May 12, 2025 1
San Carlos City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority Regular Meeting
Council Chambers, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
May 12, 2025 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Sara McDowell, Mayor
Pranita Venkatesh, Vice Mayor
John Dugan, Councilmember
Adam Rak, Councilmember
Neil Layton, Councilmember
Staff Present: Juan Castillo, Maintenance Worker
Damian Chen, Maintenance Worker
Lisa Costa Sanders, Principal Planner Consultant
Greg DaCunha, Deputy Fire Chief
Steven Du, Senior Maintenance Worker
Louis Duran, Public Works Superintendent
Carlos Flores, Maintenance Worker
Paul Harris, Financial Services Manager
Hanieh Houshmandi, Senior Traffic Engineer
Matt La Croix, Maintenance Worker
Grace Le, City Engineer
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Mi Muegge, Public Works Administrative Assistant
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director
Angel Noriega, Assistant Public Works Superintendent
Lisa Porras, Planning Manager
Ruben Ramirez, Senior Maintenance Worker
Matt Richards, Senior Maintenance Worker
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Daniel Ruiz, Maintenance Worker
Al Savay, Community Development Director
Tracy Scramaglia, Assistant Public Works Director
Matt Quinn, Assistant Public Works Superintendent
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order 7:04 p.m.
2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS
None.
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3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor McDowell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
None.
5. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation to Jacob Lipman for Receiving the Synopsys Science Award.
Mayor McDowell recognized Jacob Lipman upon receiving honorable mention in the 2024 Synopsys Science and Technology Championship.
Mr. Lipman spoke on his project and responded to Council’s question.
b. Present a Proclamation Recognizing May 18 – 24, 2025 as Public Works Week.
Mayor McDowell recognized Public Works Week with a proclamation presented to Public Works Director Steven Machida. Mr. Machida, joined by Assistant Public Works Director Tracy Scramaglia and several members of their department, thanked the Council for the recognition and spoke about Public Works’ vital role in the city - emphasizing their contributions as safety workers during emergencies.
c. Present a Proclamation Recognizing May 2025 as Foster Care Awareness Month.
In recognition of May 2025 as Foster Care Awareness Month, Mayor McDowell presented a proclamation to Eileen Andrade-Kitching and her family honoring their work as a foster care family. She also presented them with city coins in recognition of their care for Karina Castro’s two daughters following her untimely passing.
The Andrade-Kitching family shared their experience as foster parents, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, and encouraged others to consider becoming foster families.
7. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Layton reported that interviews for the Silicon Valley Clean Water General Manager position have begun and thanked City Manager Jeff Maltbie for the valuable contributions he made to the process.
Mayor McDowell noted that a flyer had been mailed to residents with information on Hometown Days events and related street closures.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
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9. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar items ‘a’ through ‘i’.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Dugan
AYES: Dugan, Layton, Rak, Venkatesh, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve the City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
c. Adopt a Resolution Approving Financial Policies. Resolution 2025-033
d. Adopt a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Annual Investment Policy. Resolution 2025- 034
e. Adopt a Resolution Appropriating $119,380 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) for the Library Roof Upgrade Project (C2419); Appropriating $250,800 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) for the Corporation Yard Roof Replacement and Solar Panel Upgrade Project (C2410); Applying the Peninsula Clean Energy Corporation Yard Roof Replacement and Solar Panel Upgrade Grant to the Project to Offset Expenditures; Awarding the Corporation Yard and Library Roof Replacement Projects; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Public Projects Agreement with Diablo Roofing, Inc. in the Amount of $722,891; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a Contingency in the Amount of $72,289 for a Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount of $795,180. Resolution 2025-035
f. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Streets to be Resurfaced as Part of the Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project in Fiscal Year 2025-26 and Partially Funded by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act. Resolution 2025-036
g. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Landslide Repairs (Hillsides Above Eaton Trail, 3101 Brittan Avenue, Sheldon Avenue, and Chilton Park) Project (C2403) and Authorizing a Call for Bids. Resolution 2025-037
h. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Parcel Map for the 782 Elm Street Development, Assessor’s Parcel Number 050-151-200. Resolution 2025-038
i. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign an Amendment to the Agreement for Products and Services with CMCS/Central Valley Party to Increase the Not -to-Exceed Amount by $42,000 for Special Event Rentals; Authorizing the City Manager to Sign an Extens ion of the Agreement for Products and Services with CMCS/Central Valley Party to Renew the Agreement for Two Additional Years in the Amount of $107,950; and Authorizing a Contingency in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $24,000 for a Total Contract Amount of $131,950. Resolution 2025-039
10. STUDY SESSION
a. Receive a Presentation and Provide Direction to Staff on the Design of the Pavilion, Restrooms, and Water Feature as Part of Improvements to the 700 Block of Laurel Street and Harrington Park.
Planning Manager Lisa Porras began the item with a project overview before turning over the presentation to the consultant team from Ware Associates and Fluidity Design. Principal John
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Ware and Architectural Designer Liam Lautze presented the proposed restroom and pavilion, followed by Design Director Jim Garland, who presented the proposed fountain.
Ms. Porras concluded the presentation with the summary of cost considerations for Phase 1A. Mr.
Garland, Mr. John Ware, Ms. Porras, and Principal-in-Charge Consultant James Stickley then responded to questions from the Council.
Public Comment
- Andrew Biernet, resident, suggested bringing more natural and whimsical elements into the downtown and removing the pavilion to have a flat element that can be used year-round.
- John Durkin, resident, posed a series of questions for Phase 1A.
At Mayor McDowell’s request, Ms. Porras responded to Mr. Durkin’s questions.
City Manager Jeff Maltbie, Mr. Stickley, Ms. Porras, Mr. John Ware, and Mr. Garland responded to Council’s additional questions.
Council provided the following feedback-
- Pavilion. There was concern about acoustics for performances, and a request was made to conduct an acoustical study.
- Restrooms. A majority of the Council is comfortable with the current restroom design. If an additional stall can be added without delaying the project, that would be welcomed. There was also interest in increasing the ceiling height to 10 feet and incorporating skylights. - Water Feature. A majority of the Council is comfortable with the current design, while others would prefer modifications to include a barrier to prevent open water exposure. There was interest in engaging the community on the fountain design, however, concerns were raised about the difficulty of making a decision with extensive public input on the subjective nature of selecting art.
- Site Layout. There was some concern about the scale of the proposed pavilion and fountain. Council requested that the structures be chalked out on-site and a visit be scheduled so they can better understand their size and placement.
MOTION: At 9:23 p.m., Extend the Meeting to 11:00 p.m.
MOVER: Layton
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Council recessed at 9:23 PM and reconvened at 9:35 PM.
11. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Consideration of the Following Actions for the Alexandria Center for Life Sciences Project 961 - 967, 987, 1003, 1011, 1015, 1057, and 1075 Commercial Street; and 915, 921, 1015, 1055, and 1063 Old County Road (APNs 046 -162-010, 046-162-210, 046-162-270, 046-162-280, 046-162- 290, 046-184-090, 046-184-110, 046-184-120, 046-184-280, 046-184-290, and 046-184-300):
Mayor McDowell, Vice Mayor Venkatesh and Council Members Rak and Layton disclosed that they met with the developers for information, but that it won’t impact their decision this evening.
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Community Development Director Al Savay commenced the item with the evolution of the Alexandria Center for Life Sciences Project and Principal Planner Lisa Costa Sanders presented on the proposed project and noted that there is revised wording proposed to Section 2.7 - School District Contribution, of the Development Agreement, to clarify the Developer’s contributions to the San Carlos School District and San Carlos Education Foundation. The proposed updated language was provided to the Council as a handout.
The Alexandria applicants team, including, Toon Jordan and Architect Manan Shah presented on their proposed project.
