Agenda packet — San Carlos City Council, January 18, 2024

CITY OF SAN CARLOS
City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority
Special Meeting
January 18, 2024 9:00 AM
Library Community Room, 2 Floor
610 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
www.cityofsancarlos.org
AGENDA
Agenda materials may be viewed online at www.cityofsancarlos.org/agenda, at City Hall – 600 Elm Street, and in the San Carlos Library – 610 Elm Street, at least 24 hours prior to a special meeting, and at least 72 hours prior to a regular meeting. Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting inperson.There will not be an option to participate remotely.

MAYOR: John Dugan
COUNCIL: Ronald Collins, Sara McDowell, Adam Rak, Pranita Venkatesh

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the City Council on matters NOT on the posted agenda may do so.

Each speaker is limited to two minutes. If there are more than five individuals wishing to speak during public comment, the Mayor may choose to allow the first five speakers to speak during this time, and the balance of the Public Comment speakers will be called upon at the end of the Council Meeting.

If the item you are speaking on is not listed on the agenda, please be advised that the City Council may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed as allowed under the Brown Act (Government Code Section 54954.2). The City Council's general policy is to refer items to staff for attention, or have a matter placed on a future City Council agenda for a more comprehensive action or report and formal public discussion and input at that time.

3. STUDY SESSION
a. Strategic Planning Retreat
Set Retreat Context
WarmUp Exercise – Accomplishments and Difficulties
Review Mission, Vision and Values
2023 Strategic Plan – Review and Update
Select and Provide Direction on 2024 Goals
Wrapup, Next Steps and Retreat Evaluation
Note an annotated agenda has been included as an attachment as an outline reference.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection upon request.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI, and as outlined in the City’s Reasonable Accommodations Policy, if you need special assistance or translation services to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 8024222 or via email at [email protected]. Notification in advance of the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. nd
January 18, 2024

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MAYOR: John Dugan
COUNCIL: Ronald Collins, Sara McDowell, Adam Rak, Pranita Venkatesh

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the City Council on matters NOT on the posted agenda may do so.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection upon request.

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1 ANNOTATED AGENDA
San Carlos Strategic Planning Retreat
January 18, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

San Carlos Library, 2nd Floor
Materials
✓List of Top Accomplishments by Department
✓2023 Strategic Plan
✓Iceberg Model of City Work
✓Strategic Planning Elements
✓2023 Strategic Work Plan Update
✓Mini-Retreat Minutes (from 10/16/2023)
I. Set Retreat Context
•Welcome – Mayor John Dugan and City Manager Jeff Maltbie •Preview agenda and format
•Connecting to previous strategic planning retreats
•Agreements for effective retreat communication:
-Speak candidly
-Listen openly
-Maximize participation
II. Warm Up Exercise – Accomplishments and Difficulties •What do you see as the top City Accomplishment in 2023? Put differently, what are you most proud of?
•What is the one thing about your work and the work of the City that is most concerning to you? Put differently, what is keeping you up at night?
III. Mission, Vision and Values
oAre the Mission, Vision, and Values still relevant and meaningful? oWhat edits or changes, if any, do you recommend?
IV. 2023 Strategic Plan – Review and Update
•What questions do you have about the goals, objectives and progress made so far (see 2023 Strategic Work Plan Update)
oWhat worked well last year? What enabled success?
oWhat was challenging? What accounts for the challenges? •What do you envision for each of the goals in 2024?
oWhat goals are urgent and important? Why?
oWhat goals are less urgent but still important?
oWhat new goals or modifications to the current goals does Council recommend? V. Lunch
VI. Select and Provide Direction on 2024 Goals

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2 •What are the urgent and important goals and objectives for 2024? These are determined to be critical in the near-term, needing immediate focus and attention? oWhat changes or modifications does Council want to these urgent goals and objectives? •What are the less urgent but still important goals and objectives? These will continue on but at a lower priority.
oWhat changes or modifications does Council want to these less urgent goals and objectives?
•Are there any Goals that can be dropped from the Strategic Plan and moved “below the water line”?
•Are there any future goals or objectives that Council wants to consider for 2025 (i.e. this is the parking lot for next year)
VII. Wrap Up, Next Steps and Retreat Evaluation
•Summarize and affirm key points and agreements
•Prepare hand off to Staff Retreat on February 14, 2024 in order to identify tasks and develop work plans for the strategic goals

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City of San Carlos
Top 5 Accomplishments for 2023 by Department

Administrative Services:
• Budget. Adopted the fiscal year (FY) 2023-25 Biennial Budget. The budget included a 15-year historical review, the largest five-year capital improvement program budget to date totaling $188 million, a new “Budget in Brief” summary, and other enhancements to the budget book to make the document more user friendly. • Employee Retention/Recruitment. Successfully negotiated three-year contracts with four different employee groups. Included in these negotiations were salary surveys across three counties to determine how the City compares in the market to recruit and retain good employees.
• Audit. Selected and onboarded a new audit firm and received a clean audit report for FY 2022-23.
• Technology Upgrades. Initiated the process to move more applications and the following systems to the cloud: permitting system, financial system, document management system, phone system, and security cameras. Completed the migration of the email archiver system to the cloud, which will improve the City’s ability to respond to Public Record Act requests.
• Federal Funds. Submitted two FEMA applications for the 2022-23 winter storm disasters, seeking reimbursement in the amount of over $5 million for 19 incidents which resulted in damages.

City Attorney:
• Gun Store Settlement. Negotiated a settlement agreement with Imbert and Smithers and the landlord, resulting in the abandonment of the location as a gun store. • New Pedestrian Mall. Worked with the Public Works Department to develop the resolutions, noticing, and ordinance to establish a pedestrian mall on the 700 block of Laurel Street under the Pedestrian Mall Law of 1960. The resulting ordinance and resolutions establishing the mall will become effective on January 10, 2024. • Trails. Worked with Parks and Recreation and Planning to move the Pulgas Ridge gate access project forward by finding that pedestrian access at that location is appropriate.

Identified potential new trails in Devonshire Canyon and other areas. • Housing Element. Worked with staff and consultants on the timely approval of the state mandated Housing Element and implementing ordinances.
• Property Acquisition. Worked with staff on acquisition of the properties located at Eaton and El Camino Real for a potential housing project.

City Clerk:
• Commission Recruitments. Managed recruitments to fill 10 Commission seats and 9 seats on the new City Centennial Advisory Committee; provided orientations to 10 commissioners.
• Public Records Requests. Processed over 423 public records requests.

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• Council Documents. Processed 146 resolutions, 13 ordinances, and 60 proclamations and certificates.
• Records Management. Prepared a Records Management Policy. • Council Meeting and Support. Implemented a process to handle disruptive public comments for City Council and Planning & Transportation Commission meetings; coordinated 9 City booths for Council and staff at the farmers’ market; and hosted Council of Cities meeting.

City Manager’s Office:
• Climate Mitigation and Adaptation. Implemented strategic measures to advance our climate mitigation and adaptation objectives, such as establishing the San Carlos Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Incentive Program and partnering with Peninsula Clean Energy to install solar on City facilities.
• Community Engagement. Launched a more user-friendly and resourceful website and intranet, launched a new E-News platform, collaborated with Public Works and Community Development to create an online Current Projects Map to show City and development projects more effectively, and supported Economic Development initiatives, including Small Business Spotlight, Thursday Night Lights, and Small Business Saturday. Restored Civics Academy and reinstated the City’s internship program following a three-year hiatus.
• Communications. Published 23 Council Newsletters, four Good Living Newsletters, and two Spotlight Newsletters. Teamed up with the Cities of Belmont, San Mateo, and Foster City to present communications best practices at the California Public Information Officers (CAPIO) conference.
• Emergency Preparation. Updated the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Led the communications response effort during the 2023 storms.
• Cross Departmental Team Building Initiatives. Established a City of San Carlos chapter of Toastmasters International for employees to strengthen their presentation and communications skills and launched the monthly Employee Newsletter.

Community Development:
• Adopted the Single-Family Objective Design Standards. • Multi-unit Housing. Approved entitlement of the City’s first and largest ever multi-unit housing development project under the new Housing Element + Corresponding Zoning Ordinance Amendments for approval of 242 new units, including 36 below market rate (BMR) units at 11 El Camino Real.
• Affordable Housing. Secured approval of the 1232 Cherry Street Affordable Housing Development in partnership with HIP Housing and Eden Housing, and acquisition of 1800 El Camino Real at Eaton for a 100% affordable housing development. • 700 Laurel Street Closure and Disposition. Organized and completed a civic engagement strategy to determine the future of Laurel Street through the Downtown planning process. In April 2023, the City Council directed the permanent closure of the 700 block of Laurel Street based on community wide support.

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• Building Division. Issued 1,525 permits, processed 260 public records requests, resolved 265 code enforcement cases, and swiftly completed plan review on 761 projects (ranging from simple bath/kitchen remodels to large commercial laboratory/office development).

Fire Department:
• Wellness Program. Expanded the internal Wellness Program by hosting six, eight-hour First Responder Resiliency training sessions to keep staff physically and mentally healthy and prepared to effectively serve the community. • Recruitment Process. Standardized the recruitment process by offering two yearly recruitments: one for entry-level firefighters and one for firefighter trainee recruitment. Two recruitments a year provides a more active and continuous schedule, which ensures that active hiring eligibility lists are readily available to fill vacant positions. • Joint Training Facility. Procured a site for a joint training facility. • Language accessibility. Completed an assessment of the language gap between the community and the fire department staff. The results will be used to determine if the Department can meet the community’s language needs.
• FEMA Grant. Secured a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $1,320,577 to upgrade mobile and portable radios.

Parks & Recreation:
• Trails. Worked with City Attorney and Community Development to develop trail connections and new trails in the community, including pedestrian access into Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, trailhead access into Waterdog Lake and Open Space, and Devonshire Canyon new trail design. Reinitiated the East Boundary Ridge Trail project with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and San Mateo County Parks. • Fee Assistance Program. The Fee Assistance Program served 42 youth and five adults in Parks and Recreation programs in 2023, which totaled $25,681 in financial assistance and doubled the amount the amount funded in the past. • Community Events. Coordinated 26 community events, including Public Safety Fair, Earth Day, Hometown Days, summer concerts, Pride in the Park, movie nights, Art & Wine Festival, Goblin Walk, Night of Holiday Lights, and many more! • Volunteers. Doubled the number of registered volunteers in the Better Impact database.

Increased total hours of volunteer service in community events and programs to nearly 28,500 service hours across all needs.
• Projects. Completed the installation of new sports field lights at Burton Park and Highlands Park and completed the City Facilities Security Camera project. Hired a consultant to begin the North Crestview Park Master Plan process.

Public Works:
• Traffic Signal Master Plan. Completed the draft Traffic Signal Master Plan which incorporates proactive and innovative operations and maintenance practices to reduce traffic congestion that results from poor and outdated signal infrastructure and operation.

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• Safe Routes to School (SRTS). Refreshed all existing traffic striping, pavement markings, and crosswalks along all school frontages prior to the start of the new school year. Added new traffic striping and pavement markings that were recommended in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Pulgas Creek Watershed Study. Kickstarted the Pulgas Creek Watershed Study to establish Pulgas Creek as a vital and accessible community open space and trail with improved stormwater and flood management strategies per the goals of the Eastside Innovation District Vision Plan adopted in October 2022. • Upgraded Water-Wall Barriers Downtown. Designed and installed innovative wooden planter covers with embedded flowerpots and a water wicking system to aesthetically transform the post-Covid look and feel of downtown, while repurposing existing materials and reducing staff time required to water and maintain plants. • Electrify Fleet. Purchased five Ford Lightning electric trucks to move towards an EV platform and away from internal combustion engines. The trucks also have the Pro Power Pack which will allow the City to power pumps, signals, and other equipment during a PG&E power outage.

San Carlos Police Bureau:
• Traffic Safety Grant Funding. Secured $207,400 in grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support several innovative traffic enforcement operations, the purchase of traffic safety equipment, and traffic-related educational campaigns for the City.
• Anonymous Gun Buy Back Event. Hosted and organized two Anonymous Gun Buy Back events, where individuals relinquished firearms, with no questions asked, and received compensation in return. 487 firearms were collected in total at both events (including 14 assault weapons and six “ghost” guns).
• DUI Sobriety Checkpoints. Conducted two DUI Sobriety Checkpoints where 1,945 vehicles were screened in San Carlos. The purpose of the checkpoints is to promote public safety, serve as a deterrent to potentially impaired drivers, and educate the public on the dangers of driving impaired.
• FLOCK Safety. Upgraded the license plate readers (LPRs) throughout the City of San Carlos with an enhanced safety platform that includes vehicle FingerprintTM technology and real-time alerts that improve operational efficiency and provide actionable evidence. • Traffic Enforcement Operations. Enforced traffic laws to reduce traffic collisions and injuries, and educated the community on the dangers of speeding, driving impaired, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

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C I T Y O F S A N C A R L O S
2023 S T R A T E G I C P L A N

THE SAN CARLOS STRATEGIC PLAN

The San Carlos Strategic Plan identifies current issues, needs and interests that are of strategic importance to the quality of life of the community. Addressing these issues requires the leadership focus of the City’s elected officials and professional staff for an extended period of time, typically several years. The Strategic Plan is not a summary of all City services. The issues identified in the plan are unique because they have an urgent impact on the community and because they are complex.

Strategic goals are a central feature of the Strategic Plan. These are established to find ways to address the strategic issues now and into the foreseeable future. If a solution is found, and there is an on-going need to address the issue, this will occur through the City’s on-going service delivery system. At that time, the issue will no longer be identified as a strategic goal.

HOW THE STRATEGIC PLAN IS DEVELOPED

The Strategic Plan is developed through an annual process that involves the City Council and City professional staff in facilitated, collaborative working sessions. The process is completed early each year so that the Strategic Plan can be incorporated into the City’s budget.

The plan is a document comprised of the City’s mission, vision and core values statements, the strategic goals and objectives for the next planning period and detailed work plans that will accomplish the goals.

Strategic goals are identified based on the knowledge and understanding that each participant in the process has about what is of strategic importance to the community. City Council members are elected by the residents to govern and represent their needs and interests. They bring the perspective of the residents and business of the community. Professional City staff members are trained in local government management and services. They bring the perspective of how to address the complex issues that are of concern. Through the strategic planning work sessions, these two unique perspectives come together to identify the areas of focus for the next planning period.

THE STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS

The key steps to the process are listed below.

City Council Mini-Retreat. City Council, City Manager and City Attorney brainstorm the current community issues of strategic importance. This is a public meeting.

City Council and City Management Team Retreat. This is a facilitated, collaborative working session. The participants review accomplishments from last year; review the City’s mission, vision and values to ensure relevance; check the status of current strategic plan issues and progress; and identify new strategic issues to work on for the next year and possibly beyond. Council strategic goals and objectives are established at a high level through this process. The “handoff” is given to City staff to work through the details by refining the goals and objectives and developing work plans to achieve Council’s strategic goals. This is a public meeting.

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City Management Team Retreat. This facilitated, collaborative working session with the City’s management team is designed to refine the strategic goals, develop objectives to achieve each goal and establish work plans that identify specific tasks, set timelines and assign responsibility for accomplishment. This is an internal staff meeting.

Council Adoption of Strategic Plan and Progress Updates. After all work sessions are complete, a final Strategic Plan is agendized for Council adoption at a regularly scheduled Council meeting.

City staff then periodically updates Council on the progress of strategic goals during future Council meetings. All of these Council meetings are public meetings.

MISSION

The City of San Carlos provides high -quality services and facilities to its residents in an equitable, sustainable, transparent, responsive, and friendly manner to foster an inclusive, safe, and healthy community now and in the future.

VISION

The City of San Carlos will continue to lead with confidence into the future as a desirable, vibrant, equitable, inclusive, and business friendly community, admired by all as a great place to live, learn, work, and play.

CORE VALUES
No t i n p r i o ri t y o r d e r

• Fostering a safe, diverse, welcoming, and engaged community that recognizes the importance of social equity
• Ensuring fiscal responsibility and the sustainability of San Carlos’ resources, infrastructure, and social/cultural environment
• Proactively protecting our physical environment from the threats of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Recognizing the needs and challenges of the community and promoting its well-being. • Demonstrating high ethical and professional standards, including high quality customer service
• Leading and managing effectively by engaging the community, thinking strategically, remaining proactive, and planning for the future
• Supporting the well -being of employees, investing in their development, and aligning staffing and resources with the demand for City services

2023 STRATEGIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
I n a lp h a be t ic a l o r d e r

1. Child Care: The City of San Carlos will encourage and support the creation of child care facilities by reducing barriers to creation and expansion.

Objective #1: Develop a plan on how to apply child care funds that are collected through impact fees.

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Objective #2: Consider zoning/co-location options for child care sites.

Objective # 3: Consider r educing or waiving City-controlled permit fees for child care projects.

Objective #4: Create/modify resources and learning opportunities for stakeholders.

2. Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience : The City of San Carlos will support sustainability initiatives and address climate change. As part of its focus on climate change, the City of San Carlos will continue to address vulnerability and adapt to changing climate conditions such as wildfires, flooding, drought, and sea level rise.

Objective # 1: Plan and implement measures approved by the Council in the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (CMAP).

Objective #2: Perform community engagement and outreach.

Objective #3: Update emergency plans and policies.

3. Downtown: The City of San Carlos will work with residents, property owners, business owners, committees, commissions, the Chamber of Commerce, and all other interested members of the community to develop a plan to understand and ensure that the downtown meets the needs of the community and businesses now and into the future.

Objective #1: Implement the community engagement strategy for the Downtown Specific Plan.

Objective #2 : Create the Downtown Specific Plan and corresponding implementation strategies.

Objective #3: Ensure that the vision and goals of the Downtown Specific Plan come to fruition.

Objective #4: Explore safe, interim improvements to parklets and surrounding areas while the Downtown Specific Plan is being developed and implemented.

4. Housing: The City of San Carlos will actively encourage and support the creation of housing to provide a safe, inclusive, diverse, and affordable supply by facilitating development of housing for all income levels.

Objective #1: Increase the number of Below Market Rate (BMR) housing units to meet local and regional housing requirements (e.g.: regional collaboration, grant programs, acquisition, and new development).

Objective #2: Facilitate completion of projects currently underway.

Objective #3: Increase housing production.

Objective #4: Consider General Plan amendments and rezoning in the Northeast Specific Plan to include housing.

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5. Mobility, Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure: The City of San Carlos will actively pursue plans and strategies for improving mobility, traffic, parking, transportation infrastructure, and street maintenance while encouraging alternative modes of transportation to provide efficient, safe, and effective movement throughout the city.

Objective #1: Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to encourage alternative modes of transportation and improve mobility.

Objective #2 : Identify and implement citywide street and intersection projects and initiatives to improve traffic flow and parking.

Objective #3: Develop community education, reporting, outreach , and information tools using change management principles and practices.

Objective #4: Implement Safe Routes to School improvements to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Objective #5: Structure a partnership among the City, property owners, businesses, and employers and leverage resources to create effective trip reduction strategies through the creation of a Transportation Management Agency (TMA).

6. Northeast Area Specific Plan: The City of San Carlos will work with residents, property owners, stakeholders, business owners, committees, commissions, the Chamber of Commerce, and all other interested members of the community to develop a plan in response to continued development interest in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, and develop policies and strategies to incorporate housing as part of this new development.

Objective #1 : Create outreach and engagement opportunities that actively involve Northeast Area stakeholders and the San Carlos community in the visioning and development of the Specific Plan.

Objective # 2: Develop a “preferred scenario,” or a preferred plan for the future that envisions and describes the appropriate mix of land uses, mobility improvements, flooding and climate change strategies, and other necessary initiatives to plan for and support a thriving Northeast Area.

Objective #3: Initiate the environmental review of the preferred scenario.

7. Recreation Services: The City of San Carlos will explore new recreational opportunities by completing an assessment of parks, open space, and other recreation facilities to support the health and well-being for community members of all ages.

Objective #1: Complete a Parks, Open Space, and other Recreational Opportunities Master Plan Assessment (12-24 month process).

Objective #2: Explore additional recreational opportunities at North Crestview Park that meet the needs of the community.

Objective #3: Assess new opportunities to implement Trails Connection Plan for public trails.

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__________________________________________
Nalbandian Consulting and Training, May 2003
The Iceberg Model of City Work

Water Line
Vision for the
City’s Future:

Governing Body goals
and priorities
Modernizing the Organization:

Staff initiatives for
efficiency and innovation
The Routine Work of the City:
80 percent of what a city does is “below the
surface.” The Governing Body usually does not
need to make decisions about these routine city
services and activities, except as part of
approving the annual budget.

The relationship between
above and below the surface
Successfully achieved goals and projects above
the water line will eventually move to below the
line and become part of the routine work of the
city. They will become part of the general
operating budget.

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San Carlos Strategic Planning Process:

Strategic Goals, Objectives and Work Plans

What are Strategic Goals?

Strategic goals are statements that identify what the
organization wants to achieve over the period of the
strategic plan (e.g. over the next year, five years, ten years, etc.).

What are Objectives?

Objectives are specific statements that contribute to or enable the achievement of the larger, strategic goals. For this reason they are sometimes called "sub-goals" or
"enabling goals."

What are Work Plans?

Work plans provide the detailed implementation steps
that will be taken in order to achieve the desired objectives and strategic goals. They are working documents,
developed and used by staff to ensure that the steps
required to accomplish the objectives are identified,
resourced, assigned, and communicated. They are task
oriented and tactical in nature. They are used to keep the achievement of goals and objectives on track.

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2023 Work Plan

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C I T Y O F S A N C A R L O S
2023 S T R A T E G I C W O R K P L A N
A u g u s t D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 U p d a t e

Page Strategic Goal
2 Child Ccare
3 Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience 5 Downtown
8 Housing
10 Mobility, Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure
13 Northeast Area Specific Plan
15 Recreation Services

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2023 Work Plan

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Child cCare: The City of San Carlos will encourage and support the creation of child care facilities by reducing barriers to creation and expansion.

Objective #1: Develop a plan on how to apply child care funds that are collected through impact fees.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Develop and bring to the Council for consideration a strategy on how to distribute child care impact fee funds, including guidance on whether to prioritize certain types of providers and the structure by which such funding should be provided (e.g., grants versus loans). Anticipated completion December April 20234.

Objective #2: Consider zoning/co-location options for child care sites.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Consider rezoning to allow c hild care centers in single -family residential districts on sites that were previously schools , religious facilities, or community centers.

Anticipated completion January May 2024.

Objective # 3: Consider r educing or waiving City-controlled permit fees for child care projects.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Incorporate waiver of City-controlled permit fees for child care centers into annual update for user fee schedule. Anticipated completion January April 2024 (with citywide fee schedule).

Objective #4: Create/modify resources and learning opportunities for stakeholders.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Conduct a Child c Care Roun dtable Event with s takeholders, the Child c Care Subcommittee, and City staff. Completed April 2023.

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2023 Work Plan

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Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience: The City of San Carlos will support sustainability initiatives and address climate change. As part of its focus on climate change, the City of San Carlos will continue to address vulnerability and adapt to changing climate conditions such as wildfires, flooding, drought, and sea level rise.

Objective # 1: Plan and implement measures approved by the Council in the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (CMAP).

Actions/Tasks:

1. Review and update City standards related to creek setbacks , buffer zones , and minimum floor elevations. Anticipated completion May 2025.

a. Update: Pulgas Creek Watershed study is in progress. Anticipated completion May 2024.
a.b. Update: Watershed study with recommendations will be brought to the Council. Anticipated completion November 2024.

2. Continue to c oordinate with OneShoreline to integrate its sea level rise mitigation planning into City’s planning initiatives. Ongoing.

a. Update: Staff reviewed and provided input to OneShoreline’s Planning Policy Guide which will be used to develop recommendations and policies for San Carlos. Completed May 2023.

3. Work with Peninsula Clean Energy to administer funds for EV charging incentive program for multifamily buildings. Completed July 2023.

4. Conduct a fee study to develop an in - lieu fee to offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with projects exempted from the City’s all electric reach code. Anticipated completion January 2024.

a. Update: Issued a request for proposals and awarded contract to vendor to conduct the fee study. August 2023.

5. Develop a program for use of the in lieu, impact, or other related funds to implement electrification projects, i.e. solar, EV chargers on public property, etc. Anticipated completion March 2024.

6. Coordinate with regional and state agencies, and neighboring jurisdictions (Belmont, Redwood City, and San Mateo County) to study, develop, and implement coordinated approaches to flood protection, sea level rise, and rising groundwater levels due to climate change. Ongoing.

a. Update: Met with: Belmont and Redwood City regarding the process timeline for cleaning Cordilleras Creek; Belmont and San Mateo County on Belmont Creek to discuss the storm detention pond at Twin Pines Park (design is underway); and, OneShoreline to secure regulatory permits for creek cleanups.

Completed February through July 2023.

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2023 Work Plan

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b. Update: Monitoring Caltran’s Highway Bridge Replacement project at Cordilleras Creek to improve creek capacity and operations underneath the freeway. OngoingCompleted October 2023 .

c. Update: Per existing arrangement with Redwood City, Redwood City cleaned Cordilleras Creek at Industrial. Completed February 2023.

d. Update: Per existing arrangement with Redwood City, Redwood City will clean Cordilleras Creek at Industrial prior to storm season. Ongoing.

CoAnticipated completedion October 2023.

Objective #2: Perform community engagement and outreach.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Host Earth Day event at the Farmers’ Market in collaboration with partners to promote sustainability related resources and programs. Completed April 2023.

2. Plan and host a sustainability block party this summer. Anticipated completion September 2023.

3. Organize annual community creek cleaning event in the fall . Anticipated completionCompleted OctoberSeptember 2023.

4. Investigate feasibility of an adopt -a-drain program. Anticipated completionCompleted August 2023.

a. Update: Hosted best practices sharing session with City of Burlingame to review its Adopt-a-drain program. Completed March 2023. b. Update: Storm drains mapped and process has been defined. Completed September 2023.
a.c. Update: Launch program. Anticipated completion April 2024.

Objective #3: Update emergency plans and policies.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Adopt updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) by July 2023 . Completed July 2023.

2. Build Emergency Operations Center roster and communication plan by July 2023 .

Anticipated completion November 20232024.

3. Deliver EOC training to C ity staff, including Cal OES courses and exercises .

Anticipated completion March 2024.

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2023 Work Plan

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Downtown: The City of San Carlos will work with residents, property owners, business owners, committees, commissions, the Chamber of Commerce, and all other interested members of the community to develop a plan to understand and ensure that the downtown meets the needs of the community and businesses now and into the future.

Objective #1: Implement the community engagement strategy for the Downtown Specific Plan.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Continue to work with the Downtown Advisory Committee (DTAC) and obtain their feedback in developing the preferred concepts to inform development of the Specific Plan. In progress.

a. Update: The DTAC met with staff/consultants January, 2023 and June, and November 2023.

b. Update: Additional meetings planned in 2023 and 2024.

2. Involve the community in the Specific Plan process through Community Workshops to gather their input, shape the future vision for the area, and share information and key findings. In progress.

a. Update: Completed online survey April 2023.

b. Update: Held Downtown business stakeholder meeting May 2023.

c. Update: Additional meeting planned in 2023 and 2024.Held downtown ideation workshops on December 6 and 9, 2023.

d. Update: Anticipated completion of online survey by January 2024.

e. Update: Additional meetings planned in 2024.
c.

3. At key stages of the project, invite the public to open houses to learn more about the project and provide feedback. In progress.

a. Update: Held open house March, and another in -person event on December 9, 2023.

b. Update: Additional open houses planned for next phase of the project2024.

4. Hold study sessions with the Planning and Transportation Commission and the City Council to share public input, alternative concepts, and shared preferences; and receive guidance and feedback to be used to prepare the Specific Plan. In progress.

a. Update: Held study session with Planning and Transportation Commission April 2023.

b. Update: Held study session with City Council April 2023.

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c. Update: Additional study sessions planned for next phase of project1Q2024.

5. Distribute a Spotlight Newsletter to inform the community about the preferred vision for downtown San Carlos. Anticipated completion March May/June 2024.

Objective #2 : Create the Downtown Specific Plan and corresponding implementation strategies.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Select the preferred concept for Laurel Street and street/roadway design and beautification for all other streets within the Downtown Specific Plan area.

a. Update: Selection forAgreement to permanently close Laurel Street completed April 2023 and formally adopted Pedestrian Mall ordinance November 2023..

Update: Selection for all other streets anticipated completion March 2024. b. Update: Presented refinements to potential design option for Laurel St reet to the DTAC in November 2023 and to the community in December 2023. In addition, presented options for 600 & 800 Laurel Street and 1100 & 1200 San Carlos Avenue and El Camino Real.

c. Update: Selection of preferred street designs for all other streets anticipated anticipated May completion March 2024.
b.

2. Develop a comparative analysis of multimodal circulation for selected alternatives.

Anticipated completion March May 2024.

3. Analyze impacts and tradeoffs of potential street closures and r econfigurations, including sitewide parking demand. Anticipated completion March May 2024.

4. Determine the location and design of public spaces (parks, plazas, and street closures), sustainability features, and community facility options. Anticipated completion March May 2024.

a. Update: Initial concepts were presented to the community, Commission, and the Council. Completed April 2023.
a.b. Update: Refined concepts were present ed to the community. November and December 2023.

5. Prepare an infrastructure development services plan and budget as a key chapter of the Specific Plan. Anticipated completion September 2024.

6. Prepare and release Draft Specific Plan. Anticipated completion September 2024.

7. Begin environmental evaluation. Anticipated completion September 2024.

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Objective #3: Ensure that the vision and goals of the Downtown Specific Plan come to fruition.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Conduct and complete market demand analyses, economic studies , and develop implementation recommendations. Anticipated completion November 2024.

2. Recommend strategic public improvements, including timing/phasing, and key catalyst projects and programs. In progress.

a. Update: Full closure of 700 block of Laurel Street identified as a key catalyst project. Completed JuneNovember 2023.

b. Update: Preparation of Streetscape Master Plan, including Laurel Street and other streets. Anticipated completion April 2025.

3. Develop implementation strategies and financing mechanisms for short- and long-term goals. Discover opportunities to leverage public financing with private investment.

Anticipated completion September 2024.

4. Work with Public Works/Engineering, Parks & Recreation, and Fire to provide regular updates, share key information, receive feedback and determine nec essary steps to develop Plans, specifications, and e stimates needed to implement first phase streetscape and roadway improvements identified in the Specific Plan. In progress.

a. Update: Multi-department team consisting of Public Works/Engineering, Parks & Recreation, Fire, and Community Development/Planning/Economic Development participated in Downtown merchants meeting May 2023.

b. Update: Had interdepartmental meeting to look at design concepts in November 2023. Additional meeting planned in 2023 and 2024.

Objective #4: Explore safe, interim improvements to parklets and surrounding areas while the Downtown Specific Plan is being developed and implemented. Completed April 2023.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Research and investigate safe options to beautify parklets and surrounding areas with art, water walls, and planter boxes. Completed April 2023.

1.2. Update: Completed additional scope on San Carlos Avenue and Laurel Street. on December 2023.

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Housing: The City of San Carlos will actively encourage and support the creation of housing to provide a safe, inclusive, diverse, and affordable supply by facilitating development of housing for all income levels.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Explore strategically acquiring property for future affordable housing projects, maintaining relationships with the local broker community and bringing opportunities to the Council for direction as needed.

a. Update: Close escrow on properties purchased by Housing Authority at 1800 El Camino Real and 1131 -1133 Eaton Ave . Anticipated completion lateCompleted August October 2023.

2. Explore the acquisition of market r ate units to convert to BMR and complimentary strategies for leveraging BMR Housing Funds to increase BMR housing supply. Staff is reviewing and working with representatives from two programs, one from the California Community Housing Agency (CalCHA) and the other from the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA). Anticipated completion March 2023.

a. Update: Staff reviewed two programs and determined that City does not contain developments meeting requirements due to the small number of units.

Completed July 2023.

b. Update: Staff will re -evaluate conversion programs based on recent interest from large multifamily developers. CAnticipated completedion March 2023.

Evaluated annually.

Objective #2: Facilitate completion of projects currently underway.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Continue development of affordable housing project at 1232 Cherry Street. In progress.

a. Update: City approved loan making $9.6M available to developer. Completed June 2023.

b. Update: Project applied for $2.5M in funding through the Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG) Program. Completed July 2023.

c. Update: Undergrounding and relocating existing utilities expected to commence January 2024. Anticipated completion October 2024.

d. Update: Residential construction expected to commence November 2024.

Anticipated completion mid-2026.

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2. Complete regulatory agreements for market rate multi -family projects building BMR units. Ongoing.

a. Update: 1240 El Camino Real. Completed July 2023.

b. Update: 1257 Magnolia Ave; 11 El Camino Real; 155 -160 Vista Del Grande; and. 626 Walnut St. Anticipated completion March 2024.

Objective #3: Increase housing production.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Continue to expedite ADU approvals and provide guidance/resources to homeowners.

Ongoing.

a. Update: Staff is exploring feasibility of participating in a non-profit ADU center (“21 Elements”) that would provide assistance to San Carlos residents.

Anticipated completion February 2024. Met with 21 Elements in December 2023. Will likely request funding from Council for FY25. Still in progress.

2. Adopt Updated ADU Ordinance . Anticipated completion Completed October November 2023.

3. Adopt Objective Design Standards for single-family, including SB 9 units, and multi - family residential projects.

a. Update: Single-family adoption. Anticipated completionCompleted August November 2023.

b. Update: Multi-family adoption. Anticipated completion November 20232024.

4. Implement the 2023-2031 Housing Element and report on its progress as required by the State within the Housing Element Annual Progress Report due every year in April.

Anticipated completion April 2024.

Objective #4: Consider General Plan amendments and rezoning in the Northeast Specific Plan to include housing.

Actions/Tasks:

1. See Goal, Northeast Specific Plan, Objective 2, Task 2 (below).

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Mobility, Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure: The City of San Carlos will actively pursue plans and strategies for improving mobility, traffic, parking, transportation infrastructure, and street maintenance while encouraging alternative modes of transportation to provide efficient, safe, and effective movement throughout the city.

Objective #1: Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to encourage alternative modes of transportation and improve mobility.

Actions/Tasks:

1. San Carlos Avenue pedestrian safety improvements phase III – Wellington to Beverley. Anticipated completion April September 2024.

a. Update: Project d esign. Anticipated completion Completed September December 2023.

2. Brittan Avenue Sidewalk Construction – Sunset Drive to Rogers Avenue. Anticipated completion December 20245.

a. Update: Project design. In progress.

b. Update: Planning and Transportation Commission review and public outreach.

Anticipated completionCompleted November 2023.

c. Update: City Council review. Anticipated completion February 2024.

3. Alameda de las Pulgas Corridor I mprovement (Four Corners) . Anticipated completion March 2027.

a. Update: Project design. In progress. Anticipated completion August 2024.

4. Coordinate with C/CAG on a county wide shared micro -mobility policy/program . In progress.

a. Update: Phase 1 micro-mobility pilot program set up in progress in Daly City & Redwood City.

b. Update: Operator selection. Anticipated completion August 2024.

c. Update: San Carlos is in Phase 2. Schedule to be determined.

5. Identify funding mechanisms and public/private partnership opportunities to support and enhance transportation, traffic, and mobility. Ongoing.

a. Update: Several development agreements have been approved or are under negotiation that include community benefits toward transportation, traffic, and mobility.

Objective #2 : Identify and implement citywide street and intersection projects and initiatives to improve traffic flow and parking.

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Actions/Tasks:

1. Perform citywide traffic signal study, which will include, among other things, the timing of signals along upper East San Carlos Avenue. Anticipated completion January 2024.

a. Update: Phase 1 goal setting and citywide signal inventory. Completed June 2023.

b. Update: Phase 2 signal timing analysis and standard development . In progress.Completed November 2023.

c. Update: Planning and Transportation Commission review and public outreach.

Anticipated completion October 2023February 2024.

c.d. Update: City Council review and adoption of final Traffic Signal Master Plan.

Anticipated completion March 2024.

2. Increase PCI through Annual Pavement Rehabilitation program. Ongoing.

a. Update: Project design. Anticipated completion September 2023.

b. Update: Project award. Anticipated completion October 2023March 2024.

3. Implement Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Ongoing.

a. Update: GESC Slow Street Pilot Project. Completed July 2023.

b. Update: Hybrid Pedestrian Beacon (HAWK) at Belmont and El Camino . In progress. Anticipated completionCompleted October 2023.

4. Develop a citywide policy for the residential parking permit program . Anticipated completion June 2024.

a. Update: Parking study is underway as part of the Downtown Specific Plan, which will include evaluation of the need for a parking permit program.

Objective #3: Develop community education, reporting, outreach , and information tools using change management principles and practices. Ongoing.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Maintain citywide construction activities webpage. Ongoing.

a. Update: The construction activities webpage is updated weekly.

2. Develop additional ways to outreach to the community to ensure they understand changes that will impact them. Ongoing.

a. Update: Outreach is tailored to each project’s scope, size, impact, and type.

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Objective #4: Implement Safe Routes to School improvements to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety.

1. Enhance traffic and pedestrian safety through education and enforcement. Ongoing.

b. Update: Participated in a Bicycle Safety Event at Central Middle School .

Completed January 2023.

c. Update: Conducted a high visibility traffic enforcement detail during Super Bowl Weekend. Completed February 2023.

d. Update: Conducted a Distracted Driving Traffic operation . Completed April 2023.

e. Update: Hosted a Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint. Completed May 2023.

f. Update: Conduct monthly Saturated Traffic Enforcement Program with the Sheriff’s Office Motorcycle Unit for high visibility and enforcement. Ongoing.

g. Update: Conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation for Pedestrian Safety month.

Anticipated completionCompleted September 2023.

2. Analyze crosswalk improvements at San Carlos Avenue and Kenton, and San Carlos Avenue, and Prospect. Completed July 2023.

a. Update: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and associated crosswalk improvements constructed.

3. Crosswalk striping and marking at various locations per SRTS . Anticipated completion end ofCompleted August 2023.

4. Arroyo Avenue and Chestnut Street SRTS improvements. In progress.

a. Update: Project design. In progress. Anticipated completion June 2024.

b. Update: Conduct outreach. Anticipated completion May 2024.

1. Hold a Study Session with the City Council and Planning and Transportation Commission with regard to transportation management agencies. Completed April 2023.

2. Perform outreach and coordinate with developers, property owners, and businesses; set up development participation thresholds; and, create the organizational framework for the TMA. In progress.

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a. Update: Staff conducted initial outreach and coordination with developers and property owners. All recent commercial projects in the east side include a condition of approval requiring participation in a TMA if/when formed.

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Northeast Area Specific Plan: The City of San Carlos will work with residents, property owners, stakeholders, business owners, committees, commissions, the Chamber of Commerce, and all other interested members of the community to develop a plan in response to continued development interest in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, and develop policies and strategies to incorporate housing as part of this new development.

Objective #1 : Create outreach and engagement opportunities that actively involve Northeast Area stakeholders and the San Carlos community in the visioning and development of the Specific Plan.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Involve Northeast Area property owners and business owners through focus group meetings to gather their input and vision for the future of the area. Completed February 2023Ongoing.

2. Involve the community in the Specific Plan process through community workshops to gather their input, shape the future vision for the area, and share information and key findings.

a. Update: Hosted first Community Workshop. Completed March 2023.

b. Update: Host second Community Workshop (virtual). Anticipated cCompletioned late AugustSeptember 2023.

c. Update: Host in-person pop-ups. CAnticipated completedion September 2023.

d. Update: Host third Community Workshop. Anticipated completion July 2024.

3. Participate in monthly Harbor Industrial Association meetings to create a feedback loop with stakeholders to gather input and share process updates. Ongoing.

4. Create a Northeast Area Specific Plan website to inform the community about the planning process and update the website at key milestones throughout the planning process. Updates are ongoing.

a. Update: Website created. Completed March 2023.

5. Distribute a Spotlight Newsletter which focuses on the Northeast Area Specific Plan process and how the community can be involved. Completed March 2023.

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Actions/Tasks:

1. Gather the critical information that is needed to make informed decisions about the future vision of the Northeast Area. This includes conducting an existing conditions analysis, including an economic, land use, environmental, transportation, and utilities evaluation. Completed April 2023.

2. Explore the possibility of introducing housing as a new land use and its compatibility with the existing industrial uses through discussions with stakeholders, housing analyses, and economic analyses.

a. Update: This is currently being explored and a preferred scenario will be identified. Anticipated completion September 2023March 2024.

3. Conduct case study reviews of areas with similar characteristics to learn what has been successful in similar communities. Completed April 2023.

4. Develop alternative scenarios, or different options, based on community input, existing conditions review and analysis, and case studies. Identify what is best and most desired from the alternatives to create the preferred scenario. Partially completed Anticipated completion September 2023 . Anticipated full completion of preferred scenario March 2024.

5. Conduct technical analysis of the preferred scenario, to include analyses of transportation, infrastructure, and public utilities and services. This n ew task was added August 2023. Anticipated completion December 2023May 2024.

Objective #3: Initiate the environmental review of the preferred scenario.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Once the preferred scenario is drafted, develop a project description as a first step in the environmental review process. Anticipated completion November 2023May 2024.

2. Initiate the environmental review process. This new task was added August 2023.

Anticipated completion February December 2024.

Objective #4: Create supportive standards and plans to be incorporated in the Northeast Area Specific Plan. This new objective was added August 2023.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Create draft development and design standards for review and refinement. This new task was added August 2023. Anticipated completion January December 2024.

2. Initiate the creation of the implementation and financing plan. This new task was added August 2023. Anticipated completion December March 2024.

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Recreation Services: The City of San Carlos will explore new recreational opportunities by completing an assessment of parks, open space, and other recreation facilities to support the health and well-being for community members of all ages.

Objective #1: Complete a Parks, Open Space, and other Recreational Opportunities Master Plan Assessment (12-24 month process).

Actions/Tasks:

1. Request funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2023-25 budget process. Completed June 2023.

2. Post a Request for Proposals to hire a consultant to facilitate the process.

Anticipated completion October 2023spring 2024.

3. Schedule community input meetings. Ongoing. Anticipated completion December 2025.TBD.

4. Initiate a conceptual design of a community center with community engagement.

Anticipated completion December 2025.TBD.

Objective #2: Explore additional recreational opportunities at North Crestview Park that meet the needs of the community.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Request funding in Fiscal Year 2022-23. Completed April 2023.

2. Post a Request for Proposals to hire a consultant. Completed June 2023.

a. Update: Contract award. Anticipated cCompletion August 2023.

3. Schedule community input meetings. Anticipated Ccompletion NovemberOctober 2023.

3. a. a. Update: Meetings will be held in January and March 2024

4. Objective #3: Assess new opportunities to implement Trails Connection Plan for public trails.

Actions/Tasks:

1. Request funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2023-25 budget process. Completed June 2023.

2. Obtain new and utilize existing public trail easements in the community. In Progress.

a. Update: Trillium Way CEQA documents in progress. Anticipated completion January 2024.

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b. Update: Hire Trail contractor. Anticipated completion March 2024. c. Update: CEQA initiated for Devonshire Canyon Existing Trail Easement .

Anticipated completion August 2024.
d. Update: Hired design firm for Devonshire Canyon Existing Trail Easement October 2023. Construction anticipated November 2024.

2. 3. Work with neighboring agencies on regional trail connections. In Progress.

a. Update: Coordinated meeting among the City, County, and Midpeninsula Open Space Parks District to discuss Los Vientos Way access into Pulgas Ridge Open Space. Completed April 2023.

a.b. Update: San Carlos hosted meeting November 2023. Coordination is ongoing.

c. Update: Obtained quotes for environmental review of potential impacts in the event access is allowed into Pulgas Ridge Open Space from Los Vientos Way. Completed August 2023.

•d. Update: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board will consider opening gate in March 2024.

• Update: Sent letter to San Francisco Public Utilities Commission regarding regional trail connections through SFPUC land. Completed May 2023. •

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October 16, 2023 1

San Carlos City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority Special Meeting
Enterprise Conference Room, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
October 16, 2023 1:00 PM

MINUTES

ROLL CALL

City Council Present:

Council Absent:

Ronald Collins, Councilmember
John Dugan, Vice Mayor
Sara McDowell, Councilmember
Pranita Venkatesh, Councilmember

Adam Rak, Mayor

Staff Present: Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney

1. CALL TO ORDER

Vice Mayor Dugan called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM and noted that he will be chairing today’s meeting in Mayor Rak’s absence.

2. 3.

PEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Vice Mayor Dugan led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

4. STUDY SESSION

a. Discussion of Issues and Topics Affecting the City of San Carlos, Including, But Not Limited to, the Items Listed in the Attachment. No Action Will be Taken on Any Items at This Meeting.

South Laurel Developments

Public Comment
- Five members of the public expressed concerns on the potential parking and traffic impact from the proposed developments in the Southend of Laurel Street, by Carl’s Jr. They provided the following suggestions to Council:
• conduct a comprehensive study on south Laurel Street to prepare for developments and its impact on traffic, safety and the environment
• w hen considering parking, be mindful of how it’ll impact the community • determine the number of parking spaces based on objective facts from a study • when c onsidering density of developments, be mindful of its impact on parks and recreation

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At Mayor Dugan’s request, City Manager Jeff Maltbie provided info rmation on the proposed development, stating that it’s at its very initial stages.

- Sonia Elkes, resident, advocated for an active transportation corridor.

Council expressed interest in eventually adding South Laurel, through Eaton Avenue, as Phase II of the Downtown Plan study.

Observing all Federal Holidays for Council and Commission Meetings

Councilmember McDowell spoke on the importance of not holding Council nor Commission meetings on any federal holidays, including Columbus Day and Juneteenth.

Council spoke in support of this item and directed staff to agendize it for approval.

Regularity of Commission and Advisory Body Meetings

Councilmember McDowell noted that some Commission s are meeting infrequently and are not being fully utilized.

Mr. Maltbie noted that he’ll address this with staff.

Zoom Remote Participation and Comments; Meeting Decorum Policy

Council discussed the benefits of continuing to allow public comments via Zoom and suggested practices to implement to address disruptions, such as:

• provide the Mayor with a binder with the decorum policy and a clear script • have more programs to acknowledge how diverse our City is • incorporate this process:

1. limit the amount of time commenters can raise their hand to speak; after a designated amount of time (perhaps one minute) count the number of hands and don’t allow any additional speakers for that item

2. if an inappropriate comment is received, the Mayor will interject with a warning while the City Clerk temporarily lowers the volume of the commenter

3. if inappropriate comments continue after the warning, the Mayor will direct the City Clerk to remove the speaker from the meeting.

If disruptive comments continue on Zoom, Councilmember Collins suggested creating a public comment email group list and providing an option for the public to leave a voice message with their comment during the meeting.

Council reviewed the draft Meeting Decorum Policy and directed staff to re move reference to Rosenberg Rules and agendize it for adoption.

Elected Treasurer Position Ballot Measure

City Attorney Greg Rubens reminded Council that they had provided direction for him to prepare a measure on the November 2024 ballot for considering the elected City Treasurer position and noted that the item will be brought to them in the spring.

Councilmember McDowell suggested the City proactively educate the public on this measure.

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Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Mr. Rubens updated Council on the state law banning the sale of gas leaf blower s effective January 2024.

Council discussed options for how the City can address the issues of gas leaf blowers, including implementing a ban, setting maximum decibels allowed, and allowing gas powered blowers only on garbage pick-up days, however, they recognized the difficulty with enforcement.

Public Comment
Sonia Elkes, resident, suggested adding an article in the City’s newsletter to provide options and creative way to address the issues of gas leaf blowers.

