January 23, 2023 1
San Carlos City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority Regular Meeting
Council Chambers, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
January 23, 2023 7:00 PM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Adam Rak, Mayor
Ronald Collins, Vice Mayor
John Dugan, Councilmember
Sara McDowell, Councilmember
Pranita Venkatesh, Councilmember
Staff Present: Adam Aronson, Economic Development and Housing Manager Nil Blackburn, Assistant City Manager
Rucha Dande, Senior Planner
Sajuti Haque, Senior Management Analyst
Adam Lokar, Senior Sustainability Analyst
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Andrea Mardesich, Assistant Community Development Director Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Lisa Porras, Planning Manager
Dave Pucci, Deputy Fire Chief
Meghan Riddlespurger, Associate Planner
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
Chris Valley, Building Official
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rak called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Rak led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Rak requested a moment of silence for the victims of the recent mass shootings in Southern California and Half Moon Bay.
3. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
None.
January 23, 2023 2
4. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation Recognizing January 2023 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Mayor Rak recognized January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and presented Pamela Estes, San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program Coordinator, with the proclamation.
Ms. Estes thanked the Council for the recognition. She spoke on the County’s efforts to address human trafficking and encouraged the community to learn the red flags and report suspicious activities.
b. Present a City Coin to Community Volunteer John Durkin, recognizing his Service on the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission, San Carlos Lions Club, Hometown Days Parade Committee, and the Museum of San Carlos History.
Mayor Rak presented a city coin to community volunteer John Durkin and highlighted his services in the community.
Mr. Durkin thanked the Council for the recognition.
Public Comment
Phillip Ma, resident, expressed concerns regarding a proposed bulb out project on Aberdeen Drive.
Council thanked Mr. Durkin for his dedication to the community.
5. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember McDowell thanked the volunteers who worked at the Week of the Family events and commented on the upcoming community events.
Vice Mayor Collins reported on attending the new Reach and Teach store’s ribbon cutting.
Mayor Rak announced his appointment by the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) Board to represent the Central Region on the OneShoreline Board.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Susan Rose, resident, promoted the San Carlos Week of the Family, spoke of the committee’s work and recognized its volunteers and sponsors.
Jeff Grace, resident, requested action to address the gun violence in the Country, adding that work needs to be done on Red Flag laws so that law enforcement can take action.
Zinovy Fichenholz, resident, requested transparent affordable housing protocols and consequences if the City’s Housing Element is not approved by the state and urged San Carlos to join other California agencies in a lawsuit on Senate Bill 9.
January 23, 2023 3
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar Items ‘a’ – ‘e’.
MOVER: Sara McDowell
SECONDER: John Dugan
AYES: Dugan, McDowell, Venkatesh, Collins, Rak
RESULT: Motion Passes 5 – 0
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve the December 12, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
c. Approve the January 5, 2023 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.
d. Deny Claim of Nicolas Boyer.
e. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the 2022 Sewer Lateral Replacement Project C1737 and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion.
Resolution 2023-006
8. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Consideration of an Appeal of the Planning and Transportation Commission’s Decision on the 703 Knoll Drive Project.
Councilmember Dugan disclosed that he has a close relationship with appellant Mark Howitson and, out of an abundance of caution, will recuse himself from the item.
Councilmember McDowell and Mayor Rak disclosed that they individually met with Mr.
Howitson, but that it won’t affect their decision this evening.
City Attorney Greg Rubens reported that he will be representing staff for this item, and Gabrielle Janssens with Goldfarb and Lipman is joining remotely to provide legal counsel to the City Council.
Senior Planner Rucha Dande provided a project overview, outlined the reasons for Mr.
Howitson’s appeal and shared the background, analysis and findings of the project.
Applicant Joel Reed provided the background on their renovation project and spoke on their relationship with their neighbor, appellant Mr. Howitson.
Mark Howitson’s attorney, Kathryn Spelman, provided background of the situation.
