__________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 1
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
MAYOR ELMER MARTÍNEZ SABALLOS APPROVED MINUTES
VICE MAYOR KAIA EAKIN
COUNCIL MEMBER ISABELLA CHU 1017 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD
COUNCIL MEMBER JEFF GEE REDWOOD CITY, CA
COUNCIL MEMBER DIANE HOWARD
COUNCIL MEMBER MARCELLA PADILLA
COUNCIL MEMBER CHRIS STURKEN
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/
PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, October 13, 2025 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Martínez Saballos called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL - Council Members Chu, Howard, Sturken, Vice Mayor Eakin and Mayor Martínez Saballos. Council Member Chu participated remotely from 3049 Page Street, Redwood City, CA 94063. Council Member Gee joined the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Council Member Padilla was absent.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Vice Mayor Eakin led the pledge of allegiance.
4. AB 2449 REQUESTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEETING PARTICIPATION BY
TELECONFERENCE DUE TO JUST CAUSE OR EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES
None.
5. PRESENTATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
5.A. Proclamation recognizing United Against Hate Week October 19 – October 25, 2025 Mercedes Martin and members of the Promotores team from Redwood City Together accepted the proclamation and gave remarks.
5.B. Proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention Week October 5 – October 11 Redwood City Fire Marshal Janice Cheung accepted the proclamation and gave remarks.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR, MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST AND
ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The following members of the public provided comments:
• Scott Mitchell
• Jonas McLaren
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 2
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
• Sequoia High School Dream Club
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Eakin pulled item 7A and Council Member Sturken pulled item 7D for discussion.
Motion and second, Howard and Chu, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar, except items 7A and 7D, passed 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Padilla absent.
Motion and second, Gee and Howard, to approve item 7A, passed 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Padilla absent.
Motion and second, Howard and Eakin, to approve item 7D, passed 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Padilla absent.
7.A. Final acceptance of the 2023 -2024 Watermain Replacement Project Cambridge and Emerald Hills (304)
Recommendation:
By motion, accept the 2023 -2024 Watermain Replacement Project Cambridge and Emerald Hills and authorize the release of bonds and retention according to City procedures.
CEQA:
This activity is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378, because it has no potential for resulting in either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Moreover, the City determined that the 2023-2024 Watermain Replacement Project Cambridge and Emerald Hills was categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15302, Class 2 (c) Replacement or Reconstruction and a Notice of Exe mption was filed September 17, 2024.
7.B. Final acceptance from McNabb Construction, Inc. and Park Associates DBA Park Planet of the Jardin de Niños Park Expansion Project and supply of metal frame structure to expand the park services in the City's Stambaugh-Heller neighborhood (304)
Recommendation:
1. By motion, accept the Jardin de Niños Park Expansion Project and authorize the release of bonds and retention according to City procedures to McNabb Construction, Inc.; and
2. By motion, accept the supply of metal frame structure and authorize the release of bonds and retention according to City procedures to Park Associates DBA Park Planet.
CEQA:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 3
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
7.C. Final acceptance of the Fair Oaks Community Center Multi -Purpose Room (MPR) Kitchen Remodel Project (304)
Recommendation:
By motion, accept the Fair Oaks Community Center Multi- Purpose Room (MPR) Kitchen Remodel Project at 2600 Middlefield Road, and authorize the release of bonds and retention according to City procedures.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
7.D. Adopt an ordinance approving the Affordable Housing Incentive Program, which would temporarily amend the requirements of the Affordable Housing Ordinance through June 30, 2027 (301) Ord. 1130-891
Recommendation:
Waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance temporarily amending Article 29 (Requirements for Affordable Housing) of the Zoning Code by reducing Affordable Housing Requirements for Pipeline Projects (Affordable Housing Incentive Program) through June 30, 2027.
CEQA:
The Affordable Housing Incentive Program is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). The proposed Program is not considered a project under Public Resources Code Section 21605, and Guidelines Section 15378, and even if it were a project, it would be categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as the Affordable Housing Incentive Program does not have potential for a direct physical effect in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect effect on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4), the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment is not considered a project under CEQA.
The proposed Affordable Housing Incentive Program involves the adoption or amendment of certain fees and/or charges imposed by the City, does not commit the City to any specific projec t, and said fees and/or charges are applicable to Pipeline Projects which have been approved and undergone CEQA review or are applicable to future development projects and/or activities, each of which future projects and/or activities will be fully evaluat ed in full compliance with CEQA when sufficient physical details regarding said projects and/or activities are available to permit meaningful CEQA review (see CEQA Guidelines, Section 15004(b)(1)). Therefore, approval of the Affordable Housing Incentive Pr ogram for reduced fees and/or charges is not a “project” for __________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 4
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
purposes of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b)(4); and, even if considered a “project” under CEQA, is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that approval of the reduced fees and/or charges may have a significant effect on the environment.
7.E. Approve September 29, and October 3, 2025 City Council Minutes (301)
7.F. Approve claims and checks from October 13, 2025 to October 27, 2025 and the usual and necessary payments through October 27, 2025 (303)
8. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES WORK PLANS
8.A. Library Board Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 (209)
Library Board staff liaison and Library Director Derek Wolfgram introduced the item, and Library Board Chair Davie-Kessler and Vice Chair Lindsie Verma gave the presentation.
There was no public comment.
Recommendation:
By motion, approve the Library Board Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Motion and second, Howard and Sturken, to approve the Library Board Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27, passed 6-0-1 by roll call vote, with Council Member Padilla absent.
8.B. Senior Affairs Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 (209)
Senior Affairs Commission staff liaison and Community Services Recreation Manager Bruce Utech introduced the item, and Senior Affairs Commission Chair Jaqueline Hartman gave the presentation.
There was no public comment.
Recommendation:
By motion, approve the Senior Affairs Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2025 -26 and 2026-27.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Motion and second, Chu and Sturken, to approve the Senior Affairs Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2025 -26 and 2026-27, passed 6-0-1 by roll call vote , with Council Member Padilla absent.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. Ordinance adopting Tenant Protections including Relocation Assistance and Minimum Lease Terms (400)
Assistant City Manager Patrick Heisinger introduced the item, and Housing Leadership Manager Alin Lancaster and Housing Management Analyst Victor Gaitan gave the presentation. City consultants Jason and Kaavya from EPS, and Carol Conn from Project Sentinel were also available for questions.
Mayor Martínez Saballos opened the public hearing.
The following members of the public provided comments:
• Katie Goetz
• David Carducci
• Kate Hiester
• Diana Reddy
• Rhovy Lyn Antonio
• Clara Jaeckel
• Fernando Pena
• Nicole Noga
Mayor Martínez Saballos closed the public hearing.
Recommendation:
Waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance (Attachment A) repealing Chapter 42 (Relocation Assistance) and Chapter 42a (Minimum Lease Term) of the Redwood City Code and replacing with Chapter 42 (Tenant Protection Ordinance) of the Redwood City Code.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Motion and second, Eakin and Sturken, to waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance repealing Chapter 42 (Relocation Assistance) and Chapter 42a (Minimum Lease Term) of the Redwood City Code and replacing with Chapter 42 (Tenant __________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
Protection Ordinance), including the right to return, of the Redwood City Code, passed 4-2-1 by roll call vote , with Council Members Gee and Chu opposed, and Council Member Padilla absent.
9.B. Public hearing to review and receive comments on Redwood City Water Utility Division 2025 Public Health Goal Report (802)
Public Works Superintendent Justin Chapel gave the presentation.
Mayor Martínez Saballos opened the public hearing.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Martínez Saballos closed the public hearing.
Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing to receive and acknowledge comments from the public on the 2025 Public Health Goal Report and refer any comments to the Public Works Services Department for response and further consideration as appropriate.
CEQA:
This is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
A Public Hearing was held. No formal action was taken by the Council.
10. STAFF REPORTS - None
11. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST
11.A. City Council Member Report of Conferences Attended
A. City Council Report of Meetings/Conferences Attendance Mayor Martínez Saballos, Vice Mayor Eakin and Council Members Gee and Sturken reported on the League of California Cities’ annual conference and expo in Long Beach.
Council Member Howard reported on the 1st session of Community Building Academy held on October 8, 2025 at City Hall.
11.B. City Council Committee Reports
A. RCSD/SUHSD/RWC 2x2x2
Council Member Howard gave an update.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
11.C. City Manager (Oral) Update
City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz shared that Redwood City launched the 2025 National Community Survey to gather input from community members on local government services, community priorities, and overall quality of life.
12. CLOSED SESSION
There was no public comment.
At 10:35 p.m., the City Council convened to Closed Session to discuss the following:
12.A. Closed session regarding 1) Real property negotiations pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8; 2) Anticipated litigation regarding initiation of litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(4); and 3) Existing litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: Property Commonly Referred to as a 0.32-acre parcel at the intersection of Maple and Lathrop;
APN: 053- 182-0 30
Agency Negotiator: Melissa Stevenson Diaz, City Manager Patrick Heisinger, Assistant City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Successor Agency to the former Redwood City Redevelopment Agency
Michelle Poché Flaherty, Successor Agency Treasurer
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase of Property
Closed session regarding real property negotiations pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:
Gov’t Code § 54956.8: “...a legislative body of a local agency may hold a closed session with its negotiator prior to the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property by or for the local agency to grant authority to its negotiator regarding the price and terms of payment for the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease.”
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION __________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ OCTOBER 13, 2025 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8
MINUTE BOOK NO. 69
Closed session regarding initiation of litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): 1 case.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Closed session regarding litigation that has been initiated formally pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Name of Case: Joseph Echema v. Redwood City Fire Department, et al., San Mateo County Superior Court Case No.
21CIV01571
City Attorney Veronica Ramirez reported that t he City Council voted 6-0-1, with Council Member Padilla absent, to approve a written settlement with Mr. Joseph Echema to resolve litigation and claims alleged against the city and litigation. Mr. Joseph Echema agreed to the settlement prior to the C losed Session.
Therefore, upon the City Council’s vote approving the settlement the C ity has taken final reportable action. Principal terms of the settlement agreement are as follows: City to pay Mr. Joseph Echema a total of $2.1 million, $955,000 of which will go to his attorney . Release of claim and dismissal of action. T he settlement agreement approved at the Closed Session is a public record and copies will be provided upon request once fully executed.
13. ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Martínez Saballos adjourned the meeting at 12:07 a.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Yessika Castro, City Clerk, CMC, CPMC
Approved at the October 27, 2025 City Council meeting.