AGENDA
City of Monte Sereno
Friday, June 27, 2025
Special Meeting of the City Council
3:00 PM
Monte Sereno City Council Chambers - 18041 Saratoga -
Los Gatos Road, Monte Sereno, Ca 95030
How to Participate
To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can access and participate in the meeting as follows: To listen (only) by telephone dial US: +1 669 444 9171 or +1 720 707 2699 or +1 253 205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 719 359 4580 or +1 646 931 3860 or +1 689 278 1000 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 305 224 1968 or +1 309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 360 209 5623 or +1 386 347 5053 or +1 507 473 4847 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 646 558 8656
When prompted by the system enter participation Webinar ID:
869 7175 4801
and Password: 634307.
To attend the meeting webinar with a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86971754801?pwd=LGoxGXcAY8kLuLfnx900Osf5MjAji5.1 Passcode: 634307
Or iPhone one-tap (telephone connection) : US:
+16694449171,,86971754801#,,,,*634307# US
+17207072699,,86971754801#,,,,*634307# US
Passcode: 634307.
You will be prompted to install the webinar client appropriate for your device. Attendees are encouraged to install the needed software in advance at the following locations depending on the device being used. If you are unable to participate in real-time, you may email to the City Clerk at [email protected] with the subject line "Public Comment Item #__ " (insert the item number relevant to your comment) or "Verbal Communications - Non Agenda Item." Any member of the public who needs accommodations should email or call the City Manager who will use his best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety in accordance with the City procedure for resolving reasonable accommodation requests. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Manager at 408-498- 5285 or [email protected]. If requested of the City Manager, agendas and documents in the agenda packet can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability.
Page
CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor, or a majority of the Council by vote, may change the order of business, except for public hearings on the agenda for a set time.
ROLL CALL
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of a Letter of Opposition to SB 79 (Wiener) TransitOriented Development Staff recommends that the City Council consider whether to authorize the Mayor to send the draft letter of opposition to SB 79 (Wiener) to the appropriate legislators.
Staff Report - SR-25-129 - Pdf
3 - 5
2. Consider Adoption of a Resolution to Determine the Number of Youth Commissioners for the 2025-2026 School Year
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the draft resolution to set the number of Youth Commission at seven for the 2025-2026 school year.
Staff Report - SR-25-130 - Pdf
6 - 9
3. Approve Warrant List Dated June 25, 2025 in the Amount $54,795.48 Staff recommends the City Council approve the Warrant List.
Staff Report - SR-25-132 - Pdf
10 - 11
NEW BUSINESS
4. Interview and Appointment to Fill Vacant City Councilmember Seat Staff recommends the City Council conduct interviews of the applicants and vote to fill the vacant City Council seat.
Staff Report - SR-25-131 - Pdf
12 - 31
ADJOURN
* All items on the agenda are subject to action/or change by the City Council In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (408) 354-7635. If requested of the City Clerk, agendas and documents in the agenda packet can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability.
Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: Special Meeting of the City Council - Jun 27 2025 Agenda Heading: CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Planner/Interim City Manager Department: Administration
Title: Consideration of a Letter of Opposition to SB 79 (Wiener) TransitOriented Development Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends that the City Council consider whether to authorize the Mayor to send the draft letter of opposition to SB 79 (Wiener) to the appropriate legislators.
Background Information:
On January 15, 2025, SB 79 was introduced to the California State Senate. If adopted, SB 79 would override state-certified local housing elements and transfer land-use authority to transit agencies without ensuring housing development, including affordable housing.
SB 79 mandates ministerial approval of high-density residential projects up to seven stories near public transit stops, including ferry and train stations, regardless of local zoning codes.
The bill significantly limits the role of local development standards and allows transit agencies to make independent land-use decisions on property they own or lease, without consideration for local planning, community needs, or environmental impacts.
Analysis:
SB 79 continues the trend of overriding local land-use authority, requiring cities to approve high-density housing near transit stops without regard for infrastructure capacity, environmental concerns, or public input. This broad, state-driven approach disregards local municipality’s General Plans and the extensive local planning efforts that shape responsible growth.
The bill grants transit agencies full authority to develop land they own or lease, even beyond transit adjacent areas. These agencies would have the power to determine building height, density, and design without input from local governments or communities. There is no requirement that new housing be built; transit agencies could develop entirely commercial projects while still imposing high-density zoning requirements on surrounding areas.
While this bill would not directly affect potential development in Monte Sereno, would further erode local control over land use decisions.
While increasing housing production is a shared goal, SB 79 does not ensure meaningful housing development in a way that aligns with local needs. A more effective approach would involve state investment in infrastructure and housing programs that support communities rather than overriding them.
California Environmental Quality Act:
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
Fiscal Impact:
No immediate fiscal impact is anticipated.
Public Noticing:
The City of Monte Sereno's Council meeting agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside of Monte Sereno's City Hall and the agenda with this staff report can be accessed on the City of Monte Sereno's website located at www.montesereno.org.
Attachments:
1. Draft Letter of Opposition to SB 79
June 27, 2025
The Honorable Scott Wiener
Senator, California State Senate
1021 O St, Suite 8620
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 79 (Wiener) Transit-Oriented Development - Notice of Opposition Dear Senator Wiener:
The City of Monte Sereno writes to express our strong opposition to your SB 79 (Wiener) bill, which would disregard state-certified housing elements and bestow land use authority to transit agencies without any requirement that developers build housing, let alone affordable housing.
SB 79 doubles down on the recent trend of the state overriding its own mandated local housing elements. This latest overreaching effort forces cities to approve transit-oriented development projects near specified transit stops – up to seven stories high and a density of 120 homes per acre – without regard to the community's needs, environmental review, or public input.
Most alarmingly, SB 79 defies cities’ general plans and provides transit agencies unlimited land use authority on property they own or have a permanent easement, regardless of the distance from a transit stop. Transit agencies would have the power to determine all aspects of the development including height, density, and design, without any regard to local zoning or planning. This broad new authority applies to both residential and commercial development. Transit agencies could develop 100% commercial projects – even at transit stops – and not provide a single new home, while simultaneously making the argument that more housing must be constructed around transit stops.
As currently drafted, SB 79 will not spur much-needed housing construction in a manner that supports local flexibility, decision-making, and community input. State-driven ministerial or by-right housing approval processes fail to recognize the extensive public engagement associated with developing and adopting zoning ordinances and housing elements. For these reasons, the City of Monte Sereno strongly opposes SB 79.
Should you have any questions about our position, please contact Diana Perkins, City Manager, at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Burton Craig
Mayor
CC: Gail Pellerin, Assemblymember
18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
Monte Sereno, California 95030-4299
Telephone: 408.354.7635
www.montesereno.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: Special Meeting of the City Council - Jun 27 2025 Agenda Heading: CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff Contact: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Title: Consider Adoption of a Resolution to Determine the Number of Youth Commissioners for the 2025-2026 School Year
Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the draft resolution to set the number of Youth Commission at seven for the 2025-2026 school year.
Background Information:
At the June 17, 2025 City Council meeting, the Council introduced an ordinance to amend the Municipal Code to reduce the number of Youth Commissioners as several meetings were cancelled last term due to the lack of a quorum. The ordinance will reduce the number of Commissioners from 15 to a minimum of five. The ordinance will also allow the City Council to revise the number of Commissioners each year by resolution.
The draft resolution would set the number of Youth Commissioners at seven for the 2025-2026 school year.
California Environmental Quality Act:
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
Fiscal Impact:
No immediate fiscal impact is anticipated.
Public Noticing:
The City of Monte Sereno's Council meeting agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside of Monte Sereno's City Hall and the agenda with this staff report can be accessed on the City of Monte Sereno's website located at www.montesereno.org.
Attachments:
1. Draft Resolution Number of Youth Commissioners 2025-2026KP
RESOLUTION NO. ______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTE SERENO
ESTABLISHING THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS
FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2025-2026
WHEREAS, in 2005, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 146 establishing the Monte Sereno Youth Commission; and
WHEREAS, the number of members of the Youth Commission has varied over time, but most recently the Youth Commission was established with fifteen (15) members; and
WHEREAS, with fifteen (15) members, eight (8) members are required to attend in order to establish a quorum and hold a meeting; and
WHEREAS, due to lack of attendance, the Youth Commission has been unable to make a quorum at five (5) out of its ten (10) meetings; and WHEREAS, to rectify this problem, the City Council approved Ordinance No. NS246 setting the minimum number of members on the Youth Commission at five (5) but requiring the City Council to annually set the membership by resolution; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to set the Youth Commission membership for School Year 2025-2026 at seven (7) members.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno that the membership of the Youth Commission shall be set at seven (7) members for School Year 2025-26.
