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MONTE SERENO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
7:00 p.m.
January 21, 2025
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
At approximately 7:01 p.m., Mayor Craig called the meeting to order.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Council lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present – Chambers: Councilmember Shannon, Councilmember Wolsheimer, Councilmember Mekechuk, Vice Mayor Ellahie and Mayor Craig Present – Remote: None
Absent: None
Staff: City Clerk Gonzalez-Langarica, Interim City Manager/City Planner Perkins and City Attorney Powell
Staff – Remote: None
ORDERS OF THE DAY
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Craig expressed gratitude to fire personnel battling the Southern California fires. He stated it is the City’s top priority to ensure the safety and preparedness of Monte Sereno’s Community in the face of emergencies. Mayor Craig shared subscribing to Alert SCC, a powerful mass notification system that will be used to send emergency information and instructions to anyone who lives or works in Santa Clara County. It was shared that on March 4, 2025, the Santa Clara County Fire will be presenting their semiannual report at the City Council meeting. This will be an opportunity to hear about the latest developments and pose questions to them. Lastly, Mayor Craig is encouraging folks to consider becoming a CERT member.
Councilmember Mekechuk shared that the sign that John Steinbeck carved himself was generously donated by Former Councilmember Joel Gambord and his wife to the City of Monte Sereno. The sign will be mounted in the Chambers after Councilmember Mekechuk returns from taking it to Former Councilmember Joel Gambord.
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PRESENTATIONS
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Former Mayor Allan spoke regarding the safety concern on Daves Avenue. He shared that Allendale Avenue in Saratoga has a foot-high white pole that prevents traffic from driving in the bike lane to avoid the speed bump and is suggesting a similar one be placed on Daves Avenue.
Former Mayor Jackson spoke regarding the fire safety of Monte Sereno. She hopes that Monte Sereno citizens are better informed relating to improving the disaster preparedness and hardening infrastructures. She expressed her hopes that the Council will take appropriate action and create an upgraded and comprehensive emergency plan available to all Monte Sereno residents.
Resident Zeidler spoke regarding fire safety. She said she thinks it is great that Santa Clara County Fire will be here for the March 4th Council meeting and will make sure to attend, too. She believes the City needs to look into additional points of emergency egress and do some research and see what the options are. Lastly, she shared there needs to be a reduction of trees on Highway 9.
Tonya De La Cruz, Public Information and Engagement Officer with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District, and Theresa Bond, Board of Trustee, shared that at their board meeting last Tuesday, the Board passed a resolution to begin the transition from an at-large election system to a by trustee election system. She explained that what this means is that if you were to vote for an open candidate position no matter where you live, you could vote for any candidate. Shifting to a trustee candidate means you would be able to vote for the trustee that lives in your drawn boundaries. This will help ensure people have representatives from all different geographic areas.
Resident Tam spoke on road safety. She recommended having more police staff on Winchester Boulevard monitoring speeds, as it’s currently not safe. She stated there are people driving on Vineland Avenue and Daves Avenue like its Highway 17.
Former Mayor Lawler shared being a former resident of Pacifica Palisades for 15 years. She also shared stories from her friends from Pacifica Palisades. Poor decisions led to the ultimate destruction of her old community. She is questioning if such decisions aren’t being made in Santa Clara County.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approve the Minutes of the January 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
2. Approve Warrant List Dated January 14, 2025 in the amount $175,979.69
3. Accept Consider Establishment of the Monte Sereno City Council Improving Financial Controls and Reporting Ad Hoc Committee and Appoint Council Members to the Committee Vice Mayor Ellahie pulled Item #3
Mayor Craig opened the Consent Calendar for Public Comment.
Public Comment
Former Mayor Allan
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MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Wolsheimer to approve Item #1 on the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Vice Mayor Ellahie.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Wolsheimer to approve Item #2 on the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Councilmember Shannon.
VOTE: Motion passed. (4-0-1 Abstain: Mekechuk)
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Mekechuk to approve Item #3 on the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Councilmember Wolsheimer.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
PUBLIC HEARING
4. Conduct a Public Hearing on the 2025 Weed Abatement Program and Adopt a Resolution Overruling Objections and Determining to Proceed with Weed Abatement Mayor Craig shared that due to incorrect posting of the public hearing, this item will be moved to the next City Council meeting, scheduled on February 4, 2025.
Mayor Craig opened the item for Public Comment.
Public Comment
Resident Dani
With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Craig closed Public Comment.
Items will be continued at a future meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Flock Safety Group for the Installation and Maintenance of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) providing Coverage to the City of Monte Sereno.
Interim City Manager/ City Planner Perkins provided a report and answered questions from the Council.
Flock Safety Representatives MacLeod and Bright were available to assist with answering questions from the Council.
Captain Albin provided information and made herself available to assist with answering questions.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Craig opened the item for Public Comment.
Public Comment
Resident Dani
Resident Zeidler
Resident Wood
Former Mayor Allan
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MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Shannon to Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement with Flock Safety Group for the installation and maintenance of 19 ALPR as well as one mobile ALPR unit in the amount of $132,350 and delay the final installation/activation of the network until July 1, 2025 to allow use of the FY 25/26 Supplemental Law Enforcement Service Funds to be used for the initial installation of the equipment. Seconded by Councilmember Mekechuk.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
Mayor Craig requested a short (10-minute) recess before proceeding with the meeting.
The Council agreed.
6. Discuss Options for Uses of the Auxiliary Building as well as Potential Alterations to City Hall Councilmember Shannon recused herself from this item as her home is in close proximity to the auxiliary building.
City Planner/Interim City Manager Perkins provided a report and answered questions from the Council.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Craig opened the item for Public Comment.
Public Comment
Resident Shannon
With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Craig closed Public Comment.
No action was taken.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Consider and Appoint One Additional Member to the 2024-2025 Monte Sereno Youth Commission.
City Clerk Gonzalez-Langarica provided a report and answered questions from the Council.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Craig opened the item for Public Comment. With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Craig closed Public Comment.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Mekechuk to Appoint Rory Mackin Additional Member to the 2024-2025 Monte Sereno Youth Commission. Seconded by Councilmember Wolsheimer.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
8. Accept the Mid-Year Budget Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and Make a Determination of Necessary Staff Reductions Due to Operation Issues.
Interim City Manager/City Planner Perkins provided a report and answered questions from the Council.
Representatives of M-Group were available to assist with answering questions from the Council.
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Mayor Craig opened the item for Public Comment. With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Craig closed Public Comment.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Mekechuk to accept the mid-year budget report for fiscal year 2024-2025 and made a determination that a reduction in personnel is necessary for operational reasons as outlined in the staff report. Seconded by Vice Mayor Ellahie.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
9. Consider and Accept the City Manager's Quarterly Report Covering October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Interim City Manager/City Planner Perkins provided a report and answered questions from the Council.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Craig opened the item for Public Comment. With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Craig closed Public Comment.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Mekechuk to Accept the City Manager's Quarterly Report Covering October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
Seconded by Councilmember Shannon.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Councilmember Mekechuk reported that the Valley Transportation Authority Policy Advisory Committee met this week. He believes there’s some opportunities for the City of Monte Sereno to receive some funding. Silicon Valley Storm Water Authority Board and West Valley Solid Waste Management Authority Board didn’t have meetings this month. Lastly, Councilmember Mekechuk shared he was unable to attend the meeting with Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority last week.
Councilmember Shannon reported she attended the West Valley Sanitation District Board meeting, and it was nice meeting the other members. Rob Moore with the Town of Los Gatos was elected Chairperson. Councilmember Shannon offered to be an alternate to the Treatment Plant Advisory Committee (TPAC) and is looking forward to future meetings and learning more.
Councilmember Wolsheimer shared he had nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Ellahie shared he had nothing to report.
Mayor Craig reported he attended the Youth Commission meeting, where the commissioners talked about their work plan for the spring. The Youth Commission also discussed the success of the Coats and Cans Drive, as well as the upcoming the ice cream social, happening at the first City Council meeting in May, and also possibly making a podcast. Mayor Craig shared that for the Santa Clara County Library JPA, he attended their finance committee. He reported their finances are in great shape. Mayor Craig lastly reported he attended Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority for Councilmember Mekechuk.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Mekechuk commented he is very much looking forward to working with Docusign Envelope ID: DF0CE6B5-0A06-41D2-A9C1-9B56EAE4F6E2 $d0c2ea085fdb$BAB85A56C21C47CAA85A80053963D9C3.docx Page 6 Councilmember Shannon on the Finance Ad Hoc Committee. Lastly, he commented he will be going to Sacramento tomorrow to meet with Assemblymember Pellerin, Senator Cortese and Senator Becker.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Craig suggested the topic of fire being incorporated in the strategic goal setting meeting, rather than making an individual item of discussion before the Santa Clara County Fire Department presentation in March.
ADJOURN
Mayor Craig adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:59 p.m.
Burton Craig, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
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