City of Foster City Adding a New Chapter 17.90, Below Market Rate Inclusionary Housing Program, to Title 17, Zoning, of the Foster City Municipal Code Relating to Inclusionary Housing (First Reading March 7, 2022);”
7. City Ordinance No. 645, “An Ordinance of the City of Foster City Adding a New Chapter 17.92, Affordable Housing Overlay Combining District, to Title 17, Zoning, of the Foster City Municipal Code (First Reading March 7, 2022)”;
8. City Resolution No. 2022-23, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Issuance of a Request for Proposal for Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Project (2022-2024);”
9. City Resolution No. 2022-24, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into Agreements With and Collect Funds Toward the Cost of Conversion of Sea Cloud Sports Fields S1, S2 and B1 to Synthetic Turf From Foster City Youth Softball Association (FCYSA) Totaling $5,000 Over Four (4) Years and Foster City Tournament Baseball (FCTB) Totaling $20,000 Over Six (6) Years;”
10. City Resolution No. 2022-25, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing Issuance of a Request for Proposals for Trackless Train Concession at Leo Ryan Park from June 1, 2022, Through December 31, 2024, With Optional Extensions Through December 31, 2026;”
11. City Resolution No. 2022-26, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing a Transfer of $36 Million from the Capital Asset Acquisition and Replacement Fund (CAAR Fund 326) and $19 Million from the General Fund 001 Reserves to City CIP Fund 301 for the Recreation Center Replacement Project (CIP 301-678) and an Appropriation Additional Budget of $55 Million to the CIP 301-678, Account No. 301-0910-678-4251;”
12. City Resolution No. 2022-27, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Release of a Request for Proposals for Americans with Disabilities Act Administrative Policy, Self-Evaluation, Transition Plan and Technical Standard Development and Review Services;”
13. EMID Resolution No. 3636, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Authorizing the Release of a Request for Proposals for Americans with Disabilities Act Administrative Policy, Self-Evaluation, Transition Plan and Technical Standard Development and Review Services;”
14. City Resolution No. 2022-28, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Extending the Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Caused by the Threat of the Novel Covid-19 Virus, and Proclaiming the Continuing Need for the City Council, Planning Commission and Committees to Meet by Teleconference and Allowing for Increased Meeting Accessibility via in Person and Teleconference Meeting Participation;”
15. EMID Resolution No. 3637, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Proclaiming the Continuing Need for the Estero Municipal Improvement District Board of Directors, Planning Commission, and Committees to Meet by Teleconference and Allowing for Increased Meeting Accessibility via in Person and Teleconference Meeting Participation;” and
16. Proclamation Request "Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of College of San Mateo (CSM)" (Mayoral Proclamation).
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
AMENDING THE FOSTER CITY ZONING MAP TO ZONE CERTAIN PROPERTIES WITHIN THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY COMBINING DISTRICT. CITY ORDINANCE. NO. 646.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Awasthi removed this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Gehani.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Hindi, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and carried, 3- 1-0, Councilmember Gehani voted “no” and Vice Mayor Froomin absent, adopting City Ordinance No. 646, “An Ordinance of the City of Foster City Amending the Foster City Zoning Map to Zone Certain Properties Within the Affordable Housing Overlay Combining District (First Reading March 7, 2022);”
AGREEMENT WITH PEN MEDIA FOR VIDEO TECHNICIAN SERVICES FROM MAY 1, 2022 TO APRIL 30, 2023 FOR THE INITIAL YEAR, WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND
THE AGREEMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO YEARS IN AMOUNTS NOT TO EXCEED $35,000 IN ANY OF THE THREE YEARS. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2022-29.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Awasthi removed this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Sullivan.
Councilmember Sullivan recused himself due a conflict of interest due to a Pen Media staff member being a member of the Board on his podcast.
Councilmember Sullivan left the room at 6:53 p.m. and returned at 6:54 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Hindi, seconded by Councilmember Gehani, and carried unanimously, 3-0-0, Vice Mayor Froomin absent, adopting City Resolution No. 2022-29, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Approving an Agreement with Pen Media for Video Technician Services from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023 for the Initial Year, with the Option to Extend the Agreement for an Additional Two Years in Amounts Not to Exceed $35,000 in Any of the Three Years.”
