January 24, 2022 1
San Carlos City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority Regular Meeting
Conducted Remotely in Accordance with Assembly Bill 361 January 24, 2022, 7:00 PM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Sara McDowell, Mayor
Ronald Collins, Councilmember
John Dugan, Councilmember
Laura Parmer-Lohan, Councilmember
Adam Rak, Vice Mayor
Staff Present: Adam Aronson, Economic Development and Housing Manager Kristina Bell, Police Captain
Nil Blackburn, Assistant City Manager
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Andrea Mardesich, Principal Planner
Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Amy Newby, Parks & Recreation Director
Cristian Padilla, Economic Development Coordinator
Lisa Porras, Planning Manager
Greg Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor McDowell.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor McDowell.
3. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
Mayor McDowell reported that item 8a - appeal of the Planning Commission's decision on 2125 Carmelita, will not be held as the appellant has withdrawn their appeal.
Mayor McDowell also announced that for item 9a - design of field lighting at Flanagan Field (Burton Park) and Stadium Field (Highlands Park), the two parks will be discussed separately so that Vice Mayor Rak may recuse himself from the Burton Park discussion.
4. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation Proclaiming January 2022 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
January 24, 2022 2
Mayor McDowell presented a proclamation proclaiming January 2022 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Ruth Robinson, member of the Catholic Sisters Against Slavery and a regular participant in the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Initiative meetings, received the presentation and spoke on San Mateo County ’s work to combat human trafficking.
Council thanked Ms. Robinson for her work to raise awareness about this issue.
5. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor McDowell commented that she participated in this year's Week of the F amily events and thanked its contributors, including San Carlos Bikes.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Rak puled item 7c- Citywide Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project, from the Consent Calendar for a separate discussion.
Public Comment
Justin Bochmann, on behalf of the Construction Industry Force Account Council, alleged that actions taken on item 7f- Wheeler Plaza Painting Pr oject, are against the P ublic Contract Code.
City Attorney Greg Rubens noted that staff will look into the allegations, but advised that Council may proceed with rejecting the bids this evening.
Sheryl Pomerick Hinchman, former Chamber of Commerce CEO, s poke against item 10a - Recreation Coordinator, cautioning that coordinating the San Carlos Art & Wine Faire and Hometown Days e vents cannot be handled by one position, adding that only Lisa Eckles is experienced enough to manage that.
RESULT: Adopted [Unanimous] Consent Calendar items ‘a’ – ‘b’ and ‘d’ – ‘h’.
MOVER: Laura Parmer-Lohan
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: Dugan, Collins, Parmer-Lohan, Rak, McDowell
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve Minutes of December 13, 2021 City Council Regular Meeting. c. Adopt a Resolution Appropriating $105,000 from the General Capital Fund 0025 ("Fund 0025") to the Citywide Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project (C1719) for Fiscal Years 2021 -2023; Awarding the Citywide Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project C1719; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Public Project Agreement with SC Works of Sand City in the Amount of $395,000; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a Contingency in the Amount of $59,250.
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for a separate discussion.
January 24, 2022 3
d. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Funding Agreement Between the Cities of Belmont and San Carlos and the County of San Mateo to Share the Costs and Responsibilities Related to the California Department of Water Resources Gr ant for the Belmont Creek Watershed Improvement Project (C9806) in Twin Pines Park and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute and Amend the Agreement as Necessary Within the Project Budget. Resolution 2022-006 e. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with MIG for Additional Services Associated with the Focused General Plan Update: Housing, Land Use, Safety Elements and Accompanying Zoning Ordinance Amendments and Environmental Impact Report and Authorizing an Additional Appropriation from the Housing in Lieu Fund 0029 in the Amount of $21,276. Resolution 2022-007 f. Adopt a Resolution Rejecting All Bids for the Wheeler Plaza Garage Painting Project (C1904). Resolution 2022-008
g. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute On- Call Professional Service Agreements with CSG Consultants, Inc. and Ruggeri Jensen Azar for an Annual Not -To-Exceed Amount of $350,000 Each for a Period of One Year with Four Optional One- Year Extensions. Resolution 2022- 009
h. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign an Addendum to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Biomaas to Provide Contract Arborist Services in the Amount of $45,000 and Authorize an Additional Appropriation in the Amount of $45,000 from the General Fund Unassigned Balance in Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2021 -22 to the Planning Division Professional Services Account. Resolution 2022-010
7c. Adopt a Resolution Appropriating $105,000 from the General Capi tal Fund 0025 ("Fund 0025") to the Citywide Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project (C1719) for Fiscal Years 2021 -2023; Awarding the Citywide Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project C1719; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Public Project Agreement wi th SC Works of Sand City in the Amount of $395,000; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a Contingency in the Amount of $59,250.
Economic Development Coordinator Cristian Padilla addressed Vice Mayor Rak’s concerns regarding coverage for all signage needed.
RESULT: Adopted [Unanimous] Resolution 2022 -011 Appropriating $105,000 from the General Capital Fund 0025 ("Fund 0025") to the Citywide Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project (C1719) for Fiscal Years 2021- 2023; Awarding the Citywide Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Project C1719; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Public Project Agreement with SC Works of Sand City in the Amount of $395,000; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a Contingency in the Amount of $59,250.
MOVER: Adam Rak
SECONDER: John Dugan
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Collins, Parmer-Lohan, McDowell
8. PUBLIC HEARING
January 24, 2022 4
a. Consideration of the Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision on 2125 Carmelita.
Prior to this evening’s meeting, t he Appellant formally withdrew their appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision on the 2125 Carmelita Project. This item was therefore not held.
b. Consideration of Introducing an Ordinance Amending Ordinance 1363 for the Planned Development (PD) Zoning District for the Property Located at 1129 Old County Road (APN: 046-171-150).
Principal Planner Andrea Mardesich provided background information on the 1129 Old County Road site and reviewed the proposed amendment to the site’s Planned Development zoning district . Ms. Mardesich and City Attorney Greg Rubens responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
Chris Santana, applicant, commented that while they would appreciate having their full request for allowing office use with conditional use, they are pleased with the amendments as proposed.
RESULT: Approved [Unanimous] to Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: Laura Parmer-Lohan
AYES: Parmer-Lohan, Rak, Dugan, Collins, McDowell
Councilmember Dugan suggested revisiting the City’s code regarding office uses when confronted with long-term vacant retail spaces.
Mayor McDowell commented on the increased trash and litter at this site.
RESULT: Introduced [Unanimous] Ordinance 1577 Amending Ordinance 1363 for the Planned Development Zoning District for the Property Located at 1129 Old County Road (APN: 046- 171-150).
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: John Dugan
AYES: Collins, Parmer-Lohan, Rak, Dugan, McDowell
9. STUDY SESSION
a. Discuss and Provide Input on Design of New Field Lighting at Flanagan Field (Burton Park) and Stadium Field (Highlands Park).
Vice Mayor Rak recused himself at 7:42 PM from the discussion on Burton Park as he lives within close proximity.
Parks and Recreation Director Amy Newby commenced the item by providing the background on the Project and turned the presentation over to Consultant Hugh King to review the designs of the proposed lighting at Burton Park's Flanagan Field.
Mr. King and Ms. Newby responded to Council questions.
January 24, 2022 5
Public Comment
Robert Bollier, Co-President of San Carlos Youth Softball, posed questions about the batting cage lighting and start date of the Project.
At Mayor McDowell's request, Ms. Newby responded to the questions.
Paul Briant, with the AYSO Soccer Program, spoke in support of additional lighting at Burton Park.
John Minton, resident and former President of Little League, spoke in support of additional lighting at Burton Park and lighting the batting cage and bullpen area.
Mark Reynolds, resident and President of Little League, spoke in support of additional lighting at Burton Park.
Michael Donohue, resident and Vice President of Soccer United, spoke in support of additional lighting at Burton Park.
Alison Hu, resident and AYSO Boardmember, spoke in support of additional lighting at Burton Park.
Franz Seidelhuber, resident and AYSO Treasurer, spoke in support of additional lighting at Burton Park.
Council directed staff to include additional lighting at the batting cage and bullpen at Burton Park.
Vice Mayor Rak returned to the meeting at 8:21 PM.
Mr. King presented on the desig ns of the proposed lighting at Highlands Park's Stadium Field. Ms. Newby and Mr. King responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
Jessica Slater, resident, posed questions regarding lighting at Stadium Field and expressed concerns regarding noise pollution.
Mr. King responded to her inquiries.
Fred Im, resident and representative of San Carlos United, spoke in support of the additional lighting at Highlands Park.
Richard Crone, resident and a founding member of Save San Carlos Parks, commented that installing lights at Stadium Field is a violation of the spirit of the litigated agreement with Save San Carlos Parks.
Zinovy Fichtenholz, resident, expressed concerns regarding adding additional lighting.
Heidi Liebenguth, resident, commented that Highlands Park is a highly used park that’s unfairly concentrated.
January 24, 2022 6
Franz Seidelhuber, resident and AYSO Treasurer, spoke in support of additional lighting, r equested the City maintain the fields and provided a number of suggestions to accommodate additional traffic in the area.
Asok Popat, resident, spoke in opposition to additional lighting at Highlands Park.
x794, resident, spoke in opposition to the lighting at Highlands Park, and requested the transcript of Judge Whiner ’s ruling to be made available to the public.
Kimberly Balsam, resident, expressed concern with installing artificial turf at the Stadium Field and spoke in opposition to lighting at Highlands Park.
Mark Federighi, resident, requested Council consider what’s best for the future of the City.
Jeff, resident, spoke in opposition to lights at Highlands Park.
Sonia Elkes, resident, commented against artificial turf and noted that she's in favor of having a little bit of light, but not too much.
John Minton, resident and former P resident of Little League, spoke in support of lighting at Stadium Field.
Michael Donohue, resident, spoke in support of lighting at Stadium Field.
Steve Kane, resident, expressed concerns with the traffic in the area and the safety hazards it poses.
Karen Molinari, resident, spoke i n opposition to synthetic turf and requested the City make a commitment that it would remain as natural grass.
The Council recessed at 9:22 PM and reconvened at 9:32 PM.
City Attorney Greg Rubens and Ms. Newby responded to Council questions.
Council provided staff with the following feedback:
- fine-tune the process for instances where the lights can be switched off earlier than scheduled (i.e. when practice ends early) - provide an update on community feedback as the project progresses - look into opportunities for addressing parking concerns at H ighlands Park
10. NEW BUSINESS
a. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing an Increase to the General Fund Community Events Program Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 -22 in the Amount of $80,000 and Fiscal Year 2022-23 in the Amount of $132,250 to Include the Cost of a Full Time Recreation Coordinator and Other Operational Expenses to Support the Coordination and Management of the San Carlos Art & Wine Faire and Hometown Days Events.
January 24, 2022 7
Parks and Recreation Director Amy Newby provided background on the Art and Wine Faire and Hometown Days (“HTD”) and reviewed staff's request for expanding the community events program in order for the City to host these two events. Ms. Newby responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
Franz Seidelhuber, resident and former HTD volunteer, recommended the City support the current body of the organization with logistics around sanitation and public safety and recruitment of sponsors.
Paula Moffitt, resident and Art s and Wine Faire volunteer, expressed concerns with beginning to coordinate the event at this late stage. She suggested hiring Eckles Events to manage the event.
Karen Molinari, resident, thanked the City for keeping these events in the City.
Sandi P iepmeier, resident, thanked Ms. Newby for her work to continue the Hometown Days event.
Mayor McDowell suggested that the City host another Day of Service.
RESULT: Adopted [Unanimous] Resolution 2022- 012 Authorizing an Increase to the General Fund Communi ty Events Program
Budget for Fiscal Year 2021- 22 in the Amount of $80,000 and Fiscal Year 2022-23 in the Amount of $132,250 to Include the Cost of a New Full Time Recreation Coordinator and Other Operational Expenses to Support the Coordination and
Management of the San Carlos Art and Wine Faire and
Hometown Days Events.
MOVER: Laura Parmer-Lohan
SECONDER: Adam Rak
AYES: Dugan, Collins, Parmer-Lohan, Rak, McDowell
b. Consideration of Appointments to the City Council Subcommittees and Ad Hoc Committees for 2022.
City Manager Jeff Maltbie commenced the item and provided background on the process o f the recommended appointments and noted the following additions/edits for Council consideration:
- Age-Friendly Initiative Subcommittee representatives Mayor McDow ell and Councilmember Parmer-Lohan;
- Employee Recruitment and R etention Subcommittee representatives Mayor McDowell and Councilmember Dugan; and
- Chamber San Mateo County Liaison as Mayor McDowell
RESULT: Approved [Unanimous] to extend the meeting to 11:00 PM.
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: Laura Parmer-Lohan
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Collins, Parmer-Lohan, McDowell
Councilmember Collins commented that the Silicon Valley Clean Water Board updated its meeting schedule to the 2nd Monday of each month.
January 24, 2022 8
RESULT: Approved [Unanimous] the Updates to the City Council Subcommittees and Ad Hoc Committees for 2022 and add the Employee Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee with
Mayor McDowell and Councilmember Dugan as
representatives; add the Age- Friendly Initiative Subcommittee with Mayor McDowell and Councilmember Parmer-Lohan as
representatives; and change the Chamber San Mateo County Liaison to Mayor McDowell.
MOVER: Adam Rak
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: Parmer-Lohan, Rak, Dugan, Collins, McDowell
11. AGENDA SETTING
a. Consideration of Agendizing an Item Amending San Carlos' Beekeeping Regulations.
Councilmember Parmer -Lohan suggested amending the City’s beekeeping regulations. Council supported adding the item for future discussion and consideration.
Public Comment
Kathleen Gallagher, spoke in support on amending the City's Beekeeping Policy and suggested staff refer to Burlingame’s Policy and to work with the Beekeepers Guild to expedite the amendment.
Nickie Irvine, with the San Mateo Beekeepers G uild, communicated broad public support for amending the beekeeping policy using a uniformed nuisance and mitigation approach.
Jennifer Dirking, with Bring Back Bay Area Bees and Butterflies, spoke in support on amending the City's Beekeeping Policy and lauded the Ci ty for its native garden at City Hall.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:32 PM.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk