CITY OF FOSTER CITY/
ESTERO MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 3, 2025
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL/EMID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Regular Meeting of November 3, 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 ; Diane Pitman, Administrative Services Director; Andrew Brozyna, Public Works Director; Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director ; Cory Call, Police Chief; Eric Cromosini, Police Officer; Rob Lasky, IT Manager ; Frank Fanara, Parks Manager; Laura Galli, Engineering Manager; Analyst; Nori Jabba, Housing and Sustainability Manager; Vanessa Brannon, Senior Management Analyst; Austin Walsh, Communications Manager; Shuli Chen, Video Technician ; Ryan Michelsen, Video Technician; and Priscilla Schaus, Comm unications Director/City Clerk/District Secretary.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO THE 2025 CIVICS ACADEMY CLASS.
Mayor Jimenez presents the Certificates to the 2025 Civics Academy Class and staff presented the class gift.
PUBLIC
Shawn Mooney addressed the City Council via email regarding the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan.
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 October 20, 2025;
2. City Resolution No. 2025-86, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the City Manager to Settle Workers Compensation Claims Under $50,000 Not Including Statutory Required Payments;”
3. City Resolution No. 2025-87, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Daryl D. Jones, Inc., Dba Telecommunications Engineering Associates to Purchase Hardware and Installation Services to Move Dispatching Equipment to the Police Conference Room While the Dispatch Center is Remodeled in an Amount Not to Exceed $21,568.75, and Approving a 10% Contingency ($2,158.00) Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Amendments to the Agreement Up to the Contingency Amount;”
4. City Resolution No. 2025-88, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Xybix Systems Inc. To Purchase Furniture and Installation Labor for the Dispatch Center Remodel in an Amount Not to Exceed $105,083.68, a nd Approving a 10% Contingency ($10,588.00) Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Amendments to the Agreement Up to the Contingency Amount;” and
5. City Resolution No. 2025-89, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Daryl D. Jones, Inc., Dba Telecommunications Engineering Associates to Purchase Hardware and Installation Services for a Police Radio System Upgr ade in an Amount Not to Exceed $396,002.00, and Approving a 10% Contingency ($39,600.00) Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Amendments to the Agreement Up to the Contingency Amount.”
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH 4LEAF, INC. (4LEAF) FOR PROFESSIONAL ON -CALL BUILDING SERVICES, TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT TO JUNE 30, 2027 AND INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION BY $550,000 FOR A TOTAL AGREEMENT AMOUNT NO T TO EXCEED $875,000; APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $300,000 FOR BUILDING DIVISION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (ACCOUNT NO. 001 -0820- 424-4251) FROM THE GENERAL FUND RESERVES, AND FINDING THE REQUEST
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES 15061(B)(3). CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-90.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Jimenez pulled this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Sullivan.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Sullivan, seconded by Councilmember Venkat, and carried unanimously, 5- 0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2025- 90, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Contract Amendment No. 3 to the Existing Agreement With 4LEAF, Inc. (4LEAF) for Professional On- Call Building Services, to Extend the Term of the Agreement to June 30, 2027 and Increase the Amount of Compensation by $500,000 for a Total Agreement Amount Not to Exceed $825,000; Ap proving a Supplemental Appropriation of $250,000 for Building Division Professional Services (Account No. 001- 0820-424-4251) From the General Fund Reserves, and Finding the Request Exempt From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(B)(3).”
PUBLIC HEARINGS
REPEAL THE 2009 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT AND AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN BY ADOPTING THE 2025 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT AND REPEALING THE 2003 CONSERVATION ELEMENT AND AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN BY ADOPTING THE 2025 CONSERVATION ELEMENT . CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-91. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-92.
Senior Management Analyst Brannon presented the staff report.
Mayor Jimenez opened a public hearing to hear and c onsider comments regarding Repealing the 2009 Parks and Open Space Element and Amending the General Plan by Adopting the 2025 Parks and Open Space Element and Repealing the 2003 Conservation Element and Amending the General Plan by Adopting the 2025 Conservation Element.
Evan Adams addressed the City Council via email.
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 City Resolution No. 2025- 91, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Repealing the 2009 Parks and Open Space Element and Amending the General Plan by Adopting the 2025 Parks and Open Space Element and Finding That the Adoption of the Element is Exempt from the Cali fornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(B)(3) ” and City Resolution No. 2025-92, “A Resolution of City Council of the City of Foster City Repealing the 2003 Conservation Element and Amending the General Plan by Adopting the 2025 Conservation Element and Finding That the Adoption of the Element is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(B)(3).”
REPEAL AND REPLACE CHAPTER 10.24 (REGARDING SPEED LIMITS IN THE CITY
OF FOSTER CITY) TO ADD DEFINITIONS, REDUCE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS AND ESTABLISH 15 MPH SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN STREETS NEAR SCHOOLS, AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES; AND AUTHORIZING A SIGNAGE PLAN FOR SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT ZONES. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-93.
Public Works Director Brozyna introduced Jeff Elia, representing Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc., who presented the staff report.
Mayor Jimenez opened a public hearing to hear and consider Repealing and Replacing Chapter 10.24 (Regarding Speed Limits in the City of Foster City) to Add Definitions, Reduce Prima Facie Speed Limits and Establish 15 Mph Speed Limits on Certain Streets Near Schools, and Other Administrative Changes; and A uthorizing a Signage Plan for School Speed Limit Zones.
No public testimony was received.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Jimenez closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Mayor Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Venkat, and carried by roll call vote, 4-1-0, Councilmember Sullivan voted “no,” to introduce and read by title only, waive further reading, and pass to second reading, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Foster City Repealing and Replacing Chapter 10.24 (Regarding Speed Limits in the City of Foster City) to Add Definitions, Reduce Prima Facie Speed Limits and Establish 15 Mph Speed Limits on Certain Streets N ear Schools, and Other Administrative Changes; and Finding Ordinance Exempt From Review Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to Section 15061(B)(3).”
Motion by Councilmember Venkat, seconded by Mayor Jimenez , and carried unanimously, 5- 0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2025- 93, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing a Signage Plan for School Speed Limit Zones and Finding Action Exempt from Review Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to Section 15061(B)(3).”
REPORTS
4TH QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2024 -25 FINANCIAL UPDATE . MINUTE ORDER NO. 2051.
Finance Director Cruz presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Niederhofer, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2051, receiving and accepting the report.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION
BUILDING CODE UPDATES.
Community Development Director Mangalam presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Venkat, seconded by Councilmember Niederhofer, and carried unanimously by roll call vote, 5- 0-0, to introduce and read by title only, waive further reading, and pass to second reading, “ An Ordinance Amending Section 1.01.010, “Adoption-Secondary Codes Adopted,” of Chapter 1.01, “Code Adoption,” within Title 1 of the Foster City Municipal Code Adopting by Reference Certain Parts, Including Related Appendices, as Identified in the 2025 Cali fornia Building Code, 2025 Residential Code, 2025 California Mechanical Code, 2025 California Plumbing Code, 2025 California Electrical Code, 2025 California Fire Code, 2025 California Energy Code, 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 California Existing Building Code and the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code within Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations; and Finding the Amendments Exempt From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3).”
Motion by Mayor Jimenez, seconded by Vice Mayor Kiesel, and carried unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0-0, to introduce and read by title only, waive further reading, and pass to second reading, “ An Ordinance of the City of Foster City Repealing and Replacing Chapters 15.02, “Building Code”; 15.04, “Residential Code”; 15.06, “Existing Building Code”; 15.08, “Mechanical Code; 15.16, “Plumbing Code”; 15.20, “Electrical Code”;
15.24, “Fire Code”, 15.46 “Electric Vehicle Charging Stations” within Title 15, “Buil dings and Construction” of the Foster City Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Code, 2025 California Residential Code, 2025 California Electrical Code, 2025 California Mechanical Code, 2025 California Plumbing Code, 2025 California Fire Code, 2025 California Existing Building Code With Appendices within Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and Making Certain Amendments Thereto, Including the Addition of Various Penalties; and Delegating Enforcement Authority for t he California Fire Code to the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, and Finding the Amendments Exempt From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3)” and to include the Foster City 2025 Code Amendments and Findings Table to the Ordinance.
Motion by Councilmember Niederhofer, seconded by Councilmember Venkat, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, to set the required public hearing for November 17, 2025.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
ADD NEW JOB DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT, AUTHORIZING A
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING BUDGETED
POSITION OF SENIOR ACCOUNTANT TO PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT, AND APPROVE AND ADOPT THE AMENDED PAY PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 -2026.
CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-94. EMID RESOLUTION NO. 3825.
Administrative Services Director Pitman presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember/Director Niederhofer, seconded by Vice Mayor/Vice President Kiesel, and carried unanimously , 5 -0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2025- 94, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Adding the New Job Description of Principal Accountant; Authorizing the Upgrade of an Existing Senior Accountant Position and a Supplemental Appropriation of $18,600 to Fund the Upgrade and Approving and Adopting the Amended Pay Plan for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026,” and EMID Resolution No. 3825, “ A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero M unicipal Improvement District Adding the New Job Description of Principal Accountant; Authorizing the Upgrade of an Existing Senior Accountant Position and a Supplemental Appropriation of $18,600 to Fund the Upgrade and Approving and Adopting the Amended Pay Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.”
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY/DISTRICT WARRANT OF DEMANDS. NO ACTION TAKEN.
City/District Warrants of Demands were Processed and Issued on October 15, 2025.
CITY/DISTRICT MANAGER REPORTS, COUNCIL/BOARD STATEMENTS AND
REQUESTS, AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
City/District Manager Chatwin stated the Council will be receiving a list of vacant positions in the City with the recruitment status every month.
Councilmember/Director Venkat stated she participated in the San Mateo- Foster City School District School Board Partner Visitation at Abbott Middle School on October 21.
She requested to agendize a discussion regarding the number of residents in Foster City that are impacted by the pause on CalFresh/SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown and explore opportunities in which the City can provide assistance . S he received the support of Councilmember Sullivan and Mayor Jimenez.
Councilmember/Director Sullivan thanked the Parks and Recreation staff for organizing the Halloween Spooktacular Festival on October 25. On October 21, he attended the School Board Partner Visitation at Abbot Middle School. On October 23, he attended the San Mateo Union High School District Board meeting , the C ity/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Airport Land Use Committee meeting and the C/CAG Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meeting.
Councilmember/Director Niederhofer congratulated the Parks and Recreation staff for organizing a successful Halloween Spooktacular Festival. On October 27, she attended the Coalition for Safe Schools & Communities Leadership Breakfast hosted by the San Mateo County Office of Education.
Vice Mayor/Vice President Kiesel stated he attended the School Board Partner Visitation at Laurel Elementary School on October 21. On October 23, he attended the Rethink Waste Board meeting. On October 25, he attended the Halloween Spooktacular Festival.
On November 3, he attended the San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority Governing Board meeting.
Mayor/President Jimenez stated she attended the School Board Partner Visitation at Meadow Heights Elementary School on October 21. On October 27, she attended the Coalition for Safe Schools & Communities Leadership Breakfast hosted by the San Mateo County Office of Education. She shared that she is working with Assemblymember Papan’s office to hold a Roundt able event on December 6 at Audobon Elementary School.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Jimenez recessed the meeting into Closed Session for:
1. Conference With Legal Counsel—existing Litigation
(Paragraph (1) of Subdivision (D) of Section 54956.9)
Juan Higareda, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Case No. ADJ18486543; and
2. Report Out from Closed Session.
Meeting recessed into Closed Session at 8:25 p.m. and reconvened at 8:33 p.m.
City Attorney/District Legal Counsel Stock reported that no action was taken in Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no objection from the City Council/EMID Board, Mayor/President Jimenez adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.