Ms. Jordan, Applicant’s Environmental Consultant Nick Walchuk, City’s Traffic Consultant Mark Spencer, City’s outside Legal Counsel Anna Shimko, Applicant’s Mara Fintzi, Applicant’s Terezia Nemeth, Mr. Maltbie, Ms. Costa Sanders, and Applicant’s Consultant Jeff Tarantino responded to Council’s questions.
MOTION: At 10:54 p.m. Extend the Meeting to 11:30 p.m.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Venkatesh
AYES: Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Public Comment
- Ethan Lester, resident and representative for the Operating Engineers Local 3, spoke in support of the Alexandria Project.
- Sam Herberg, resident and Greater East San Carlos (GESC) Co-President, responded to the City’s reply to their letter of concern regarding the creek improvement plan and shuttles in their neighborhood.
- Max Schneider, resident and GESC Boardmember, shared the GESC’s concerns with traffic congestion and requested improvements to and from their neighborhood.
- Dan, resident, echoed the previous two speakers' comments regarding the need for environmental cleanup and traffic improvements in the area.
MOTION: Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: Layton, Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Mr. Spenser, Ms. Costa Sanders, City’s CEQA Consultant Rebecca Auld, City’s Fiscal Consultant Jim Simon responded to Council’s additional questions.
MOTION: At 11:18 p.m. Extend the Meeting to 12:00 a.m.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, Rak, McDowell
NAYS: None
May 12, 2025 6
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
i. Adopt a Resolution Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report and Adopting the CEQA Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Alexandria Center for Life Science Project.
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2025 -040 Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report and Adopting the CEQA Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Alexandria Center for Life Science Project at 900 and 960 Industrial Road; 961 - 967, 987, 1003, 1011, 1015, 1057 and 1075 Commercial Street; and 915, 921, 1015, 1055 and 1063 Old County Road (APNs 046- 162-010, 046-162-210, 046-162-270, 046-162-280, 046- 162-290, 046-184-090, 046-184-110, 046-184-120, 046-184-280, 046-184- 290 and 046-184-300).
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
ii. Introduce an Ordinance Approving the Alexandria Center for Life Science Planned Development Plan, Master Sign Program and Related Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone the Project Site from Heavy Industrial to Planned Development.
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1622 Approving the Alexandria Center for Life Science Planned Development Plan, Master Sign Program and Related Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone the Project Site from Heavy Industrial to Planned Development at 900 and 960 Industrial Road; 961- 967, 987, 1003, 1011, 1015, 1057 and 1075 Commercial Street; and 915, 921, 1015, 1055 and 1063 Old County Road (APNs 046- 162-010, 046- 162-210, 046- 162-270, 046-162-280, 046-162-290, 046-184-090, 046-184-110, 046-184-120, 046- 184-280, 046-184-290 and 046-184-300).
MOVER: Layton
SECONDER: Venkatesh
AYES: Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
iii. Introduce an Ordinance Approving the Development Agreement with the Alexandria Real Estate Equities.
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1623 Approving a Development Agreement with the Alexandria Real Estate Equities, for the Alexandria Life Science Campus Project with the following three amendments:
- Section 2.4.4(b)iii. Amend to show that Council shall approve any alternate designs to the bike and pedestrian trail along Pulgas Creek - Section 2.7 - School District Contribution. Amend to state:
“In 2020, Developer contributed One Million Dollars $1,000,000) to the San Carlos School District to help San Carlos schools address the challenges of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Developer has also contributed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) to the San Carlos Education Foundation and has an agreement with the San
May 12, 2025 7
Carlos Education Foundation to contribute an additional Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) by 2031.”
- Section 2.9.1 – Use of Campus Parking. Amend public parking hours to be daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: McDowell
AYES: Layton, Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
12. AGENDA SETTING
None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor McDowell reflected on Linda Teutschel’s many contributions to the community and adjourned the meeting in her memory at 11:36 p.m.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk