November 27, 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
November 27, 2023 7:00 PM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Adam Rak, Mayor
Ronald Collins, Councilmember
John Dugan, Vice Mayor
Sara McDowell, Councilmember
Pranita Venkatesh, Councilmember
Staff Present: Nil Blackburn, Assistant City Manager
Akanksha Chopra, Associate Planner
Lisa Costa Sanders, Principal Planner Consultant
Paul Harris, Financial Services Manager
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Andrea Mardesich, Assistant Community Development Director Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rak called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM.
2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS
None.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
a. Led by Scout BSA Troop 4301.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lydia Rak.
Mayor Rak provided a reminder to the public regarding the decorum for providing public comments.
4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
Assistant City Manager Nil Blackburn stated that there are no changes to the order of the agenda.
5. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Greg Rubens stated that there are no reports from the Closed Session held earlier this evening.
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6. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a City Coin to Community Volunteer Tim King.
Mayor Rak highlighted Tim King’s contributions to the community and presented him with a City Coin as a token of appreciation.
Mr. King thanked his family for their support and highlighted upcoming Lions Club events.
b. Present a Proclamation to Lydia Rak with Scout BSA Troop 4301 Upon Receiving Her Eagle Scout Award.
Mayor Rak presented his daughter, Lydia Rak, with a proclamation recognizing her for achieving the Eagle Scout rank.
Ms. Rak shared about her Eagle Scout project and the lessons she learned from it.
7. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember McDowell provided an update from a recent commute.org meeting she attended and expressed interest in having the Holly 101 interchange project reconsidered. She also thanked staff and the Economic Development Advisory Commission members for work ing with Art Bias on promotions for Small Business Saturday.
Mayor Rak invited the community to attend the upcoming Night of Holiday Lights and also shared the schedule for trash and recycling collection on Christmas and New Year days.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Approve City Council Consent Calendar Items ‘a’ through ‘k’.
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Collins, McDowell, Venkatesh, Dugan, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve the October 9, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
c. Approve the October 16, 2023 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.
d. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Annual Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2023 on Development Impact Fees, Reaffirming the Necessity for Development Impact Fees, and Making Findings Related to Impact Fee Balances and In-Lieu Fees. Resolution 2023-137
e. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the City of San Carlos’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023. Resolution 2023-138
f. Accept the Fiscal Year 2023 -24 First Quarter Financial Report for the Period Ending September 30, 2023.
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g. Accept the Fiscal Year 2023 -24 First Quarter Investment Report for the Period Ending September 30, 2023.
h. Deny Claim of Gary Hunt.
i. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Winterization of the Landslides at Big Canyon Park behind 995 Crestview Drive and 3144 Brittan Avenue and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Public Projects Agreement with Brannon Corporation in the Amount of $110,220. Resolution 2023-139
j. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Winterization of the Landslides at Big Canyon Park behind 3141-61 Melendy Drive, across from 270 Dartmouth Avenue, and at the Oakley Avenue Access Road; and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Public Projects Agreement with Redwood Engineering and Construction in the Amount of $105,406; and Authorizing a Contingency Budget in the Amount of $21,081. Resolution 2023-140
k. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of Individual Grant Applications for all Grant Programs Administered by CalRecycle for which the City of San Carlos is Eligible and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Documents Necessary to Implement and Secure Payment. Resolution 2023-141
9. REPORTS TO COUNCIL
a. Receive a Report on Current Trail Projects.
Parks and Recreation Director Amy Newby and Assistant Community Development Director Andrea Mardesich provided updates on the City’s current trail projects and r esponded to Council questions.
Council thanked staff for their work on trails this year and thanked Mayor Rak for his leadership in this area.
Public Comment
- Tom Morse, resident, spoke on his work on trail building throughout San Carlos a nd requested the City budget for trail maintenance.
Vice Mayor Dugan thanked Mr. Morse for his efforts and expressed support in funding trail maintenance.
10. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Consideration of the Following Actions (shown as i,ii, iii and iv) for the Proposed Pedestrian Mall:
City Attorney Greg Rubens provided background on the item and reviewed the process for Council to establish a Pedestrian Mall.
Public Comment
- Sue Horn, downtown property owner, expressed concern for their retail tenant ’s business and inquired if the City has considered re-opening the street on designated days.
- Brian Morearty, resident, expressed support for a Pedestrian Mall.
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- Henry Eng, resident and business owner on the 600 block of Laurel Street, spoke in opposition to the proposal and requested Council to consider closing the 600, 700 and 800 blocks of Laurel Street. He requested data to support staff recommendations.
City Attorney Greg Rubens reported that a claim was submitted at the start of the meeting this evening, however, it does not meet the State’s requirements for a claim for damages.
MOTION: Approve to close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Sara McDowell
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: Dugan, Collins, McDowell, Venkatesh, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Councilmember McDowell listed the upcoming downtown community engagement workshops and encouraged the community to attend and get involved.
i. Consider all Written Objections to the Establishment of the Proposed Pedestrian Mall on the 700 Block of Laurel Street Between Cherry and Olive Streets from Owners of Lands Abutting the Proposed Pedestrian Mall;
ii. Adopt a Resolution Establishing a Pedestrian Mall on the 700 Block of Laurel Street Between Cherry and Olive Streets to Vehicular Traffic Under the Pedestrian Mall Law of 1960 or Alternatively if a Sufficient Number of Protests are Received, a Resolution Abandoning the Pedestrian Mall;
Mr. Rubens proposed the following amendments to the Resolution based on the written claim received:
- o n the 5th whereas statement, add “sufficient” before “written objections” - o n the 6th whereas statement, add “valid” between “no” and “claims” - on the 2nd page, under paragraph 4, add “valid” between “no” and “claims”
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2023-142 establishing a Pedestrian Mall on the 700 Block of Laurel Street Between Cherry and Olive Streets to vehicular traffic under the Pedestrian Mall Law of 1960 and include the City Attorney’s three proposed amendments.
