September 22, 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
September 22, 2025 7:00 PM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Sara McDowell, Mayor
Pranita Venkatesh, Vice Mayor
John Dugan, Councilmember
Neil Layton, Councilmember
Adam Rak, Councilmember
Staff Present: Nil Blackburn, Assistant City Manager
Rendell Bustos, Senior Planner
Lisa Costa Sanders, Principal Planner Consultant
Greg DaCunha, Deputy Fire Chief
Rucha Dande, Senior Planner
Andrew Douglass, Senior Management Analyst
Sajuti Haque, Economic Development and Housing Manager
Paul Harris, Financial Services Manager
Hanieh Houshmandi, Senior Traffic Engineer
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Andrea Mardesich, Assistant Community Development Director Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Tyler Muela, Recreation Supervisor
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director
Lisa Porras, Planning Manager
Laura Richstone, Senior Planner
Stefanie Rogers, Senior Administrative Clerk
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
Tracy Scramaglia, Assistant Public Works Director
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS
None.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor McDowell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
None.
5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Receive an Annual Report from the Community Foundation of San Carlos.
Linda Garvey, President of the San Carlos Community Foundation, presented the annual report.
Council thanked the Foundation for their work and dedication to the community.
6. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Dugan reported on a recent Emergency Services Council meeting, noting that the County is working to improve emergency warning notification practices.
Councilmember Layton reported on a Silicon Valley Clean Water Board meeting, noting that they are finalizing a term sheet on funding their capital improvement projects, which will be provided to Council.
Mayor McDowell reported on her recent Commute.org Board meeting, noting that they will be launching a new app to support carpool options and is seeking City staff for their supervisory committee. She also attended the One Life 10-year anniversary gala and the Parks and Recreation Foundation’s 10th annual Bocce Ball tournament.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
John Hoffman, Daniel and Natalie, residents and members of the San Carlos Sister City Association, presented an idea for the city to have a mascot and requested an opportunity to formally present the proposal to the Council in detail.
Pete Hixson, resident, requested Council to reconsider banning gas-powered leaf blowers.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar items ‘a’ through ‘m’.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Rak
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 August 25, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
c. Authorize Cancellation of the December 22, 2025 City Council Meeting.
d. Deny Claim of Nancy Roston.
e. Deny Claim of Sapna Vasudeo.
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f. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Perkins & Will for Additional Consulting Services Associated with the Northeast Area Specific Plan and Appropriate Additional Funds in the Amount of $104,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) Unassigned Fund Balance. Resolution 2025-097
g. Adopt Three Resolutions Supporting Transportation Improvement Projects and the Submission of Applications to San Mateo County Transportation Authority for 2025 Measure A and Measure W Highway Program Call for Projects. Resolution 2025-098 – Mid-Term Bike and Pedestrian Improvements; Resolution 2025- 099 – Long-Term U.S. 101/ Holly Street Interchange Improvements and Overcrossing Project ; and Resolution 2025-100 - East Side Streetscape Master Plan – Industrial Road Components Project
h. Adopt a Resolution of Local Support Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Funding Assigned to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Committing any Necessary Matching Funds and Stating Assurance to Complete the U.S. 101/Holly Street Interchange Improvements and Overcrossing Project. Resolution 2025-101
i. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Approval of a City Interfund Loan in the Amount of $489,840 from the General Fund Strategic Property Acquisition Reserve (SPAR) to the Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fund (Fund 29) for the Purchase of a Below Market Rate Unit at 633 Elm Street, Unit 215, and Authorizing Exercise of the Purchase Option, Negotiation of the Purchase, and Execution of the Necessary Documents. Resolution 2025-102
j. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Approval of a City Interfund Loan in the Amount of $4,557,734.81 from the General Fund Strategic Property Acquisition Reserve (SPAR) to the Affordable Housing In -Lieu Fund (Fund 29), for the Continuation of the Loan Drawd own Payments related to the 1244 Cherry Street Affordable Housing Project. Resolution 2025-103
k. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the 2025 Annual Sidewalk Replacement Project (C9465); Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with J.J.R. Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $171,355; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 30% Contingency in the Amount of $51, 406.
Resolution 2025-104
l. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Fire Station No. 16 Replacement Project (C9823) and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion. Resolution 2025-105
m. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Second Amendment to the Communications Site Lease Agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC to Extend their Lease at Highlands Park. Resolution 2025-106
9. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Consideration of Introducing an Ordinance Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Title 18 – Zoning, to Create Objective Design Standards (ODS) for Development within the Multi -family (RM) Housing and Mixed -use (MU) Zoning Districts: Chapter 18.03 (Rules of Mea surement),
18.04 (Residential Districts), 18.05 (Mixed -Use Districts), 18.06 (Commercial Districts), 18.15 (General Site Regulations), 18.18 (Landscaping), 18.26 (Planning Authorities), 18.27 (Common Procedures), 18.29 (Design Review and Objective Design Standards Compliance Review), 18.30 (Use Permits), and 18.41 (Terms and Definitions) of the San Carlos Municipal Code. **Tabled from the September 8, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting**
Principal Planner Rucha Dande commenced the item with background on the Objective Design Standards and noted staff’s extensive outreach over multiple years.