Budget Impacts of a Construction Slowdown

At the Mayor’s request, Mr. Maltbie confirmed that there is a construction slowdown, which may result in some delays and interruptions, however, he has no reasons for concerns at this time. He also provided an update on the Alexandria developer’s desire to start over with the Development Agreement due to economic changes.

Potential Targets for City Acquisition for Affordable Housing

Mr. Maltbie confirmed that there have been properties identified as p otential targets for City acquisition for affordable housing, however, the City is not in the position to purchase another property at this time.

Negotiating Community Benefits from Developers

Council inquired on how the City can better negotiate public benefits from developers and questioned if the 50/50 split for net present value is the most beneficial approach.

Mr. Maltbie noted that the Council subcommittee needs to review formula options and consider how the analysis is working.

Council requested additional information from CalWater to learn more about recycled water and purple-piping.

Council recessed at 3:00 PM and reconvened for 3:07 PM.

Non-Utilization of Downtown Employee Parking in Wheeler Plaza Garage/ Downtown Parking and Mobility

Council noted that employees in the downtown are still parking in the parking lot behind T own Restaurant and discussed:
• the need to be more aggressive and enforce the two hour time limits • looking into John Baer’s El Camino Real and Cherry Street property • the benefits of zoned parking

Mr. Maltbie confirmed that a study will be conducted as part of the Downtown Plan Study that should help address the issue of downtown employee parking.

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Smart City Infrastructure

Council identified areas of the City with traffic signal delays, including the intersections at Chestnut Street and San Carlos Avenue, and San Carlos Avenue and Holly Street, and inquired if smart infrastructure is something we could benefit from.

Mr. Maltbie confirmed there is a light timing project already in the budget, and noted that artificial intelligent traffic signals are still being tested and not quite ready to be rolled-out.

Council agreed that they’re interested in being proactive with smart traffic signals when the technology is ready.

SamTrans Headquarters Building Update

Mr. Maltbie confirmed that SamTrans is aware of the City ’s desire to see housing at their headquarters building, but that it’s unlikely there will be changes anytime soon.

Downtown Look and Feel

Council inquired if the City can require and enforce parklets to be repaired for aesthetics.

Mr. Maltbie noted that he’ll check with the Public Works Director.

Council added that they have received a number of complaints regarding the sticky sidewalks in the downtown and requested staff post the cleaning schedule on social media so that the community is aware of the City’s efforts to address the issue.

AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) in Public Parks

Mr. Maltbie notified Council that once staff is able to identify how to secure and make AEDS accessible, they’ll focus on getting them out to the City’s fields and courts.

Trails and Open Space Access Update

Mr. Maltbie confirmed that Council has the latest updates on trails and open space access and noted that we’re within months of being able to start trail work.

Advanced Planning for Community Center/Community Pool

Mr. Maltbie noted that the Parks and Recreation Director’s suggestion is to include the discussion of a community center/pool as part of the parks master planning process. He noted that there will not be enough funding to complete both the Downtown Plan and the community center/pool and expressed the importance for Council to begin considering how they’ll close the funding gap or decide which project they want to focus on.

North Crestview Park

Vice Mayor Dugan noted the community’s general appetite for a Veteran’s Memorial that also commemorates our War Dog history and spoke on the potential at North Crestview Park.

Mr. Maltbie confirmed that this will be addressed in the Parks Master and the North Crestview Plans that’s currently underway.

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Air BNBs

Mr. Maltbie confirmed that Air BNBs are not allowed in San Carlos and provided information on the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) loss due to this.

Council agreed to take a wait-and-see approach on Air BNBs.

Update on Flood Mitigation Measures Approved in Recent Budget

Mr. Maltbie provided Council with a status on the work that staff has completed or are currently working on to mitigate flooding.

Council directed staff to share this update with the community in the next newsletter.

Councilmember McDowell inquired about the purchase of an excavator to clean storm drain inlets.

Mr. Maltbie will check with staff for the status on this.

Increase NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Fees

Mr. Maltbie provided a brief background on the NPDES tax and spoke on the lack of funding source for the Storm Drain Master Plan’s identified improvements, estimated (in 2017) at $56 million.

Council discussed the benefits of a tax measure to increase funding for storm drains and contemplated if the community would support it. Council stated that they will reflect on this further.

Council recessed at 4:45 PM and reconvened at 4:50 PM.

Traffic Studies at Alameda Corridor

Mr. Maltbie stated that there will be several traffic plans conducted in different parts of the city, but there is nothing currently planned for the Alameda corridor.

Safe Routes to School Progress

At the Mayor’s request, Mr. Maltbie provided updates on the various Safe Routes to School projects currently underway.

Councilmember McDowell added that at a recent 2+2 Joint City/School Committee meeting, the City and the School District agreed to improve some sidewalks near Arroyo Avenue.

Repaving of Main Streets

Council commented on some of the City’s main streets that need to be repaired, including Laurel Street (south of Arroyo Ave) and Brittan Ave (immediately off the freeway by Industrial Road), and inquired about where they fall on the priority list.

Mr. Maltbie noted that he will check with the Public Works Director.

Councilmember McDowell shared that her street has recently been repaved, but her neighbor, who’s tearing down her home is required to underground powerlines, which would require cutting into the street. She noted the issues with undergrounding powerlines and inquired if there is any consideration of updating the residential policy requiring undergrounding powerlines.

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Mr. Maltbie noted that he’ll look into this.

405 Industrial Road Traffic Study

Mr. Maltbie confirmed that staff is proceeding with a traffic study at 405 Industrial Road to prohibit left-hand turns.

Cumulative Impact of Traffic Flow from East Side New Development Projects

Councilmember McDowell inquired about the potential to study a roundabout at Industrial Road and Holly Street to keep traffic moving. She also expressed concern about the cumulative traffic impact on all the new developments on the east side.

Mr. Maltbie responded that roundabouts require a lot of space and would require acquiring property to accomplish one at the site in question. He also stated that the General Plan Traffic Impact Study will provide an overview of the future cumulative impact from the projects.

Bike and Pedestrian Bridge over 101

Councilmember McDowell gauged the Council’s interest in proceeding with the Bike and Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 101 project separate from the freeway interchange.

Mr. Maltbie noted that staff had initially tried to approach it as a separate project, but it was easier to get grants when it was combined with the freeway interchange.

Consider Hiring Grant Writing Consultant

Councilmember McDowell suggested hiring a consulting firm to help identify and apply for grants that the City would be eligible for.

Council expressed interest and directed staff to proceed with it as a one-year pilot.

Offering more Cultural Events in our Community.

Councilmember Venkatesh inquired on the process to diversify our City events and incorporate them into the community.

Mr. Maltbie responded that it would just require C ouncil to give direction to staff and identify the funding source.

5. ADJOURNMENT

Vice Mayor Dugan adjourned the meeting at 5:30 PM.

Crystal Mui
City Clerk

3.a
January 18, 2024

Packet Pg. 37

San Carlos City CouncilJanuary 18, 2024

San Carlos City Council
January 18, 2024