REGULAR MEETING OF THE MILPITAS
MAULPIT
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 30L8N TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
The City Council of the City of Milpitas convened in a Regular Meeting of the Milpitas City Council on April 7, 2026, in the City Council Chamber, 455 E. Calaveras Blvd, 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 6:01 PM and announced that Councilmember Lien Lien was participating remotely as a reasonable accommodation pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(c). Roll Call was taken by City Clerk Guzzetta.
PRESENT: Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Councilmember Chua, Councilmember Lam, Councilmember Lien
ABSENT: None.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Curtis briefed the public on the closed session items. There being no public comment, the City council adjourned to Closed Session at 6:03 PM.
(a) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency's Designated Representative(s): Jared Hernandez, Acting City Manager Employee Organization(s): Unrepresented Employees
(b) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency's Designated Representative(s): Jared Hernandez, Acting City Manager; Matt Cano, Assistant City Manager; and Christian Curtis, City Attorney Employee Organization(s): Unrepresented City Manager
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT:
The City Council reconvened at 7:10 PM. City Attorney Curtis had nothing to report out from Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Vice Mayor Barbadillo provided the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Montano, joined by the City Council, presented proclamations in recognition of Fair Housing Month, American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
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PUBLIC FORUM
There were the following public speakers:
1. Kaveri Rangaraj
2. Cliff Williams
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS City Attorney Curtis asked the Mayor and City Councilmembers if they had any personal conflicts of interest.
By roll call, there were no conflicts of interest. City Attorney Curtis 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
Mayor Montano read the City Council 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
CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no public speakers.
After discussion, motion: to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion/Second: Councilmember Lam / Vice Mayor Barbadillo Motion carried by the following:
AYES: Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Councilmember Chua, Councilmember Lam, Councilmember Lien
NOES: None
ABSENT:
Receive City Council Calendar of Meetings (Staff Contact: Suzanne Guzzetta, City Clerk, 408- 586-3001)
Received City Council Calendar of Meetings for April 2026.
Approve City Council Meeting Minutes (Staff Contact: Suzanne Guzzetta, City Clerk, 408-586- 3001)
Approved City Council Meeting minutes of March 17, 2026.
Receive the Preview List of Anticipated Items for the Next Regular City Council Meeting (Staff Contact: Suzanne Guzzetta, City Clerk, 408-586-3001)
Received the list of anticipated agenda items for the next regular City Council meeting.
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4. Receive and Review the List of Agenda Items Requested by City Councilmembers (Staff Contact: Suzanne Guzzetta, City Clerk, 408-586-3001)
Received the list of items that have been requested by City Councilmembers and received consensus in previous meetings to date.
5. Adopt a Resolution for Authorization to Participate in the Franchise Tax Board City/County Business Tax Program (Staff Contact: Luz Cofresí-Howe, Finance Director, 408-586-3111) Adopted Resolution No. 9493 authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to (1) Enter into a Standard Agreement (STD 213) with the California Franchise Tax Board for participation in the City/County Business Tax (CCT) Program for the reciprocal exchange of business license and tax return data; (2) Complete and submit all required program forms, including the Security Questionnaire and FTB 712 Confidentiality Statements; and (3) Execute all instruments and take all actions necessary to implement and maintain the City's ongoing participation in the CCBT Program, including annual data submissions via the Secure Web Internet File Transfer (SWIFT) system.
6. Consider Fee Waiver and Donation Requests from Milpitas Community Educational Endowment, Christian Worship Center Bay Area, and Positive Alternative Recreation Teambuilding Impact (Staff Contact: Renee Lorentzen, Director of Recreation and Community Services, 408-586-3409)
(1) Approved Fee Waivers for (a) Militas Community Educational Endowment Annual Appreciation Dinner for $521, (b) Christian Worship Center Bay Area Annual Egg Hunt for $1500, and (c) Gen Grow Empower Nurture Celebrating Neurodiversity Event for $1500; and (2) Approved Donation requests for (a) Positive Alternative Recreation Teambuilding Impact "Fusion" Milpitas Youth Community Outreach and Building Service Project kick-off event for $500, and (b) Inclusive World Community Showcase for Neurodiverse Youth & High School Volunteers for $325.
7. Adopt a Resolution to Approve Project Plans and Specifications, Award Construction Contract to Star Construction, Inc., for the Sinnott Park Playground Renovation, CIP No. 3471 (Staff Contact: Christian Di Renzo, Public Works Director, 408-586-2602; and Michael Silveira, City Engineer, 408-586-3303)
Adopted Resolution No. 9494 to (1) Approve the project plans and specifications, (2) Award the construction contract to Star Construction, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder submitting a responsive the Sinnott Park Playground Renovation, CIP No. 3471.
Authorize the City Manager, or Designee, to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement with Environmental Innovations, Inc. for Stormwater Inspection Services (Staff Contact: Luz Cofresi- Howe, Finance Director, 408-586-3111; and Christian Di Renzo, Public Works Director, 408-586- 2602)
Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to negotiate and execute a Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Innovations, Inc., for Stormwater Inspection Services for a five-year term and a total amount not-to-exceed of $376, 180, subject to the appropriation of funds.
Approve and Authorize the City Manager, or Designee, to execute Agreements with Quality Assurance Engineering, Inc. and Achievement Engineering Corp., for On-Call Inspection Services (Staff Contact: Christian Di Renzo, Public Works Director, 408-586-2602; and Michael Silveira, City Engineer, 408-586-3303)
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Approved and authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Professional Service Agreements with Quality Assurance Engineering, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $700,000 and Achievement Engineering Corp. in an amount not to exceed $300,000 for on-call inspection services for a five-year term.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Consider a Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (Staff Contact: Matt Cano, Assistant City Manager, 408-586-3222) Acting City Manager Hernandez introduced the item. Housing Analyst Silva presented the report.
Mayor Montano opened the public hearing.
There were the following public speakers:
1. Mardo Rincan
2. Michael Thomas
3. Melanie Faure
Mayor Montano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Chua asked after various applicants and their qualifications.
Vice Mayor Barbadillo asked about updates on federal grant conditions discussed months prior.
Assistant City Manager Cano noted that the City had a signed agreement with HUD for the current fiscal year incorporating previously discussed language, though next year's requirements were unknown.
Mayor Montano sought clarification about the revolving loan funds, confirming these were CDBG funds subject to regulations with caps and national objective requirements. She asked about spending categories, and Housing Analyst Silva confirmed they were limited to public services, program administration, capital projects, and economic development activities only from applications received during the period. When Mayor Montano asked about using funds for Main Street revitalization or signage, staff clarified that applicants must meet national CDBG objectives.
Councilmember Lam asked about the logic behind percentage allocations. Staff explained public services received the most applications so maximizing funding made sense, program administration was operationally costly, so maximizing the cap was in the city's interest, and the remainder followed the 60-40 split decided at the May 6 council meeting.
After discussion, motion: to approve a substantial amendment to the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan; Allocate any new program income earned after this amendment and during the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan period to: (a) maximize the program administration cap, (b) maximize the public services cap, and (c) Use the remainder of funds to Capital or Economic Development; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to make any necessary changes to the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan.
Motion/Second: Vice Mayor Barbadillo / Councilmember Lien Motion carried by the following:
AYES: Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Councilmember Chua, Councilmember Lam, Councilmember Lien
NOES: None
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LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT SERVICES
11. Review the List of New Workplan Item Requests from Individual Councilmembers and Provide Direction to Staff Through the Council-Approved Prioritization Process (Staff Contact: Matt Cano, Assistant City Manager, 408-586-3012)
Acting City Manager Hernandez introduced the item and Assistant City Manager Cano provided the presentation.
There were the following public speakers:
1. Mike Pellizari
Councilmember Lam clarified his intent for Item C3 was solely to rename the Science, Technology & Innovation Commission to "Technology Commission." Staff confirmed this could be accomplished administratively in fewer than four hours and removed the item from the voting list.
Councilmember Chua asked that C2 be deferred to the next prioritization session.
For Item C7, staff noted the City had already arranged to use VTA bus shelter advertising for FIFA within the existing budget; prioritization would be relevant only for potential ongoing use. On C8, Mayor Montano noted the City previously had a pilot street sweeping program and asked for a follow-up email on its current status.
Mayor Montano asked for clarification on Item C1. Acting City Manager Hernandez noted that the issue that under the current municipal code is that a liquor store cannot open near an existing childcare facility, but a childcare facility may be approved next to an existing liquor store. He suggested that it may be possible to fix the policy administratively. Mayor Montano indicated she wished to keep the item on the prioritization list to ensure the language is strengthened regardless.
The City Council conducted the first round of voting to determine which referrals would advance to the ranking process. IT Director Nam explained the electronic voting procedure, and City Clerk Guzzetta reported that three referrals received enough votes to move forward. The results of the first round were as follows:
• C1 - Review the existing policy to possibly grant the City Council authority to approve or deny licensed massage facilities and ABC licenses
• C7 - Explore use of public funds to advertise Milpitas restaurants and amenities on VTA bus shelters
• C9 - Explore establishing a Friendship City relationship All three items reached the threshold of three votes in the first round, completing the prioritization orocess. Assistant City Manager Cano summarized the outcomes: Items C1, C7, and C9 are prioritize and will be added to the work plan with items requiring additional budget to be raised in the ongoing budget process; Item C2 is deferred to the next prioritization session; and C3 will be advanced administratively.
Mayor Montano suggested that the City explore a partnership with an outside agency to manage Item C9 Exploring a Friendship City relationship.
After discussion, motion: to (1) approve the list as prioritized:
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• C1 - Review policy on massage facilities/ABC licenses: 3 votes (Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Council Member Lam)
• C7 - VTA bus shelter advertising: 3 votes (Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Council Member Lam)
• C9 - Explore Friendship City: 3 votes (Mayor Montano, Vice Mayor Barbadillo, Council Member Lien)
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
12. Consider Introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Council Vacancy Ordinance and Reduce Special Election Costs (Staff Contact: Matt Cano, Assistant City Manager, Department, 408-586- 3012)
Acting City Manager Hernandez introduced the item and Assistant City Manager Cano presented the report.
There were no public speakers.
Councilmember Chua explained the reasons for bringing this item forward to the City Council for consideration.
Vice Mayor Barbadillo asked what factors the Council could consider in choosing whether to appoint or conduct a special election. Assistant City Manager Cano and City Attorney Curtis spoke on various scenarios the City Council might consider.
After discussion, motion: to (1) introduce Ordinance No. 194.2 amending Milpitas Municipal Code Title 1, Chapter 3, relating to vacancies on the City Council; and (2) Waive the reading of the ordinance beyond the title.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Montano made the following requests:
1. Agendize a review by the Facility Naming Subcommittee of facilities with "Cesar Chavez" in the name and make recomendations to the full Council on new names, including proposed changes to the Municipal Code, any standing resolutions, and the City holiday observed on March 31st. There was unanimous consensus to add the item to the prioritization list (5-0).
2. Return with a revision to the Council Policy allowing the school district a limited number of additional fee waivers. Council Member Chua asked that a specific number be defined to avoid being inundated with requests. There was unanimous consensus to add the item to the prioritization list (5-0).
3. Youth Intervention Programs: explore youth programs and intervention initiatives in the wake of the passing of Milpitas high school student Jared Kavan on March 31st, including possible partnerships April 7, 2026 Militas City Council Minutes Page 6
with MUSD on counseling, sports, or after-school programming. Council Member Llen suggested MUSD should take the lead and recommended discussing the matter through the City-School Collaboratve Subcommittee. Acting City Manager Hernandez recommended staff prepare an information memo outlining existing programs offered by both the City and MUSD to give the Council a baseline for further direction.
Vice Mayor Barbadillo made the following requests:
1. Permitting Process for Emerging Technologies: review the permitting process, including the site development permit process, to determine whether updates were needed to address technology advancements such as the proliferation of small cell towers. There was unanimous consensus to add the item to the prioritization list (5-0).
2. Prepare an information report on the current Fire Department deployment model and alternative shift schedule options. Consensus was reached unanimously (5-0).
3. Consider prioritization of a formal, third-party staffing analysis for the Fire Department similar to the 2019 study. Consensus was reached 3-2 (Noes: Lien, Montano).
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Montano asked for a moment of silence in memory of Jarred Cavan, a 17-year-old Milpitas student who passed away on March 31st. Following the moment of silence, the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 PM.
The foregoing minutes were approved by the Milpitas City Suzanne Guzzetta
Militas City Clerk
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