October 27, 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
October 27, 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
Janice Cheung, Fire Marshall
Lisa Costa Sanders, Principal Planner Consultant
Hanieh Houshmandi, Senior Traffic Engineer
Robert Lord, Assistant Building Official
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Tyler Muela, Recreation Manager
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director
Lisa Porras, Planning Manager
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
Chris Valley, Building Official
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McDowell called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS
None.
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.
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6. PRESENTATIONS
a. Present a Proclamation Recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Mayor McDowell presented a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) Board Director Donald “Duffy” Magilligan accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for acknowledging Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the work of CORA.
b. Receive a Presentation from SamTrans on the Grand Boulevard Initiative Action Plan/Central El Camino Real Multimodal Plan.
Nicholas Yee, SamTrans Senior Planner/Deputy Project Manager for the Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) Action Plan, presented the GBI and Central El Camino Real Multimodal Plan, while Sue-Ellen Atkinson, San Mateo County Transportation Authority Manager spoke on their role in helping fund the Project. Mr. Yee responded to Council questions.
Council express ed support for the initiative and its goals to make El Camino Real a more multimodal, pedestrian-friendly corridor.
7. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Dugan reported from the Peninsula Clean Energy Board Meeting, noting t hat Peninsula Clean Energy would be rebranded as "West Light Energy" in the coming months and relocating its headquarters to San Mateo in the next year.
Mayor McDowell thanked staff for the Goblin Walk event and acknowledged the small businesses that participated. She also reported on attending the leadership breakfast hosted by the San Mateo County Office of Education's Coalition for Safe Schools and Comm unities, which featured presentations on a mental health blueprint, e-bike education and safety, and safe routes to school.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar items ‘a’ through ‘g; and Item ‘h’ - Adopt Ordinance 1627 Approving the 789 Old County Road Project Planned Development Plan, Sign Program, and Related Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone the Project Site from Heavy Industrial (IH) to Planned Development (PD) at 789 Old County Road (APNs 046-131-610 & 046-131-630); and Item ‘i’ - Adopt Ordinance 1628 an Ordinance of the City of San Carlos Approving a Development Agreement with Bransten Road Associates LLC for the 789 Old County Road Project.
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.
October 27, 2025 3
b. Approve the September 22, 2025 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.
c. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of all Documents in the Participation of the Pooled Liability Assurance Network Joint Powers Insurance Authority (PLAN JPA) Workers Compensation Program. Resolution 2025-117
d. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Third Addendum to the Professional Services Agreement with True North Research, Inc. for Survey Services for an Additional Three Years.
Resolution 2025-118
e. Adopt a Resolution Consenting to the Dissolution of San Mateo County Cities Insurance Group Joint Powers Authority Pursuant to Section 5 of the San Mateo County Cities Insurance Group Joint Powers Agreement and Approving a Dissolution Agreement to Govern t he Dissolution Process. Resolution 2025-119
f. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Addendum to the Professional Services Agreement with Fehr and Peers in the Amount of $6,500 for Additional Professional Engineering Services for Staff Training and Implementation of the Transportation Stud y Guidelines.
Resolution 2025-120
g. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Amendment to the Agreement for Public Projects with SC Works for the Citywide Wayfinding Program (Project #C1719) from $454,250.00 to $464,830.43 and Authorizing a Contingency in the Amount of $14,829.71 f or a Total Not-to- Exceed Amount of $479,660.16. Resolution 2025-121
h. Adopt Ordinance 1627 Approving the 789 Old County Road Project Planned Development Plan, Sign Program, and Related Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone the Project Site from Heavy Industrial (IH) to Planned Development (PD) at 789 Old County Road (APNs 046-131-610 & 046- 131-630).
i. Adopt Ordinance 1628 Approving a Development Agreement with Bransten Road Associates LLC, for the 789 Old County Road Project.
10. STUDY SESSION
a. Receive a Presentation on the Draft Parks Master Plan Recommendations:
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director, commenced the item and introduced Casey Cates, Principal–in-Charge consultant. Ms. Cates spoke on the Parks Master Plan p lanning process and their community engagement efforts.
i. Provide Direction on a Preferred Site for a Community and Aquatic Center; and
Due to the proximity of his home, Council Member Rak recused himself from the presentation, discussion and public comments of the Community and Aquatic Center, Burton Park, Youth Center and Kiwanis Building.
Ms. Cates presented on the community center options and requested feedback on the preferred site for the community and aquatic center. Ms. Cates, Outreach Coordinator Rebecca Flanagan, Ms. Newby, Architect Consultant Principal -in Charge Suzi Marzuola responded to Council questions.
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Public Comment s on Community and Aquatic Center ; Burton Park, Youth Center and Kiwanis Building:
− Bonnie Silverman, Executive Director of Arbor Bay School , requested a 3- year lease extension beyond the current lease that expires in 2027.
- Kevin Crowell and his daughter shared their experience with Arbor Bay School and requested delaying the aquatic center.
− Stephanie Glass, resident, requested a 3-year lease extension for Arbor Bay.
− Susan Rose, resident and Board Member of Arbor Bay, requested a 3- year lease extension.
− Dane Barca, president of Arbor Bay Board, requested a 3-year lease extension and future relocation assistance.
− Andrew Neff spoke in opposition to the proposed changes and advocated for preserving tennis courts.
− Valery Soloviev, resident, spoke on the high demand for tennis courts.
− Mirella Bucci, Vice President of the San Carlos Tennis Club, spoke in support of multi- use facilities.
− Carol Rhodes, resident and San Carlos Tennis Club member, cautioned that a pool is costly to operate year -round and emphasized the courts’ multi -use value, urging data collection before removing facilities.
− Leslie Doohan, resident and San Carlos Tennis Club member, spoke on the high demand for tennis courts.
− Laureen Cortez, San Carlos Tennis Club President, spoke on the high demand for tennis courts.
− Tami, San Carlos Tennis Club member and Membership Director, stressed the need to maintain the Burton tennis courts.
− Rosario Fernandez, resident, spoke in support of saving Burton tennis courts.
Ms. Flannagan, Ms. Newby, City Planning Consultant Lisa Costa Sanders, responded to Council’s additional questions.
After discussion, the Council agreed to remove the Community Center and Aquatic Center study from the Parks Master Plan process for separate consideration, noting the need for a more detailed analysis and the opportunity to explore additional creative options. The Council also provided the following direction to staff:
- Pursue a lease extension for Arbor Bay School and report back on related considerations.
- Gather and provide data on park and facility usage, including peak hours, court availability, frequency of lines, and impacts on heavily used facilities.
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- Explore options for incorporating movable fencing to create flexible spaces within Burton Park, as well as the potential for a permanent, centralized structure (e.g., a snack-shack–type facility) to support events, fundraisers, and concessions.
Council recessed at 9:36 p.m. and reconvened at 9:47 p.m.
MOTION: At 9:47 p.m, Extend the Meeting to 1:00 a.m.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Venkatesh
AYES: Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, McDowell
NAYS: Rak
RESULT: Motion Passed 4 – 1
ii. Provide Input on Park Site and Facility Recommendations.
Big Canyon Park
Due to the proximity of her home, Vice Mayor Venkatesh recused herself from the presentation, discussion and public comments on Big Canyon Park.
Ms. Casey presented the recommendations for Big Canyon Park and responded to Council’s questions.
Public Comment on Big Canyon Park:
− Tom Morse, resident, spoke on why Heather Dog Park cannot connect to the Big Canyon Trail.
Council provided following direction:
- Ensure the Trails Connection Plan is incorporated into the overall Parks Master Plan. - Move forward with implementing an app that allows residents to use QR codes to learn about the park’s flora and fauna, and include a marker for a memorial to the Navy members who died in the Big Canyon Park plane crash during World War II.
Ms. Casey and Ms. Flannagan highlighted the recommended improvements for Arguello Park, Cedar Street Park, City Hall Dog Park, Crestview Park, Eaton Park, Heather Dog Park, Highlands Park, Hillcrest Circle Park, Laureola Park, Laureola building, San Carlos Avenue Park, Vista Park and the Adult Community Center. She, Ms. Newby, City Attorney Greg Rubens and Principal Planner Consultant Lisa Costa Sanders responded to Council questions.
Council provided the following direction:
Arguello Park
- Include a pathway to the adventure park to make it easier to bring bikes to the track. - Move the pump track to a short-term priority rather than mid-term and note Council’s interest in exploring a new location due to concerns about the steep terrain and limited accessibility.
Cedar Street Park
- Reimagine the space with creative uses to make the park unique based on its location
- Enforce the no-dog policy at applicable parks.
City Hall Dog Park
- Adjust the language to be less definitive about a potential conversion, using “adapt” rather than “convert” when referring to future options.
October 27, 2025 6
Crestview Park
- Consider reclassifying the park as a community park rather than a neighborhood park, and provide clearer guidance on what such an upgrade would mean for planning purposes.
- Move quick, easy fixes —such as planting the two new trees and adding a shade structure over the bleachers—to the short-term category.
Eaton Park
- Include signage and design features that deter e-bikes in open space parks. - Replace the term “pave” with “improve” when referring to the fire road or other durable surfacing to support fire access and provide better footing for hikers.
Heather Dog Park
- Update the current wording about “improved visibility and access” to better reflect on-site cleanup of overgrown areas.
Highlands Park
- Restripe the courts to create six permanent, dedicated pickleball courts.
Laureola Building
- Incorporate the Laureola Building into the Laureola Park Master Plan.
San Carlos Avenue Park
- Expand the park’s usability and reimagine it as a more active space, potentially including an amphitheater.
- Consider options such as a dedicated dog park or dog run, or a basketball court. - Explore renaming the park, with a thoughtful and inclusive process. - If the park is intended to be ADA -accessible, identify parking options to ensure parents can easily access the space and incorporate the addition of a restroom.
Vista Park
- Remove the dog off-leash park option
General Direction
- Include language in the Master Plan stating that when a park is redesigned — especially upgraded to a community park —the design should include usability features such as a bathroom. If funding does not support a community -level upgrade, amenities like bathrooms would not be expected. - Prioritize a ccessibility features for all parks and move them into the short-term improvement category.
- Consider incorporating a unique feature at each park to attract visitors, including themed public art that reflects each park’s character.
- Prioritize quick, easy fixes to the short-term category. - Agendize a study session to consider establishing a dog park at North Crestview. - Collaborate with the School District to discuss their long- term field and facility improvement plans that could expand and improve facilities and access to sports amenities.
- Consider expanding availability of AED (Automated External Defibrillator) towers at parks.
Public Comment on all remaining Parks and Facilities:
− Howie Shohet, resident, spoke in support for additional pickleball courts at Highlands Park and suggested double-striping tennis courts for multi-use.
− Mark Rubin, resident, highlighted the benefits of designated pickleball courts.
− Ken Owyang highlighted the benefits of designated pickleball courts.
− Carol Rhodes, resident, commended the City on the Parks Master Plan process and shared insights into the decline in tennis usage at Highlands Park.
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− Maryann (Mimi) McLaughlin spoke for additional pickleball courts at Highlands Park and suggested double-striping tennis courts for multi-use.
11. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consideration of Introducing Ordinances Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 - Technical Building Codes, Adopting the 2025 California Building Code Series; and Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Section 15.04.110 – Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code, Adopting the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code with the 2025 California Fire Code Amendments.
Robert Lord, Assistant Building Official, presented the updates needed to the Building and Fire Codes to align with the State’s adoptions and responded to Council questions.
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1629 Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Chapter
15.04 – Technical Building Codes, adopting the 2025 Editions of the California Administrative Code, California Building Code (Volumes 1 and 2), California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California M echanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Historical Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Referenced Standards Code, 1997 Uniform Security Code, the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code with Amendments and Modifications, and Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Placards.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Venkatesh
AYES: Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1630 Amending San Carlos Municipal Code Section
15.04.110 – Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code – adopting the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code and the 2025 California Fire Code including all Adopted Standards.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Venkatesh
AYES: Layton, Venkatesh, Rak, Dugan, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
b. Consideration of Introducing an Ordinance Adding Chapter 8.11 to the San Carlos Municipal Code Banning the Sale and Distribution of Nitrous Oxide, Also Known as “Whippets”, with Limited Exceptions.
City Attorney Greg Rubens presented the proposed ban of the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide, reviewed the limited exceptions and responded to Council questions.
Council directed staff to conduct outreach to potentially affected businesses, such as restaurants, to ensure they are informed about this ordinance and to issue a press release after it’s adopted.
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1631 Adding Chapter 8.11 to the San Carlos Municipal Code Banning the Sale and Distribution of Nitrous Oxide, Also Known as “Whippets”, with Limited Exceptions.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Rak
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AYES: Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, Rak, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
12. AGENDA SETTING
Councilmember Dugan requested that staff address the HVAC issues in the Council Chambers.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 p.m.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk