CITY OF FOSTER CITY/
ESTERO MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 16, 2022
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL/EMID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Regular Meeting of May 16, 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 Jon Froomin, Sanjay Gehani, Sam Hindi, Patrick Sullivan, and Mayor/President Richa Awasthi.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Edmund Suen, Interim City/District Manager, Ben Stock, City Attorney/District Legal Counsel; Jennifer Phan, Interim Deputy City Manager; Marlene Subhashini, Community Development Director; Maria Saguisag-Sid, Human Resources Director; Tracy Avelar, Police Chief; Robert Marshall, Fire Marshal; Louis Sun, Public Works Director; Mark Lee, Police Lieutenant; Jenna Grimaldi, Police Sergeant; Rob Lasky, IT Manager; Tiffany Oren, Recreation Manager; Yelena Cappello, Deputy City Clerk; Francine Magno, Senior Civil Engineer; Roger Fisher, Police Reserve; Kevin Ortiz, Management Coordinator; Shuli Chen, Video Technician and Priscilla Schaus, Communications Director/City Clerk/District Secretary.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF MAY 15-21, 2022 AS "NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK".
Councilmember Hindi presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 15-21, 2022 as “National Public Works Week” to Maintenance Worker Victor Sandoval.
PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF MAY 15-21, 2022 AS "NATIONAL POLICE WEEK" AND MAY 15, 2022 AS "PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL DAY".
Vice Mayor Froomin presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 15-21, 2022 as “National Police Week” and May 15, 2022 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” to Sgt.
Jenna Grimaldi.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE ANNIVERSARY OF STATE FARM
INSURANCE.
Councilmember Gehani presented a proclamation recognizing the Anniversary of State Farm Insurance to Jennifer Selvitella.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 2022 AS "MENTAL HEALTH MONTH".
Mayor Awasthi presented a proclamation recognizing May 2022 as “Mental Health Month” to Mental Health Substance Abuse Recovery Commissioner Candice Hawley, and San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell spoke about the San Mateo Mayors Mental Health Initiative.
PUBLIC
The following people addressed the City Council via email:
1. Vicky Fukuhara, regarding geese depredation;
2. Katie Hansen, Senior Legislative Director of California Restaurant Association, regarding Minimum Wage; and
3. Ann Lee, regarding geese depredation.
The following people addressed the City Council in person:
1. David Saito, Secretary of the Foster City Sister City Association regarding an update on the Sister City Program activities and clarification on non-profit funding request;
2. Michael Schultz, regarding geese depredation;
3. Bethany Berkowitz, representing Mission Hospice and Home Care, regarding non- profit funding;
4. Phyllis McArthur, regarding geese depredation;
5. Pam Lampkin, representing Hillbarn Theater, regarding non-profit funding;
6. Candice Hawker, regarding mental health; and
7. Jayce Stucker, regarding geese depredation.
The following people addressed the City Council via teleconference:
1. Terri Boesch, Executive Director at Call Primrose, regarding non-profit funding;
2. Lindsay Raike, President of Warm Water Wellness, regarding the closure of the Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center pool
3. Tonia Moore, regarding geese depredation;
4. Juliana Seawell, regarding geese depredation;
5. Andrew Magee, regarding geese depredation;
6. Jorge Maya, regarding geese depredation;
7. Kristie Beaver, regarding geese depredation;
8. Alison Barnard, regarding geese depredation;
9. Rafa, regarding geese depredation;
10. Rocky Chau, regarding geese depredation; and
11. Oscar Allen, regarding geese depredation.
Vice Mayor Froomin read a statement submitted by Public Works Director Sun nominating Engineering Manager Galli for the Peninsula Recognition of Passionate Service (PROPS) award.
Engineering Manager Galli thanked the City Council and Public Works Director Sun for their support.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember/Director Sullivan, seconded by Vice Mayor/Vice President Froomin, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, approving the following items on the City/District Consent Calendar:
City/EMID Consent Calendar
1. Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 2, 2022;
2. Minutes of Special Meeting of May 9, 2022;
3. City Resolution No. 2022-48, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Awarding a Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Agreement with Spencon Construction, Inc., in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000 Per Year, for a Term of July 1, 2022 Through June 30, 2024;”
4. City Resolution No. 2022-49, “A Resolution of the City Council of Foster City Authorizing the Temporary Closure of Vehicular Traffic Flow on Shell Boulevard From E. Hillsdale Boulevard to Bounty Drive; the Closure of Vehicular Traffic Flow on Balclutha Drive West of the Turnaround Location in Front of the PJCC Campus and Shell Boulevard; the Closure of Vehicular Traffic Flow on E. Hillsdale Boulevard From Edgewater Boulevard to Foster City Boulevard; the Shell Boulevard Exit From the South Service Road of the PJCC Campus; and the Shell Boulevard Exit From Civic Center Drive for the Fourth of July Celebration on July 4, 2022;”
5. City Resolution No. 2022-50, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Approving an Agreement for a Trackless Train Concession with Kiddos ChuChu LLC from June 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024, with Two (2) Optional One (1) Year Extensions;”
6. City Resolution no. 2022-51, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Directing that the LGBTQ Progress Pride Flag be Flown from June 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022 in Recognition of Pride Month Pursuant to the City Hall Flag Display Policy;”
7. City Resolution No. 2022-52, “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;”
8. EMID Resolution No. 3646, “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;”
9. EMID Resolution No. 3647, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Authorizing the Sole Source Purchase of Sensus Large Water Meters from Thirkettle Corporation, (Dba Aqua-metric Sales Company) in an Amount Not to Exceed $150,000.00;” and
10. Minute Order No. 1855, “By Minute Order, Receive and Accept 3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Financial Update.”
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
MASTER AGREEMENT WITH BARTOS ARCHITECTURE, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ON-CALL ARCHITECTURAL/BUILDING SERVICES. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2022-53.
EMID RESOLUTION NO. 3648. TAKEN OUT OF AGENDA ORDER.
Without objection from the City Council/EMID Board of Directors, Mayor/President Awasthi removed this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember/Director Hindi.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember/Director Hindi, seconded by Councilmember/Director Sullivan, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2022-53, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Master Agreement with Bartos Architecture, Inc. for Professional On-Call Architectural/Building Services” and EMID Resolution No. 3648, “A Resolution of Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Master Agreement with Bartos Architecture, Inc. for Professional On-Call Architectural/Building Services.”
ADDING CHAPTER 5.73 (MINIMUM WAGE) TO THE FOSTER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE (FIRST READING MAY 9, 2022). CITY ORDINANCE NO. 648. TAKEN OUT OF AGENDA ORDER.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Awasthi removed this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of Vice Mayor Froomin and Councilmember Gehani.
Councilmember Gehani recused himself due a conflict of interest because he owns a business within Foster City.
Councilmember Gehani left the room at 7:58 p.m. to 8:03 p.m.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Hindi, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and carried, 3- 0-1, Vice Mayor Froomin abstained, adopting City Ordinance No. 648, “An Ordinance of the City of Foster City Adding Chapter 5.73 (Minimum Wage) to the Foster City Municipal Code (First Reading May 9, 2022).”
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO NEW FULL TERM FROM JUNE 1, 2022 THROUGH MAY 31, 2026 ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION. APPLICANTS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER ARE: SIRISH BINDAL, SAM GILL, GAURAV KESWANI, MAXWELL KWAN, PHOEBE VENKAT, AND CINDY WANG. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2022-54.
Communications Director/City Clerk Schaus presented the staff report.
The following people addressed the City Council via email:
1. Marlene Hopper;
2. Percival Tieng, 808 Prowshead Lane;
3. Alison Proctor;
4. Jamie Lee; and
5. Hans-Christian Metz.
The following applicants were interviewed by the City Council for appointment to the Planning Commission:
1. Sirish Binda;
2. Maxwell Kwan; and
3. Phoebe Venkat.
City Clerk Schaus read into the record a statement provided by applicant Gaurav Keswani.
RECESS. The meeting recessed at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened at 8:32 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Hindi, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2022-54, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Appointing One Member to the Foster City Planning Commission [Phoebe Venkat was appointed from June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2026].”
REPORTS
REPORT ON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT MASTER PLAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CIP 455-652) - CLEAN WATER PROGRAM - UPDATE FOR JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 2022. MINUTE ORDER NO. 1855.
Public Works Director Sun presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Gehani, seconded by Vice Mayor Froomin, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 1855, receiving and accepting the Report on Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan Improvements Project (CIP 455-652) - Clean Water Program - Update for January through March 2022.
LEVEE PROTECTION PLANNING & IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CIP 327-657) MONTHLY UPDATE. MINUTE OTDER NO. 1856.
Public Works Director Sun presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Sullivan, seconded by Councilmember Gehani, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 1856, receiving and accepting the Levee Protection Planning & Improvements Project (CIP 327-657) Monthly Update.
REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND COMMERCIAL LINKAGE FEES.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 1857.
Community Development Director Subhashini presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
RECESS. The meeting recessed at 9:23 p.m. and reconvened at 9:28 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Froomin, seconded by Councilmember Gehani, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 1857, directing staff to proceed with the following:
1. Lower Development Impact Fees on retail and office development and retain hotel and industrial as proposed;
2. For Commercial Linkage Fees, set office and industrial fees closer to Foster City adjusted maximum except retail and hotel. For retail and hotel, retain or lower linkage fees; and
3. Provide waivers of Development Impact Fees as follows: 0% waiver for moderate affordability, 75% waiver for very low and low affordability if 20% of units are affordable within the development, and for Accessory Dwelling Units, and 100% waiver for very low and low units if development has 25% or higher affordability.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY/DISTRICT WARRANT OF DEMANDS. NO ACTION TAKEN.
City/District Warrants of Demands were Processed and Issued on April 28, 2022 and May 5, 2022 and ACH were Processed on May 5, 2022.
COUNCIL/BOARD STATEMENTS AND REQUESTS, COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS,
AND CITY/DISTRICT MANAGER REPORTS
Interim City/District Manager Suen stated there is a joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting on May 17. He stated there is an increase in COVID-19 cases in the county and encouraged the public to continue key prevention strategies such as getting the vaccine and boosters, wear well-fitting masks indoors, testing as soon as possible if you have symptoms or have been exposed, and strongly encouraged the public to wear masks indoors at City facilities. He stated for more information regarding COVID-19 testing, to visit myturn.ca.gov or contact your primary care provider.
Councilmember/Director Sullivan congratulated Phoebe Venkat for her appointment to the Planning Commission. He stated he met with Vice Mayor Froomin and Police Chief Avelar on May 11 and attended the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District Board meeting on May 12. He also attended HIP Housing’s 50th anniversary celebration on May 12 with Councilmember Hindi and congratulated HIP Housing Chair Shelly Pavela. He thanked Police Chief Avelar for giving an inspiring talk at the leadership council on May 13.
Councilmember/Director Gehani stated he attended the San Mateo County Library Joint Power Authority (JPA) Governing Board Meeting on May 16 and reported that attendance at libraries is increasing and there are healthy reserves. He encouraged everyone to visit libraries in San Mateo County.
Councilmember/Director Hindi stated he attended the HIP Housing 50th anniversary celebration on May 12. He requested a moment of silence for the mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.
Vice Mayor/Vice President Froomin stated he met with Police Chief Avelar on May 11.
He requested from staff that the Economic Development reports related to Costco and Golf Course including constraints analysis and ownership is brought forth to the City Council in a timely fashion. He thanked staff for removing illegally posted campaign signs.
Mayor Awasthi stated she attended the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) Board meeting on May 12 and stated there was discussion on the micro mobility feasibility study and implementation plan. She requested that staff share the survey link to the public and noted that responses are due June 17. She stated she received numerous concerns about the Traffic Relief Program. She thanked the City Council for their support on the letter prepared by staff for One Shoreline.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor/President Awasthi recessed the meeting into Closed Session for:
1. Public Employee Appointment (Government Code §54957) Title: City Manager; and
2. Report Out from Closed Session.
Meeting recessed into Closed Session at 10:48 p.m. and reconvened at 11:03 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 11:03 p.m.
From: David Saito
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: Steve Okamoto; Alison Proctor; Steven & Tracy Delmonico; [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: Request to be added to the Public section of Agenda Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022 10:57:32 AM
Aloha,
I would like to request to be added to the May 16th City Council Regular Meeting Agenda in the Public Section.
Topic: Update on Sister City Program activities
and clarification on non-profit funding
request.
Regards,
David Saito
Secretary
Foster City Sister City Association
From: Tracy Delmonico
To: [email protected]; Foster City Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh Subject: Re: Request to be added to the Public section of Agenda Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022 11:17:57 AM
I will be there to support
-----Original Message-----
From: David Saito <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Cc: Steve Okamoto <[email protected]>; Alison Proctor <[email protected]>; Steven & Tracy Delmonico <[email protected]>
Sent: Thu, May 12, 2022 10:57 am
Subject: Request to be added to the Public section of Agenda Aloha,
I would like to request to be added to the May 16th City Council Regular Meeting Agenda in the Public Section.
Topic: Update on Sister City Program activities
and clarification on non-profit funding request.
Regards,
David Saito
Secretary
Foster City Sister City Association
From: Marlene Hopper
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: Support for Phoebe Venkat
Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 1:48:20 PM
It is a pleasure to support Phoebe Shin Venkat in her desire to be on the Foster City Planning Commission.
Marlene Hopper
837 Columba Lane
Foster City
650-483-4999
Sent from my iPhone
From: Percival Tieng
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: support for Phoebe Venkat"s application to the planning commission Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 4:52:16 PM
I've known Phoebe on and off for close to a decade. I can attest that her heart is in the right place and she would make a great addition to the Planning Commission.
She is definitely a
vocal member of the community and is always looking out for the betterment of Foster City as a whole.
Thanks.
Percival Tieng
808 Prowshead Lane
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]; Foster City Public Comment Cc: [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: geese management
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2022 1:44:45 PM
Dear Mayor Rawasthi and Foster City Council members,
I am a lifelong resident of Belmont and have always admired the open space that Foster City provides, especially the water areas like the lagoon.
I walk my dog along the waterways very often. I
recently read that council members are proposing to “cull” (or kill) the Canadian geese population that have migrated to and are now settled Foster City and Redwood Shores. I was appalled to hear of this idea and cannot imagine any city thinking it is ok to kill off wildlife that are naturally attracted to what the city prides itself on.
Foster City’s lagoon, bayside trail, and beautiful parks attract people AND wildlife to the community.
It’s what makes Foster City unique because not all cities have the beautiful outdoor resources that this city enjoys. Not all cities have such beautiful Canadian Geese and ducks to view and enjoy. Your city is blessed.
With this blessed environment comes a responsibility to live with the wildlife that comes to the community. Why does anyone think that you can just kill them off because their presence is an inconvenience to some.
You live in a city with resources that attract nature and now you can want to kill them off?
I actually am ashamed for whoever suggested this idea. It does not bode well on the city of Foster City to be known as a city that results to mass killing of Canadian geese or other wildlife. There are always alternative solutions other than killing. If the city proceeds with this, I will Foster City in an entirely different light and it’s not positive.
Please do the right thing. You do not have the right to “cull” wildlife because they are a “nuisance”. It is ethically WRONG to proceed with such an extreme act. Please consider alternative measures tried by other cities and/or as recommended by experts, such as National Goose Protection Coalition.
Think about this - Do you want to tell your children that you voted to kill these animals? What message is that sending to them? What is that teaching them?
Sincerely,
Vicky Fukuhara
650-520-9012
From: Alison Proctor
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: Item 7.1 (5/16 Meeting)
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2022 10:12:50 PM
Mayor Awasthi and Councilmembers Froomin, Gehani, Hind and Sullivan, I am writing in support of Phoebe Venkat being appointed to the Planning Commission. She has been a dedicated Rotarian who volunteered her time to organize the Rotary Club’s participation in the Summer Concerts and has been active in our community for several years. Phoebe is smart, dedicated, hardworking and reliable. Also, it’s important that our councils, boards, commissions and committees reflect the diversity of our community - there are currently no women on the Planning Commission - please appoint a woman (Phoebe) so that her perspective and experiences can help shape the future of Foster City.
Thank you!
~Alison Proctor
Sent from my iPhone
From: Jamie Lee
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: Supporting Phoebe Venkat for Planning Commission Date: Monday, May 16, 2022 8:04:24 AM
Hi,
I’m writing this letter to support Phoebe Venkat for Planning Commission.
She has years of experience in building communities at companies such as Facebook and Okta.
Her positive attitude and professional experience will bring experience and value that Foster City’s looking for.
Sincerely,
Jamie Lee
From: Katie Hansen
To: Richa Awasthi-Mayor; Jon Froomin-Vice Mayor; Sanjay Gehani-Councilmember; Sam Hindi-Councilmember; Patrick Sullivan-Councilmember
Cc: Foster City Public Comment; [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh Subject: CRA Opposition Letter to Proposed Min. Wage Increase Date: Monday, May 16, 2022 11:39:49 AM
Attachments: image001.png
CRA Minimum Wage Letter.pdf
Greetings,
On
behalf
of
the
California
Restaurant
Association
I
would
like
to
submit
a
comment
letter
regarding
Item
6.2.1. on
this
evening’s
City
Council
meeting
agenda.
Please
feel
free
to
let
me
know
if
you
have
any
questions.
Thank
you,
Katie
Hansen
Katie
Hansen
Senior
Legislative
Director
California
Restaurant
Association
621
Capitol
Mall,
Suite
2000
Sacramento,
CA
95814
T:
800.765.4842/
916.431.2773
F:
916.447.6182
E:
[email protected]
www.calrest.org
We’re here for you.
Visit our website for all you need to know about COVID-19.
While all information released by the California Restaurant Association (CRA) is intended to provide accurate
information
on
the
subject
covered,
the
CRA
does
not
provide
legal
advice
and
any
information
provided
by
the
CRA
shall
not
constitute
legal
advice.
You
are
encouraged
to
consult
your
attorney,
accountant,
or
other
appropriate
professional,
as
needed.
Confidentiality
note:
This
electronic
message
transmission
contains
information
from
the
California
Restaurant
Association
which
may
be
confidential
or
privileged.
The
information
is
intended
to
be
for
the
use
of
the
individual
or
entity
named
above.
If
you
are
not
the
intended
recipient,
be
aware
that
any
disclosure,
copying,
distribution
or
use
of
the
contents
of
this
information
is
prohibited.
May 16, 2022
Mayor Awasthi and City
Councilmembers
Foster City Council
610 Foster City Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404
RE: Item 6.2.1 Minimum Wage Ordinance
Dear Mayor Awasthi and City Councilmembers,
On behalf of the California Restaurant Association, I am writing to express our strong opposition to any ordinance that looks to increase the minimum wage to $15.75 per hour starting July 1, 2022 and followed by $16.50 per hour by January 1, 2023 for all businesses.
The proposed mandatory increase over a 6-month period will negatively impact restaurants, right at the point that many hope to begin the multi-year road to recovery.
Without question, the restaurant sector has been the hardest hit by the pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 government shutdowns, indoor dining operations were shut down for the majority of last year, forcing restaurants to pivot and adapt with every new Health Officer Order issued by the state or county Department of Public Health. Those orders by definition severely limited our ability to even operate and forced job loss and massive debt for so many. The unfortunate result of the COVID-19 closures has been that neighborhood restaurants continue to face unprecedented challenges and are trying to emerge as viable employers and serve our communities.
Before being ordered shut beginning in March of 2020, restaurants were the largest employer in the state of California with over 1.4 million employees, at the height of the pandemic approximately 900,000 of those workers were furloughed or unemployed.
It would be an understatement to say restaurants are still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to instill confidence in onsite dining for customers and employees, employers have invested on upgrades to their HVAC systems, created outdoor dining spaces, installed plexiglass dividers, hand sanitizer stations, increased cleaning and sanitization protocols, and have purchased personal protective equipment for their team members and expanded employee benefits. All of these additional costs add up.
Just last week, Governor Newsom announced that inflationary triggers in SB 3 have been met and California’s minimum wage would be increased to $15.50 for all
employers on January 1, 2023. This is a dramatic increase for small restaurants with less than 26 employees who are currently paying $14 per hour. The proposed ordinance before you would hit those small restaurants the hardest by forcing them to increase their minimum wage rates by $1.75 an hour by July 1, 2022, well in advance of the upcoming increase at the state level. Foster City’s proposed minimum wage increase leaves these businesses little time to plan for this drastic increase of wages and will surely strike an economic blow to small businesses.
Acknowledging Gratuities
A minimum wage is a starting wage- not a forever wage. Minimum wage increases often have a perverse effect on the restaurant community. Mandatory minimum wage increases typically benefit those who are among the best paid individuals; those minimum wage earners that are often tipped well above and beyond minimum wage.
A minimum wage increase would ultimately hurt those it intends to help: hardworking non-tipped employees who are paid an hourly wage greater than the minimum wage, but are still at the lower end of the pay scale. Tipped employees earn substantially more than the state minimum wage. The added cost pressure from the mandatory wage increase for employees that are already earning the most (tipped earners), takes the finite labor dollars an operator may have and reduces, if not eliminates, their ability to provide non-tipped employees with a wage increase.
Raising the minimum wage forces restaurants and other small businesses to make unfortunate operational decisions to meet their increased labor costs. Restaurants have no choice but to adjust their business plans and budgets, which may mean foregoing expansion and/or reducing hours and opportunities for employees.
Even in the best economy, the restaurant business is characterized by extremely small economic margins. Given the current state of the restaurant community and our desire to be a part of the city’s economic recovery- the timing proposed and the alarming speed of an increase of the minimum wage is incredibly misguided.
Restaurants are the fabric of the community- serving guests safely, providing jobs, and generating sales tax to the city. Let’s work together to boost each of those, instead of piling on when the restaurant community has never faced such challenges as they do now.
It is important to note, that the last time you discussed this in a Council setting, the Governor had not announced that the smallest of small restaurants will have to find a way to raise their minimum wages by $1.50 by the end of the year. That is an alarming rate of change in a very short time period.
For these reasons the CRA is OPPOSED to the proposal before you and we remain committed to discussing ideas that are helpful to the restaurant community. Thank you for your consideration of our views at this incredibly challenging time.
Sincerely,
Katie Hansen
Senior Legislative Director
California Restaurant Association
If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone at 800.765.4842.
From: Ann Lee
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: Priscilla Schaus; City Council; [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: Fwd: Petition · Stop Canadian Geese Culling · Change.org Date: Monday, May 16, 2022 11:51:34 AM
To the Foster City Council, this is the second time I am sending you the petition opposing the geese killing.
I did not see the previous email included in the minutes as promised on your website.
We have 1000 signatures that cannot be ignored.
Please include this petition link
and this entire email in the meeting minutes for the May 16, 2022 meeting.
https://chng.it/JzXrQQ8kVC
Thank you, Ann Lee
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ann Lee <[email protected]>
Date: May 2, 2022 at 6:39:10 PM EDT
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Petition · Stop Canadian Geese Culling · Change.org I have collected over 200 signatures from local residents who oppose the Foster City’s Council’s intention to cull Canadian geese.
You can find their signatures
in the link below.
https://www.change.org/p/foster-city-council-stop-canadian-geese-culling Additionally, there is a very active discussion on the Nextdoor app from dozens of residents who strongly oppose this barbaric attempt to kill hundreds of innocent migratory birds.
You can find their comments if you search for this petition in the app.
I hope that the Council members will drop these measures in light of the overwhelming opposition.
If they do not, the residents will escalate their fight.
Sent from my iPhone
From: Walking
To: Foster City Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]; Yelena Cappello; Priscilla Schaus; Laurie Rith; Rob Lasky; Aaron Siu; Austin Walsh
Subject: Testimony for Phoebe Venkat
Date: Monday, May 16, 2022 3:27:11 PM
To whom it may concern,
I hereby wanted to support Phoebe Venkat’s application to serve on Foster City’s planning commission.
I have known Phoebe for more than half a decade, through the friendship of her son, Shai, with my younger son, Kontakt. I have come to know her as an outspoken, reliable, progressive, conscientious person, and I am certain she will be a great addition to the commission.
All the best
Hans-Christian Metz
492 Chesapeake Ave
Foster City
5/16/2022
1 Quarterly Update on WWTP Projects to
Foster City Council
May 16,2022
1 Construction Schedule Progress Through March 2022
2 1
2 May 16, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting Item 8.1 5/16/2022
2 WWTP Expansion Project
Influent Headworks and Odor Control
3 View of Areas 51 and 64 - Ongoing Work
Construction Work Completed in March 2022
MEMBRANE FILTRATION
4 March 1, 2022 March 31, 2022
View of Areas 56 - Ongoing Work
3 4
5/16/2022
3 Construction Work Completed in March 2022
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
5 March 1, 2022 March 31, 2022
View of Area 80 – Ongoing Work
Construction Work Completed in March 2022
Primary Treatment, BioActiflow,
Biological Nutrient Removal, and Membrane Filtration
6 March 1, 2022 March 31, 2022
View of Areas 52, 53, 55, and 56 - Ongoing Work
5 6
5/16/2022
4 Construction Work Completed in March 2022
Influent Headworks and Odor Control
7 March 1, 2022 March 31, 2022
View of Areas 51 and 64 Ongoing Work
Foster City Cost Share Analysis
8 7
8 5/16/2022
5 9
Annual Major Component (AMC) Improvements
Additional projects potentially being added to AMCs
FY22/23 – FY25/26
- Projects involve replacement or improvements of pieces of equipment that are reaching the end of their useful life.
- Preliminary costs are higher than the AMC budget, but are believed to be covered by the contingency that is built into the current rates. -Staff is getting more cost information on these projects.
Q & A
10 9
10 5/16/2022
1 Monthly Update:
April 2022
Phase 1
Authorization
Limits
1 2
May 16, 2022 City Council Meeting Item 8.2
5/16/2022
2 Baffin Bridge
Reopening
3 Construction
Highlights
Phase 3
4 3
4 5/16/2022
3 Construction Highlights
5 Retaining Wall 2
Construction Highlights
San Mateo Bridge/Werder Pier
6 5
6 5/16/2022
4 Construction Highlights
Beach Park Blvd
7 Safety Protocols
• Motorists are urged to exercise additional caution when driving along Beach Park Boulevard. Enforceable 25 MPH speed‐limit signs are up on Beach Park Boulevard. • The closed, fenced trail and staging areas are not safe for the public. Trespassing into fenced areas is prohibited at all times.
• Do not jog or walk in the bike lane or the road. Please use the sidewalk provided. • Beach Park Boulevard Safety Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pPlW3TFSGI 8 6
7 8
5/16/2022
5 Q & A
9 Staying
Engaged
• Visit our website!
www.fostercitylevee.org
• Email us:
[email protected]
• Call our Construction Hotline:
(800) 213‐6320
• Follow @CityofFosterCity
• Future Community Update
Meetings –t o be scheduled
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