The above and foregoing resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno at a special meeting held on the 27th day of June 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Approved:
Burton Craig, Mayor
Attest:
Gloisy Gonzales-Langarica, City
Clerk
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: Special Meeting of the City Council - Jun 27 2025 Agenda Heading: CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Planner/Interim City Manager Department: Administration
Title: Approve Warrant List Dated June 25, 2025 in the Amount $54,795.48 Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Warrant List.
California Environmental Quality Act:
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
Public Noticing:
The City of Monte Sereno's Council meeting agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside of Monte Sereno's City Hall and the agenda with this staff report can be accessed on the City of Monte Sereno's website located at www.montesereno.org.
Attachments:
1. Warrant List June 25, 2025
Check # Payable to: Description Amount
21422 Pacific Gas & Electric
PG&E Services 06/08/2025 to 06/06/2025 (Acct
9244198567-9) $ 30.26
21423 Kevin Harper Reissue Re-issue Check #21346 $11,517.00 21424 Pacific Gas & Electric
PG&E Services 05/08/2025 to 06/06/2025 (Acct
3832462834-6) $ 565.26
21425 Pacific Gas & Electric
PG&E Services 05/15/2025 to 06/13/2025 (Acct1826391492-3) $ 197.86 21426 Pacific Gas & Electric
PG&E Services 04/15/2025 to 05/13/2025 (Acct1951391484-6) $ 52.08 21427 Pacific Gas & Electric
PG&E Services 05/15/2025 to 06/13/2025 (Acct1868058156-0) $ 217.92 21428 BMI Imaging Systems
Web Hosting Services for Archived Records for
June 2025 (Invoice 101242) $ 225.00
21429 Delta Dental of California
Employee Dental Insurance for June 2025 (Invoice
BE006573489) $ 352.47
21430 DocuSign Inc lockbox
DocuSign Services for 05/22/2025 to 05/21/2026
(Invoice 111100512556) $ 3,312.00
21431 KEVIN HARPER Finance Consulting Services for May 2025 $ 2,975.00 21432
Kier & Wright Civil Engineers
and Surve
Consulting Services for Parcel Map Review
(Invoice 309828) $ 365.75
21433
Municipal Resource Group,
LLC
HR Consulting Services for 05/1/2025 to
05/31/2025 (Invoice 250631) $ 2,340.00
21434 Porter Capital Corp
Accounting Services for 06/06/2025 to 06/15/2025
(Invoice 9076) $ 3,500.00
21435 San Jose Water
Water Service for City Hall from 04/2/2025 to
06/2/2025 (Acct 7537400000-0 and 99637200000-
09) $ 911.39
21436 Skane Mills, LLP
Consulting Attorney Services for 5/1/2025 (invoice
43956) $ 130.00
21437 Tyler Technologies
Project Planning Sessions for ERP Pro 10
Implementation for 5/6/2025 (Invoice 025-
512954) $ 145.00
21438 Javed Ellahie Reissue check 21060 $175.54
21439 Alana Consulting, LLC
Building Plan Check Consulting Services for
03/20/25 to 06/25/2025 $ 39,475.49
Total $ 54,795.48
CITY OF MONTE SERENO
CHECK REGISTERS
CHECK DATE: JUNE 25, 2025
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: Special Meeting of the City Council - Jun 27 2025 Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Planner/Interim City Manager Department: Administration
Title: Interview and Appointment to Fill Vacant City Councilmember Seat Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends the City Council conduct interviews of the applicants and vote to fill the vacant City Council seat.
Background Information:
On May 12, 2025, City Councilmember Evert Wolsheimer officially resigned from the City Council. Mr. Wolsheimer’s resignation results in the vacancy of his City Council seat for the remainder of his term, which expires December 2026.
At the June 3, 2025 City Council meeting, the Council decided to fill the seat through the appointment process and directed staff to advertise for the seat and accept applications. The applications were available online June 4, 2025 and were due on June 20, 2025.
Analysis:
The following total of four applications, all of which are qualified, were received:
Lon Allan
Bob Lapcevic
Michael Frangadakis
Arushi Saxena
California Environmental Quality Act:
This is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment (CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5)).
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact from filling the vacant City Council seat by appointment.
Public Noticing:
The City of Monte Sereno's Council meeting agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside of Monte Sereno's City Hall and the agenda with this staff report can be accessed on the City of Monte Sereno's website located at www.montesereno.org.
Attachments:
1. Applications Received