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Venkatesh, Dugan, Collins, McDowell, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
iii. Consider All Claims of Legal Damage by Persons Owning, or Having a Legal or Equitable Interest in, Any Real Property Which Might Suffer Legal Damage by Reason of the Establishment of the Proposed Pedestrian Mall and in the Event of Such Claims, Consider a Resolution Directing the City Attorney or other Attorney Designated by the City Attorney to Bring an Action or Actions in the Superior Court for a Determination of Legal Damages; and
iv. Introduce an Ordinance Establishing a New Chapter 12.40 – Pedestrian Malls, in the San Carlos Municipal Code.
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MOTION: Introduce Ordinance No. 1605 establishing Chapter 12.40 – Pedestrian Malls, to Title 12 - Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places, in the San Carlos Municipal Code.
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Pranita Venkatesh
AYES: McDowell, Venkatesh, Dugan, Collins, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
b. Consideration of Introducing an Ordinance Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Title 18 – Zoning: Sections 18.15 – General Site Regulations, 18.21 – Performance Standards, and
18.28 – Zoning Clearance, for Consistency with the County of San Mateo’s Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport.
Principal Planner Akanksha Chopra presented on the item and, along with Principal Planner Lisa Costa Sanders, responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
None.
MOTION: Approve to close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Ronald Collins
SECONDER: John Dugan
AYES: Collins, McDowell, Venkatesh, Dugan, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance No. 1606 amending San Carlos Municipal Code Title 18 – Zoning: Sections 18.15 – General Site Regulations, 18.21 – Performance Standards, and 18.28 – Zoning Clearance, for consistency with the County of San Mateo’s Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the environs of San Carlos Airport.
MOVER: Pranita Venkatesh
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: Dugan, Collins, McDowell, Venkatesh, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Council recessed at 8:17 PM and reconvened at 8:22 PM.
c. Consideration of the Following Actions for the Indigo Hotel Project at 501 Industrial Road:
Principal Planner Lisa Costa Sanders provided an overview of the 501 Industrial Road Development project. Jim Simon, Steve Noack and Mark Spencer presented on the development’s community benefits, California Environmental Quality Act process and traffic analysis.
On the applicant side, Applicant E.C. Liu shared his vision for the projec t, Architect Bob Sauvageau presented the design of the building and Landscape Architect Tom Holloway presented the landscape plans.
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Transportation Consultant Kai -Ling Luo, Ms. Costa Sanders, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Sauvageau , City Attorney Greg Rubens, Mr. Simon and Mr. Holloway responded to Council questions.
Council shared concerns regarding the event spaces’ booking criteria and noted a need for the landscape to be purple pipe ready. They also expressed a preference for the planting of the largest trees possible and asked for staff to think through the bike lane and left turn lanes when they get to that stage.
Public Comment
- Jeff Maley, resident, expressed concern with the proposed traffic plan.
MOTION: Approve to Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Venkatesh, Dugan, Collins, McDowell, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
The developer agreed to amend the bookings criteria so that the second-floor ballroom space could be reserved up to 12 months in advance and up to four months in advance for the boardroom.
Council expressed concerns regarding the cumulative traffic impact from new developments and noted the need to discuss a holistic traffic study at the next Council strategic retreat.
i. Adopt a Resolution Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report, Adopting the California Environmental Quality Act Findings of Fact, and Approving the Associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program;
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2023-143 certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report, a dopting the California Environmental Quality Act Findings of Fact, and approving the Associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the 501 Industrial Road Hotel Project.
MOVER: Sara McDowell
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: McDowell, Venkatesh, Dugan, Collins, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
ii. Introduce an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map to Change the Zoning of the Site from LC-Landmark Commercial Zoning District to PD-Planned Development Zoning District and Approving the Associated Planned Development Plan; and
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance No. 1607 approving the 501 Industrial Road Project Planned Development Plan and Related Zoning Map Amendment to rezone the project site from Landmark Commercial to Planned Development at 501 Industrial Road (APN 046- 090- 410).
MOVER: Pranita Venkatesh
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: Collins, McDowell, Venkatesh Dugan, Rak
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NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
iii. Introduce an Ordinance Approving a Development Agreement with Holly Hotel Group, LLC.
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance No. 1608 approving a Development Agreement with Holly Hotel Group, LLC for the 501 Industrial Road Hotel Project with the following amendments:
- second floor event room may be reserved by non-profits up to 12 months in advance; and the boardroom may be reserved by non- profits up to 4 months in advance, both obligations to run for 18 years
- the landscaping will be purple pipe ready
- fix typos and make clarifications in the following sections:
- Item G of the recitals - use of the boardroom and event space for a maximum of 12 hours per month
- Section 6.3 - ‘event space’ is defined
- Section 6.3.1 – ‘reservation request’ is defined
- Section 6.3 and 6.3.1 – add the word ‘County’ to “San Mateo Nonprofit” to state “San Mateo County Nonprofit”
- Exhibit C – remove the ‘B uilding/Planning/Fire/PW permit fees’ and the impact fee schedule, as they are not required MOVER: John Dugan
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Dugan, Collins, McDowell, Venkatesh, Rak
NAYS: None.
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
11. AGENDA SETTING
12. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rak adjourned the meeting at 10:07 PM in memory and honor of former San Mateo County Board Supervisor Don Horsley.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk