CITY OF FOSTER CITY/
ESTERO MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 2, 2025
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL/EMID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Regular Meeting of June 2, 2025 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 Stacy Jimenez.
This meeting was held as a hybrid meeting.
ROLL CALL
The Communications Director/City Clerk/District Secretary called the roll:
PRESENT:
Councilmembers/ex officio EMID Directors Art Kiesel, Suzy Niederhofer, Patrick Sullivan, Phoebe Venkat, and Mayor/President Stacy Jimenez.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT:
Stefan Chatwin, City/District Manager; Benjamin Stock , City Attorney/District Legal Counsel ; Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City/District Manager; Andrew Brozyna, Public Works Director; Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director; Diane Pitman, Administrative Services Director; Cory Call, Police Chief; Nate Cruz, Finance Director; Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director; Rob Lasky, IT Manager ; Nori Jabba, Housing Coordinator; Yelena Capello, Management Analyst; Ryan Marquez, Senior Civil Engineer; Dawud Brewer, Human Resources Manager; Daniella Falkowski, Social Media and Communications Assistant; Shuli Chen, Video Technician; and Priscilla Schaus, Communications
Director/City Clerk/District Secretary.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND OBSERVING JUNETEENTH.
Mayor Jimenez presented the proclamation recognizing and observing Juneteenth to Alexis Lewis, representing Island United Church, and Bill Stewart, representing the Foster City Association of Black Residents.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2025 AS LGBTQIA+ PRIDE MONTH.
Councilmember Venkat presented the proclamation recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month to San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commissioner Marilyn Hollinger.
PUBLIC
The following people addressed the City Council via email:
1. Barbara Kilpatrick, regarding Caltrain;
2. Giuliano, regarding US 101/SR 92 Interchange Direct Connector Project; and
3. Yiming Luo & Frederic de Sauvage, regarding the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
The following people addressed the City Council in person:
1. Laura Fanucchi, HIP Housing Director of Programs, regarding HIP Housing’s work with the City; and
2. Marjory Ruiz Hidalgo, representing PG&E, introduced herself as the City’s new representative for local government affairs.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Vice Mayor/Vice President Kiesel , seconded by Councilmember/Director Venkat, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, approving the following items on the City/District Consent Calendar:
City/EMID Consent Calendar
1. City/EMID Regular Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2025;
2. City Resolution No. 2025-35, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City, California, Establishing the Property Tax Rate for General Obligation Bonds for Fiscal Year 2025-2026;”
3. City Resolution No. 2025-36, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City 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 Tur naround Located in Front of the PJCC Campus and Shell 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, 2025;”
4. City Resolution No. 2025-37, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Tolemi for Registry of the Below Market Rate Rental Units in an Amount Not to Exceed $37,000, Authorize the City Manager to Execut e Two One-Year Extensions in an Amount Not to Exceed $15,000 per year; and Finding Approval of the Agreement Exempt from the CEQA Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3);”
5. City Resolution No. 2025-38, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Approving Merger of CIPS 301- 718 & 301-717, Renaming the Project to the Lagoon Pump Station Seismic Rehabilitation and Capacity Enhancement Project (CIP 301-717), Task Order with Schaaf and & Wheeler Consulting Engineers, Inc.
In the Amount of $992,045 for Engineering Design Services Related to the Lagoon Pump Station Seismic Rehabilitation and Capacity Enhancement Project (CIP 301- 717), Amendment No. 1 with Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Engineers, Inc. to the Master Services Agreement, and Finding the Actio n Exempt from Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 15061(b)(3);”
6. EMID Resolution No. 3803, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Approving a One- Year Extension of the Water/Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (W/WRAP) Through June 30, 2026, and Unless Further Extended by the District Board, Will Autom atically Sunset at the Conclusion of This Period; and Finding the Approval of the Extension is Exempt From Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 15061(b)(3)”; and
7. Minute Order No. 2028, “Receive and Accept the 3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 Financial Update.”
ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC (PG&E) IN THE AMOUNT OF $88,633.15 FOR THE PROVISION OF PERMANENT POWER FOR THE RECREATION CENTER REBUILD PROJECT (CIP 301 -678) (CEQA STATUS: ADOPTED INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (SCH # 20231009) . CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-39.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Jimenez removed this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Sullivan.
Parks and Recreation Director Schweigart presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Niederhofer, seconded by Vice Mayor Kiesel, and carried, 4- 1-0, Councilmember Sullivan voted “no,” adopting City Resolution No. 2025- 39, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) in the Amount of $88,633.15 for the Provision of Permanent Power for the Recreation Center Rebuild Project (CIP 301- 678) (CEQA Status: Adopted Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH # 20231009).”
PUBLIC HEARINGS
REVIEW AND ESTABLISH WATER RATES EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 WITH ANNUAL INCREASES THROUGH JULY 1, 2029. EMID RESOLUTION NO. 3804.
Management Analyst Capello presented the staff report.
President Jimenez opened a public hearing to hear and consider comments regarding reviewing and establishing water rates effective July 1, 2025 with annual increases through July 1, 2029.
Connie Vial addressed the City Council via email.
Without objection from the Board of Directors, President Jimenez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Director Sullivan, seconded by Director Venkat and carried unanimously, 5-0- 0, adopting EMID Resolution No. 3804, “ A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Establishing Updated Water Rates Effective July
1, 2025, with Annual Adjustments Each July 1 Through July 1, 2029.”
REVIEW AND ESTABLISH WASTEWATER RATES EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 WITH ANNUAL INCREASES THROUGH JULY 1, 2029. EMID RESOLUTION NO. 3805.
Management Analyst Capello presented the staff report.
President Jimenez opened a public hearing to hear and consider comments regarding reviewing and establishing wastewater rates effective July 1, 2025 with annual increases through July 1, 2029.
Connie Vial addressed the Board of Directors via email.
Without objection from the Board of Directors, President Jimenez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Director Venkat, seconded by Vice President Kiesel, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, “ A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Establishing Updated Wastewater Rates Effective July 1, 2025, with Annual Adjustments Each July 1 Through July 1, 2029.”
FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 PRELIMINARY BUDGET. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2029.
Finance Director Cruz presented the staff report.
Mayor/President Jimenez opened a public hearing to hear and receive comments regarding the fiscal year 2025-2026 preliminary budget.
No public testimony was received.
Without objection from the City Council/Board of Directors, Mayor/President Jimenez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember/Director Niederhofer , seconded by Councilmember/Director Sullivan, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2029, directing staff to proceed with incorporating the terms from the preliminary budget into the final budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to be considered for adoption by the City Council/Board of Directors on June 16, 2025.
FOSTER CITY WORKFORCE VACANCIES, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION TRENDS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 256. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2030.
Administrative Services Director Pitman presented the staff report.
Mayor Jimenez opened a public hearing to hear and consider comments regarding the report on the Foster City workforce vacancies, recruitment, and retention trends in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561.
No public testimony was received.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Jimenez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Niederhofer , seconded by Councilmember Sullivan , and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2030, receiving and accepting the report on Foster City Workforce Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Trends in compliance with AB 2561.
REPORTS
CITIZENS SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CSAC) 2024 YEAR END REPORT AND REVIEW OF MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS FOR 2025 . MINUTE ORDER NO. 2031.
Community Development Director Mangalam introduced CSAC members Shilpi Goel, Ron Haupt, and Marah Curry, who presented the report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Venkat, seconded by Councilmember Niederhofer, and carried unanimously, 5- 0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2031, receiving and accepting t he Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee 2024 Year End Report and Review of Mission Statement and Goals for 2025.
UTILITY BOX ART PROGRAM UPDATE. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2032.
Parks and Recreation Director Schweigart presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kiesel, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan , and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2032, receiving and accepting the update on the Utility Box Art Pilot Program.
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENTS. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2033.
Community Development Director Mangalam introduced Della Acosta, representing Rincon Consultants, who presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Niederhofer, seconded by Vice President Kiesel , and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2033, receiving and accepting the update on the Parks and Open Space and Conservation Element project status, the update on the community feedback received so far, and the Assessments that have been completed for updating the Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Elements of the General Plan.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY/DISTRICT WARRANT OF DEMANDS. NO ACTION TAKEN.
City/District Warrants of Demands were Processed and Issued on May 5, 2025, May 14, 2025, and ACH were processed on May 5, 2025.
CITY/DISTRICT MANAGER REPORTS, COUNCIL/BOARD STATEMENTS AND
REQUESTS, AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
Councilmember/Director Venkat stated she attended the Foster City Village Spring Luncheon on May 20. On May 28, she attended the San Mateo-Foster City School District Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee meeting, where they toured a potential workforce housing site. On May 30, she attended the Housing Leadership Council Policy Breakfast. On May 31, she attended the Foster City Little League’s End of Season Celebration at the Leo J. Ryan Park Amphitheater. She shared that the San Mateo County Pride Celebration will be on June 14 at 10:00 a.m.
Councilmember/Director Niederhofer stated she attended the 2025 Local Energy Codes event hosted by Silicon Valley Clean Energy and Peninsula Clean Energy on May 29.
She requested to agendize sending a letter from the City Council to the City and County of San Francisco expressing concern regarding their draft EIR of the SFO Recommended Airport Development Plan, and she received support from Mayor/President Jimenez and Vice Mayor/Vice President Kiesel.
Councilmember/Director Sullivan stated he attended the San Mateo County Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services Group Joint Powers Authority Board meeting on May 21.
On May 22, he attended the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Airport Land Use Committee meeting . On May 29, he attended the Traffic Review Committee meeting. On June 2, he attended the City’s LGBTQIA+ Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony.
Vice Mayor/Vice President Kiesel stated he attended separate meetings on May 27 with individual members of the San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Governing Board regarding their Fiscal Year 2025-26 recommended budget.
Mayor/President Jimenez stated she attended the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Board meeting on May 21, where they honored Deputy Fire Chief Robert Marshall on his retirement , and approved t heir FY 2025- 26 Operating Budget. On May 22, she read to several classes at Audubon Elementary School. She congratulated the graduating high school students in Foster City and reminded the public to be careful when driving, especially because children are now out of school.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no objection from the City Council/EMID Board, Mayor/President Jimenez adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.