Agenda packet — San Carlos City Council, February 24, 2025

CITY OF SAN CARLOS
City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 7:00 PM
Council Chambers, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
www.cityofsancarlos.org
AGENDA
This meeting will be conducted both inperson at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. Members of the public will have the option to observe the meeting and address the City Council as outlined below.

InPerson Participation:

Location. City Hall – 600 Elm Street, Council Chambers.

Masks are no longer required, but are still recommended by the California Department of Health. To maintain public health and safety, please do not attend in person if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat).

Provide Public Comment. To address the City Council on any item on the posted agenda, fill out a Request to Speak Form located in the back of the Council Chambers and submit it to the City Clerk; or, you may raise your hand when the Mayor calls for public comments.

Remote Participation :

Observe via:
Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88256140939; or call 16699009128 and enter the Meeting ID #: 882 5614 0939
Meeting Webportal . www.cityofsancarlos.org/agenda Local TV. Comcast Channel 27 and AT&T Uverse Channel 99 Provide Public Comment. If you plan to make a public comment on any item on the posted agenda, please observe the meeting via Zoom (see above access information), and during the public comment period for the agenda item you wish to address, use the “raise hand” feature. If joining Zoom by phone, press *9 to “raise hand”.

Councilmembers may participate in this meeting remotely pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449.

MAYOR: Sara McDowell
COUNCIL: John Dugan, Neil Layton, Adam Rak, Pranita Venkatesh

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation Recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month.

6. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Communications and Announcements are brief items from members of the City Council regarding upcoming events in the community and correspondence that they have received. They are informational in nature and no action will be taken on these items at this meeting.

7. 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 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.

8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve the January 27, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. c. Accept the Fiscal Year (FY) 202425 Second Quarter Financial Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2024.
d. Accept the Fiscal Year (FY) 202425 Second Quarter Investment Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2024.
e. Adopt a Resolution Appropriating an Additional $150,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) Unassigned Fund Balance in Fiscal Year (FY) 202425 to the Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Project C2405. f. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Specifications for the Corporation Yard and Library Roof Replacement Projects and Authorizing a Call for Bids. g. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the Illuminated Street Name Sign Replacement Project C1712, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC in the Amount of $95,975, and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $9,600.
h. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project Behind 3144 Brittan Avenue C2319 and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion.
i. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project Behind 3141 61 Melendy Drive C2320 and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion.
j. Adopt a Resolution Accepting a Proposed Expanded Easement at 1005 Drake Court.
k. Adopt a Resolution Appointing Ron Collins as the City of San Carlos Representative to the San Carlos Development Corporation (the Elms) Board of Directors.

9. STUDY SESSION
a. Receive a Presentation and Provide Direction on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
b. Receive a Presentation and Provide Direction on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and General Plan Amendments for the 2045 General Plan Reset.

10. AGENDA SETTING
Items discussed in this Agenda Setting Section will be considered by the Council for placing on a future agenda. No action will be taken on these items at this meeting.

11. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn in Memory of Former San Carlos Mayor and Councilmember Sylvia Nelson.

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.

1 CITY OF SAN CARLOS
City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 7:00 PM
Council Chambers, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
www.cityofsancarlos.org
AGENDA
This meeting will be conducted both inperson at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. Members of the public will have the option to observe the meeting and address the City Council as outlined below.

InPerson Participation:

Location. City Hall – 600 Elm Street, Council Chambers.

Remote Participation :

Councilmembers may participate in this meeting remotely pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449.

MAYOR: Sara McDowell
COUNCIL: John Dugan, Neil Layton, Adam Rak, Pranita Venkatesh

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation Recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month.

7. 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.

10. AGENDA SETTING
Items discussed in this Agenda Setting Section will be considered by the Council for placing on a future agenda. No action will be taken on these items at this meeting.

11. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn in Memory of Former San Carlos Mayor and Councilmember Sylvia Nelson.

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.

2 CITY OF SAN CARLOS
City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 7:00 PM
Council Chambers, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
www.cityofsancarlos.org
AGENDA
This meeting will be conducted both inperson at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. Members of the public will have the option to observe the meeting and address the City Council as outlined below.

InPerson Participation:

Location. City Hall – 600 Elm Street, Council Chambers.

Remote Participation :

Councilmembers may participate in this meeting remotely pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449.

MAYOR: Sara McDowell
COUNCIL: John Dugan, Neil Layton, Adam Rak, Pranita Venkatesh

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation Recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month.

7. 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.

10. AGENDA SETTING
Items discussed in this Agenda Setting Section will be considered by the Council for placing on a future agenda. No action will be taken on these items at this meeting.

11. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn in Memory of Former San Carlos Mayor and Councilmember Sylvia Nelson.

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.

3 CITY OF SAN CARLOS
City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 7:00 PM
Council Chambers, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
www.cityofsancarlos.org
AGENDA
This meeting will be conducted both inperson at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. Members of the public will have the option to observe the meeting and address the City Council as outlined below.

InPerson Participation:

Location. City Hall – 600 Elm Street, Council Chambers.

Remote Participation :

Councilmembers may participate in this meeting remotely pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449.

MAYOR: Sara McDowell
COUNCIL: John Dugan, Neil Layton, Adam Rak, Pranita Venkatesh

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation Recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month.

7. 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.

10. AGENDA SETTING
Items discussed in this Agenda Setting Section will be considered by the Council for placing on a future agenda. No action will be taken on these items at this meeting.

11. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn in Memory of Former San Carlos Mayor and Councilmember Sylvia Nelson.

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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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Accept the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Second Quarter Financial Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2024.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the Quarterly Financial Report (“Report”) for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 ended December 31, 2024.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There is no financial impact associated with accepting this report.

BACKGROUND:

In May 2023, the City Council approved financial policies formalizing long standing practices. The policies were established to ensure that the City's finances are managed in a manner that will: (1) continue to provide for the delivery of quality services; (2) maintain and enhance service delivery as the community grows, in accordance with the General Plan; (3) guarantee a balanced budget annually assuring that the City is operating within its means; and (4) establish reserves necessary to meet known and unknown future obligations.

A key component of these policies includes the preparation of a quarterly financial report. This report provides an executive summary of the City’s current financial status as it relates to the adopted operating budget.

Attached is the Report for the second quarter that reflects the City’s overall General Fund financial position as of December 31, 2024. Included in the Report is an update on the General Fund balance, analysis of revenues earned to date, and expenses incurred for the first half of the fiscal year.

ANALYSIS:

Revenues
The Report for the second quarter is prepared on a cash basis, therefore only revenue received by December 31 is reflected. Since revenue is received on many different schedules depending on type, it is useful to compare the year-to-date (“YTD”) actual amounts to the prior year’s actual amounts.

Overall, fiscal year-to-date revenues were approximately $26.81 million, or $0.28 million and 1% lower than last year at the end of the second quarter and represented 46.8% of the budget. As discussed in the attached Report, revenues from sales tax, charges for services, licenses &

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permits, and other revenues were lower than the prior year. This is mostly due to revenue related to large-scale projects, one-time revenue received in the prior year from a claim settlement, and a downward shift in consumption resulting in lower sales tax revenue.

Property tax, vehicle in-lieu fees (“VLF”), other taxes, and use of money and property were higher compared to quarter two of last year. As discussed in the attached Report, it was due to an increase in assessed properties, the receipt of the countywide VLF shortfall payment relating to FY 2022-23 in the current year, the timing of franchise fee payments and some additional revenue from an audit of the prior year’s TOT reports. Interest rates continue to be a positive driver as well.

Expenditures
Expenditures are recorded when paid, using the cash basis method of accounting. Overall, expenditures were $30 million, or 48.4%, of the budget, and $1.75 million higher compared to quarter two of the prior year. This was due to higher public safety contract costs, higher CalPERS contributions related to the legacy Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department, decrease in vacancy rates which is reflected in higher salaries, and benefits costs compared to the prior year. Utility and professional services costs were higher due to increased prices and the timing of invoices.

Additional details can be found in the attached Report.

ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Accept the Quarterly Financial Report for the second quarter of FY 2024-25 ended December 31, 2024; or

2. Do not accept the Quarterly Financial Report; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Q2 FY25 Financial Report

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Accept the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Second Quarter Investment Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2024.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council review and accept the Quarterly Investment Report (“Report”) for the second quarter of FY 2024-25 ending December 31, 2024.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There is no fiscal impact associated with accepting the Report.

BACKGROUND
On June 10, 2024, the City Council approved the Annual Investment Policy (Policy) per Resolution No. 2024-059. In accordance with the Policy, the City Administrative Services Director is responsible for investing the unexpended cash used for funding operations of the City of San Carlos (“City”).

The investment of funds for the City is directed by the goals of safety, liquidity, and yield. The authority governing investments for municipal governments is set forth in the California Government Code, sections 53601 through 53686 (Code). Effective January 1, 2023, per section 53646 (b)(1) of the Code, the Investment Committee serving as the legislative body will have the quarterly reports for its review within forty-five (45) days following the end of the quarter. Thus, this Report and its attachments are furnished for review and information.

Beginning in FY 2016-17, the City included the checking account balance as part of this Report.

Although a checking account is not a typical investment account, this balance is included to show the total cash on hand for the quarter. The City typically maintains $1 million to $3 million, and a larger balance at the end of the calendar year, in the checking account to meet cash disbursement needs. Transfers are usually made into the investment accounts during the quarter to account for receipts that exceed disbursements.

Investment Strategy
The City’s investment priorities, in order, are “Safety, Liquidity, and Yield,” while meeting the cash flow needs of the City through prudent investment of unexpended cash.

Compliance with Policy
Historical cash flow trends are compared to current cash flow requirements on an ongoing basis to ensure the City’s investment portfolio will remain sufficiently liquid to enable the City to meet

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all reasonably anticipated operating requirements. As of December 31, 2024, the portfolio contains sufficient liquidity to meet the next six months of expected expenditures by the City.

As of December 31, 2024, the City has no investment instruments with a maturity date longer than one year. All investments are in highly liquid accounts, using the State of California and County of San Mateo investment pools, and are in compliance with the Policy.

The primary objective of the Policy of the City of San Carlos is “safety of principal”. The permitted investments section of the Policy also states:

Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), which is a State of California managed investment pool, and San Mateo County Investment pool, may be used up to the maximum permitted by California State Law. A review of the pool/fund is required when they are part of the list of authorized investments, with the knowledge that the pool/fund may include some investments allowed by statute but not explicitly identified in this investment policy.

The City’s Investment Committee, consisting of Jeff Maltbie, City Manager; Inge Tiegel, City Treasurer; and Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director, has reviewed and approved this Report.

ANALYSIS:

The Investment Portfolio (Attachment 1) indicates that on December 31, 2024, City funds in the amount of $175,353,654 were invested, producing a weighted average yield of 4.05% for this quarter. The amount in the checking account was $4,941,377. The Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), the City’s benchmark for comparison of investment yield, was 4.48% for the quarter. The investment yield, net of administrative fees, for the County Pool was 3.74%. The allocation of the investment portfolio balance to various City funds and various sub-categories of General Fund fund balance is included on page 3 of the attachment. Below is a summary of the changes from the last quarter.

The portfolio balance at the end of the 2nd quarter is $180,295,031, an increase of approximately $8.9 million. The increase in the portfolio balance was due to the timing of the cash receipts and cash payments. The City draws on the investment portfolio throughout the year for normal operating activity typically with the more significant levels of draw occurring in the first quarter (July through September) and fourth quarter (April through June). The City’s cash position typically improves in late December and April due to the receipt of property tax collections from San Mateo County.

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The increase in the second quarter, shown in the table above, was driven primarily by $8.7 million in property tax received in December.

Below is a comparison of quarterly cash position for the past three years.

Below is a summary of the changes in the total investment interest earnings from the prior quarter.

Qtr Ended
12/31/24
Qtr Ended
09/30/24
Increase
(Decrease)
Investment Portfolio 175,353,654$ 168,395,989$ 6,957,665$ Weighted Avg Yield 4.05% 4.14% -0.09%
Accrued Interest Earnings 1,692,420$ 1,834,704$ (142,284)$ The decrease in interest earnings this quarter occurred due to the lower average interest yield and starting balance compared to the prior quarter. Interest in the investment accounts was $1,692,420 and $8,140 for the checking account.

ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Accept the Quarterly Investment Report for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2024-25 as of December 31, 2024; or

2. Do not accept the Report; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
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$120
$140
$160
$180
$200
Sept 30 Dec 31 March 31 June 30
FY 25
FY 24
FY 23
Cash Position of Investments
($ in millions)

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Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Q2 Investment Report FY 2024-25

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Appropriating an Additional $150,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) Unassigned Fund Balance in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 to the Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Project C2405.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution appropriating an additional $150,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) Unassigned Fund Balance in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 to the Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Project C2405 (“Project”).

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

An additional appropriation of $150,000 is needed from Fund 25 Unassigned Fund Balance in FY 2024-25 to advance the Project. Without this appropriation, there is insufficient budget to execute Project agreements until the next fiscal year. There are sufficient funds available in Fund 25 to cover this request.

BACKGROUND:

The City of San Carlos is home to 33 traffic signals, nine of which are owned by Caltrans. The remaining 24 traffic signals are owned and operated by the City. Each traffic signal includes signals on poles and/or mast arms, a controller cabinet, safety lighting, pedestrian heads, push buttons and crosswalks, vehicle and bicycle detection, interconnect communication and other traffic signal accessories. An efficient traffic signal network is a tool to support and advance many of the transportation goals and policies identified in the City’s General Plan.

In January 2022, staff selected Kimley-Horn through a request for proposals process to provide professional services for the Traffic Signal Master Plan.

In April 2024, the City Council approved the City of San Carlos Traffic Signal Master Plan. The plan included:
• Inventory of existing infrastructure and conditions
• Needs and gap assessment that identifies projects
• Prioritized projects based on cost and effectiveness
• Implementation plan
• Standard specifications for all traffic signals across the city In October 2024, the City Council received a report on the status of the City of San Carlos Traffic Signal Master Plan Projects. The projects identified in the Traffic Signal Master Plan were divided into three phases for implementation: Phase One in 2024-2026 at a cost of $1.19 million, Phase

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Two in 2027-2032 at a cost of $5.05 million, and Phase Three in 2033 and beyond at a cost of $2.3 million.

ANALYSIS:

The budget for the Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Project C2405 for FY 2024-25 was $250,000. This planned for the installation of Kimley Horn Integrated Transportation System (KITS) detection planned in Phase One of the Traffic Signal Master Plan. The allocation also covered staff support from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for technical assistance, planning, coordination, and oversight needs that have arisen from the traffic signal Master Plan. The costs for the other Phase One projects are paid by other capital improvement projects that were previously budgeted.

Under the guidance and support from the City Council, staff was able to fast track and rearrange some of the projects in various phases to expedite project delivery.

Under Phase Two of the Master Plan, one project that has been accelerated and expanded is the pilot for video detection installation. This project will install not just one set of video detection equipment and software, but two, at the intersections of Industrial Road at Commercial Street and San Carlos Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue/Club Drive. The Industrial Road location was initially selected for the pilot due to the existing bike lane detection loops not capturing bikers consistently.

The San Carlos Avenue location was added to the pilot due to the volume of traffic generated by the five schools within a quarter-mile radial distance and the difficulty to repair malfunctioning loops in the pavement. After the pilot installation, there will be a one-year period for observation, monitoring, and evaluation before the remainder of City-maintained traffic signals are equipped with video detection.

Following is a breakdown of the costs:

Traffic Signal Master Plan(TSMP) Implementation C2405 Budget Adopted FY 2024-25 $ 250,000.00 TSMP General Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Staff Support $ 70,000.00 TSMP Phase 1 Kimley-Horn Integrated Transportation System (KITS) Project 1 $ 67,200.00 TSMP Phase 1 KITS Project 2 $ 52,100.00 TSMP Phase 1 3-Year KITS Maintenance, Support & Warranty $ 45,000.00 TSMP Phase 2
expedited Video Detection Oversight & Equipment at Industrial & Commercial $ 92,108.00 TSMP Phase 2
expedited addition Video Detection Oversight & Equipment at San Carlos & Dartmouth/Club $ 40,000.00 TSMP Phase 2
expedited Video Detection Installation at Industrial & Commercial $ 5,875.63 TSMP Phase 2
expedited addition Video Detection Installation at San Carlos & Dartmouth/Club $ 6,375.78 Balance Remaining $ (128,659.41)
Contingency $ (21,340.59)
Total Project Balance $ (150,000.00)
Requested Additional Amount for the remainder of FY 24-25 $ 150,000.00 Approval of additional funding for the Project accelerates the original $150,000 planned for FY 2025-26 and is recommended at this time. Staff will update the Project budget for the next fiscal year in the next budget cycle for the continuation of the traffic signal Master Plan implementation.

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Projects for FY 2025-26 are anticipated to include battery backup, use of copper interconnect for ethernet connections, and installation of wireless communications.

ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Adopt a Resolution appropriating an additional $150,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) Unassigned Fund Balance in FY 2024-25 to the Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Project C2405; or

2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Resolution

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $150,000 FROM THE GENERAL CAPITAL FUND (FUND 25) UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE IN FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2024-25 TO THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT C2405.

WHEREAS, in April 2024, the City Council approved the City of San Carlos Traffic Signal Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, in October 2024, the City Council received a report on the status of the City of San Carlos Traffic Signal Master Plan Projects; and
WHEREAS, $250,000 was budgeted for FY 2024-25 for the Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Project C2405 to install Kimley Horn Integrated Transportation System (KITS) detection as part of Phase One of the Traffic Signal Masterplan. The budgeted amount would cover staff support from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for technical assistance, planning, coordination, and oversight needs that arise from the traffic signal masterplan; and WHEREAS, costs for other Phase One projects are paid for by other capital improvement projects that were previously budgeted; and
WHEREAS, under the guidance and support from the City Council, staff was able to fast track and rearrange some of the projects in various phases to expedite project delivery; and WHEREAS, additional funding is necessary to accelerate implementation projects in Phase Two of the Traffic Signal Master Plan, and the video detection pilot projects located at Industrial Road at Commercial Street and at San Carlos Avenue at Darthmouth Avenue; and WHEREAS, there is sufficient funding in Fund 25 Unassigned Fund Balance to cover this request.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Carlos City Council hereby appropriates $150,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) Unassigned Fund Balance in Fiscal Year 2024-25 to the Traffic Signal Master Plan Implementation Project C2405. * * * * *
I, City Clerk Crystal Mui, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Carlos at a scheduled meeting thereof held on the 24th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT, COUNCILMEMBERS:

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________________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of San Carlos
APPROVED:
___________________________
MAYOR of the City of San Carlos

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Specifications for the Corporation Yard and Library Roof Replacement Projects and Authorizing a Call for Bids.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving the specifications for the Corporation Yard and Library Roof Replacement Projects and authorizing a call for bids.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There are no fiscal implications and no additional appropriation is needed.

Funding for the Corporation Yard Roof Replacement comes from C2410 which has an available budget of $175,000 for fiscal year (“FY”) 2024-25. In addition, the City has received a grant in the amount of $457,832 from Peninsula Clean Energy to replace the roof and install solar panels.

The project budget in addition to the grant is expected to be sufficient to award and complete the Corporation Yard Roof Replacement project.

Funding for the Library roof replacement comes from the Library Trust Fund balance in FY 2024- 25 in accordance with the Library Joint Powers Authority Agreement. The City Council approved the use of these funds on September 9, 2024 with Resolution 2024-097. The amount allocated for the Library roof replacement is $250,000. The estimate is $350,000 so staff will ask for an appropriation, if necessary, at the time City Council awards the project.

BACKGROUND:

The Corporation Yard’s main building and the mechanic bay have had the same roofs since 1990.

After years of maintenance and repairs, a full roof replacement is now necessary. New solar panels are scheduled to be installed after the new roofs are installed.

The Library roof is the original roof from 1999. It was assessed in 2016 and determined to be in good condition and maintainable for up to five years. However, due to the COVID pandemic, a full roof replacement was postponed. New solar panels are scheduled to be installed after the roof replacement. The new roof and solar panels are expected to last 30 years.

ANALYSIS:

A notice inviting bids will be published on February 26, 2025, with a tentative bid opening date of March 11, 2025. Staff will seek the Council’s approval to award a contract at its March 24, 2025 meeting.

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ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Adopt a Resolution approving the specifications and authorizing a call for bids for the Corporation Yard and Library Roof Replacement Projects; or

2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Resolution

2. Corporation Yard and Library Roof Replacement Specifications

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS

APPROVING THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CORPORATION YARD AND LIBRARY ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECTS AND AUTHORIZING A CALL FOR BIDS.

WHEREAS, the roof on the San Carlos Library is the original roof from 1999. It was assessed in 2016 and determined to be in good condition and maintainable for up to five years; and
WHEREAS, due to the COVID pandemic, a full roof replacement was postponed; and WHEREAS, new solar panels are scheduled to be installed on the Library roof after the full roof replacement; and
WHEREAS, the new Library roof and solar panels are expected to last 30 years; and WHEREAS, the Corporation Yard’s main building and mechanic bay have had the same roofs since 1990 and are in need of full replacement; and
WHEREAS, new solar panels are scheduled to be installed at the Corporation Yard after the new roofs are completed; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation Yard roofs will be funded by C2410, in addition to a $457,832 grant the City received from Peninsula Clean Energy; and WHEREAS, funding for the new Library roof will come from the Library Trust Fund balance in fiscal year 2024-25 in accordance with the Library Joint Powers Authority Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Carlos City Council approves the specifications for the Corporation Yard and Library Roof Replacement Projects and authorizes a call for bids.
* * * * *
I, City Clerk Crystal Mui, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Carlos at a scheduled meeting thereof held on the 24th day of February 2025, by the following vote:
________________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of San Carlos
APPROVED:
___________________________
MAYOR of the City of San Carlos
AYES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT, COUNCILMEMBERS:

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Awarding the Illuminated Street Name Sign Replacement Project C1712, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC in the Amount of $95,975, and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $9,600.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution awarding the Illuminated Street Name Sign Replacement Project C1712 (“Project”), authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC in the amount of $95,975, and authorizing the expenditure of a 10% contingency in the amount of $9,600.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There are no fiscal impacts, and no additional funding is needed.

Funding for the Project comes from C1712, which has an available budget of $203,342 for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. There is sufficient budget to award the Project for the total bid amount of $95,975 and a 10% contingency in the amount of $9,600.

BACKGROUND:

The City currently has approximately 69 internally illuminated street name signs mounted on traffic signal mast arms at 24 signalized intersections in San Carlos. These fixtures have reached the end of their service lives and have become time intensive and costly to maintain. Some signs do not light or have badly faded or cracked translucent panels and worn mounting hardware.

Replacing these illuminated signs with solid two-sided retroreflective signs will improve navigational visibility, eliminate the City's electrical use, and reduce maintenance costs.

ANALYSIS:

On November 12, 2024, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving specifications for the Illuminated Street Name Sign Replacement Project C1712 and authorizing a call for bids.

On December 19, 2024, staff received six responsive bids as listed below. Staff recommends award to the lowest bidder, Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC, in the amount of $95,975.

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Engineer’s Estimate $135,100
Contractor Total Bid Amount
Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC $95,975
St. Francis Electric, LLC $126,699
PTM General Engineering Services Inc. $149,049
Tennyson Electric LLC. $177,200
Mc Guire-Pacific Contractors $197,850
Bay Area Lightworks, Inc. $204,000
With the City Council’s approval, the Project is anticipated to be constructed in the spring of 2025.

Project closeout is anticipated in the summer of 2025.

According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, this Project is categorically exempt since it consists of minor alteration of existing public streets and sidewalks, involving negligible or no expansion of existing use.

ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Adopt a Resolution awarding the Illuminated Street Name Sign Replacement Project C1712, authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC in the amount of $95,975, and authorizing the expenditure of a 10% contingency in the amount of $9,600; or

2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Resolution

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS AWARDING THE ILLUMINATED STREET NAME SIGN REPLACEMENT PROJECT C1712,

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH BEAR ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,975, AND AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF A 10% CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,600.

WHEREAS, the City currently has approximately 69 internally illuminated street name signs mounted on mast arms attached to the traffic signal poles at 24 signalized intersections in San Carlos, which have reached the end of their service lives; and WHEREAS, replacing these illuminated signs with solid two-sided retroreflective signs will improve navigational visibility, eliminate the City's electrical use, and reduce the maintenance costs; and
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2024, the City Council approved specifications for the Illuminated Street Name Sign Replacement Project C1712 (“Project”) and authorized a call for bids; and WHEREAS, on December 19, 2024, staff received six responsive bids; and WHEREAS, the lowest responsive bid was received from Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC in the amount of $95,975; and
WHEREAS, the Project is anticipated to be constructed in the spring of 2025 and closed out in the summer of 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Carlos City Council awards the Illuminated Street Name Sign Replacement Project C1712, authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC in the amount of $95,975, and authorizes the expenditure of a 10% contingency in the amount of $9,600. * * * * *
I, City Clerk Crystal Mui, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Carlos at a scheduled meeting thereof held on the 24th day of February 2025, by the following vote:
________________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of San Carlos
APPROVED:
___________________________
MAYOR of the City of San Carlos
AYES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT, COUNCILMEMBERS:

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project Behind 3144 Brittan Avenue C2319 and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3144 Brittan Avenue C2319 (“Project”) and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There is no fiscal impact and no additional funding is needed. The Project is funded by C2319 which has a budget of $407,673.48 for fiscal year 2024-25.

The City Council awarded the contract to Central Pacific Engineering, LLC (“Contractor”) in the amount of $250,999 with a 20% contingency, for a total of approximately $301,198. However, the total cost to complete the Project was $336,559. This increase was largely due to a change in field conditions from the time the landslide initially occurred to the time design and construction for the slide was completed. The City Council approved an additional appropriation of $50,000 with Resolution 2024-126 which allowed for sufficient budget to close-out the Project.

BACKGROUND:

During the 2023 winter storms, the City experienced extended periods of heavy rains which oversaturated the ground. This caused surface flooding and led to multiple landslides throughout the City, both within the right-of-way and adjacent to private property.

In early 2024, staff retained a consultant to perform post storm assessments to determine the extent of damage at each landslide and provide recommendations for permanent improvements.

The Project was publicly advertised on February 13, 2024, and sealed bids were opened by the City Clerk on March 5, 2024. The City Council awarded the Project to the Contractor at its meeting on March 25, 2024.

ANALYSIS:

The Project was completed on January 31, 2025, in accordance with the approved Project specifications. Therefore, staff recommends accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project

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behind 3144 Brittan Avenue C2319 and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion.

ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Adopt a Resolution accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3144 Brittan Avenue C2319 and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion; or

2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Resolution

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS ACCEPTING THE BIG CANYON PARK LANDSLIDE PROJECT BEHIND 3144 BRITTAN AVENUE C2319 AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ISSUE AND RECORD A NOTICE OF COMPLETION.

WHEREAS, during the 2023 winter storms, the city experienced extended periods of heavy rains which oversaturated the ground. This caused surface flooding and led to multiple landslides throughout the city, both within the right-of-way and adjacent to private property; and WHEREAS, staff retained ENGEO, Inc. (“Consultant”) to perform post storm assessments to determine the extent of damage at each landslide and provide recommendations for permanent improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Consultant was then tasked with providing engineering services and preparing the construction documents for the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3144 Brittan Avenue (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, staff and the Consultant worked with site-adjacent residents and businesses during the preparation of construction documents to ensure the improvements would not result in any negative impacts; and
WHEREAS, the Project was publicly advertised on February 13, 2024, and sealed bids were opened by the City Clerk on March 5, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City Council awarded the Project to Central Pacific Engineering, LLC (“Contractor”) at its meeting on March 25, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Project was completed on January 31, 2025, in accordance with the approved Project specifications; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends accepting the Project and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Carlos City Council hereby accepts the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3144 Brittan Avenue C2319 and authorizes the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion. * * * * *
I, City Clerk Crystal Mui, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Carlos at a scheduled meeting thereof held on the 24th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT, COUNCILMEMBERS:

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Packet Pg. 201

________________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of San Carlos
APPROVED:
___________________________
MAYOR of the City of San Carlos

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Packet Pg. 202

CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project Behind 3141-61 Melendy Drive C2320 and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3141-61 Melendy Drive C2320 (“Project”) and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There are no fiscal impacts and no additional funding is needed at this time.

