March 23, 2026 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
March 23, 2026 7:00 PM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Pranita Venkatesh, Mayor
Adam Rak, Vice Mayor
John Dugan, Councilmember
Neil Layton, Councilmember
Sara McDowell, Councilmember
Staff Present: Nil Blackburn, Interim City Manager
Rendell Bustos, Senior Planner
Lisa Costa Sanders, Principal Planner Consultant
Andrew Douglass, Senior Management Analyst
Paul Harris, Financial Services Manager
Marco Lao, Senior Accountant
Grace Le, City Engineer
Emma Licko, Recreation Supervisor
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
Andrea Mardesich, Assistant Community Development Director Rebecca Mendenhall, Administrative Services Director
Tyler Muela, Recreation Supervisor
Crystal Mui, City Clerk
Lisa Porras, Planning Manager
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
Tracy Scramaglia, Assistant Public Works Director
Deanna Skaggs, Assistant Planner
Chris Valley, Building Official
Kristie Woo, Associate Planner
Quinne Woolley, Management Analyst
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Venkatesh called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. TELECONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS BY COUNCIL
None.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Venkatesh led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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4. CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
None.
5. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. Receive a Presentation from San Mateo County on its Vehicle License Fee Initiative.
San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy and Assistant County Executive Justin Mates provided a comprehensive overview and update on the Vehicle License Fee. Mr. Callagy and Mr. Mates responded to Council questions. The presentation concluded with information about a press conference planned for April 7 th and requests for ongoing council support and public outreach.
b. Present a Proclamation Recognizing March 23 –27, 2026 as Government Finance Professionals Week.
Mayor Venkatesh presented a proclamation to Administrative Services Director Rebecca Mendenhall, Financial Services Manager Paul Harris and Senior Accountant Marco Lao recognizing Government Finance Professionals Week. Ms. Mendenhall and Mr. Harris thanked the Council for the recognition.
7. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member McDowell and Vice Mayor Rak thanked the City’s Public Works team for the extensive paving work underway throughout San Carlos.
Mayor Venkatesh announced the appointment of Police Captain Mike Tabak and invited him to speak.
Captain Tabak expressed gratitude for the appointment and affirmed his commitment to compassionate, transparent leadership and collaboration.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
Sonia Elkes, a resident, thanked the City for road improvements benefiting bicyclists and expressed support for infrastructure connecting the hills and flats for bicyclists and micromobility users.
Liz Min, a resident, raised safety concerns regarding El Sereno Drive and offered suggestions for improvement.
Elizabeth Lacasia, a resident, raised safety concerns regarding El Sereno Drive and offered suggestions for improvement.
Monica Viziano, a resident, raised safety concerns regarding El Sereno Drive and offered suggestions for improvement.
An unidentified resident expressed concern about a narrow street, emphasizing potential safety risks if the existing easement is eliminated.
Vice Mayor Rak requested staff to follow up with the residents and provide a briefing to Council.
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9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Rak recused himself from item 9s – upgrade of existing tennis and basketball court, due to living within 500 feet of Burton Park.
MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar Items ‘a’ through ‘r’ and ‘t’.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Dugan
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Rak, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve the City Council January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
c. Approve the City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
d. Approve the City Council February 21, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes.
e. Adopt a Resolution Updating the City's Records Retention Schedule. Resolution 2026-020
f. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the 2023 -25 2nd Floor Library Remodel (Suite 202) Phase II Project C2316 and Authorizing the Building Official to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion. Resolution 2026-021
g. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Two -Year Extension to the Current Agreement for Products and/or Services with Avalon Transportation for Bus Transportation Services for Youth Center and Adult Community Center Programs in the Amount of $112,456, and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 10% Contingency of $11,246, for a Total Not -to-Exceed Contract Amount of $123,702. Resolution 2026-022
h. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Five -Year Agreement for Products and/or Services with Armed Force Security, Inc. for Special Event Security Services in the Amount of $147,221, and Authorizing a Contingency of $14,722, for a Total Not -to-Exceed Contract Amount of $161,943. Resolution 2026-023
i. Receive the State Mandated 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Direct Staff to Submit Report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1, 2026.
j. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Library Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades Project (C2418) and Authorizing a Call for Bids. Resolution 2026-024
k. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Amended Classification Specification for the Position of Accounting Technician I/II. Resolution 2026-025
l. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Highlands Park Path Project (C1811) and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Issue and Record a Notice of Completion. Resolution 2026-026
m. Deny Claim of Brian Benjamin Witlin.
n. Deny Claim of Joanie Marie Kay.
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o. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Sanitary Sewer Easement Over a Portion of the Property at 620 Terrace Road, San Carlos, County of San Mateo, California. Resolution 2026-027
p. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the 2025 Storm Drain Improvements Project (C9531); Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Devaney Engineering, Inc. in the Amount of $475,500; and Authorizing a 20% Contingency in the Amount of $95,100 for a Total Not -to- Exceed Project Cost of $570,600. Resolution 2026-028
q. Deny Claim of Kruti Pandya.
r. Adopt a Resolution Appropriating and Amending the Public Project Agreement with Kerex Engineering, Inc. in the Amount of $200,000 from the General Capital Fund (“Fund 25”) Unassigned Fund Balance to the San Carlos Avenue Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project – Phase III (C1806). Resolution 2026-029
s. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the Upgrade of Existing Tennis and Basketball Court Lighting at Burton and Highlands Parks (C2102); Appropriating $5,000 from the General Capital Fund (“Fund 25”) Unassigned Fund Balance to Project C2102; Authorizing the Executi on of an Agreement with Nema Construction in the Amount of $271,100; and Authorizing the Expenditure of an Approximate 10% Contingency in the Amount of $27,521 for a Total Not-to- Exceed Contract Amount of $298,621.
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2026-030 Awarding the Upgrade of Existing Tennis and Basketball Court Lighting at Burton and Highlands Parks (C2102); Appropriating $5,000 from the General Capital Fund (“Fund 25”) Unassigned Fund Balance to Project C2102; Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Nema Construction in the Amount of $271,100; and Authorizing the Expenditure of an Approximate 10% Contingency in the Amount of $27,521 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount of $298,621.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Dugan
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RECUSE: Rak
RESULT: Motion Passed 4 – 0 – 1
t. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the Library Building Painting Project (C2519); Authorizing the Execution of a Public Projects Agreement with Aiden's Quality Painting Inc. in the Amount of $77,975; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 15% Contingency in the Amount of $12,000 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount of $89,975. Resolution 2026-031
10. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Consideration of Introducing an Ordinance Amending the San Carlos Zoning Map and Title 18 - Zoning Ordinance, of the San Carlos Municipal Code Temporarily Excluding Sites Within the MU-DC-100 Mixed-Use Downtown Core, MU-D-120 Mixed-Use Downtown, MU-SC-120 Mixed- Use San Carlos Avenue, and RM-100 Multiple Family Zoning Districts that are Within 0.25 Miles of the San Carlos Caltrain Station, Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act.
Community Development Director Al Savay and Planning Manager Lisa Porras presented a proposed ordinance to temporarily exclude specified sites from SB 79 development standards, allowing time to prepare an alternative Transit-Oriented Development Plan. Ms. Porras and Legal Counsel Consultant Eric Phillips responded to Council questions.
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The Council emphasized the importance of protecting the downtown character and proactive housing planning and directed staff to:
- E mphasize preservation of first-floor retail activation as a key policy goal in all related planning documents.
- M eet with state representatives to communicate the specific impacts of SB 79 on San Carlos.
Public Comments
None.
MOTION: Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1634 Amending the San Carlos Zoning Map and Title 18 - Zoning Ordinance, of the San Carlos Municipal Code Temporarily Excluding Sites Within the MU -DC-100 Mixed-Use Downtown Core, MU-D- 120 Mixed- Use Downtown, MU- SC-120 Mixed -Use San Carlos Avenue, and RM -100 Multiple Family Zoning Districts that are Within 0.25 Miles of the San Carlos Caltrain Station, Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: McDowell, Rak, Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
b. Consideration of Introducing an Ordinance Amending Planned Development Ordinance 1265 and Adopting a Planned Development (PD) Plan for the Property Known as the San Carlos Elms Senior Assisted Care Facility (APN 050-152-320) 707 Elm Street (PD-14).
Principal Planner Lisa Costa Sanders presented the proposed project at 707 Elm Street and then turned the presentation over to San Carlos Elms Board President Kristin Anderson, who spoke about the remodel project. Architect Matthew Smith of SmithGroup introduced himself and his team, and San Carlos Elms Executive Director Scott Evans discussed the need for updates at the facility. Ms. Costa Sanders, Mr. Evans, and Assistant Planner Deanna Skaggs responded to Council questions.
The Council expressed support for the project’s contributions to senior housing and community needs, and provided the following direction:
- Ensure appropriate low-maintenance landscaping, such as non-fruiting olive trees. - Plan for and consider future rehabilitation or construction projects to add more senior housing units.
- Provide additional information on the below-market-rate (BMR) units that the City does not manage, including the waitlist and tenant selection process.
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Public Comments
None.
MOTION: Close the Public Hearing
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Dugan, McDowell, Layton, Rak, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1635 Amending Planned Development Ordinance 1265 and Adopting a Planned Development (PD) Plan for the Property Known as the San Carlos Elms Senior Assisted Care Facility (APN 050- 152-320) 707 Elm Street (PD-14).
MOVER: Rak
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Rak, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
The Council recessed at 8:58 p.m. and reconvened at 9:06 p.m.
11. STUDY SESSION
a. Receive a Presentation on the Downtown Prosperity Team’s (DPT) Mission, Communications Matrix, and Potential Projects List and Provide Feedback.
Recreation Manager Tyler Muela commenced the item by introducing his team and outlining the mission of the DPT. Management Analyst Quinne Woolley presented the DPT’s communications plan framework. Senior Management Analyst Andrew Douglass reviewed the DPT’s completed, in-progress, and potential projects. Mr. Douglass and Ms. Woolley responded to Council questions.
Following Council questions and discussion, the following directions were provided to staff:
- Expand outreach to community organizations, including the Elms. Council offered assistance in these efforts.
- Update the Harrington Park memorial plaque to include Frank Harrington’s service with the San Carlos Police Department.
- Maintain a responsive, up-to-date website with clear, easily digestible information. - Support the DPT in pursuing professional development opportunities, including attending downtown association conferences.
- Evaluate and consider development of an entertainment zone and potential shuttle service options.
- Maintain effective parking enforcement and consider additional funding, if needed, to ensure adequate turnover of parking spaces.
- Upgrade Wheeler Plaza signage to digital and clarify free parking to improve visibility and utilization.
- Add a business resources section to the website, including information on funding and loans.
- Continue a flexible and responsive approach to supporting businesses during construction.
- Support the temporary reinstallation of the Faith and Spirits parklet during construction.
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- Develop a shared document or system to track communications with businesses and the construction team to improve coordination and responsiveness. - Consider practical alleyway enhancements, such as striping and pothole repair, to mitigate construction impacts.
- Consider relocating booths/stalls to the center of the street for the Art and Wine Faire.
12. AGENDA SETTING
Council Member Layton requested that an item be agendized to review the itemized cost for Downtown Phase 1b. The Council directed staff to include this request as a future agenda setting item for further discussion and consideration.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk