October 9, 2025 1
San Carlos City Council/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority Special Meeting
Collaboration Room, City Hall
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
October 9, 2025 1:00 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
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McDowell called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor McDowell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. STUDY SESSION
a. Discussion of Issues and Topics Affecting the City of San Carlos, Including, But Not Limited to, the Items Listed in the Attachments. No Action Will be Taken on Any Items at This Meeting.
DEVELOPMENT FEES & GRANTS
Childcare Impact Fee.
Mayor McDowell noted that, in the not-too-distant future , the City will likely stop receiving applications for childcare grants as the need diminishes. She emphasized the importance of thinking strategically now about how to use the Childcare Impact Fees to continue benefiting the community—potentially through a childcare facility at a future community center.
Staff provided s uggestions including using the fees to support childcare for older children or to acquire property for a future childcare center.
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Commercial Development Permit Extensions.
Mayor McDowell suggested that, in preparation for the anticipated increase in commercial development permit extension requests, a review and update of the fee may be appropriate.
Staff confirmed that the Plan Development Fees have recently been updated, so a review would not be needed for an extended period.
Council requested that an update on the 808 Alameda Project be included in a future Council newsletter.
Grant Updates.
Assistant City Manager Nil Blackburn provided a handout to the Council of a table with a status update on the grants that we’re in the process of receiving. This will be include d in the meeting’s supplemental materials.
Role of the Community Foundation.
Vice Mayor Venkatesh inquired about the role of the San Carlos Community Foundation.
Staff and Council clarified that the Council’s original intent in establishing the Foundation was to focus primarily on capital fundraising efforts . Council also expressed interest in the Foundation continuing to provide grants to local non-profit organizations.
Ms. Blackburn noted that the Community Foundation is currently exploring how a capital campaign would operate within its organization and plans to engage a consultant to assist in this effort. The Foundation may return to Council for further guidance or to consider potential amendments to its agreement.
Additionally, Council discussed how to handle one-time or time -sensitive grant requests and directed staff to create a webpage directing all grant applicants to the Community Foundation.
Development Project Updates.
Staff provided a general update on developments in San Carlos and referenced the Development Project Updates webpage.
Council directed staff to continue maintaining the webpage and ensuring it remains current.
DOWNTOWN & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Revive Downtown and Building Community.
Council inquired about staff’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area and build community.
Ms. Blackburn discussed the City’s “Life on Laurel” program, which will feature expanded Harringtunes events, a Bike Safety Day , music throughout the holiday season, Thursday Night Lights, and outdoor games such as pop-up mini golf.
Council proposed adding a skating rink as part of the program.
Vice Mayor Venkatesh emphasized the need for additional cultural events.
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Mr. Maltbie noted that such initiatives should be brought forward through the Council’s strategic planning and budget process.
Downtown Building Height.
Councilmember Rak expressed interest in establishing a height cap or reducing the maximum building height to approximately 40–50 feet within the downtown core.
Mr. Maltbie cautioned that such a change would be a significant and complex undertaking. He suggested that the Council first explore the level of investment and process required, and, if comfortable with the findings, then consider proceeding with potential amendments.
More Daytime and Midweek Vibrancy to our Downtown.
Councilmember Dugan inquired about the possibility of a midweek Farmers Market to increase downtown vibrancy.
Council noted that businesses had previously raised complaints when the market was held on Thursdays, and staff highlighted the difficulty of securing vendors for an additional midweek Farmers Market.
There was discussion regarding the benefits for businesses to organize and coordinate a Business Improvement District.
Commercial Vibrancy in light of State Housing Laws.
Councilmember Dugan inquired whether there is a need to take strategic measures to protect commercial vibrancy in the downtown area or if it is appropriate to rely on market forces at this time.
Mr. Maltbie advised continuing to monitor the situation and completing preparatory work to be ready if conditions change but did not recommend allocating resources to address the matter at this stage.
Council directed staff to:
- Include a statement in the Downtown Specific Plan expressing the Council’s desire to maintain commercial uses on the ground floor; and
- Research and draft an ordinance to incentivize developers to preserve commercial vibrancy, such as through expedited design review.
Engaging with our Local Businesses.