The Project is funded by C2320, which has a budget of $101,419.14 for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25.

The City Council awarded the contract to Beals Martin and Associates, Inc. (“Contractor”) in the amount of $65,840, plus a 20% contingency. The total cost to complete the Project is $65,840.

As such, there is sufficient budget to close out the Project.

BACKGROUND:

During the 2023 winter storms, the City experienced extended periods of heavy rains which oversaturated the ground. This led to surface flooding and multiple landslides throughout the city within the right-of-way and adjacent to private property.

In early 2024, staff retained a consultant to perform post storm assessments to determine the extent of damage at each landslide and provide recommendations for permanent improvements.

ANALYSIS:

The Project was completed on November 20, 2024, in accordance with the approved Project specifications. Therefore, staff recommends accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3141-61 Melendy Drive C2320 and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion.

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ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Adopt a Resolution accepting the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3141-61 Melendy Drive C2320 and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion; or

2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Resolution

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Packet Pg. 204

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS

ACCEPTING THE BIG CANYON PARK LANDSLIDE PROJECT BEHIND
3141-61 MELENDY DRIVE C2320 AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ISSUE AND RECORD A NOTICE OF COMPLETION.

WHEREAS, during the 2023 winter storms, the city experienced extended periods of heavy rains which oversaturated the ground. This caused surface flooding and led to multiple landslides throughout the city, both within the right-of-way and adjacent to private property; and WHEREAS, staff retained ENGEO, Inc. (“Consultant”) to perform post storm assessments to determine the extent of damages at each landslide and provide recommendations for permanent improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Consultant was then tasked with providing engineering services and preparing the construction documents for the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3141-61 Melendy Drive (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, staff and the Consultant worked with site-adjacent residents and businesses during the preparation of construction documents to ensure the improvements would not result in any negative impacts; and
WHEREAS, the Project was publicly advertised on February 13, 2024, and sealed bids were opened by the City Clerk on March 5, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City Council awarded the Project to Beals Martin and Associates, Inc. (“Contractor”) at its meeting on March 25, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Contractor began the Project on July 18, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Project was completed on November 20, 2024, in accordance with the approved Project specifications; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends accepting the Project and authorizing the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Carlos City Council hereby accepts the Big Canyon Park Landslide Project behind 3141-61 Melendy Drive C2320 and authorizes the Public Works Director to issue and record a Notice of Completion. * * * * *
I, City Clerk Crystal Mui, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Carlos at a scheduled meeting thereof held on the 24th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

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February 24, 2025 Packet Pg. 205
________________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of San Carlos
APPROVED:
___________________________
MAYOR of the City of San Carlos
ABSENT, COUNCILMEMBERS:

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Packet Pg. 206

CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Accepting a Proposed Expanded Easement at 1005 Drake Court.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution accepting the proposed expanded easement at 1005 Drake Court.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Other than the cost associated with the proposed agreement acquiring the proposed Expanded Easement, accepting the easement will have no financial impact on the City.

BACKGROUND:

In 2023, the City undertook review of City facilities, including those on Drake Court, for capacity and performance in the aftermath of the historic storms that impacted the City, including flooding and the overwhelming of the City’s stormwater facilities starting on December 31, 2022. The storms that began on December 31, 2022 caused the City Manager to declare the existence of an emergency in the City. Although the storms did not adversely impact the properties at Drake Court, City staff determined that the drain located on the 1005 Drake Court property functioned but was at its full capacity.

As a result of concerns that the capacity of the City facilities located in the easement were inadequate to serve properties owned by the City and other landowners, the City designed and later installed a new stormwater inlet and bulkhead (the “Improvements”), a portion (approximately 132.42 square feet) of which is located outside the existing easement established when the subdivision was approved (the “Expanded Easement”).

Separately, the City entered into discussions with the property owner of 1005 Drake Court and reached an agreement for acquisition of the Expanded Easement. Under state law, the City Council must accept a grant of an easement.

ANALYSIS:

The Expanded Easement is required by the City for the purposes of construction, access, maintenance, replacement, and repair of the stormwater facilities at 1005 Drake Court. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the Resolution accepting the Expanded Easement and authorizing the City Manager to sign documents necessary to record acceptance of the easement with the San Mateo County Recorder.

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ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

1. Adopt a Resolution accepting the expanded easement at 1005 Drake Court; or

2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Resolution
Exhibit A to Resolution – Map of Expanded Easement

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS ACCEPTING A PROPOSED EXPANDED EASEMENT AT 1005 DRAKE COURT.

WHEREAS, in 2023, after the historic storms that began on December 31, 2022, the City undertook a capacity and performance review of its stormwater facilities in the aftermath of flooding that was due to some of the City’s stormwater facilities being overwhelmed; and WHEREAS, it was determined that the City’s storm drain located on Drake Court property functioned properly and handled all runoff from these storms, but was at capacity; and WHEREAS, as a result of concerns that the capacity of the facilities located in the Easement at the end of Drake Court could be inadequate to serve properties owned by the City and other landowners in a future storm event, the City designed and installed a new stormwater inlet and bulkhead, a portion of which (approximately 132.42 square feet) are located outside the existing easement (the “Expanded Easement”); and
WHEREAS, expanding the existing easement to accommodate the installation, construction, maintenance, repair, and replacement of stormwater improvements is required to accommodate potential future storm events and to provide additional capacity in the stormwater system; and WHEREAS, the City and the property owner of 1005 Drake Court have entered into a separate agreement to convey to the City a proposed Expanded Easement of approximately 132.42 square feet to accommodate the enhanced stormwater improvements related to the full easement area, along with other provisions.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Carlos City Council hereby accepts the proposed expanded easement at 1005 Drake Court, as generally described and shown in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof and authorizes the City Manager to sign documents necessary to record acceptance of the easement with the San Mateo County Recorder.
* * * * *
I, City Clerk Crystal Mui, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Carlos at a scheduled meeting thereof held on the 24th day of February 2025, by the following vote:
________________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of San Carlos
APPROVED:
___________________________
MAYOR of the City of San Carlos
Exhibit A – Map of Expanded Easement
AYES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT, COUNCILMEMBERS:

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Appointing Ron Collins as the City of San Carlos Representative to the San Carlos Development Corporation (the Elms) Board of Directors.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution appointing Ron Collins as the San Carlos Representative to the San Carlos Development Corporation Board of Directors.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

BACKGROUND:

The San Carlos Elms, located on the 600 block of Elm Street, is an assisted living and memory care community designed especially for older adults. It is designated as a Residential Care facility and offers studios, as well as one- and two-bedroom units. Eighty percent of the units are rented at market rate and the remaining twenty percent are rented below market rate for qualifying residents.

The San Carlos Development Corporation (SCDC) is a California Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation, incorporated in 1992. It was created for the purpose of developing, owning, and operating the San Carlos Elms project. The San Carlos Elms is the sole asset of the SCDC.

In 1994, the City and the San Carlos Redevelopment Agency (“RDA”) entered into a complex set of transactions designed to facilitate the financing and development of San Carlos Elms on the property.

ANALYSIS:

The SCDC is comprised of a seven-member board of directors which has all powers permitted by law and the articles of incorporation for oversight and operation of the San Carlos Elms. Seat five on the board is appointed by the City Council of the City of San Carlos. Nekaya Nachmann was appointed in 2013 and stepped down on March 19, 2024. On June 24, 2024, the City Council appointed Amy Newby to the board, and she stepped down on February 28, 2025.

An individual member of the City Council is unable to serve as the appointment.

ALTERNATIVES:

The alternatives available to the City Council include:

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1. Appoint Ron Collins as the San Carlos representative on the San Carlos Development Corporation Board; or

2. Do not appoint Ron Collins as the San Carlos representative on the San Carlos Development Corporation Board; or

3. Provide staff with alternative direction.

Respectfully submitted by:

Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Resolution

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025 –

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS

APPOINTING RON COLLINS AS THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS REPRESENTATIVE

TO THE SAN CARLOS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (THE ELMS)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

WHEREAS, the San Carlos Elms, located on the 600 block of Elm Street, is an assisted living and memory care community designed especially for older adults; and WHEREAS, the San Carlos Development Corporation (SCDC) is a California Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation, incorporated in 1992, created for the purpose of developing, owning, and operating the San Carlos Elms Project. The San Carlos Elms is the sole asset of the SCDC; and
WHEREAS, in 1994, the City and the San Carlos Redevelopment Agency (“RDA”) entered into a complex set of transactions designed to facilitate the financing and development of San Carlos Elms on the property; and
WHEREAS, the SCDC is comprised of a seven-member board of directors which has all powers permitted by law and the articles of incorporation for oversight and operation of the San Carlos Elms; and
WHEREAS, seat five on the SCDC Board of Directors is appointed by the San Carlos City Council. Nekaya Nachmann was appointed in 2013 and stepped down on March 19, 2024. The Council appointed Amy Newby to the Board in 2024, and she stepped down on February 28, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Carlos City Council hereby appoint Ron Collins as the San Carlos representative to the San Carlos Development Corporation Board of Directors.
* * * * *
I, City Clerk Crystal Mui, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Carlos at a scheduled meeting thereof held on the 24th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES, COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT, COUNCILMEMBERS:

CITY CLERK of the City of San Carlos
APPROVED:

MAYOR of the City of San Carlos

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Receive a Presentation and Provide Direction on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and provide comments to staff and consultants.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

There are no fiscal implications associated with this study session.

BACKGROUND:

The City’s Parks Master Plan was last prepared in 2008 and included a full inventory, needs assessment, and action plan for park and building improvements. The document has been used as a strategic guide to prioritize park and facility improvements over the last 16 years. The City Council, at its May 13, 2024 meeting, initiated the update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with the award of an agreement of professional services to Gates + Associates.

The scope of the agreement with Gates + Associates includes a review of existing conditions, community outreach, a needs assessment, study sessions, action plan recommendations, preparation of the Master Plan, an implementation and financing plan, and environmental review (CEQA). The contract also includes preparation of community center schematics and a cost recovery strategy as optional tasks.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide the City Council with a progress update, present the results of the first round of community outreach, and receive feedback on the next steps in the process.

ANALYSIS:

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan update process was kicked off in June 2024 with a review of other City plans, staff interviews, and a site tour and assessment of all parks and facilities. With this information, the consultant prepared a draft existing conditions report and conducted the first round of community engagement.

Community outreach was conducted in August and September 2024, and included stakeholder focus group meetings, an online survey, and pop-up events at the Family Campout event at Burton Park, the downtown Farmer’s Market, Highlands Park, and the Adult Community Center. 1,155 participants provided input and feedback through these outreach activities.

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From the community outreach, the following top priorities for the Parks Master Plan were identified:
1) Renovate and improve existing parks
2) Add new recreational facilities (indoor and outdoor) 3) Renovate and improve existing open space
The highest ranked amenities or enhancements identified by community members include:
1) Aquatic center/pool
2) Shade amenities
3) Trees, lawns, planted areas
4) Sport courts
5) Community garden
Staff and the consultant team presented an update on the progress of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to the Parks and Recreation Subcommittee on February 5, 2025 and at the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission’s February 5, 2025 meeting. Commissioners were asked what they felt should be the priorities of the Master Plan and reviewed possible opportunity sites.

Commissioners’ comments included:
•Desire for a performing arts area to celebrate events, including cultural events, and serve as a place for the community to gather
•Interest in a new park space or new amenities
•Need for new dedicated pickleball courts, and a desire to limit tennis court use for tennis only (not shared use with pickleball)
•Suggestion to consider multi-story amenities (roof top pool or tennis court) •Need to find more land for park space as the population grows •Desire to see more dog spaces that are open on weekends and holidays •Appreciation of mixed-use parks that can accommodate different sports •Suggestion to consider acquiring land adjacent to existing parks for expansion (Laureola, Arguello, and Burton parks)
•Recommendation to consider a small community center/gym at Laureola Park •Interest in expanding the Youth Center to a two-story building and expanded footprint •Interest in adding new recreation and community uses to Arguello Park Next Steps. Following this meeting, staff and the consultant team will conduct a second round of outreach including a community workshop, pop-up event, and an online survey. Feedback obtained from this Council meeting, the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission, and community outreach will inform the Action Plan Recommendations. These recommendations will be discussed at future study sessions prior to the preparation of the Draft Master Plan.

Respectfully submitted by:

Amy Newby, Parks & Recreation Director

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Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Park Master Plan Round 1 Outreach Summary

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CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Receive a Presentation and Provide Direction on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and General Plan Amendments for the 2045 General Plan Reset.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a presentation on proposed General Plan amendments and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2045 General Plan Reset project.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None for this action.

BACKGROUND:

Purpose of Study Session
The purpose of this Study Session is to discuss the 2045 General Plan Reset project with the City Council prior to adoption in May 2025. Staff and the consultant team will explain why the San Carlos General Plan needs to be updated, present the proposed General Plan amendments, and inform the Council about the outcomes of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that were completed for this project.

What is a General Plan and Why Do We Have One?
California State law requires each city to adopt a general plan to guide the physical development of the lands under its jurisdiction. A general plan serves as the visioning and policy document for the city that provides a blueprint for meeting the community’s long-term vision for the future. It typically has a 20-year planning horizon. California State law further requires a minimum of 7 elements or topic areas to be addressed in general plans which include land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. A city’s zoning ordinance which defines regulations on use of property is required to conform to its general plan. A general plan and any subsequent updates require an environmental review per the requirement of the California Environmental Quality Act.

San Carlos 2030 General Plan (adopted Oct. 12, 2009, Resolution No. 2009-078) The City of San Carlos’ 2030 General Plan is a 20-year plan encompassing 2010 through 2030 and serves as the official policy document. The 2030 General Plan, adopted in 2009, anticipated a certain level of development capacity for commercial, office, industrial, and housing to the year 2030. Recent amendments to the 2030 General Plan include adoption of the Housing Element in January 2023.

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Why Update the 2030 General Plan?
The City has experienced an unprecedented amount of private sector investment in the east side between Old County Road and Industrial Road, particularly from business and employment growth in research and development in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, and also from smaller manufacturing enterprises and other commercial services. Anticipated development puts San Carlos on a trajectory to exceed the level of development capacity in its adopted 2030 General Plan. In response, the City is preparing an update to the 2030 General Plan to reset the horizon year from 2030 to 2045 to adequately plan for the development of new offices, restaurants, commercial uses, services, retail, industrial, and housing in the city to the year 2045.

This General Plan update, called the 2045 General Plan Reset, will also account for other long range planning initiatives, specifically the Downtown and Northeast Area Specific Plans, which are both currently in progress. In July 2023, the City hired consulting firm, PlaceWorks, to assist with the 2045 General Plan Reset and the associated environmental impact report (EIR).

Required Environmental Impact Report Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a state law that requires public agencies to consider the environmental consequences of their discretionary actions. CEQA is intended to inform government decisionmakers and the public about the potential environmental effects of proposed activities and to prevent significant, avoidable environmental impact.

Pursuant to CEQA, updates to general plans are required to undergo an environmental assessment and prepare an EIR. The EIR serves as the tool to assess environmental impacts associated with the project; communicate the impacts to the public, as well as local and state decision makers; and identify mitigation measures for impacts if needed. The City Council must certify the EIR before considering action on the proposed project (i.e. in this case, the 2045 General Plan amendments). Along with certification of the EIR, the City Council would consider adoption of proposed mitigation measures and may also require other feasible mitigation measures. Following EIR certification, the City Council may adopt the proposed General Plan amendments. In some cases, the City Council may find that certain mitigation measures are outside the jurisdiction of the City to implement, or that no feasible mitigation measures can be identified for a given significant impact. In that case, the City Council would have to adopt a “Statement of Overriding Considerations” declaring that economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits of the proposed project outweigh the unavoidable, significant effects on the environment.

As a reference point, the 2030 General Plan and associated EIR conducted in 2009 identified significant and unavoidable impacts associated with air quality and transportation for which a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted by the City Council.

Required CEQA Noticing
The 2045 General Plan Reset project EIR was initiated in June 2024. A chronology of the project’s environmental review to date includes:

Event Date
Notice of Preparation (NOP) review period (30 days) Jun 3 – Jul 3, 2024 Scoping Meeting at the Planning and Transportation Commission Jun 17, 2024 Draft EIR public review period (45 days) Jan 17 – Mar 3, 2025 Public Hearing on the Draft EIR Feb 3, 2025

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WHAT IS THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN RESET PROJECT?
This project updates San Carlos’ 2030 General Plan to amend the buildout projections for new development (including projections for population and jobs) to the year 2045. The 2045 General Plan Reset is much more focused than a complete General Plan update. It does not include any changes to current General Plan land use designations; instead, the focus is to adjust development (i.e. buildout) projections to the year 2045. Other proposed amendments include policy amendments resulting from EIR mitigation measures and minor updates to refer to recent state laws and current City plans or regulations.

Development Projections to 2045
The proposed development projections to 2045 take into account:
1) Development projected within the Northeast Area Specific Plan and Downtown Specific Plan,
2) Current and future Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) cycles, 3) Anticipated development for the remainder of the city, and 4) Projects in the development pipeline.

The Northeast Area Specific Plan (“NEASP”) and Downtown Specific Plan (“DTSP”) are being prepared concurrently with this project, and both are being developed with a 2045 horizon year.

Both specific plans include buildout projections that have been incorporated into the draft citywide buildout capacity for the 2045 General Plan Reset.

Development projections for housing units consider the current RHNA cycle and anticipated RHNA allocation to the year 2045 (See Attachment 5 for details).

A market demand analysis was conducted by the City’s on-call economic consultant, RSG, to inform the draft projections for the remainder of the city, which were based on a study of regional and market trends, as well as staff input on development interest in the city.

The pipeline projects include projects that have been approved but not yet constructed and projects with complete applications which were under review until April 2024 (Refer to Attachment 6).

Proposed General Plan Amendments to Development Projections (2025-2045) Based on the analysis, the proposed 2045 General Plan amendments include projections for housing, population, and jobs growth (Table 1) as well as commercial, office, and industrial growth (Table 2) and are noted below:

Table 1: Projected Housing, Population and Jobs Growth to 2045 Existing
Conditions 2024
Increase by
2045 Total 2045
Housing Units 12,700 8,060 20,770
Population 29,350 15,620 44,510
Jobs 28,930 18,010 46,950

It is important to note that the drivers for projections of housing, jobs, and population are the RHNA projections, specific plans, and remaining areas of the City, and not an aspirational job/housing ratio. While it is reasonable to monitor the city’s jobs-housing ratio, achieving a balance between housing and jobs is considered the responsibility of ABAG/MTC, and is addressed through the Plan Bay Area and Regional Housing Needs Allocation processes.

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Table 2: Projected Commercial, Office, Research and Development, and Industrial Growth to 2045 Existing
Conditions
2024
General Plan
2045
Percentage
Change 2024-
2045
Commercial 772,800 959,500 24%
Office 1,462,500 1,806,200 24%
Research and
Development
5,647,900 10,576,000 87%
Industrial 4,580,800 5,361,800 17%

SUMMARY OF DRAFT EIR FINDINGS
Within the Draft EIR, impacts of net increase in development are from the current conditions to the year 2045. The projected net change data is included in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Projected Net Change (2024-2045)
The Draft EIR addresses the environmental effects associated with adoption and implementation of the 2045 General Plan amendments including the 2045 development projections. CEQA requires that local government agencies, prior to acting on projects over which they have discretionary approval authority, consider the environmental consequences of such projects.

The Draft EIR analyzed a range of environmental topics and identified impacts as either: (1) No Impact or Less-than-Significant Impact, or (2) Significant Impact. These are summarized below.

For “No Impact” or “Less-than-Significant Impact”, these include: aesthetics, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, noise, parks and recreation, population and housing, public services, tribal cultural resources, and utilities and service systems.

For “Significant Impacts”, these include: air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, and wildfire.

A summary of the Significant Impacts and their corresponding mitigation measures are identified in the Draft EIR and described below.
•Air Quality - Construction and Operations Emissions: The proposed project could result in emissions due to future construction and operations of new buildings which would exceed the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) thresholds. The mitigation measure Category
Net Change
from
Pipeline
Developme
nt Projects
Net
Change
from
Downtown
Specific
Plan
Net Change
from
Northeast
Area
Specific
Plan
Additional
Net Change
for
remainder of
the City
Total
Projected
Net Change
(2024-2045)
Housing Units 242 1,565 1,890 4,603 8,300
Population 462 2,990 3,611 8,557 15,620
Non-
Residential
Square
Footage
2,688,000 420,820 4,178,228 1,640,252 8,927,300
Jobs 8,525 908 12,990 4,107 26,530

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requires future project applicants to submit a technical assessment of construction and operations related impacts in conformance with BAAQD methodology; if the project exceeds BAAQMD thresholds, the City shall require feasible mitigation measures. Project applicants of certain new industrial or warehousing development projects as defined in the Draft EIR, may also be required to conduct a health risk assessment (HRA) in accordance with requirements of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and BAAQMD. While the identified mitigation measures have the potential to reduce construction and operation emissions, potential future development projects (individually or cumulatively) could still exceed the BAAQMD thresholds. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project (i.e. 2045 General Plan Reset) could result in significant and unavoidable impacts. •Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implementation of the proposed project could exceed the greenhouse (GHG) emissions threshold of no net increase from existing conditions, which may affect the long-term GHG reduction goal under Senate Bill (SB) 32 and SB 1279. The mitigation measure requires the City of San Carlos to update its Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (CMAP) within three years of certification of the 2045 General Plan Reset EIR. The updated CMAP shall be updated every five years to ensure the City of San Carlos is monitoring the CMAP’s progress toward achieving its GHG reduction target(s), and the City shall amend the CMAP if it is not achieving such targets. The identified mitigation measure would ensure the CMAP is updated to achieve long-term GHG reduction goals. However, it is unknown at this time whether targets contained in the future CMAP update will be achieved, and therefore, GHG emissions are considered significant and unavoidable. •Transportation: The proposed project would generate vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per service population, per capita, and per employee at a level that is greater than 15 percent less than the regional average and therefore, would increase total countywide VMT. The mitigation measure requires that the City of San Carlos amend its Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program to increase the required trip reduction to the maximum extent feasible. Until the TDM program is amended (expected in the first quarter of 2026), this impact remains significant and unavoidable.
•Wildfire: Future development (i.e. new construction) during the buildout horizon of the proposed project could increase population, buildings, and infrastructure in wildfire-prone areas, thereby exacerbating wildfire risks. This includes cumulative impacts associated with the exposure of project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire. There are numerous preventative measures the City considers in wildfire-prone areas, from defensible space requirements to “wildland urban interface” (WUI) building code requirements. The City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, and San Carlos Emergency Operations Plan work together to provide a set of policies, actions, standards, and strategies to mitigate the risks and protection from wildfires. In addition to these, there are federal, state and regional regulations that address wildfire prevention and protection. The General Plan Safety Element includes specific policies and actions that require both existing developments and new projects to establish and maintain fire-safe vegetation around structures and roadways, enforce fire-safe standards, and create fuel breaks among other preventative measures. Additionally, new developments in “very high fire hazard severity zones” (VHFHSZ) are mandated to prepare Fire Protection Plans, ensuring comprehensive measures are in place to address wildfire hazards. These strategies represent the most effective wildfire hazard reduction measures available. However, to eliminate the risks associated with wildfires, it would be necessary to prohibit development in areas designated as VHFHSZ or in the WUI. Prohibiting new development in this portion of San Carlos is not feasible or practical because the City has a responsibility to meet other obligations under

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different state laws, including increasing the number and type of housing available and allowing reconstruction of homes burned by wildfires. Therefore, there are no feasible mitigation measures beyond the policies and plans discussed above. Given the potential unknown impacts related to future development under the proposed project, impacts are identified as significant and unavoidable. This conclusion does not rule out the possibility of finding less-than-significant impacts at the project-specific level.

Required Project Alternatives Pursuant to CEQA
The Draft EIR analyzes alternatives to the proposed 2045 General Plan Reset that are designed to reduce its significant environmental impacts and feasibly attain most of the proposed project objectives. There is no set methodology for comparing the alternatives or determining the environmentally superior alternative under CEQA. Identification of the environmentally superior alternative involves weighing and balancing all of the environmental resource areas by the City.

The following alternatives to the proposed project were considered and analyzed in detail:
•Alternative 1: No Project Alternative. Consistent with Section 15126.6(e)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, the No Project Alternative presents the No Project scenario. Accordingly, under this alternative, the 2045 General Plan Reset would not be adopted or implemented, and further development in the city would continue to be subject to existing policies, regulations, development standards, and land use designations under the existing General Plan 2030.
•Alternative 2: Reduced Non-Residential Buildout Alternative. This alternative would include development in the pipeline projects, plus 50 percent of the remaining non- residential buildout included in the proposed project.

The analysis in Draft EIR concludes that the Reduced Non-Residential Buildout Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6. The Reduced Non-Residential Buildout Alternative would result in lessened environmental impacts related to air quality, cultural resources, geology and soils, GHG emissions, noise, and tribal cultural resources, and would not result in greater impacts for any resource categories. However, due to the Reduced Non-Residential Buildout not fully achieving all the objectives for the 2045 General Plan Reset, City staff is not recommending this alternative.

PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN POLICY AND TEXT AMENDMENTS
As discussed in this report, the primary purpose of 2045 General Plan Reset project is to amend the development projections (i.e. development capacity) to the year 2045 and assess their environmental impacts. The Draft EIR informed several General Plan policy amendments to prevent potential environmental impact. Staff also identified minor corrections and updates to existing policies and narrative text in the General Plan to refer to recent City or state regulations and updates (See Attachment 7 for policy and action amendments; text amendments are provided in the redline General Plan on the link found under Attachment 1).

Chapters and content within the General Plan 2030 that would be amended by the proposed project include:
•Chapter 1 and 2 – Introduction: Land acknowledgement, narrative, and background information.
•Chapter 3 – Land Use Element: Narrative, existing conditions, future development projections, and policy and action language pertaining to the Transportation Demand Management Ordinance, East Side Innovation District Vision Plan, and cultural, historical, and tribal cultural resources.

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•Chapter 5 – Circulation and Scenic Highways Element: Narrative and policy language related to the Transportation Demand Management Ordinance and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
•Chapter 6 – Environmental Management Element: Background information on wastewater and stormwater and policy updates incorporating bird safe design guidelines and hydrology.
•Chapter 7 – Parks and Recreation: Policy update related to implementing the City’s Potential Trail Connections Plan.
•Chapter 9 – Noise Element: Narrative and policy language related to the existing airport Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) and the City’s noise ordinance.

Outreach for the Project
The City shared project updates on the City’s project webpage www.cityofsancarlos.org/2045GeneralPlanReset, and through City’s newsletters, E-News, and social media channels. The City also hosted stakeholder group meetings for public agencies, community-based organizations, and economic interest groups (See Attachment 3 for details).

Required Public Noticing and Outreach Pursuant to CEQA
The City conducted a Public Hearing on scoping of the Draft EIR as part of release of the Notice of Preparation (NOP) on June 17, 2024. Comments received on the scope of EIR and during stakeholder meetings are included in Attachment 3.

On January 17, 2025, the public notice for Notice of Availability (NOA) of a Draft EIR was published in the local newspaper and posted with the State Clearinghouse and County Clerk to begin the 45-day public comment period ending on March 3, 2025 (See Attachments 1 and 2 for NOA and public notice). A Public Hearing was also held at the Planning and Transportation Commission’s regular meeting on February 3, 2025 to receive public comments (See Attachments 8 and 9 for detailed summary and meeting minutes). Email notices were sent to local agencies, stakeholders, and tribal representatives identified by the National American Heritage Commission. The NOA and Draft EIR including General Plan Amendments are also posted on the City’s webpage at: www.cityofsancarlos.org/2045GeneralPlanReset.

The information about the NOA release was shared with the community through the following channels:
•Project webpage at www.cityofsancarlos.org/2045GeneralPlanReset •City E-News
•Good Living newsletter
•Council Newsletter
•City’s social media channels (Facebook and X)
•Flyer at City Hall
•Draft EIR hardcopy available at the Development Services Counter and the San Carlos Library
Comments received on NOA until February 10, 2025 are included in Attachment 4.

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NEXT STEPS:

Following the closing of the 45-day public review period for the Draft EIR on March 3, 2025, the City will prepare the Final EIR and incorporate all comments received during the public comment period. The Final EIR (along with the proposed 2045 General Plan amendments) will be brought to the Planning and Transportation Commission for a public hearing (currently scheduled for May 5, 2025) where the Commission will be asked to make a formal recommendation to the City Council. The Final EIR and 2045 General Plan amendments will then be brought to the City Council for consideration of Final EIR certification and adoption of the 2045 General Plan amendments (currently scheduled for May 27, 2025). As required by CEQA, the Final EIR, including written responses to the comments submitted by the public (including public agencies), will be available at least 10 days prior to the currently scheduled May 27, 2025 City Council meeting.

Respectfully submitted by:

Al Savay, Community Development Director
Approved for submission by:
_______________________
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Notice of Availability of Draft EIR
a. Draft EIR and proposed General Plan Amendments:
www.cityofsancarlos.org/2045GeneralPlanReset

2. Proof of Public Notice - newspaper notification

3. Comments received on NOP and stakeholder meetings

4. Comments received on NOA (as of February 10 th)

5. Housing Projections to 2045

6. Development Pipeline Projects

7. Proposed Amendments to General Plan Policies and Actions

8. Detailed summary of Planning and Transportation Commission Public Hearing (Feb 3, 2025)

9. Meeting minutes - Planning and Transportation Commission Public Hearing (Feb 3, 2025)

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Housing Forecast to 2045
Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA)
Housing Element
Cycle Units
6th Cycle RHNA (8 years from 2023 – 2030) 3173
7th Cycle RHNA (8 years from 2031 –
2038)
2735
8th Cycle RHNA (7 years from 2039 – 2045) 2393
Total 8301
Source: RSG Market Demand Study
Note: RSG, based on discussion with City staff, assumed RHNA allocation for the 7th and 8th cycle would be same as the RHNA allocation for the 6th cycle (2735 units).

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Development Pipeline Projects (April 2024)
Approved New Developments (not built): Existing
SF
Proposed
Gross SF
1091 Industrial 40,067
139,200
1030 Brittan Avenue (MBC Bio Labs) 0 96,175
888 Bransten Road (Alexandria) 57,068 105,416
841 Old County Road (Sobrato) 29,723 325,448
405 Industrial Road (Menlo Equities) 16,445 206,708
777 Industrial Road (Presidio) 44,000 120,000
501 Industrial Road (Hotel) 26,000 119,000
1021 Howard Avenue 44,812 190,869
642 Quarry Road 80,038 409,810
275 Industrial Road (PG&E) 84,000 52,000
Total Approved 452,712
1,764,626
Excluding Quarry Road 372,674 1,354,816
Under Review New Developments: Existing
SF
Proposed
Gross SF
987 Commercial Street (Alexandria) 610,907 1,619,797
789 Old County 0 335,100
Total Under Review 610,907 1,954,897
Total 1,063,619 3,719,523
Excluding Quarry Road 983,581 3,309,713

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Proposed General Plan Amendments
This document presents proposed amendments to the San Carlos 2030 General Plan.

Underlined text represents language that has been added to the General Plan; text with strikethrough has been deleted from the General Plan. This document focuses on the policies and actions of the General Plan and does not include changes to the General Plan format, background information, or narrative language.

Front Matter
Land Acknowledgement: The City of San Carlos acknowledges that our lands are located on the ancestral homeland of the Ohlone peoples, and that, as the original stewards of this land, the Ohlone understood the interconnectedness of all things and maintained harmony with nature for millennia.

Chapter 3 – Land Use Element
•Action LU-1.1: Continue to evaluate the Transportation Demand Management Ordinance to encourage mode shift Amend the Zoning Ordinance to create a Transportation Demand Management Ordinance that contains strategies to enhance travel patterns and to reduce vehicular trip generation from new development by 20 percent.
•Policy LU-4.3: Annexation of undeveloped parcels shall be in substantial compliance with the following criteria:
a. The parcels are contiguous to parcels located in the City of San Carlos and contiguous or provisions have been made to become contiguous to city streets. b. Require minimum lot size in hillside areas considered for subdivision or annexation to be larger than lots on flat areas to minimize slope instability, erosion and drainage impacts. Lots shall meet, or shall be merged to meet, the minimum lot size established in the subdivision ordinance.
c. Parcels with development potential of five or more lots shall cluster single-family detached homes utilizing the Planned Community PC zone to the degree feasible. In such cases the density may not exceed the density permitted by the lot size standards of the San Carlos Subdivision Ordinance. Further, the provisions related to portions of the development which must remain ungraded shall apply. Only the lot size requirements may vary. In such cases, the minimum lot size shall be 10,000 square feet.
•Policy LU-4.6 Parcels proposed for annexation to the City shall be prezoned. a. Parcels with development potential of five or more lots shall be zoned to Planned Community (with minimum R-1-LD Development Standards) prior to approval of a Tentative Subdivision Map.
b. Other parcels proposed for annexation shall be prezoned R-1-LD Low- Density, Single-Family Residential District.
•Action LU-7.1: Continue to implement the City's adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan adopted on June 9th, 2020 and update the Master Plan as needed. Prepare a community study to

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Appendix E: Proposed General Plan Amendments
2 seek new ways to enhance walkability and connect all areas of the community. The current Bicycle Transportation Plan could be expanded to be a Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. •Action LU 6.9 : Continue to implement the East Side Innovation District Vision Plan adopted on October 25, 2021 (Resolution 2021-107).
•Policy LU-12.1: Evaluate historical, cultural, and tribal cultural resources early in the development review process through consultation with interested parties. •Action LU-12.1: Ensure thorough compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) relating to potential impacts to cultural, and historical, and tribal cultural resources.
•Action LU-12.6: The City of San Carlos shall develop mapping to indicate areas in the City with archaeological sensitivity and guidance documentation for public and private construction projects that involve ground disturbance activities in areas with archaeological sensitivity. The requirements may include 1) an archeological records search, 2) construction training for cultural sensitivity, and 3) procedures if archaeologic resources are discovered.

Chapter 5 – Circulation and Scenic Highways Element
•Policy CSH-3.1: Strive to reduce baseline and development-related traffic by implementing and enforcing the Transportation Demand Management Ordinance 20 percent through public-private partnership efforts.
•Policy CSH-3.3: Support the incorporation of Transportation Demand Management measures in new development to reduce traffic impacts.
•Policy CSH-3.7: Public sidewalks and walkways shall be designed to accommodate access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and including any other applicable State and federal laws, regulations and guidelines, and shall be kept clear of obstruction. •Policy CSH-3.8 The City shall strive to maintain intersection continue to evaluate service levels above the mid- range of level D (not to exceed a Volume- to-Capacity Ratio (V/C) of .85 or a total average delay time at intersections of 45 seconds whenever V/C Ratio is not available) metrics as provided by the City’s Transportation Impact Analysis (or Transportation Study) Guidelines as adopted November 12, 2024, Resolution 2024-118. The City recognizes that certain development project(s) may cause this level of service goal these thresholds to be exceeded. The City may approve such development project(s) if specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits outweigh the adverse effects of exceeding the mid-range level D goal thresholds as set forth in the Transportation Study Guidelines.
•Action CSH-3.2: The City shall consider adoption of a Transportation Impact Fee for new development to support city-wide Transportation Demand Management measures. •Policy CSH-4.2: Reduce potential conflicts, safety hazards and physical obstacles between bicyclists, automobiles and pedestrians and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and including any other applicable State and federal laws, regulations and guidelines.

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Appendix E: Proposed General Plan Amendments
3 Chapter 6 – Environmental Management
•Action EM-1.5: Require that major new buildings and taller structures that extend above the existing surrounding urban fabric and height of the tree canopy be designed to minimize the potential risk of bird collisions using input from the latest bird-safe design guidelines and best management practice strategies to reduce bird strikes.

Chapter 7 – Parks and Recreation
•Policy PR-2.3: Continue to support implementation of trail connections as identified in the City’s Master Plan for Parks, Open Space, Buildings and other Recreation Facilities Potential Trail Connections Plan.

Chapter 9 – Noise
•Policy NOI-1.8: During all phases of construction activity, reasonable noise reduction measures shall be utilized to minimize the exposure of neighboring properties to excessive noise levels. a. Construction All construction activities shall comply with the City’s noise ordinance. Development projects that require an acoustical study shall incorporate reasonable noise and vibration reduction measures and best management practices to minimize excessive noise levels during all phases of construction activity. Reduction measures and best management practices may include, but are not limited to, noise control techniques for construction tools and equipment, construction site management techniques, temporary noise barriers, noise monitoring and reporting, and/or construction traffic management.
•Policy NOI-1.12: Ensure consistency with the noise compatibility policies and criteria contained in the San Carlos Airport Land Use Plan Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport.

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Planning and Transportation Commission Public Hearing
February 3rd, 2025
Meeting Notes
On February 3rd, 2025, the San Carlos Planning and Transportation Commission held a Public Hearing on the 2045 General Plan Reset’s Draft Environmental Impact Report and Proposed General Plan Amendments. Akanksha Chopra, Associate Planner presented the item, joined by Lisa Porras, Planning Manager and Hanieh Houshmandi, Senior Traffic Engineer. Staff were also joined by the consultant team at Placeworks.

Commissioner Questions
Vice Chair Garvey asked what projects are included in development projections, particularly concerning Research and Development (R&D) projects. Staff clarified that projects under review are part of the existing conditions and that the projected development accounts only for future projects. Staff also clarified that the 87% increase in R&D square footage is due to substantial interest in San Carlos from developers for the Life Science and Biotechnology industries.

Vice Chair Garvey asked if there may be reasons other than surpassing development projections for a revision of the General Plan before the year 2045, such as climate resiliency measures that the city may seek to implement. She asked how the City would be able to incorporate major policy changes if not through a revision of the General Plan. Staff clarified that there can be a number of triggers to General Plan updates and that the General Plan is continuously reviewed and updated as needed.

Commissioner Anand asked how the non-residential categories are defined and how any overlap in categories is accounted for. Staff clarified that the categories come from the current General Plan and municipal code, which provide definitions for the development types. In a development which contains multiple uses, the square footage is allocated separately for each use.

Commissioner Castaneda asked for clarification on the application of a program EIR for development projects and the extent to which individual projects would require additional environment review. Staff stated that if the General Plan EIR substantially accounts for impacts from a project, it may be exempt from environmental review or may qualify for streamlined review, but if a project’s impacts are not accounted for in the General Plan EIR, it will need to conduct Initial Study leading to determination of negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration or Project EIR.

Commissioner Castaneda inquired about the finding that there would be less than significant impacts for energy, hydrology and water quality, noise, parks, public services and utilities, given the significant growth of development projected in the General Plan Reset. The consultant clarified that those types of impacts are addressed at a project level rather than a programmatic level. Additionally, these topics are addressed by state programs and regulations that create standards that projects would adhere to.

Commissioner Castaneda asked about the projected significant and unavoidable impacts for greenhouse gas emissions, which would require the City to prepare an update to the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan within three years, inquiring about the feasibility of the three-year timeline. Staff responded that the update would take place after the adoption of the General Plan reset and that staff intend to complete that requirement within the three-year timeline.

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Commissioner Bundy asked whether the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan is sufficient to address the greenhouse gas emissions projected by the General Plan Reset. The project consultant clarified that the reasoning to conclude that there are significant and unavoidable impacts is because the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan has not yet been developed. Commissioner Bundy inquired whether any additional language could be included to ensure that this impact is addressed to the maximum extent feasible. The consultant stated that the General Plan Reset EIR should not get ahead of the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, which will in itself be an intensive programmatic effort, adding that law and regulation on greenhouse gas emissions is continuously changing.

Commissioner Bundy asked whether there may be other elements to revise within the General Plan which have not thus far been included in the General Plan Reset, citing in particular any opportunities to improve climate resilience. Staff clarified that the scope of this General Plan Reset includes minor updates to the General Plan concerning housing projections and recent state regulations, but that other goals could be accounted for in future revisions.

Chair Clements asked how the projected housing and non-residential development figures were found and how that demand was predicted. Staff stated that the development projections come from a combination of RHNA allocations, specific plans, development projects and projections for remaining areas of the City. For these areas, market demand studies accounting for regional trends were incorporated into the projections. The General Plan Reset is meant to accommodate all projected development through the horizon year 2045.

Chair Clements asked whether entitled projects that have not broken ground are included in the development pipeline. Staff stated that entitled projects are included in the development pipeline.

Chair Clements asked whether average household size assumptions are consistent between the current General Plan and the General Plan Reset, particularly concerning trends toward smaller units and denser development. The consultant team stated that the assumptions remained the same and clarified that different types of housing units are paired with different average household size assumptions.

Vice Chair Garvey asked if the EIR considers projects tackling traffic flow, such as the street designs associated with the Northeast Area Specific Plan. Staff clarified that the General Plan Reset EIR considers level of service citywide. The General Plan does not look at the capacity of individual streets, and state law mandates that any increase in road capacity is prohibited, so any traffic impacts must be mitigated in other ways.

Vice Chair Garvey sought clarification about whether soil contamination on parcels in San Carlos is to be addressed by a project-level EIR. Staff confirmed that this is the case.

Vice Chair Garvey asked if public comments submitted during the comment period would be available to view. Staff stated that comments would be compiled and published on the project website.

Commissioner Anand asked how projections keep up with changing laws, citing that SB-9 allows for additional housing units to be constructed. Staff clarified that housing projections are based on requirements from the Department of Housing and Community Development, and that any changes could mean a further reset of projections, but any foreseeable impacts have been considered in this reset’s projections.

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Commissioner Anand asked if the EIR takes into account the need for increased services and businesses to serve new residents. Staff clarified that the EIR takes into account the indirect effects of population growth throughout the document.

Commissioner Castaneda asked if the project team has made any determination on increased housing density in areas with a high risk of wildfires creating a need for more evacuation routes. Staff stated that that impact has not been considered specifically, but the draft EIR flags areas which are evacuation constrained. The city is limiting housing in wildfire-prone areas to the extent possible, but this situation constitutes a significant and unavoidable impact.

Commissioner Castaneda asked about the document’s consideration of cumulative effects and how the City plans to address these. The consultant stated that some impacts are cumulative in nature and that the General Plan Reset’s EIR establishes the context for these effects to be addressed at the project level. Staff added context that when the Housing Element was updated in 2023, the Environmental Safety Element also needed to be revised, which provided strategies for the city to use relative to flooding, sea level rise, and wildfires. Action items in the General Plan are to be acted upon by staff in order to address these effects.

Commissioner Bundy asked if there was an opportunity to highlight the Safety Element’s action items in the EIR even if they do not fully mitigate the significant and unavoidable effects to provide a more holistic understanding of the City’s actions. She also asked to hear more about the finding that there is a less than significant impact concerning flooding. The consultant clarified that impact on flooding is reviewed on a project level as opposed to the cumulative level and that regulations will change during the lifespan of the General Plan Reset.

Chair Clements inquired about the Sequoia Union High School District’s submission concerning school demand, citing that they estimate a reduction in the number of occupied dwelling units. The consultant stated that this letter had not been analyzed. Chair Clements asked if any similar letter was provided by the San Carlos School District. Staff stated that they reached out to the school district and that the district did not provide any comments.

Chair Clements inquired about the balance of housing and jobs, noting that there is a larger increase in jobs available than housing available but that the projected ratio of jobs to population did not look very different from the current one. The consultant clarified that a jobs-housing balance wasn’t the driver behind the resulting figures, but that the city did consider these figures in its review.

Commissioner Castaneda asked what the alternative 50% buildout would accomplish, even if it does not reach housing goals, in particular whether it accounts for the Downtown and Northeast Area Specific Plans. Staff clarified that the 50% buildout did not account for any particular specific plan buildouts.

Commissioner Anand asked why the increase in jobs of 66% was surpassed by the projected commercial and office development square footage increase. The consultant clarified that different land uses have different projected job quantities and that there is not a one-to-one relationship between square footage and job totals.

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Commissioner Comments
Vice Chair Garvey said that she reviewed a letter from LAFCO that suggested that the EIR evaluate the sewer treatment capacity of future development and that the EIR states that sewer infrastructure is fully built out. She said that the Northeast Area did not yet have fully built out sewer infrastructure and that the EIR should make further clarification on any need for further development of sewage systems.

Vice Chair Garvey said that she found encouraging findings from the consultant which projected a reduction in VMT, meaning that new development is performing better than existing development.

Vice Chair Garvey said that a letter from Redwood City which suggested collaboration between Redwood City and San Carlos on transportation was a good idea.

Commissioner Anand commented that she would like to see advancement in science and technology that may address environmental impact and circulation included in the EIR.

Commissioner Castaneda commented that she feels encouraged by the mitigation methods proposed in the EIR and that she is assuming that the City has addressed all of the comments that were provided as part of the EIR process. She also supported the idea of joint efforts between Redwood City and San Carlos on transportation.

Commissioner Bundy commented that the General Plan currently lacks measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from embodied carbon in building materials such as concrete and steel. She said that she would like to see that factored into carbon mitigation measures directly.

Commissioner Bundy requested that text concerning flooding be updated to reflect Senate Bill 272: Sea Level Rise Adaption Planning Requirements and BCDC’s adoption of the Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP) and possibly include an action to participate in a multijurisdictional RSAP.

Chair Clements commented that the General Plan itself and not the EIR may be the place to address climate adaptation strategies.

Chair Clements requested that the City revisit the balance of jobs and population, citing that new capacities should reflect consideration of any adjustments that need to be made.

Chair Clements voiced support for progress being made in VMT and further progress anticipated by the General Plan Reset.

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San Carlos City CouncilFebruary 24, 2025

San Carlos City Council
February 24, 2025