Ms. Dande, Mr. Reed and Ms. Selman responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
Mark Haesloop, resident, spoke in opposition of the appeal.
January 23, 2023 4
MOTION: Approve to Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Collins, McDowell, Venkatesh, Rak
NAYS: None
RECUSED: Dugan
RESULT: Motion Passed 4 – 0 – 1
MOTION: Approve to Uphold the Planning and Transportation Commission’s Decision and Deny the Appeal of Mark Howitson and Grant Design Review Approval for a 1,020 Square-Feet First Story Addition and a New 1,933 Square-Feet Second Story Addition to an Existing Single- Family House at 703 Knoll Drive (APN: 050-094-100).
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: Pranita Venkatesh
AYES: Venkatesh, Collins, McDowell, Rak
NAYS: None
RECUSED: Dugan
RESULT: Motion Passed 4 – 0 – 1
Councilmember Dugan returned to the Council Chambers. Council recessed at 8:24 PM and reconvened at 8:30 PM.
b. Consideration of Adopting Resolutions Certifying the Focused General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report and Focused General Plan Update Consisting of Amendments to the Housing, Environmental Safety and Public Services, Land Use, Circulation, Environmental Management, and Noise Elements and Associated Amendments to the City of San Carlos’ Zoning Ordinance, Sections 18.04 - Residential Districts, 18.05 – Mixed-Use Districts, 18.20 – Parking and Loading, and
18.41 – Terms and Definitions; and Adopting a Resolution Ratifying the 2023 – 2031 Housing Element and Corresponding Zoning Ordinance Amendments.
Advance Planning Manager Lisa Porras outlined the Focused General Plan Update Project and turned the presentation over to Consultant Genevieve Sharrow to review the proposed Housing Element amendments. Ms. Porras continued the presentation by reviewing the proposed amendments to the Environmental Safety and Public Services Element, Circulation Element and Environmental Management Element, Noise Element and the Zoning Ordinance.
Ms. Porras, Ms. Sharrow, MIG Consultant Mike Campbell, Economic Development and Housing Manager Adam Aronson and Community Development Director Al Savay responded to Council questions.
Mayor Rak requested staff confirm if the City will have the ability to require and enforce an equivalent ratio of parking to affordable units.
MOTION: Approve to Close the Public Hearing.
.
January 23, 2023 5
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: John Dugan
AYES: McDowell, Venkatesh, Collins, Dugan, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Approve to Re-Open the Public Hearing.
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: McDowell, Venkatesh, Collins, Dugan, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Public Comment
David Tuzman, resident, expressed concern that the zoning allowances don’t accommodate for the enforced minimum density.
Cathy Baird, resident, provided suggestions on way to increase tenant protections.
Debbie Baldocchi, resident, requested clarification on the timing of when ordinances apply to developments and suggested Council consider limiting the grandfather time.
Mayor Rak requested staff follow-up with Ms. Baldocchi’s comments.
MOTION: Approve to Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: John Dugan
AYES: McDowell, Venkatesh, Collins, Dugan, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2023-007 Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report for the City of San Carlos Focused General Plan Update.
MOVER: Sara McDowell
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: Dugan, McDowell, Collins, Rak
NAYS:
ABSENT:
None
Venkatesh
RESULT: Motion Passed 4 – 0 – 1
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2023-008 Repealing the City of San Carlos 2015- 2023 Housing Element and Adopting the City of San Carlos 2023- 2031 Housing Element.
January 23, 2023 6
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Collins, Dugan, McDowell, Venkatesh, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2023-009 Repealing the 2030 City of San Carlos General Plan's Community Safety and Services Element in its Entirety and Replacing it with the Environmental Safety and Public Services Element and Adopting Amendments to the 2030 City of San Carlos General Plan's Land Use, Circulation, Environmental Management, and Noise Elements as part of the Focused General Plan Update Project.
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Venkatesh, Collins, Dugan, McDowell, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1596 Amending Municipal Code, Title 18, Zoning Ordinance, Sections 18.04 - Residential Districts, 18.05 – Mixed-Use Districts, 18.20 – Parking and Loading, and 18.41 – Terms and Definitions.
MOVER: Sara McDowell
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: McDowell, Venkatesh, Collins, Dugan, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2023-010 Ratifying the 2023-2031 Housing Element as Set Forth in Resolution No. 2023-008 and
Corresponding Zoning Ordinance Amendments as Set Forth in Ordinance No. 1596.
MOVER: Pranita Venkatesh
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Dugan, McDowell, Venkatesh, Collins, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
9. STUDY SESSION
a. Discuss and Provide Feedback on Possible Existing Buildings Reach Code.
MOTION: At 10:01 PM, Approve to Extend the Meeting to 11:00 PM.
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
January 23, 2023 7
AYES: Dugan, McDowell, Venkatesh, Collins, Rak
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Building Official Chris Valley commenced the item and turned the presentation over to Senior Sustainability Analyst Adam Lokar. Mr. Lokar outlined the new construction electric exceptions and reviewed options for electrifying existing buildings.
Mr. Lokar, Mr. Valley and Peninsula Clean En ergy’s Building Electrification Program Manager, Blake Herrschaft, responded to Council questions.
Council made the following requests:
- provide additional information to confirm that the analysis used on the utility bill impacts (shown on presentation slide 26) includes running heaters through the winter and its impact on the monthly utility bill
- clearly define ‘renovation’ versus ‘remode l’; specifically note if walls are not being removed, would that constitute a renovation
- confirm that heat pumps are sufficient to heat pools in cooler temperatures - research how the City can hold commercial developments more accountable to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
MOTION: At 10:51 PM, Approve to Extend the Meeting to 12:00 AM.
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Venkatesh, Dugan, McDowell, Rak
NAYS: Collins
RESULT: Motion Passed 4 – 1
Public Comment
Kathleen Goforth, resident, requested council to eliminate all exceptions for gas in new constructions developments and direct staff to develop a Reach Code with all of the policy options listed in the staff report.
Erin Phillips, resident, spoke on the high demand on the grid and her experience with the delay in the distribution system upgrade for their home remodel project.
Dan Fitzpatrick, a general contractor based out of San Carlos, cautioned Council that PG&E’s grid is not equipped to handle further electrification requirements.
Debbie Baldocchi, resident, commented that the grid is not prepared to meet additional electric demands and spoke on the inequity for seniors who live in older homes and can’t afford entire panel upgrades.
Dashiell Leeds, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter Conservation Organizer, spoke in support of electrification and provided suggestions on edits to the Reach Code.
January 23, 2023 8
Suzanne Emerson, resident and Green Building Special Inspector, posed questions to staff, addressed Council’s questions and provided suggestions for updating the Reach Code.
Brett Ehrlich, resident, spoke in support of electrification, but posed concerns and provided suggestions to consider.
Jeff Grace, resident, spoke in opposition of electrification and expressed concerns with the electric costs increases and the capacity of the electric grid.
Hannah Doress, resident, spoke of the immediate impacts of climate change and suggested adopting the most aggressive Reach Code possible.
Ellyn Dooley, resident, requested Council pr oceed expeditiously with the transition to electrification, while in an equitable manner.
The majority of Council spoke in support of the following updates:
- increase electric vehicle readiness requirements for office buildings during new construction
- require electric water heating replacement during renovation - require electric kitchen and laundry outlets during renovation - require electric panel breaker space
- revisit the proposed exceptions for new constructions including requiring biolabs and commercial buildings to find other ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their buildings if they are granted an exception to not have an all-electric building
Council also requested that staff:
- suggest electrification with residents when reviewing their remodel plans - consider incentive plans to install electric water heating - review the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan for other ways the City can reach its climate goals
- continue conducting outreach and preparing the community for building electrification
10. AGENDA SETTING
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:32 PM.
_____________________________
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk