December 8, 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
December 8, 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
Samantha Copsey, Deputy City Clerk
Greg DaCunha, Deputy Fire Chief
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Andrea Mardesich, Assistant Community Development Director Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Mark Myers, Police Chief
Amy Newby, Parks and Recreation Director
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
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by White Oaks Brownie Troop #61920.
4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
None.
5. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor McDowell recognized several elected officials and former mayors present in the room.
Council Member Rak wished his daughter, Jane, a happy 21st birthday.
December 8, 2025 2
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Collins, resident and former San Carlos Mayor, spoke in appreciation of soon-to-be retiring City Manager Jeff Maltbie , highlighting his accomplishments during his 15 years of service as City Manager.
Mark Olbert, resident and former San Carlos Mayor, also recognized City Manager Jeff Maltbie and shared personal remarks.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar items ‘a’ through ‘d.
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 October 27, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes.
c. Approve the City Council October 27, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
d. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a New Vac -con V350/850 Dual Engine Combination Sewer Truck from Municipal Maintenance Equipment in the Amount of $707,520.53.
Resolution 2025-135
8. REORGANIZATION
a. Appoint City of San Carlos’ 2026 Mayor.
Mayor McDowell delivered her outgoing remarks, reflecting on her experience serving as the centennial mayor and highlighting the year -long centennial celebrations and community events.
She also outlined key accomplishments during her term and expressed gratitude to city staff, her council colleagues, and her family for their support.
Public Comment
Twisha Anand, resident, thanked Mayor McDowell for her influence on her path to civic service and commended Vice Mayor Venkatesh's leadership.
Ray Mueller, County Supervisor, presented a certificate of appreciation to Mayor McDowell on behalf of the County Board of Supervisors, praising her service to the community.
Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Mayor McDowell for her leadership and service to the community.
MOTION: Appoint Council Member Pranita Venkatesh as City of San Carlos’ Mayor.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Layton
December 8, 2025 3
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh, McDowell
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Dean Ballback, Mayor Venkatesh’s husband, administered the Oath of Office to her.
Mayor Venkatesh delivered her incoming remarks, sharing her personal background, acknowledging her parents’ sacrifices, and noting the historic significance of becoming San Carlos’ first South Asian mayor. She thanked City staff, particularly retiring City Manager Jeff Maltbie, outlined her vision for an inclusive, family -focused, and vibrant community, and expressed gratitude to her family for their support.
Councilmembers offered congratulatory remarks.
b. Appoint City of San Carlos’ 2026 Vice Mayor.
MOTION: Appoint Council Member Adam Rak as City of San Carlos’ Vice Mayor.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Rak, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
City Clerk Crystal Mui administered the Oath of Office to Vice Mayor Rak.
Vice Mayor Rak thanked his colleagues for their support and expressed his commitment to assisting Mayor Venkatesh in her work for the city.
Councilmembers congratulated Vice Mayor Rak and expressed enthusiasm for the leadership of Mayor Venkatesh and Vice Mayor Rak.
9. AGENDA SETTING
None.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Venkatesh adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. to a social reception in the foyer.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk