Giselle Hale, Mayor
Diana Reddy, Vice Mayor
Alicia C. Aguirre, Council Member
Lissette Espinoza-Garnica,
Council Member
Jeff Gee, Council Member
Diane Howard, Council Member
Michael A. Smith, Council Member
MINUTES
MEETING LOCATION
In person:
CITY OF REDWOOD CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1017 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063
www.redwoodcity.org
Virtual via Zoom:
redwoodcity.zoom.us
Meeting ID: 994 8182 5639
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, July 25, 2022
6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Hale called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL Council Members Espinoza-Garnica, Gee, Howard, Smith, Vice Mayor Reddy and Mayor Hale were present. Council Member Aguirre was absent.
Staff present: City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz, City Attorney Veronica Ramirez and City Clerk Pamela Aguilar.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Gee led the pledge of allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
4.A. Swearing in of newly appointed Board, Commission and Committee members City Clerk Pamela Aguilar administered the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Board, Commission and Committee members.
4.B. Proclamation recognizing International Youth Day
Teen Advisory Board Member Nuvya Sharda accepted the proclamation.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR, MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST
AND ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The following members of the public spoke:
• Patricia Tapia
• Rudy Espinoza
• Carlton, CIG Recruitment SME
• Marcelene Luna
• Reverend Lori Owens
• Mark Ho
• Steven Howard
• Mike Elhihi
• Joseph Echema
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Espinoza stated that out of an abundance of caution, she will be recused from voting on item 6B, as she resides within 1000 feet from the project site.
Council Member Espinoza-Garnica also requested to pull item 6I for further discussion.
Motion and second, Smith and Gee, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, except 6B and 6I, passes 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Aguirre absent.
Motion and second, Gee and Howard, to approve item 6B, passes 5-0-2 by roll call vote, with Council Member Espinoza-Garnica recused and Council Member Aguirre absent.
Motion and second, Smith and Espinoza-Garnica, to approve item 6I, passes 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Aguirre absent.
6.A. Investment Report for period ended March 31, 2022 (501) MO 22-122
Recommendation:
By motion, approve the City's Investment Report for the period ended March 31, 2022.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.B. License Agreement with San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority for the installation and maintenance of equipment on land owned or controlled by the City for the operation of the San Mateo County Express Lanes Project in Redwood City (304) MO 22-131
Recommendation:
By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a license agreement with San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority for the installation and maintenance of equipment on land owned or controlled by the City for the operation of the San Mateo County Express Lanes (SMC101 Express Lanes) Project in Redwood City.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.C. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Services with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates (304) MO 22-123 Reso 16068 (0054)
Recommendation:
1. By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates (‘Gensler’) to increase compensation by $100,000 to the existing $300,000 contract, totaling $400,000; and
2. Adopt a resolution appropriating $100,000 for increased contract costs that will occur during FY 2022-23.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.D. Final acceptance of the Vera Avenue Bicycle Boulevard Quick-Build Improvements Project (304) MO 22-124
Recommendation:
By motion, accept the Vera Avenue Bicycle Boulevard Quick-Build Improvements Project and authorize the release of bonds and retention according to City procedures.
CEQA:
Categorically Exempt - Class 1. Existing Facilities
6.E. Resolution declaring a continued state of local emergency and affirming findings on the need for the City Council and other City legislative bodies subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act to hold hybrid or virtual meetings pursuant to AB 361 to preserve public health and safety (301) Reso 16069 (0053)
Recommendation:
Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redwood City declaring a continued state of local emergency and need for the City Council and other City legislative bodies subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act to hold hybrid or virtual meetings in order to ensure the health and safety of the public.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.F. Parcel map and associated agreements for the development at 3247 Oak Knoll Drive by Timothy Regan (304) MO 22-125
Recommendation:
1. By motion, approve Parcel Map No. 2020-002, the Parcel Map for 3247 Oak Knoll Drive;
2. By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with Timothy Regan; and
3. By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Stormwater Treatment Measures Maintenance Agreement with Timothy Regan.
CEQA:
Categorically Exempt - Class 32. In-Fill Development Projects
6.G. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement for Services with CSG Consultants Inc. for fire prevention services (304) MO 22-126
Recommendation:
By By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Services with CSG Consultants Inc., to continue providing Fire Prevention Services for an additional two years in the amount not to exceed $100,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $300,000.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.H. Amendment No. 2 to agreement with Silicon Valley Clean Water for public relations services (304) MO 22-127
Recommendation:
By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Services with Silicon Valley Clean Water for providing public relations services.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.I. Amendment No. 4 to agreement with Downtown Streets, Inc. (304) MO 22-132
Recommendation:
By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement for Services between the City of Redwood City and Downtown Streets, Inc. to increase compensation by six hundred thousand one hundred forty four dollars ($600,144) for a total not-to-exceed amount of one
million seven hundred ninety seven thousand six hundred sixteen dollars ($1,797,616) to extend to a fourth year the program that provides volunteer work experience for people experiencing homelessness while contributing to beautification, clean-up projects, and homeless outreach efforts for the City.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.J. First Amendment to the agreement with the Redwood City School District for increase of funding for after school learning programs (304) MO 22-128
Recommendation:
By motion, approve and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement between Redwood City School District and the City of Redwood City to increase funding for after school learning programs in an amount not to exceed one hundred seventy seven thousand seven hundred and eight dollars ($177,708) for a total amount not to exceed six hundred sixty four thousand five hundred and three dollars ($664,503).
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
6.K. Waive second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Redwood City Municipal Code Chapter 29 to add the Outdoor Business Activity Program for parklets and sidewalk cafes and miscellaneous clean up changes, and amending Chapter 33A, Article II to remove the Downtown Sidewalk Café Program (301) Ord 2510 (0009)
Recommendation:
Waive second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Redwood City Municipal Code Chapter 29 to add the Outdoor Business Activity Program for parklets and sidewalk cafes and miscellaneous clean up changes, and amending Chapter 33A, Article II to remove the Downtown Sidewalk Café Program.
CEQA:
Categorically Exempt - Class 4. Minor alterations to land
6.L. Approve Minutes of June 27, 2022 City Council meeting (301) MO 22-129
6.M. Approve claims and checks from June 27, 2022 - July 25, 2022 and the usual and necessary payments through July 25, 2022 (303) MO 22-130
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.A. Public hearing to consider amendments to the City Charter for submittal to Redwood City voters at the next general election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 (307) Reso 16070 (0052)
Assistant City Manager Alex Khojikian gave a presentation.
The following members of the public spoke:
• Brent Britschgi
• Jimmy Hedges
• Kris Johnson
• Rona Gundrum
Recommendation:
1. Hold a public hearing to consider amendments to the City Charter as recommended by the City Council’s Governance Sub-Committee for submittal to Redwood City voters at the next general election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022; and
2. Adopt a resolution calling for an election to be consolidated with the General Municipal Election and Statewide General Election to be held on November 8, 2022 and submitting to the voters at that election a measure to amend the City Charter to update certain provisions.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Motion and second, Gee and Howard, to adopt a resolution calling for an election to be consolidated with the General Municipal Election and Statewide General Election to be held on November 8, 2022 and submitting to the voters at that election two measures to amend the City Charter, one titled “City of Redwood City Election Procedures Charter Amendment”, and the other titled “City of Redwood City Mayoral Term Charter Amendment” with the friendly amendment to enact the new one-year mayoral term for any term commencing on or after December 1, 2022, fails 3-3-1 by roll call vote, with Council Members Smith and Espinoza-Garnica and Vice Mayor Reddy dissenting, and Council Member Aguirre absent.
Motion and second, Espinoza-Garnica and Smith, to adopt a resolution calling for an election to be consolidated with the General Municipal Election and Statewide General Election to be held on November 8, 2022 and submitting to the voters at that election two measures to amend the City Charter, one titled “City of Redwood City Election Procedures Charter Amendment”, and the other titled “City of Redwood City Mayoral Term Charter Amendment” as
recommended by staff, passes 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Aguirre absent.
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.A. Vacancy on the Planning Commission for a full-term seat expiring June 30, 2026 (209) MO 22-133
City Clerk Pamela Aguilar gave an overview of the item.
The following members of the public spoke:
• Kris Johnson
Recommendation:
By motion, appoint the remaining eligible applicant, Adrian Brandt, to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission for a full-term seat expiring June 30, 2026;
or
By motion, open a recruitment to solicit applications for the Planning Commission, and include the remaining eligible applicant, Adrian Brandt, from the current list for final consideration.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Motion and second, Espinoza-Garnica and Smith, to open a recruitment to solicit applications for the Planning Commission, and include the remaining eligible applicant, Adrian Brandt, from the current list for final consideration, passes 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Aguirre absent.
8.B. Discussion and direction regarding filling a vacancy in City Council District 4 caused by the resignation of Councilmember Michael A. Smith and proclamation of appreciation for Councilmember Smith’s service (307) MO 22-134
Mayor Hale presented Council Member Smith with a proclamation recognizing his service on the City Council. Council Member Smith gave parting remarks.
City Attorney Veronica Ramirez gave a presentation.
The following members of the public spoke:
• Bill Newell
• Jimmy Hedges
• Lisa Hicks-Dumanske
Recommendation:
Direct staff to begin the process to fill by appointment the vacancy for the Council District 4 seat for the unexpired term ending December 2024.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Motion and second, Espinoza-Garnica and Gee, to solicit applications to appoint to the District 4 Council Member vacancy, with interviews and appointment taking place at the August 22 City Council meeting, passes 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Aguirre absent.
9. STUDY SESSIONS
9.A. City Council Study Session on the proposed housing and recreational community benefits associated with the Harbor View development project located at 320-350 Blomquist Street
Community Development and Transportation Director Mark Muenzer and Assistant Community Development and Transportation Director Sue Exline gave a presentation.
Applicant for the Harbor View Project,
The following members of the public spoke:
• Sister Christina Helstley
• Kimberly Koch
• Alice Mansell
• Jimmy Hedges
• Bart Pantoja
• Litzy Vazquez
• Christina Joy Carlos
• Hugo Torres
• Ryan Carlos
• Diana Caamal
• Emily Prado
• Fernanda DeVelasco
• Cathy Baird
• Edward Evans
• Steven Booker
• Erin Omodt
• Larry Lopez
• Larry Purcell
• Michael Pierce
• Mallory Torres
• Jeanette Lee
• Monique Garcia
• Florence Ortiz
• Sophia-Marie Thibault
• Edgar Tenorio
• Anders Perez
• Ethan Lester
• Olenka Villareal
• Alison Madden
• Lilian Tashiro
• Ed Vargas
• Jim Gernand
• Kris Johnson
• Gita Dev
Recommendation:
Receive community and City Council member feedback on the proposed community benefit package for the Harbor View development project related to housing and community recreation benefits. This is a study session and no formal action will occur at this meeting.
CEQA:
Environmental Impact Report
Motion and second, Espinoza-Garnica and Smith, to extend the meeting to 12:00 a.m., passes 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Aguirre absent.
A study session was held. No formal Council action was taken.
10. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST – Mayor Hale thanked those that assisted with the July 4th parade festivities, and also announced the opening of the nomination period for the City Council election in Districts 2, 5 and 6.
10.A. City Council Member Report of Conferences Attended
10.B. City Council Committee Reports – Mayor Hale gave an update on the Personnel Sub-Committee meeting that was held on July 1.
10.C. City Manager (Oral) Update – City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz gave an update on the Bird motor scooter project, as well as activities related to National Night Out on August 2.
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A. Closed session regarding labor negotiations pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6, and existing litigation pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Closed session regarding labor negotiations pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6:
City’s Negotiators: Melissa Stevenson Diaz, City Manager Kelly Tuffo, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Michelle Katsuyoshi, Human Resources Director
Employee Organizations: Redwood City Police Officers Association
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Closed session regarding litigation that has been initiated formally pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9:
Name of Cases:
Francesca Fambrough, et al. v. City of Redwood City, 17CIV05387;
Tania Sole v. City of Redwood City, et al., 17CIV04898;
Unlawful Detainer Proceedings, 18UDL00812; 18UDL00810; 18UDL00809; 18UDL00811; 18UDL00817; 18UDL00818;
18UDL00816; 18UDL00822; 18UDL00823; 18UDL00820; 18UDL00903
City Attorney Veronica Ramirez reported the following Council action on item
11.A.2:
The City Council voted to approve a written settlement agreement with Allison Madden that resolves litigation and claims between Ms. Madden and the City relative to the Docktown Marina and Docktown Plan. Ms. Madden agreed to the settlement prior to the Closed Session. Therefore, upon the City Council vote approving the settlement, the City has taken final reportable action.
Principal terms of the settlement agreement are as follows: City will compensate Ms. Madden $275,000 for Docktown related compensation, and $150,000 in litigation related expenses. The City will make these payments in
three installments, and both parties have signed a mutual release of claims including dismissal of all actions.
This action received a unanimous vote, with Council Member Alicia Aguirre absent.
The settlement agreement is a public record and copies will be provided upon request.
12. ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Hale adjourned the meeting at 11:57 p.m.
Pamela Aguilar, CMC
City Clerk
Approved at the August 22, 2022 meeting