Mayor McDowell inquired about staff efforts to connect with and support local businesses.
Ms. Blackburn distributed a handout outlining initiatives from the Economic Development and Advance Planning Divisions, which will be included in the meeting’s supplemental materials. Staff emphasized that City -supported promotions are most effective when businesses actively champion them.
Some strategies discussed include:
- Hosting a listening session with businesses;
- Consider creating a new position focused on business engagement;
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- Establishing a Downtown Subcommittee; and
- Communicating with the Chamber of Commerce to explore additional ways the City can provide support
Parklet Standards.
Councilmember Dugan inquired if the parklet standards are acceptable until the Downtown Specific Plan is implemented.
Staff noted that the Parklet Program was recently extended for another year, allowing time to address this matter at a later date.
Inbound Commercial Activity/Development Projects.
Mayor McDowell expressed concern regarding the proliferation of service businesses in the downtown core.
Council directed staff to schedule a special meeting to hold a study session on downtown retail and the chain store ordinance before the November 24 regular meeting.
Compliance Process for Restaurants.
Vice Mayor Venkatesh stated that staff has responded to her questions about the compliance process for restaurants failing to meet county standards, particularly concerning waste disposal.
HOUSING
Workforce Housing: Create a Working Group.
Councilmember Layton proposed creating a workforce housing task force with the School District.
Council agreed that a staff-to-staff approach would be a good way to start.
Mr. Maltbie concurred and indicated he would discuss the proposal with the Community Development Department.
Status Update on the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
Vice Mayor Venkatesh noted that her request for an update on RHNA have already been addressed by staff.
Housing for Mentally Disabled Adults.
Mayor McDowell highlighted the need for affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities. She asked that staff incorporate OneStep Beyond into strategic housing planning and consider it for the Eaton Project.
PARKING, STREETS, & TRAFFIC
Parking Restrictions.
Vice Mayor Venkatesh inquired about the parking restriction signs in the lot behind Peet’s Coffee.
Mr. Maltbie explained that the lot is privately owned, so the City is not involved.
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Employee Parking at Wheeler Plaza Parking Structure.
Council and staff discussed what the city has done to encourage employees to park on the second floor of the Wheeler Plaza Parking structure, noting that zoned parking could be considered.
Council directed staff to designate certain parking spaces for compact vehicles as an alternative to restriping the entire lot.
Traffic Mitigation Update: Tierra Linda, Charter, Mariposa.
At Vice Mayor Venkatesh’s request, Ms. Blackburn provided an update on the Four Cor ners Project.
The issue of crossing guard practices was discussed. Mayor McDowell noted that she may bring the matter forward at the next 2+2 meeting to address proper crossing procedures, suggesting it could be a training issue.
Plan for Upgrading Pavement Condition Index (PCI).
Councilmember Rak requested an update on the plan for road improvements throughout San Carlos.
Mr. Maltbie provided an update on the plan and noted that staff will continue to enhance outreach to share the project’s progress, including efforts to reach directly impacted residents.
PARKS, RECREATION, AND EVENTS
Picnic Table Reservations.
Vice Mayor Venkatesh advocated for shortening the duration of picnic table reservations, rather than maintaining the current single 12-hour block from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ms. Blackburn addressed potential maintenance challenges associated with shorter reservation blocks.
Policy for Reserving Pickle Ball Courts.
Vice Mayor Venkatesh inquired about the City’s pickleball reservation policy.
Ms. Blackburn distributed a handout explaining the paddle system , which will be included in the meeting’s supplemental materials.
At Council direction, the Parks & Recreation Director will follow up with further details on pickleball reservations.
Community Celebrations - Diwali and Lunar New Year.
This matter was discussed earlier in the meeting under the “Revive Downtown” item.
Vista Park.
Vice Mayor Venkatesh proposed adding benches and a small play structure at Vista Park.
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Ms. Blackburn confirmed staff will include these suggestions into the Parks Master Plan.
Parks Maintenance and Volunteers.
Mayor McDowell raised concerns regarding the City’s use of volunteers for maintenance tasks.
Staff will review whether existing vendors are fulfilling their contracts and determine if adjustments to maintenance agreements are necessary to enhance the upkeep of the City’s fields, parks, and roadways.
California Native Plants.
Councilmember Rak inquired about the City’s obligations to preserv e identified protected native plants on public lands.
Staff provided an overview of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions for protecting sensitive biological resources, including native plants.
Bathroom at the Museum of San Carlos History.
Mayor McDowell noted that the Museum of San Carlos History lacks an ADA accessible bathroom, which has resulted in the bathroom being closed.
Staff will coordinate with the facilities team to address this issue.
POLICY
Gas Powered Leaf Blowers.
Councilmember Dugan advocated for a study session to discus s banning gas -powered leaf blowers, citing a petition demonstrating interest.
After discussion, the Council, did not support reconsidering the ban but directed staff to continue to explore electric-leaf blower rebate programs.
Encampment Ordinance.
Mayor McDowell spoke on the County’s Encampment Ordinance and a need for the City to consider it.
Council directed staff to proceed with the County’s model ordinance for encampment and explore restrictions on RV (recreational vehicles) overnight parking.
Life Moves Reporting App.
Mayor McDowell discussed the County’s LifeMoves app, which assists in tracking and coordinating services for individuals experiencing homelessness, and asked whether Councilmembers could access it.
Ms. Blackburn stated that the City Manager’s Executive Assistant is trained on the app and can log issues submitted by Council.
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Potential Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) Threat Letter.
There was no interest from Council in discussing this potential letter.
Recreational Marijuana.
Councilmember Layton inquired if there’s been consideration for retail marijuana for tax revenue.
The Council did not express interest in considering this at this time.
GOVERNANCE & INTERNAL PROCESSES
Subcommittees/Commissions.
Councilmember Layton questioned the purpose of current C ouncil subcommittees and whether they are appropriately structured. A suggestion was made to consider creating subcommittees that reflect each strategic goal.
Councilmember Layton also noted feedback from Commissioners who feel their service is not impactful and asked how their guidance could be more effective.
Staff noted that, during the initial meetings with commission applicants, expectations are clearly set that Commissioners serve as community ambassadors and advisory bodies.
The Council did not express interest in changing the commission process.
Improving the Efficiency of Council Direction through Study Sessions.
Councilmember Layton highlighted the need for process improvements to increase opportunities for Council to provide direction to staff and to receive more timely presentations. He proposed scheduling four study sessions per year, to be used as needed, held as regular meetings but conducted in the format of a mini-retreat. Council expressed interest in considering this approach.
Support for Council – Onboarding Process.
Mayor McDowell requested that staff review the Councilmember onboarding process , stressing that Councilmembers should be fully informed about available benefits, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and encouraged to use them.
Support for Council – Safety.
Mayor McDowell highlighted the importance of providing additional support to Councilmembers to ensure their safety and reinforce a sense of support.
Support for Council - Email and Website Access Abroad.
Council expressed interest in being able to access their City email and the City’s website while abroad.
Staff noted that accessing City email from outside the country poses a security risk and added that the City’s website should remain accessible overseas. Staff will investigate the matter further.
Council requested additional information on the associated risks and available options for email access.
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Closed Sessions Memos.
Mayor McDowell requested that materials for closed session items be provided in advance of the meeting to allow time for review and consideration. The goal is to receive them on the same day the packet is published; if that is not feasible, staff should co mmunicate the anticipated delivery date.
Brown Act and Photographs.
To ensure continued compliance with the Brown Act, the Council directed staff to include peer - shared informational materials on upcoming discussion topics in the Council packet or, when appropriate, in the Council newsletter, instead of distributing them via email.
City Scheduling of Public Events.
Mayor McDowell requested that staff be mindful of significant religious and cultural observances when scheduling public meetings and events.
Usage of AI in Workflow.
Mayor McDowell encouraged staff to continue exploring ways to utilize artificial intelligence and to review best practices for its use.
Emergency Preparedness Exercises.
Mayor McDowell requested that the Council be included in emergency preparedness discussions to ensure they are informed and prepared for such events.
Public Educational Videos.
Mayor McDowell requested that staff consult with the City Council when developing educational videos to ensure questions they frequently receive are addressed.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Crystal Mui
City Clerk