CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Salinas.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present:
Angela Andrews, City Council Member
George Syrop, City Council Member
Mark Salinas, Mayor/ Chair
Staff Present:
Alex Ameri, Director of Public Works
Amber Parras, Senior Secretary
Byron Tang, Senior Transportation Engineer
Hugh Louch, Deputy Director of Public Works – Transportation Marissa Matta, Management Analyst I
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Several residents emphasized the importance of preserving the Airport’s Skywest property for environmental and community benefits. Mimi Dean, a San Lorenzo resident, highlighted Skywest’s ecological value for species like monarch butterflies and western pond turtles, noting her coalition’s 600 signatures and suggesting leveraging the data center project for greater community gains. Kelly Asreu questioned Hayward’s negotiations with the proposed data center, urging the City to seek stronger financial benefits, citing examples from Livermore, Sonoma Valley, and San Jose. Hayward resident Melissa Milliman raised concerns about the health impacts from airport emissions and supported maintaining Skywest as a green buffer to improve air quality. Elena, a Cherryland resident, stressed the need for shaded, walkable park spaces and emphasized Skywest’s importance for habitat protection, especially for endangered monarch butterflies. Rob Benetton, an Ashland resident, warned against paving open space and recommended designating Skywest as a Priority Conservation Area to secure future conservation funding.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes of the Council Infrastructure & Airport Committee held on February 26, 2025.
The item was moved by CM Andrews, seconded by CM Syrop, and approved unanimously.
REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
Review of Recommended Capital Improvement Program for FY26 - FY35 Director of Public Works Ameri provided a synopsis of the staff report and Management Analyst I Matta presented a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Comments
Mimi Dean, a San Lorenzo resident, voiced concerns about traffic congestion near Hesperian Boulevard and Winton Avenue, which she said forces fire trucks to use the wrong side of the road. She opposed the proposed police station location due to potential increased congestion, suggested repurposing the former Air National Guard building for airport hangars, requested an update on the Sulphur Creek mitigation project, and raised concerns about $43 million in unfunded airport capital needs. She urged reconsideration of the police station site.
Committee Member’s Comments
CM Syrop thanked staff for their report and transparency via OpenGov, requested more information on the Sulphur Creek mitigation project and Public Safety Center site selection, questioned why the existing Winton Avenue site is not being considered, and suggested exploring decentralized options. He emphasized aligning projects with the updated Strategic Roadmap, including preserving Skywest, supported funding both phases of the Stack Center project to avoid rising construction costs, and asked about funding sources for the bus benches project.
CM Andrews thanked staff, asked if additional Public Safety Center sites could be considered, and inquired about the highest-priority project across all programs. She stressed the need for stronger state advocacy for wastewater treatment upgrades, requested updates on sewer replacements, asked about tariff impacts on project costs, and when cost estimates would be updated. She also asked about the new crosswalk at the library, how it was funded, if similar projects are planned, and about improvements to utilities like access covers and boxes. She also asked about the annual 1,500 tree planting goal.
Mayor Salinas thanked staff, praised improvements along Mission Boulevard, and emphasized monitoring federal changes like tariffs that could force midyear budget adjustments. He requested a timeline for La Vista Park's completion, asked about enhancements from Safe Routes to Schools and Safe Routes for Seniors programs. He also inquired about electrifying fire trucks and highlighted serious traffic safety at several Hayward intersections.
Evaluation and Long-Term Project Recommendations for the Orchard Avenue Traffic Calming Quick-Build Pilot Project Deputy of Public Works Transportation Louch provided a synopsis of the staff report and Senior Transportation Engineer Tang presented a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Comments
Several Hayward residents voiced concerns about recent traffic changes. Peter Wrona, a Hayward Highlands resident for 55 years, criticized the lane reductions on Carlos Bee Boulevard, citing increased congestion, confusion, and unsafe lane changes. Monica, also from Hayward Highlands, echoed his concerns and requested the road be restored to its original design. Matthew Wrona, a licensed civil engineer, questioned the effectiveness of the $250,000 Orchard Avenue pilot project and suggested restoring the right-turn lane from Carlos Bee Boulevard to Mission Boulevard to reduce congestion and support downtown businesses. Barbara Herczeg, a retired consulting engineer, also expressed concerns about the narrow lanes under the BART bridge and recommended re-evaluating the roundabout design for safety. Russell Altig proposed relocating the Community Resource Center closer to downtown and criticized the approval of new housing developments in the Hayward Hills without extending Hayward Boulevard to Harder Road, contributing to traffic issues. Ms. Parr thanked staff for their responsiveness and recommended measures to reduce thorough traffic on Orchard Road, including traffic humps, adjusted roundabout design, and flashing crosswalk beacons. Alessio questioned the pilot project’s impact, noting worsening conditions, and suggested restoring two full traffic lanes to improve commutes.
Committee Member’s Comments
Mayor Salinas emphasized the urgent need to address traffic safety in the Orchard Avenue neighborhood, home to many low-income families and seniors. He noted the area's struggles with fast traffic, accidents, and cut-through traffic, stressing that a different neighborhood would likely receive faster action. He supported both immediate and long-term solutions, particularly to reduce heavy truck traffic, and reaffirmed a focus on community needs.
CM Andrews thanked staff and the community, asking about the potential for replacing raised intersections with traffic humps, the closure of the left turn from Orchard Avenue to Mission Boulevard, adjustments to signal timing, durability of materials, added lighting at the roundabout, and whether traffic shifts or nearby retail activity have affected traffic patterns.
CM Syrop thanked staff, emphasized that pilot projects are learning opportunities, and supported reopening the left turn from Orchard Avenue to Mission Boulevard while improving signage. He preferred retaining speed humps over removing old intersections entirely and stressed balancing traffic convenience with safety, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods. Citing a fatality at Orchard Avenue and Mission Boulevard, he urged continued commitment to safer, greener transportation options and protecting lives.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Proposed 2025 Agenda Planning Calendar: Review and Comment Committee Member’s Comments
CM Andrews requested that staff explore potential locations for high-visibility crosswalks, especially near senior housing developments and along Safe Routes for Seniors. She mentioned receiving calls about safety concerns in these areas and suggested considering housing yield signs, which he has seen used in other communities. CM Andrews also asked for future updates to include information on traffic calming impacts and the impact of tariffs on construction costs.
CM Syrop added that he hopes the upcoming May community public feedback session for Hayward Boulevard will clearly communicate the timeline for next steps. He suggested that staff inform the public during that session when they can expect the matter to return to Council for further discussion.
COMMITTEE MEMBER/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REFERRALS
Deputy Director of Public Works Transportation Louch shared that at the upcoming first Street Party, there will be pop-up outreach efforts. Staff is also actively working on studies for B Street and Tennyson Road and will ensure there is good communication and participation from the community. Mr. Louch also provided an update on Gading Road, explaining that following Council’s clear direction, additional outreach was conducted. Although some residents remain opposed, staff is moving forward with completing the project and may revisit adjustments later if needed.
CM Andrews requested a future update on the progress of the Main Street construction. CM Syrop announced the Earth Day Cleanup event at Weeks Park on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., encouraging the community to register. He also highlighted the Hayward Lit Hop happening later that afternoon, featuring author readings at various downtown businesses, starting at Heritage Plaza. More information can be found at haywardlithop.com.
Adjournment
Chair Salinas adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
MEETINGS
Attendance
Present
4/23/25
Meeting
Present
to Date This Fiscal Year
Excuse
to Date This Fiscal Year
Absent
to Date This Fiscal Year
Angela Andrews
✓
8 0
0 Mark Salinas
✓
8 0
0 George Syrop
✓
8 0
0
COUNCIL INFRASTRUCTURE & AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING
Hybrid Participation - Digital Zoom Meeting/Conference Room 2A April 23, 2025
5:30 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES