CITY OF FOSTER CITY/
ESTERO MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2025
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL/EMID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Regular Meeting of December 15, 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. in the Council Chambers, 620 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, San Mateo County, California, by Mayor/President Art Kiesel.
Councilmember/Director Jimenez teleconferenced due to AB 2449 Just Cause due to having a contagious illness.
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 Stacy Jimenez, Suzy Niederhofer, Patrick Sullivan, Phoebe Venkat, and Mayor/President Art Kiesel.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT:
Stefan Chatwin, City/District Manager ; Benjamin Stock , City Attorney/District Legal Counsel; Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager; Diane Pitman, Administrative Services Director; Andrew Brozyna, Public Works Director; Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director ; Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director; Cory Call, Police Chief ; Nate Cruz, Finance Director; Rob Lasky, IT Manager; Laura Galli, Engineering Manager; Nori Jabba, Housing and Sustainability Manager; Thai Chau- Le, Planning Manager; Francine Magno, Senior Civil Engineer; Claire McWiliams, Assistant Engineer; Frank Fanara, Parks Manager; Leslie Carmichael, Consultant; Shuli Chen, Video Technician; Katherine Estrada; Deputy City Clerk; and Priscilla Schaus, Comm unications Director/City Clerk/District Secretary.
PUBLIC
Shawn Mooney addressed the City Council via email regarding Mariners Point.
Shankar Kenkre addressed the City Council in person regarding district elections.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember/Director Venkat, seconded by Councilmember/Director Sullivan, and carried unanimously by roll call vote , 5-0-0, approving the following items on the City/District Consent Calendar:
City/EMID Consent Calendar
1. City/EMID Regular Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2025;
2. City/EMID Special Meeting Minutes of December 1, 2025;
3. City/EMID Regular Meeting Minutes of December 1, 2025;
4. City Resolution No. 2025-99, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Sole Source Purchase of Replacement Mobile Radios for Police Department Vehicles and Motorcycles from Metro Mobile Communications in the Amount of $73,463.58;”
5. City Resolution No. 2025- 100, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement With Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco (HGSF), for the Home Rehabilitation Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $861,750, to Issue Loans and Provide Construction Services for Lower Income Homeowners to Implement Program H -b-2-a of the 2023-2031 Housing Element; Approving an Appropriation of $861,750 From Commercial Linkage Fee Fund (Fund 137) to Account Number 137-0847-419-42- 51; and Find Approval of the Program Exempt From the CEQA Pursuant to Section 15061(B)(3) and 15301;”
6. City Resolution No. 2025-101,”
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster
City Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Rebuilding Together Peninsula, for the Home Minor Repair Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $17,500, to Manage Construction and Administer Grants for Minor Home Repairs for Very Low Income Homeowners to Implement Program H -b-2-b of the 2023-2031 Housing Element; Approving an Appropriation of $17,500 from Commercial Linkage Fee Fund (Fund 137) to Account Number 137-0847-419-42- 51; and Find Approval of the Program Exempt from the CEQA Pursuant to Section 15061(B)(3) and 15301;”
7. City Resolution No. 2025- 102, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City (1) Approving a Supplemental Appropriation of $20,000 to Account No. 124-0832-463-4297 for the Measure K Emergency Rent Relief Program (“Program”); (2) Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the F unds for Reimbursement of Program Expenditures From the County; (3) Authorizing the City Manager to Include Funds in the Amount of $10,000 in the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 26-27 for the Program; and (4) Finding the Requ est Exempt From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section 15061(B)(3);”
8. City Resolution No. 2025- 103, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Existing Task Order Plws -2025-01 with Placeworks, Inc. in the Amount of $44,338, for a Total Task Order Amount Not to Exceed $191,253, to Continue Providing Environmental Review and Documentation for the Proposed Revisions to Gilead Chess Hatch Master Plan, Includi ng 800,000 Square Feet (SF) Office Use to 800,000 SF of Biotechnology or Research and Development Uses, Located at 1155, 1165, and 1185 Chess Drive; and Finding the Authorization of the Task Order Exempt Under CEQA Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3);”
9. City Resolution No. 2025- 104, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Accepting the Annual Development Impact Fee and Capacity Fee Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025;”
10. EMID Resolution No. 3827, “ A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Accepting the Annual Development Impact Fee and Capacity Fee Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025;”
11. City Resolution No. 2025- 105, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Approving and Adopting the Amended Pay Plan for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026, Effective January 1, 2026;”
12. EMID Resolution No. 3828, “ A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Approving and Adopting the Amended Pay Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, Effective January 1, 2026;”
13. City Resolution No. 2025- 106, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Approving the Foster City Police Officer Association (FCPOA) Letter of Understanding and Management Compensation and Benefits Plan Effective January 1, 2026”; and
14. EMID Resolution No. 3829, “ A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Approving the Foster City Police Officer Association (FCPOA) Letter of Understanding and Management Compensation and Benefits Plan Effective January 1, 2026.”
PUBLIC HEARINGS
HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION OF SINGLE FAMILY AND TWO -FAMILY OBJECTIVE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-107.
Community Development Director Mangalam presented the staff report.
Mayor Kiesel opened a public hearing to hear and consider comments regarding Housing Element Implementation of Single Family and Two- Family Objective Design and Development Standards.
Pablo addressed the City Council via teleconference.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Kiesel closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Ma yor Niederhofer, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, 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 Amending Title 17, “Zoning” of the Foster City Municipal Code by Adding a New Chapter 17.15 “Single-Family and Two -Family Objective Design and Development Standards” and Finding the Amendments Within the Scope of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Prepared for the Foster City Housing and Safety Element Update (SCH Number 2022010509) – Rz2024-0005.”
Motion by Vice Mayor Niederhofer , seconded by Councilmember Venkat , 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 Amending Title 17, “Zoning” of the Foster City Municipal Code by Repealing and Replacing Chapters
17.50 “Accessory Buildings and Uses” and 17.54 “Yards”; and Amending Chapters 17.04 “Definitions”; 17.12 “R -1 Single- Family Residence District”; 17.14 “R -2 Two -Family Residence District”; 17.58 “Architectural Control and Supervision”; and 17.96 “Multifamily and Residential Mixed-Use Objective Design and Development Standards”; and Finding the Amendments within the Scope of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Prepared for the Foster City Housing and Safety Element Update (SCH Number 2022010509).”
Motion by Councilmember Venkat , seconded by Vice Mayor Niederhofer , and carried unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2025-107, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Rescinding Architectural and Solar Guidelines; and Various Policies Pertaining to Review of Single- Family and Two-Family Homes, Including Policy No. 2001- 113 - Awnings; Policy No. 2- 2000 Reroofing Policy; Policy No. 03-001 - Copper Gutters, Downspouts and Flashing Policy; Policy No. 18- 10 Window Replacement Policy; Policy No. 01- 02 - Bay/Bow/Garden and Greenhouse Window Policy; Policy No. 1-2000 - Solar Impacts; and Policy No. 2-2000 – Exterior Color Change Policy; and Finding the Request within the Scope of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR ) Prepared for the Foster City Housing and Safety Element Update (SCH Number 2022010509).”
REPORTS
E-BIKE & E-SCOOTER DATA AND INFORMATION. NO ACTION TAKEN.
Police Chief Call presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
The following people addressed the City Council in person:
1. Yiming Luo;
2. Diego Ochoa, San Mateo-Foster City School District Superintendent;
3. Allison Proctor, San Mateo-Foster City School District Board member; and
4. Steve Gunn.
The following people addressed the City Council via teleconference:
1. Pablo; and
2. Mike Swire.
No action was taken.
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN PROJECT UPDATE. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2055.
Public Works Director Brozyna and Assistant Engineer McWilliams introduced Angelica Rocha, Project Manager with Fehr and Peers, who presented the staff report.
Yiming Luo addressed the City Council in person.
The following addressed the City Council via teleconference:
1. Evan Adams;
2. Mike Swire; and
3. Pablo.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Niederhofer, seconded by Councilmember Venkat, and carried by roll call vote, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2055, receiving and accepting the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Project Update.
RECESS. The meeting recessed at 9:05 p.m. and reconvened at 9:13 p.m.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
FOSTER CITY PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN (CIP 301 -682). CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2025-108.
Parks and Recreation Director Schweigart and Parks Manager Fanara introduced Peter Winch and Madison Merrill with Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC (WRT) who presented the staff report.
The following people addressed the City Council via email:
1. Shawn Mooney;
2. Chris Leger;
3. Rick Cavallaro;
4. Andrew Pham;
5. James Cooper;
6. Ken Poulton;
7. Kandy O’Mara;
8. Georg Schuele;
9. Eric Lennane;
10. Yomi Matsuoka;
11. Paul Shapiro;
12. Nicole Fong;
13. Walter Zuluaga;
14. Jon Sams;
15. Julie Pan;
16. Gentaro Hirota;
17. Eugenia McCauley;
18. Hans Gustavson;
19. Brian Marshall;
20. Evan Cohen;
21. Jen Lo;
22. Mike Schmidt;
23. Lauren Zoob;
24. Ronald Pacher;
25. Hayato Ikoma;
26. Serge de Grandpre;
27. Darren Bass;
28. Limin S.;
29. Paul Lattik;
30. Dan Siskind;
31. James Leontis;
32. Louise Morin;
33. Mark Keenan;
34. Serge Nadon;
35. Mark B. Tischler;
36. Annick Theoret;
37. Pierre Vachon;
38. Roger Naden II;
39. Dima Borodin;
40. Steve Gunn;
41. Angela L.Y. Lee;
42. Jack Hodges;
43. Kim Swords;
44. Traci Hornbaker;
45. Mandi Browning;
46. Brian Coe;
47. Greg Gavalakis;
48. Rich Feldman;
49. M.D. Ornatkiewicz;
50. Eric Storne;
51. Gerritt A. Rutgers;
52. Dee Sale;
53. D.D.;
54. Hong;
55. Jason;
56. Nicole;
57. Stan Forman;
58. Vuda;
59. Elena Ufimtseva;
60. D.V.;
61. Sven Brehmer;
62. Jessie Shao;
63. Carlo Cardilli; and
64. Anna Y. Li.
Steve Gunn addressed the City Council in person.
The following addressed the City Council via teleconference:
1. Doris Duncan;
2. Nik Airr;
3. Evan Adams; and
4. Elena U.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Niederhofer , seconded by Councilmember Venkat , and carried unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2025-108, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Approving the Foster City Parks System Master Plan (CIP 301-682).”
AUTHORIZE FULL COST OF PURCHASES FOR PUBLIC AND PARK SITE FURNITURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,046,772, WHICH INCLUDES A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE OF $67,508 FROM MMCITE, FOR THE FOSTER CITY COMMUNITY CENTER REBUILD PROJECT (CIP 301 -678) AND APPROPRIATING $53,900 FROM THE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND (FUND 502) FOR CERAMIC KILNS . CITY REOSLUTION NO. 2025-109.
Parks and Recreation Director Schweigart presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Sullivan, seconded by Councilmember Venkat , and carried unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2025-109, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing Full Cost of Purchases for Public and Park Site Furniture in the Amount of $1,046,772, Which Includes a Sole Source Purchase of $67,508 from MMCITE, for the Foster City Community Center Rebuild Project (CIP 301-678) and Appropriating $53,900 from the Equipment Replacement Fund (Fund 502) for Ceramic Kilns.”
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY/DISTRICT WARRANT OF DEMANDS. NO ACTION TAKEN.
City/District Warrants of Demands were Processed and Issued on November 13, 2025 and November 25, 2025, and ACH were processed on November 5, 2025.
CITY/DISTRICT MANAGER REPORTS, COUNCIL/BOARD STATEMENTS AND
REQUESTS, AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
City/District Manager Chatwin reminded the Council and public that City Hall will be closed from Decem ber 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026 in observance of the winter holidays. Staff and emergency services will still be available during that period except for on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. He stated the January 5, 2026 City Council meeting has been cancelled.
Councilmember/Director Sullivan stated he attended the HIP Housing Annual Calendar Launch Party on December 11. On December 12, he attended the Grand Opening event of Osaka Marketplace at the Edgewater Place Center . He wished the public a Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas.
Councilmember/Director Venkat stated she attended Foster City Village’s Winter Party on December 9. On December 10, she attended the Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting. On December 11, she assisted as a crossing guard at Bowditch Middle School. O n December 12, she attended the Grand Opening event of Osaka Marketplace. She gave her condolences to Varun Sharma and his family, and to the victims of the Brown University and Bondi Beach, Australia shootings. She wished everyone a Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, and Merry Christmas.
Councilmember/Director Jimenez thanked Senior Management Analyst Brannon for hosting a workshop on December 9 with Peninsula Clean Energy on clean energy and savings. She e ncouraged the public to visit https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/ to learn more about their resources. She also wished everyone a Happy Holidays.
Vice Mayor/Vice President Niederhofer stated she attended the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony event at the Leo J. Ryan Amphitheater on December 3. On December 4, she attended the Planning Commission meeting. She congratulated Councilmember/Director Jimenez for hosting a successful town hall event with Assemblymember Papan on December 6. She shared that San Mateo County Supervisor Corzo presented the State of the District and Strategic Plan for District 2 on December 11, which can be found at https://www.smcgov.org/district-2. She stated she will be participating in Samaritan House’s Holiday Gift Distribution on December 20 at the San Mateo County Event Center and wished everyone a Happy Holidays.
Mayor/President Kiesel stated he attended a session on December 8 hosted by San Mateo County Supervisors Speier and Mueller to share information regarding human trafficking in the Bay Area in anticipation of the upcoming Super Bowl and World Cup matches in 2026. On December 11, he attended the HIP Housing Annual Calendar Launch Party. On December 12, he attended the Grand Opening event for Osaka Marketplace and wished everyone a Happy Holidays.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no objection from the City Council/EMID Board, Mayor/President Kiesel adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.