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Consultant Rick Williams detailed the proposed standards and the refined standards based on test-fits.
Ms. Dande , Mr. Williams , City Attorney Greg Rubens , Planning Manager Lisa Porras, City Manager Jeff Maltbie , and Assistant Community Development Director Andrea Mardesich responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
- David Crabbe, resident, provided suggestions to address density bonus.
MOTION: Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Dugan
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Council recessed at 9:32 p.m. and reconvened at 9:40 p.m.
The Council provided the following directions to staff:
- return in February 2026 for an in-depth discussion on strategies to encourage retail and commercial activity along El Camino Real and south of Laurel Street - encourage building ornamentation in the project review process
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1626 Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Title 18 – Zoning, to Create Objective Design Standards (ODS) for Development within the Multi-family (RM) Housing and Mixed -use (MU) Zoning Districts: Chapter
18.03 (Rules of Measurement), 18.04 (Residential Districts), 18.05 (Mixed-Use Districts), 18.06 (Commercial Districts), 18.15 (General Site Regulations),
18.18 (Landscaping), 18.26 (Planning Authorities), 18.27 (Common Procedures), 18.29 (Design Review and Objective Design Standards Compliance Review), 18.30 (Use Permits), and 18.41 (Terms and Definitions) of the San Carlos Municipal Code with the following two amendments:
- require concurrence review and approval from the City Manager or their designee with the Community Development Director on deviations from the ODS; and
- exempt the 600, 700, and 800 blocks of Laurel Street and 1100 and 1200 blocks of San Carlos Avenue from the six feet step-back requirement.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Venkatesh
AYES: Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
10. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Appropriating an Additional $300,000 from the General Capital Fund (Fund 25) Unassigned Fund Balance to the Park -in-Lieu Fund (Fund 27) Project C2221; Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Products and Service s with David J.
Powers & Associates, Inc. in the Amount of $251,773 for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) as Required Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the North Crestview Park Master Plan to Consider Relocatio n of a Rare Plant Species; and
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Authorizing the Spending of Contingency in the Amount of $48,227 for a Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount of $300,000.
Parks and Recreation Director Amy Newby presented a contract for Environmental Impact Report (EIR) services for the North Crestview Park Master Plan. She, City Attorney Greg Rubens and City Manager Jeff Maltbie responded to Council questions.
MOTION: At 10:25 p.m. Extend the Meeting to 11:00 p.m.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: McDowell
AYES: Layton, Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Public Comment
- David Crabbe, resident, voiced opposition to the Resolution.
At Mayor McDowell’s request, Ms. Newby responded to the public comment.
After a thorough discussion, no motion was made by the Council.
11. AGENDA SETTING
a. Consider Agendizing an Item to Consider an Ordinance, Modeled after San Mateo County’s Ordinance Introduced in September 2025, to Ban the Sale and Distribution of Nitrous Oxide, Often Called “Whippets” and Repurposed for Recreational Use by Youth and Sold by Local Smoke Shops.
Mayor McDowell proposed agendizing an item to consider an Ordinance modeled after San Mateo County's Ordinance to ban the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide (whippets), which are being sold by local smoke shops and used recreationally by youth. The Council unanimously supported agendizing this item.
The Council did not support agendizing the Sister Cities Association's mascot proposal, noting that it would require a more formal branding process.
MOTION: At 10:49 p.m. Extend the Meeting to 12:00 a.m.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, Rak, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
12. CLOSED SESSION
a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Closed Session Held Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(A)); Gerard Zelnik and Bianca Zelnik vs. City of San Carlos, San Mateo Superior Court Case No. 20-CIV-02572.
Council adjourned to the Collaboration Room to discuss this closed session item.
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13. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Greg Rubens reported that the Council unanimously approved a settlement with the plaintiffs in the Gerard and Bianca Zelnik versus the City of San Carlos matter. The settlement terms include:
• The Zelniks will pay the city $175,000 due in 45 days. • The Zelniks will allow the city or its contractors reasonable access to the property to replace and repair the sewer line that crosses the city's easement. • The Zelniks will deliver an executed and recordable deed in conformance with prior law and motion activity in the case.
• The Zelniks will stop discharging groundwater into the city's sanitary sewer system. • The complaint will be dismissed with each side bearing their own attorney's fees and costs. • There will be mutual releases.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor McDowell adjourned the meeting at 11:02 p.m.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk