CITY OF FOSTER CITY/
ESTERO MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 4, 2026
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL/EMID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Regular Meeting of May 4, 2026 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.
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 ; Denise Bazzano, Assistant City Attorney/District Legal Counsel ; Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City/District Manager; Diane Pitman, Administrative Services Director; Andrew Brozyna, Public Works Director; Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director ; Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director; Nate Cruz, Finance Director; Cory Call , Police Chief ; Mark Lee, Police Captain; Rob Lasky, IT Manager ; Tiffany Oren, Recreation Manager; Nori Jabba, Housing and Sustainability Manager; Vuong Phan, Police Seargent; Devon Butler, Police Corporal; Eric Cromosini, Police Officer; Lyly Mai, Police Officer; Jaspreet Mann, Police Officer; Shuli Chen, Video Technician; and Priscilla Schaus, Communications Director/City Clerk/District Secretary.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 2026 AS “ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH.”
Councilmember Jimenez presented the proclamation recognizing May 2026 as “ Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” to former Councilmember Steve Okamoto, and Michele Droz, representing the San Mateo County API Caucus and San Mateo County API Foundation.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 2026 AS “JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH.”
Mayor Kiesel presented the proclamation recognizing May 2026 as “Jewish American Heritage Month” to Peninsula Jewish Community Center CEO Jordan Shenker.
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 4, 2026 – MAY 8, 2026 AS “PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK.”
Councilmember Sullivan presented the proclamation declaring May 4, 2026 to May 8, 2026 as “Public Recognition Week” and recognized community volunteers Kevin and Janey Kaster who help with planting succulents along the bay trail and have donated succulents to projects such as Bridgeview Park.
PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE W EEK OF MAY 10 -16, 2026 AS “NATIONAL POLICE WEEK” AND MAY 15, 2026 AS “PEACE OFFICERS’ ME MORIAL REMEMBERANCE DAY” AND
Vice Mayor Niederhofer presented the proclamation declaring the week of May 10 -16, 2026 as “National Police Week” and May 15, 2026 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” to Police Sergeant Phan, Police C orporal Butler, Police Officer Cromosini, Police Officer Mai, and Police Officer Mann.
PUBLIC
The following people addressed the City Council via email:
1. Shawn Mooney, regarding Mariners Point;
2. Michael Mendez, regarding Crown Castle;
3. Rashi Gupta, regarding a request for a crosswalk;
4. Mike Swire, regarding a traffic accident;
5. Meher Birari, regarding Local, a local web platform; and
6. Evan Adams, regarding the Community Center fee schedule.
Meher Birari also addressed the City Council in person regarding the local web platform, Local.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Vice Mayor/Vice President Niederhofer, 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 Special Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2026;
2. City/EMID Regular Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2026;
3. City Resolution No. 2026- 038, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Renewing Ordinance No. 647 Regarding Police Department Acquisition and Use of Military Equipment Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481 and Government Code Section 7070 ET Seq. and Approving the Military E quipment Use Policy;”
4. City Resolution No. 2026- 039, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement With HEART of San Mateo County (“HEART”) to Administer the Affordable ADU Loan Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,160,510 for the Implementation of Housing Element Program H -D-4-B ADU/JADU Financial Incentive Program; Approve an Appropriation of $1,160,510 From the Commercial Linkage Fee Fund (Fund 137) to 137- 0847-419-42-51, and Find the Agreement and Program Exempt Fr om Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Because (I) the Affordable ADU Loan Program Was Analyzed as Part of the Environment Impact Report (EIR) for the 6th Cycle Housing Element (2023- 2031) and Safety Element Update (SCH 2022010509); (II) Certain ADU Approvals Are Categorically Exempt Pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21080(B)(1) and CEQA Guidelines § 15268; And (III) Certain ADUs That Are Not Approved Ministerially Are Exempt From CEQA Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(Class 1-Existing Facilities);”
5. City Resolution No. 2026- 040, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Amendment to the Joint Use Agreement with the San Mateo- Foster City School District t o Extend the Term Through June 30, 2026”; and
6. EMID Resolution No. 3845, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Authorizing the President to Execute a n Amendment to the Joint Use Agreement With the San Mateo- Foster City School District to Extend the Term Through June 30, 2026.”
ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD AGREEMENT WITH THE SAN MATEO –FOSTER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE 2026 -2027 SCHOOL YEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,600. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-041.
Without objection from the City Council, Mayor Kiesel removed this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Venkat.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Niederhofer, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and unanimously, 5- 0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2026- 041, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a School Crossing Guard Agreement With the San Mateo– Foster City School District for the 2026- 2027 School Year in the Amount of $21,600.”
REPORTS
UPDATE ON THE UTILITY BOX ART PILOT PROGRAM. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2074.
Recreation Manager Oren and Parks and Recreation Director Schweigart presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Sullivan, seconded by Councilmember Venkat, and carried unanimously, 5-0-0, adopting Minute Order No. 2074, receiving and accepting the report and directing staff to continue and expand the program into Fiscal Years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 using the Community Benefit Fund, and update the process to display signage during the painting or vinyl installation process that it is a City-sponsored project.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
POLICY FOR DISRUPTION OF REMOTE ACCESS DURING PUBLIC OPEN MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL CONSISTENT WITH SB 707. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-042.
Communications Director/City Clerk Schaus presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Niederhofer, seconded by Councilmember Sullivan, and carried unanimously, 5- 0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2026- 042, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Adopting Policy for Disruption of Remote Access During Public Open Meetings of City Council Consistent with SB 707.”
PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (PLA) BETWEEN THE CITY OF FOSTER
CITY/ESTERO MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND THE SAN MATEO COUNTY BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL FOR THREE (3) CITY/DISTRICT PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS . CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -043.
EMID RESOLUTION NO. 3846.
Public Works Director Brozyna presented the staff report.
The following people addressed the City Council/EMID Board of Directors in person:
1. Nathaniel Harris, representing SMART Local 104;
2. Trevor Long, representing Glaziers Local 718;
3. Bart Pantoja, representing San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council;
4. Scott Beale, representing San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council;
5. Eric Tassio, representing Plumbers Union UA Local 467;
6. Tom Trayer, representing Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104;
7. Ethan Lestrer, representing Operating Engineers Local 3;
8. Adrian Avila;
9. Anthony Viscuso, representing Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16; and
10. Julie Lind, representing the San Mateo Labor Council.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember/Director Jimeenz , seconded by Councilmember/Director Venkat, and carried unanimously, 5- 0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2026-043, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Approving and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Project Labor Agreement With the San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council” and EMID Resolution No. 3846, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Approving and Authorizing the President to Execute a Project Labor Agreement With the San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council.”
REINSTATING THE DEPUTY CITY MANAGER POSITION RESPONSIBLE FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-044. EMID RESOLUTION NO. 3847.
Administrative Services Director Pitman presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor/Vice President Niederhofer, seconded by Councilmember/Director Sullivan, and carried unanimously, 5- 0-0, adopting City Resolution No. 2026- 044, “ A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City Reinstating the Deputy City Manager Position Responsible for Economic Development and Oversight of the Community Development Department, Authorizing a Salary Change to the Current Deputy City Manager Position, Authorizing City Manager to Hire a Deputy City Manager During the Current Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and Adopting the Amended Pay Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026” and EMID Resolution No. 3847, “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Estero Municipal Improvement District Reinstating the Deputy City Manager Position Responsible for Economic Development and Oversight of the Community Development Department, Authorizing a Salary Change to the Current Deputy City Manager Position, Authorizing District Manager to Hire a Deputy City Manager During the Current Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 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 March 17, 2026, and March 31, 2026.
CITY/DISTRICT MANAGER REPORTS, COUNCIL/BOARD STATEMENTS AND
REQUESTS, AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
Councilmember/Director Jimenez stated she was in Sacramento on April 28 at the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #5 hearing to advocate for the County’s request for Vehicle License Fee (VLF) funding.
Vice Mayor/Vice President Niederhofer stated she attended the Planning Commission meeting on April 23. She thanked Councilmember/Director Sullivan for attending the San Mateo Operational Area Emergency Services Council meeting on April 30 as her alternate. She announced she was asked to be the Chair of the SFO Roundtable Legislative Subcommittee. She shared there will be a SamTrans Board meeting on May 6 to draft a local investment plan for the SB63 ballot measure and encouraged the public to attend the meeting and provide public comment.
Councilmember/Director Venkat stated she visited the Earth Day booth organized by the Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee and Sierra Club at the April 22 Of f the Grid event. On May 2 she attended the Foster City Chamber of Commerce 5k Fun Run.
Councilmember/Director Sullivan stated he attended the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting on March 26 and the Airport Land Use Committee meeting on April 23. H e attended the Council of Cities meeting hosted by the City of Belmont on April 24.
Mayor/President Kiesel stated he attended the Rethink Waste Board meeting on April 23 and attended the “Bingo at The Vibe: Teens & Seniors Edition” event hosted by the Youth Advisory Committee on April 24 . On April 28, he attended the MGT-312 TEEX Senior Officials Workshop for All-Hazards Preparedness hosted by the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Office of Emergency Services . On May 3, he attended the San Mateo - Foster City Education Foundation’s Game Day Event with the Harlem Globetrotters at Aragon High School.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Kiesel recessed the meeting into Closed Session for:
1. Threat to Public Services or Facilities
Consultation with: (Cory Call, Chief of Police, Caitlin Smith and Pasha Sternberg, Polsinelli PC);
2. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code Section 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: Diane Pitman, Cory Call and Austris Rungis
Employee Organization: FCPOA; and
3. Report Out of Closed Session.
Meeting recessed into Closed Session at 8:18 and reconvened at 9:08 p.m.
Assistant City Attorney/District Legal Counsel Bazzano reported that no action was taken in Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no objection from the City Council/EMID Board, Mayor/President Kiesel adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.