September 23, 2024 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
September 23, 2024 7:00 PM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: John Dugan, Mayor
Sara McDowell, Vice Mayor
Ronald Collins, Councilmember
Adam Rak, Councilmember
Pranita Venkatesh, Councilmember
Staff Present: Nil Blackburn, Assistant City Manager
Hanieh Houshmandi, Senior Traffic Engineer
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Andrea Mardesich, Assistant Community Development Director Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director
Lisa Porras, Planning Manager
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dugan called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS
None.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Dugan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
None.
5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present Proclamations to Jim Iacoponi, Mark Maxwell and David Roof Recognizing their Years of Service on a City Commission.
Mayor Dugan presented proclamations to former Parks, Recreation and Culture Commissioner Mark Maxwell and former Planning and Transportation Commissioners David Roof and Jim Iacoponi, thanking them for their service.
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Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Roof and Mr. Iacoponi thanked the Council for the recognition.
b. Present a Proclamation Recognizing September 21-27, 2024 as United Against Hate Week.
Mayor Dugan recognized United Against Hate Week and presented a proclamation to Linda Garvey and Susan Rose from the Community Foundation of San Carlos.
Ms. Garvey spoke on the Community Foundation’s mission of bringing the community together and recognized local businesses and agencies for their support with their upcoming United Against Hate themed events.
Public Comment
Ray Mueller, San Mateo County Board Supervisor, spoke in support of recognizing United Against Hate Week and shared what the County’s doing to recognize this call to action to stand-up against hate.
6. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Collins reported on attending the Museum of San Carlos History’s ice cream social event and the Adult Community Center’s barbecue fundraiser. He also shared a memory of the late Keven Kelly, former San Carlos Mayor who passed away in August of this year. Councilmember Collins also expressed his appreciation for the work of our City Commissions and suggested that for the next United Against Hate proclamation, the City include language opposing hate speech for people with differing political views.
Councilmember Rak also reported on attending the Museum of San Carlos History’s event and the Adult Community Center’s fundraiser and commended the Parks and Recreation Department on their programs.
Mayor Dugan reported on attending the Museum of San Carlos History ’s event and One Life’s fundraising gala.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Lucas Chin, resident, spoke on his efforts to combat food insecurities and requested sponsors and volunteers to assist with his initiative.
Mayor Dugan commended Mr. Chin for his efforts and encouraged him to contact the Community Foundation of San Carlos.
Theresa Mostasisa, resident, spoke on the dangers of sepsis and promoted a non-profit fundraiser event at Stamp Restaurant this Sunday.
Sonia Elkes, resident, commented on United Against Hate Week and encouraged bike-riding as a way to create inclusion.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Rak expressed appreciation to staff for their work on the Devonshire Canyon Trail Construction Project (item 8q).
Public Comment
Tom Morse, resident, expressed concerns with the proposed Devonshire Canyon Trail Construction Project (item 8q).
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MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar items ‘a’ through ‘r’ and item ‘ s’ Ordinance 1620 Amending Municipal Code Section 9.24.010 – Definitions, to Expand the Definition of Firearm to Include Air Rifles, BB Guns, and Other Specified Weapons; and Amending Section 9.24.030 – Discharge of Firearms Prohibited – Exceptions.
MOVER: Adam Rak
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Collins, Venkatesh, Rak, McDowell, Dugan
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve the City Council August 28, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes.
c. Approve the City Council September 9, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes.
d. Adopt a Resolution Amending the City of San Carlos’ Conflict of Interest Code. Resolution 2024-098
e. Deny Claim of Eric Shapiro.
f. Authorize the City Manager to Sign the Letter Prepared by Staff in Response to the 2023-2024 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report Titled "Restaurant Exteriors: The Neglected Space".
g. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Classification Specification for the Assistant Public Works Director and Amending the Management Group Salary and Benefits Resolution Appendices.
Resolution 2024-099
h. Appoint Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission (PR&C) Alternate Member Mark Stogner as a PR&C Voting Member to Fill a Term Ending June 30, 2025 ; and Appoint Alexandra Seeber from the PR&C Eligibility List to the Alternate Member Seat for a Term Expiring June 30, 2027.
i. Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Brittan Avenue and San Carlos Avenue Sidewalk Project and Approving an Application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding. Resolution 2024-100
j. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the 2023 On -Call Sewer Replacement Project C1702 and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion. Resolution 2024-101
k. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the Highlands Park Path Project C1811 ; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with GradeTech, Inc. in the Amount of $665,299.60; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 20% Contingency in the Amount of $133,059.92. Resolution 2024-102
l. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the 2024 Citywide Sidewalk Repair Project C9465; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Villalobos & Associates, Inc. in the Amount of $164,000; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a Contingency in the Amount of $32,800.
Resolution 2024-103
m. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Extend a Professional Services Agreement with Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP for On-Call Legal Services for One Year in the Amount of
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$300,000, Which Includes Ratifying a Payment of Approximately $100,000 for Work Already Completed. Resolution 2024-104
n. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Extend a Professional Services Agreement with RSG for On -Call Economic Advisory Services for One Year in the Amount of $320,000, Which Includes Ratifying a Payment of Approximately $120,000 for Work Already Completed.
Resolution 2024-105
o. Adopt a Resolution Extending the Temporary Downtown Parklet Program and Corresponding Encroachment Permits to September 15, 2025. Resolution 2024-106
p. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the 2023 Annual Storm Drain Improvement Project (Drake Court, Brittan Avenue, & 200 Block of El Camino Real) C9531 and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion. Resolution 2024-107
q. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Architectural, Landscape Architectural, Engineering or Land Surveyor Services for the Devonshire Canyon Trail Construction Project C2330 with Trailscape, Inc. in the Amount of $78,635 and Authorizing a Contingency Budget in the Amount of $20,000 for a Not -to-Exceed Contract Amount of $98,635. Resolution 2024-108
r. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with StoryCorps, Inc. for the Centennial Community Interviews (C2309) in the Amount of $110,000 and Authorizing the Expenditure of Contingency of $20,000, for a Total Contract Amount Not to Exceed $130,000. Resolution 2024-109
s. Adopt Ordinance 1620 Amending Municipal Code Section 9.24.010 – Definitions, to Expand the Definition of Firearm to Include Air Rifles, BB Guns, and Other Specified Weapons; and Amending Section 9.24.030 – Discharge of Firearms Prohibited – Exceptions.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Establishing a One -Time Centennial Community Grant Program Utilizing Funds Allocated to the Centennial Celebration Event Budget to Support Non - Profit Community Organizations’ Centennial Programs and Events.
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director , presented on the proposed Community Grant Program and, along with City Attorney Greg Rubens, responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
- Michael Campbell, resident and member of the Community Foundation of San Carlos, spoke in support of the proposed program and provided suggested edits.
- Sonia Elkes, resident, requested no poles be erected on city sidewalk s to keep it pedestrian- friendly.
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2024-110 Establishing a One-Time Centennial Community Grant Program Utilizing Funds Allocated to the Centennial Celebration Event Budget to Support Non-Profit Community Organizations’ Centennial Programs and Events with the following amendments:
- allow for San Carlos based non-profit organizations to sponsor other entities; - include the Mayor and Vice-Mayor in the review and selection process; and - delegate the ability to staff to rightsize each grant based on the impact and opportunity.
MOVER: Sara McDowell
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SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: McDowell, Collins, Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
b. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Endorsing the Refined Street Designs for the Downtown Specific Plan and Streetscape Master Plan and Direct Staff to Proceed with Preparing the Downtown Specific Plan and Streetscape Master Plan.
Community Development Director Al Savay commenced the item by introducing the project team.
Planning Design Consultant Jim Stickley presented an overview of the refined street designs and responded to Council questions.
Council provided the following feedback:
- communicate with south of Arroyo business es with outdoor dining to ensure their existing conditions are accommodated in the new plan
- ensure Wheeler Plaza has a flexible space to accommodate pop-up activities and programs, while designating a permanent area for serving food that could provide for plumbing and electrical needs
- consider 11’ travel lanes on Brittan Avenue to accommodate buses
Council recessed at 9:38PM and reconvened their meeting at 9:45 PM.
Traffic Consultant Mark Spencer reviewed the current, near-term and long-term traffic conditions and responded to Council questions.
MOTION: At 10:18 PM, extend the meeting to 11:00 PM.
MOVER: Adam Rak
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Rak, McDowell, Collins, Venkatesh, Dugan
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Consultant Brian Canepa presented on the parking demand study outcomes and responded to Council questions.
Mr. Sitckley provided the summary of benefits and trade -offs and Mr. Savay wrapped-up the presentation by reviewing the project’s next steps.
MOTION: At 10:50 PM, extend the meeting to 11:30 PM.
MOVER: Adam Rak
SECONDER: Sara McDowell
AYES: Venkatesh, Rak, McDowell, Collins, Dugan
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Public Comment
- Sonia Elkes, resident, expressed support for the pedestrian-friendly, multimodal downtown plans and suggested an update to the Brittan Ave area to make it more bike-friendly. - Mark Fagel, resident, expressed concerns that the proposed changes would result in traffic flow issues to access Highway 101.
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- Sarah Kelsey suggested Council consider the potential for increased U-turns on Laurel Street and expressed safety concerns for having bike lanes on El Camino Real going northbound, specifically at the Brittan Avenue and Holly Street intersections.
Council provided staff with the below additional feedback:
- consider how the proposed parking on Laurel Street could increase illegal U-turns - consider safe ways for bicyclists on El Camino Real to make right turns on Brittan Avenue and Holly Street intersections
- continue to incorporate more ADA accessible parking
- consider offering parking valet service, especially during construction - continue enforcing no e-bike riding on the closed block
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2024 -111 Endorsing the Refined Street Designs for the Downtown Specific Plan and Streetscape Master Plan.
MOVER: Adam Rak
SECONDER: Ronald Collins
AYES: Collins, Venkatesh, Rak, McDowell, Dugan
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
10. AGENDA SETTING
Councilmember Collins requested the City adopt an official city flag. Council voiced support of staff to agendize it for a future meeting.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:12 PM.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk