OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MILPITAS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
/ CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 10,1014 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026
24. 2026, in he arbara e ior enter ed in am 40 i of the Mid a rita CA, on February teleconference/Zoom webinar.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER by Mayor and ROLL CALL by City Clerk Mayor Montano called the City Council meeting to order at 5:04 PM. Roll Call was taken by City Clerk Guzzetta.
PRESENT: Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Councilmember Chua, Councilmember Lam, Councilmember Lien
ABSENT:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council recited 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
Councilmember Chua read the Milpitas City Code of Conduct.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
After discussion, motion: to approve the agenda.
Motion/Second: Councilmember Chua / Vice Mayor Barbadillo Motion carried by the following:
AYES: Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Councilmember Chua, Councilmember Lam, Councilmember Lien
NOES: None
AGENDA ITEMS
February 24, 2026 Militas City Council Minutes Page 1
1. Receive Presentation on the Proposed Five-Year 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program and Fiscal Sustainability Initiatives, and Provide Feedback to Staff (Staff Contact: Michael Silveira, City Engineer, 408-586-3303; and Matt Cano, Assistant City Manager, 408-586-3012) Acting City Manager Hernandez and Public Works Director Di Renzo introduced the item. City Engineer Silveira and CIP Manager Eam presented the report. Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
The City Council recessed at 6:56 PM and reconvened at 7:12 PM.
Following the presentation of recent project accomplishments, Mayor Montano thanked staff for addressing safety concerns through the Hammond Way solar streetlight pilot program, noting prior community complaints regarding poor lighting in the area. She asked about the expected ife cycle and replacement cost of the solar lighting batteries, and staff indicated the batteries are expected to last approximately 10 to 12 years. The Mayor also asked about the timeline for resurfacing Dempsey Road following completion of the water main replacement project, and staff indicated the roadway resurfacing is anticipated to be completed during the summer.
Councilmember Chua expressed support for the Hammond Way solar lighting pilot program and noted interest in evaluating the performance of the technology over time. She asked staff to clarify the scope of improvements planned at Strickroth Park and referenced prior park improvements completed through earlier funding initiatives.
Councilmember Lam asked whether the City plans to expand the use of solar streetlights in other areas or replace existing streetlights with solar technology. Staff explained that the current installation is being evaluated as a pilot program and that existing streetlights would generally continue to be maintained using current systems.
Councilmember Lien thanked staff for prioritizing completion of the library elevator modernization project and emphasized the importance of restoring accessibility at the facility for residents.
During discussion of roadway preservation and resurfacing projects, Councilmember Lam asked how pavement condition index (PCI) ratings are calculated. Staff explained that PCI assessments are conducted through a regional pavement condition evaluation program administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
Vice Mayor Barbadillo asked questions regarding the City's pavement maintenance strategy and whether maintaining a PCI rating in the low-70 range results in measurable cost savings compared to allowing roadways to deteriorate and reconstructing them later. Staff explained that preserving roadways while they remain in fair condition is significantly less expensive than full reconstruction and that available funding is allocated to maximize preservation opportunities while addressing streets requiring reconstruction.
Councilmember Chua asked staff what the lowest PCI ratings currently exist within the City and how staff determines which streets are prioritized for maintenance or reconstruction given funding constraints. Staff explained that prioritization considers pavement condition data, available funding, and the relative cost of preservation versus reconstruction treatments.
Councilmembers also discussed bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure investments. Vice Mayor Barbadillo asked whether the City is seeing sufficient public use of bicycle facilities given the level of infrastructure investment. Staff explained that outreach and education efforts are underway, including bicycle safety education, updates to the City's bicycle map, and coordination with the Parks, February 24, 2026 Milpitas City Council Minutes Page 2
Recreation and Cultural Resources Commission to promote bicycle use.
Staff further explained that project prioritization for the CIP considers alignment with City Council priorities, legal mandates, health and safety needs, and grant funding opportunities. Staff outlined the timeline for review and adoption of the CIP, noting that the program will return to the City Council following review by the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Commission. The City Council received the presentation and provided feedback to staff regarding the proposed Capital Improvement Program.
Acting City Manager Hernandez then noted that the CIP discussion had concluded and introduced a brief follow-up presentation by Assistant City Manager Cano regarding organizational assessments, overtime usage, and the City's purchasing card (P-card) program.
Regarding P-card usage, council emphasized the need for stronger accountability mechanisms.
Councilmember Chua suggested incorporating P-card compliance into performance reviews, while Vice Mayor Barbadillo recommended adding enforcement provisions to policies to prevent resource waste on compliance reviews.
On public safety overtime, Vice Mayor Barbadillo engaged in detailed analysis of fire department overtime patterns, questioning whether policy changes could reduce non-discretionary overtime costs.
He suggested exploring staffing model adjustments as potential cost-saving measures. Fire Chief Schoonover explained that current overtime usage represents the most fiscally strategic approach given minimum staffing requirements.
Councilmember Lien emphasized the operational necessity of current staffing levels, citing a recent emergency response that demonstrated the need for full fire department capacity.
The council generally supported staff's systematic approach to sustainability initiatives while emphasizing the need to balance service levels with fiscal constraints. Staff was directed to continue pursuing grant opportunities, evaluate impact fee implementation for new development areas, and explore financing options for major infrastructure projects.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Montano adjourned the meeting at 9:09 PM.
The foregoing minutes were approved by the Militas City Council on March 17
Suzanne
Milpitas City Clerk
February 24, 2026 Milpitas City Council Minutes Page 3