NEW BUSINESS
REPORT ON NON-PROFIT FUNDING PROCESS FOR FY 2022-2023. MINUTE ORDER NO. 1845.
Management Analyst Brannan presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Gehani, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and carried unanimously, 4-0-0, Vice Mayor Froomin absent, adopting Minute Order No. 1845, directing staff to proceed with the following:
1. Include as a budget placeholder for $75,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget for the non-profit grant program;
2. Adjust the funding level percentages in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 as follows for each of the categories: 60% for Basic Services, 25% for Community Enrichment, and 15% for Community Health; and
3. Evaluate the possibility of conducting a Community Needs Assessment and return to City Council for further direction on whether to proceed in order to identify local needs and better refine the non-profit need categories for future funding cycles (i.e., Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and on).
WAIVED FEES OR NO-COST OPPORTUNITIES FOR CULTURAL
DISPLAYS/HOLIDAY EVENTS AT CITY VENUES. MINUTE ORDER NO. 1846.
Interim City Manager Miller and Recreation Manager Oren presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Hindi, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and carried, 3- 1-0, Councilmember Gehani voted “no” and Vice Mayor Froomin absent, adopting Minute Order No. 1846, directing staff to proceed with the following:
1. Year-round educational cultural display option at the William E. Walker Recreation Center Art Gallery (no-cost); and
2. Multi-cultural holiday celebration as a component of the City's Annual Tree Lighting Event (no-cost).
REPORTS
LEVEE PROTECTION PLANNING & IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CIP 327-657) MONTHLY UPDATE - MARCH 2022. MINUTE ORDER NO.1847.
Public Works Director Sun presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Gehani, seconded by Councilmember Hindi, and carried unanimously, 4-0-0, Vice Mayor Froomin absent, adopting Minute Order No. 1846, receiving and accepting the Levee Protection Planning & Improvements Project (CIP 327- 657) Monthly Update - March 2022.
GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021. MINUTE ORDER NO. 1848.
Associate Planner Ly presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Gehani, seconded by Councilmember Hindi, and carried unanimously, 4-0-0, Vice Mayor Froomin absent, adopting Minute Order No. 1848, receiving and accepting the General Plan Annual report for 2021.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY/DISTRICT WARRANT OF DEMANDS. NO ACTION TAKEN.
City/District Warrants of Demands were Processed and Issued on February 28, 2022, March 5, 2022, and ACH were Processed on March 5, 2022.
COUNCIL/BOARD STATEMENTS AND REQUESTS, COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS,
AND CITY/DISTRICT MANAGER REPORTS
Interim City/District Manager Miller invited the City Council and the public to attend the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department’s Badge Pinning Ceremony on March 23. He stated there is a City Council Special meeting on March 28.
Councilmember/Director Sullivan congratulated Interim City Manager Miller for the award he received. He stated he attended the Leadership Council on March 18 and highlighted the Mobile Clinics servicing San Mateo County.
Councilmember/Director Hindi congratulated Interim City Manager Miller on his recognition. He stated on March 16, he attended the Economic Development/Sustainability Subcommittee with the Mayor. He also stated he attended the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) Board Meeting on March 17 and provided an update on water levels and current drought conditions. Mayor Awasthi mentioned the city is participating in the 2022 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation and stated more details to follow in a future council meeting.
Councilmember/Director Gehani thanked staff for the great work on staff reports. He also recognized and congratulated Interim City Manager Miller for the award he received.
Mayor/President Awasthi also congratulated Interim City Manager Miller for his recognition. She stated she attended the Economic Development/Sustainability Subcommittee on March 16 where staff presented their plan for revitalizing businesses in Foster City. She stated she would be supportive of exploring reach codes sooner than waiting to discuss next year. She stated she attended the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) Board Meeting on March 10, the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Board retreat on March 14, and the Holi Celebration on March 20.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/President Awasthi recessed the meeting into Closed Session for:
1. Public Employee Appointment (Government Code §54957) Title: City Manager;
2. Conference with Labor Negotiator (Government Code §54957.6) Agency Designated Representative: Mayor
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager; and
3. Report Out from Closed Session.
Meeting recessed into Closed Session at 8:22 p.m. and reconvened at 9:18 p.m.
City Attorney Stock reported that no action was taken in Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no objection from the City Council/EMID Board, Mayor/President Awasthi adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
Community Emergency
Response Team – CERT
Proudly serving the communities of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo since 2004
Item 4.3 March 21, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting
Doing the Greatest Good for the Greatest NumberCERT Motto:
SMCFD CERT by the Numbers
All CERTs complete 24-hours of core training before graduating.Over 3000 Residents trained through our CERT Program.800 Active CERT volunteers throughout our three cities.Approximate breakdown by City: •Belmont 50 •Foster City 230 •San Mateo 520 SMCFD CERT in Action
Golden Eagle ExerciseCERT members teamed up with City Staff from all three cities, to practice our response to a simulated major earthquake.
CERT in the Community
Sound-the-AlarmPublic EducationDisaster Prep Day
Public Education & Safety
RM0
Slide 6
RM0 You have COVID testing multiple times. We should limit it Robert Marshall, 2022-03-17T16:02:30.094
CERT in the Community
Chili Cook-OffCOVID Testing SiteSanta at the Firehouse
Public Education, Safety, (& Fun)
CERT in the Community
Sheltering ExerciseSMCFD Open HouseFC Shredding Event
Public Education, Safety, (& Fun)
CERTs Respond when ActivatedMissing Person SearchNeighborhood Info distribution in advance of a pop-up Testing Site
CERTs Respond when Activated200 Hot Lunches per Week delivered to Seniors during Shelter-in-Place Thank You note left for CERT Lunch Delivery Crew
CERT Members –maintaining CERT Trailers in state-of-readiness
CERT Continuing EducationSMCFD CERTs are offered free Continuing Education – usually once a monthTraining Opportunities have included . . . Traffic ManagementPets in DisasterFlood Mitigation and Sandbag PrepDisaster Psychology Shelter Management What is a Deployment really like? Emergency Communications Stop-the-Bleed
CERT Social Life
CERTs are your NeighborsResidents who give generously of their time to train and be ready to help our community in a disaster.
From: Doris Duncan
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: Public - regarding new recreation center
Date: Monday, March 21, 2022 3:59:37 PM
Respected City Council Members, City staff, and interested parties:
Now that staff has direction to proceed with developing an affordable new recreation center that costs $55 million or less to build and serves the community for the long term, I hope the results of the November December 2021community survey will be given careful consideration. In this survey, the community expressed a stronger interest than in the past for outdoor activities, interactive water sports, and continuing education programs especially for senior residents age 55 and over.
As for establishing businesses within the new recreation center, a restaurant or cafe having been frequently mentioned, I will point out that historically restaurants and many small businesses have struggled for survival in Foster City. There are restaurants already close to Leo Ryan Park, for example, in the new Foster Square between Shell and Foster City Blvd. and in the Market Place on East Hillsdale. Will another one or more food and beverage establishments thrive year-round in Leo Ryan Park? Perhaps food trucks, food stands, or a flexible cafe space are more realistic.
In my opinion a pragmatic approach would to be to rebuild the recreation center in its current location, and if a larger structure is desired, use the space approaching the amphitheater and northwest parking lot currently earmarked for the senior wing of the existing rec center. By building a one-story structure the City can avoid the cost and space of one or more elevators and stairways.
The larger the structure, the more traffic and parking congestion it will potentially create. A larger structure will likely take away parking spaces yet increase the demand for parking.
A new recreation center will redefine the purpose of Leo Ryan Park, the biggest jewel in the crown of our wonderful Foster City. We need continuous input from residents on this crucial issue.
Thank you.
Doris Duncan
Foster Square Lane
Foster City, CA resident since the 1970s