SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MILPITAS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
CALIFORNIA
JAMUARY EOX t8s TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025
The City Council of the City of Milpitas convened in a Special Meeting of the Militas City Council on May 13, 2025, in the Barbara Lee Senior Center, 40 N Milpitas Blvd, Room 140/141, Milpitas, CA, and via teleconference/Zoom webinar.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER by Mayor and ROLL CALL by City Clerk Mayor Montano called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 5:32 PM. Roll Call was taken by City Clerk Guzzetta.
PRESENT: Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Councilmember Chua, Councilmember Lam, Councilmember Lien
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Chua led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no public speakers.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS Acting City Attorney Creech asked the Mayor and City Councilmembers if they had any personal conflicts of interest. By roll call, there were no conflicts of interest. Acting City Attorney Creech asked the Mayor and City Councilmembers if they had any reportable campaign contributions. By roll call, there were no reportable campaign contributions.
READING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT
Vice Mayor Barbadillo read the City Council Code of Conduct.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
After discussion, motion: to approve the agenda.
Motion/Second: Councilmember Chua / Councilmember Lien
by the following:
AYES: Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Councilmember Chua, Councilmember Lam, Councilmember Lien
NOES: None
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Receive a Presentation on the FY 2025-26 Proposed City of Milpitas Operating Budget, and Provide Direction Approving the FY 2025-26 Proposed Operating Budget and Proposed Fiscal Strategy Framework (Staff Contact: Luz Cofresí-Howe, Finance Director, 408-586-3111) May 13, 2025 Milpitas City Council Minutes Page 1
Interim City Manager Santana introduced the item. Finance Director Cofresi-Howe and Budget Director Vurich presented the report.
Council members engaged in extensive discussion about the budget proposal and fiscal strategy.
Points of discussion included:
• Councilmember Chua expressed concern about relying too heavily on cost allocation changes rather than true expenditure reductions. She urged staff to look at potential position cuts sooner rather than later.
• Vice Mayor Barbadillo questioned whether the proposed reductions and revenue strategies would be sufficient to address the long-term deficit. He emphasized the need for more focus on economic development and increasing revenues.
• Councilmember Lien cautioned against discussing potential position cuts, stressing the importance of staff morale and the ability to tap reserves if needed • Mayor Montano expressed support for the methodical approach proposed by staff, praising the focus on efficiency and long-term planning rather than immediate cuts.
City Manager Santana addressed Council concerns, explaining the rationale behind the proposed strategy and emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach including housekeeping measures, organizational assessment, and revenue generation. She outlined plans for ongoing budget monitoring and adjustment throughout the year.
Following discussion, the Council provided consensus direction on priority items to be incorporated into the final budget proposal:
• Ongoing funding for the Black April ceremony ($5,000 annually) - unanimous consensus • Ongoing funding for the Militas Community Concert Choir - unanimous consensus • Creation of a Militas Summer College Internship Program - unanimous consensus • Increase funding for the Milpitas Assistance Program (MAP) - unanimous consensus • Exploring options for a temporary police substation on Main Street - unanimous consensus Additionally, Councilmember Chua also expressed interest in reviewing and potentially adjusting the salary for council interns to offer a broader and more flexible pay range to attract more qualified candidates.
Interim City Manager Santana responded that there is a plan already for a net zero request to repurpose positions without increasing the general fund deficit, and some changes related to internship compensation would likely be included in the upcoming budget for consideration by June 3.
The City Council recessed at 7:40 PM and Reconvened at 7:51 PM.
Interim City Manager Santana resumed the presentation
The Mayor and Council offered final remarks on the presentation.
Staff indicated they would return at the June 3, 2025, City Council meeting with the final budget proposal incorporating the Council's direction from this meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Interim City Manager Santana thanked staff for their work on the budget preparation and announced that May 11-17 is National Police Week, honoring fallen officers killed in the line of duty. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the work and sacrifices of police officers.
May 13, 2025 Milpitas City Council Minutes Page 2
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Montano adjourned the meeting at 8:10 PM.
The foregoing minutes were approved by the Milpitas City Councilon May 20, 2025.
zanne Guzzetta
Milpitas City Clerk
May 13, 2025 Milpitas City Council Minutes Page 3