June 8, 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
June 8, 2026 7:00 PM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Pranita Venkatesh, Mayor
Adam Rak, Vice Mayor - Remote Pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54953(b).
John Dugan, Councilmember
Neil Layton, Councilmember
Sara McDowell, Councilmember
Staff Present: Nil Blackburn, Assistant City Manager
Shon Buford, Deputy Fire Chief
Rendell Bustos, Senior Planner
Brian Cary, Communications Manager
Akanksha Chopra, Sr. Management Analyst
Lisa Costa Sanders, Principal Planner Consultant
Rucha Dande, Principal Planner
Sajuti Haque, Economic Development and Housing Manager
Kathy Kleinbaum, City Manager
Steven Machida, Public Works Director
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
Gregory Rubens, City Attorney
Al Savay, Community Development Director
Alex Tat, Principal Engineer
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Venkatesh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. TELECONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS BY COUNCIL
Mayor Venkatesh announced that Vice Mayor Adam Rak is participating remotely from 675 Townsend Avenue, #18, New Haven, Connecticut, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b).
Vice Mayor Rak confirmed he could hear clearly, the agenda was posted at his location, and no members of the public were present wishing to participate.
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. Present a Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth.
Mayor Venkatesh presented a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in the City of San Carlos. The proclamation was received by Dr. Angelo Stanton and Shana Stanton.
Dr. Stanton, on behalf of his team and business partner, Dr. Keith Harper, thanked the city for its commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity. He noted that he and Dr. Harper chose San Carlos for their veterinary practice two years ago and expressed appreciation for the community.
b. Receive a Presentation from Caltrain on their Budget Process, Including their No External Funding Scenario.
Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director of Caltrain, and Jason Baker, Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations, presented on Caltrain's financial situation and future outlook and responded to Council questions.
Council encouraged Caltrain to partner with City staff on future community events.
7. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member McDowell announced that the San Carlos Library will be the first library in the San Mateo County system to receive new standalone meeting room pods, scheduled for installation in mid-June.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
Catheryne Nicholson, a resident, expressed concerns with the proposed storm drain improvement project.
Grace Harvey, a resident, expressed pedestrian and traffic safety concerns around Arundel Elementary School.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Rak expressed appreciation to City Attorney Greg Rubens for his work on the Trillium Lane Trail – Item 9f.
MOTION: Adopt City Council Consent Calendar Items ‘a’ through ‘l’.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Rak, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
June 8, 2026 3
a. Motion to Waive Reading of All Ordinances.
b. Approve the City Council April 27, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
c. Approve the City Council May 11, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes.
d. Adopt a Resolution Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for the Election of Certain Officers (As Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities); R equesting the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors to Consolidate Said General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election to be Held on the Date Pursuant to the Elections Code; and Authorizing the Execution of a Services Agreement with the County of San Mateo for Specified Services Relating to Conducting a General Municipal Election. Resolution 2026-062
e. Adopt a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Half Moon Bay, the City of East Palo Alto, the City of San Carlos, and the Town of Portola Valley to Coordinate Procurement Activities for the San Mateo County Regional El ectric Vehicle (EV) Charging Project. Resolution 2026-063
f. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Grant of a License and Authorizing the Execution of a License Agreement with Crestview Park Condominium Association for a Trail Connection at Trillium Lane.
Resolution 2026-064
g. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with the County of San Mateo for Public Safety Communication Services (Dispatch) for a Five -Year Term Beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031 for a Total Amount of $5,263,952 and Approving t he Use of Prior Year Savings from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in the Amount of $100,000 to Offset the Costs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27. Resolution 2026-065
h. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the Library Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades Project (C2418); Appropriating an Additional $286,935 from the General Capital Fund (“Fund 25”); Approving the Use of the Library Excess Trust Fund in the Amount of $286,935; Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Argos Construction in the Amount of $575,000; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 15% Contingency in the Amount of $86,250 for a Total Not -to-Exceed Contract Amount of $661,250. Resolution 2026-066
i. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the 2026 Sewer Lateral Replacement Project (C1737); Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Devaney Engineering Inc. in the Amount of $248,584; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a Contingency in the Amount of $33,926 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount of $282,510. Resolution 2026-067
j. Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Years 2026-28 for the Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department (BSCFD) and the Supplemental Payment for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 in the Amount of $158,700. Resolution 2026-068
k. Adopt a Resolution Awarding the 2026 Sewer System Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Inspection Project (C1736); Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with APS Environmental Inc. in the Amount of $599,505.80; and Authorizing the Expenditure of a 20% Contingency in the Amount of $120,494.20 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount of $720,000. Resolution 2026-069
l. Adopt a Resolution Approving the List of Proposed Streets Scheduled to be Resurfaced as Part of the Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project in Fiscal Year 2026-27 Funded by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Resolution 2026-070
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10. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Certifying the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Approving the Associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Parks Master Plan; Adopting a Resolution Adopting Amendments to the Parks and Recreation Element and the Environmental Management Element of the City of San Carlos General Plan; and Adopting a Resolution Adopting the Parks Master Plan.
Parks and Recreation Director Amy Newby introduced the item by providing an overview of the Parks Master Plan background and community engagement efforts, and highlighted additional proposed amendments included in the handout distributed at the meeting.
Principal Planner Lisa Costa Sanders reviewed the proposed amendments to the General Plan and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, and highlighted additional proposed amendments included in the handout distributed at the meeting.
Due to the proximity of his home, Vice Mayor Rak noted that he would need to recuse himself from any discussion related to Burton Park.
Ms. Newby, Ms. Costa Sanders, Consultant Casey Case and City Manager Kathy Kleinbaum responded to Council questions.
Public Comment
- Kevin Simpson, representing the San Mateo County Astronomical Society, spoke in support of the proposed Parks Master Plan.
- Allen Galenz, a resident, spoke in support of the proposed Parks Master Plan.
- Shannon Fernandez, a resident, urged the Council to better integrate parks and bike infrastructure.
- Karen Molinari, a resident, expressed support for the multi-use gymnasium concept.
- Eleanor, a resident, urged Council to prioritize basic, near-term improvements at lesser-known parks such as Arguello Park.
- Sam Herzberg, a resident, inquired if the Northeast Area Specific Plan’s community benefits program is identified in the Parks Master Plan as a potential funding source.
Mayor Venkatesh directed staff follow-up with Mr. Herzberg.
MOTION: Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: McDowell
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Council provided the following direction to staff:
- Share updates with astronomical groups confirming that no changes to lighting at Crestview Park are planned.
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- Update all references to “gymnasium” in the Parks Master Plan and General Plan Elements to “multi-use performing arts gymnasium.”
- Add shade structures over bleachers and dugouts at Burton Park. - Make permanent the historical markers installed as part of the Centennial celebration. - In addition to QR codes at trails in Big Canyon and Eaton Parks, explore potential expansion to Vista Park, subject to funding availability.
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2026 -071 certifying the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and approving the Associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Parks Master Plan and a mendments to the Parks and Recreation Element and the Environmental Management Element of the General Plan.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: McDowell, Rak*, Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
* for all items except those relating to Burton Park
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2026 -072 adopting amendments to the Parks and Recreation Element and the Environmental Management Element of the City of San Carlos General Plan, with amendments to incorporate the corrections identified by staff in the handout provided this evening and update all references to gymnasium space to also include “ multi-use performing arts gymnasium”.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Layton, McDowell, Rak*, Dugan, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
* for all items except those relating to Burton Park
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2026-073 adopting the Parks Master Plan and incorporate the corrections identified by staff in the handout provided this evening; and include the following amendments:
- add shade structures over bleachers and dugouts at Burton Park as a short- term improvement;
- make permanent the historical markers installed fr om the centennial celebration; and
- update all references to gymnasium space to also include “ multi-use performing arts gymnasium”.
MOVER: Layton
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Rak*, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
* for all items except those relating to Burton Park
Council recessed at 9:02 p.m. and reconvened at 9:12 p.m.
b. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Certifying the Environmental Impact Report for the Northeast Area Specific Plan; Adopting a Resolution Amending the San Carlos General Plan Land
June 8, 2026 6
Use Map, Land Use Element, Circulation and Scenic Highways Element, Environmental Management Element, and Environmental Safety and Public Services Element; Introducing an Ordinance Amending the San Carlos Zoning Map and Municipal Code Title 18 – Zoning, Repealing Chapter 18.14A, Removing References to Chapter 18.14A within Chapter 18.07 and Chapter
18.30, Adding Chapter 18.14.2, and Amending Chapter 18.19; and Introducing an Ordinance Adopting the Northeast Area Specific Plan.
Senior Planner Rendell Bustos presented the Northeast Area Specific Plan (NEASP) for adoption and, along with City Attorney Greg Rubens, responded to Council questions.
Vice Mayor Rak disclosed that he had conversations with Bay Area Storage and G.W. Williams and stated that they would not affect his decision.
Mayor Venkatesh disclosed that she had a meeting with G.W. Williams and stated that it would not affect her decision.
MOTION: At 10:26 p.m., extend the meeting to 12:00 a.m.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Dugan
AYES: McDowell, Rak, Dugan, Layton, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Public Comments
- Sean Williams , representing G.W. Williams , requested Council postpone adoption of the NEASP by 30 days to allow for further discussion.
- Chris Powell, representing G.W. Williams, requested Council postpone the adoption of the NEASP by 30 days to allow for further discussion.
- Nick Lecuyer, a resident, expressed support for the plan and suggested extending the pedestrian and bicycle pathway along Belmont Creek.
- Shannon Fernandez, a resident, spoke in support of active uses in the northeast area and noted challenges with east-west bicycle connectivity throughout the city.
MOTION: Close the Public Hearing.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: Layton, McDowell, Rak, Dugan, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
Mr. Rubens responded to Council’s additional questions.
Council provided the following direction to staff:
- Update designation “M” on Table 4 – I ndustrial Districts Land Use Regulations, to correct from "ministerial approval" to "minor use permit,” consistent with Table 3. - Add a requirement that publicly accessible open space on private land include clear signage indicating public use rights.
June 8, 2026 7
- Add a policy to the Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan encouraging public open space in new development, consistent with the NEASP. - E levate the following Industrial, Artisan, Manufacturing (IAM) frontage uses from Table 4 to require a conditional use permit: business and professional offices; industry, general; industry, limited; research and development; and research and development bio labs. - Include a statement in the Specific Plan stating the City’s desire to foster a mix of uses with community-serving businesses along the IAM frontages.
- T ransmit the adopted Plan to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and relevant water quality boards, informing them of the planned introduction of sensitive receptors and conveying the Council's expectation of robust environmental cleanup upon redevelopment.
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2026-074 certifying the Environmental Impact Report for the Northeast Area Specific Plan.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Dugan
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Rak, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Adopt Resolution 2026-075 amending the San Carlos General Plan Land Use Map, Land Use Element, Circulation and Scenic Highways Element, Environmental Management Element, and Environmental Safety and Public Services Element with an amendment to include a new policy in the Parks and Recreation Element promoting the provision of public open space in new development, including in the Northeast Area.
MOVER: McDowell
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1636 amending the San Carlos Zoning Map and Municipal Code Title 18 – Zoning, repealing Chapter 18.14A, removing references to Chapter 18.14A within Chapter 18.07 and Chapter 18.30, a dding Chapter
18.14.2 to codify the Northeast Area Specific Plan, and a mending Chapter
18.19. MOVER: Layton
SECONDER: Rak
AYES: Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Rak, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
MOTION: Introduce Ordinance 1637 adopting the Northeast Area Specific Plan with the following amendments:
- Update Table 4 - Industrial Districts Land Use Regulations, to identify “M” as a "minor use permit".
- Amend the following IAM frontage uses from Table 4 to require a conditional use permit: business and professional offices; industry, general; industry, limited; research and development; and research and development bio labs. - Include a statement affirming the City’s desire to foster a mix of uses with community-serving businesses along the IAM frontages.
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- Add a requirement that publicly accessible open space on private land include clear signage indicating public use rights.
MOVER: Dugan
SECONDER: Layton
AYES: Rak, Dugan, Layton, McDowell, Venkatesh
NAYS: None
RESULT: Motion Passed 5 – 0
11. AGENDA SETTING
Council Member Dugan requested that staff update the City's awareness program regarding public space on private land, specifically to incorporate a requirement for physical on-site signage.
The item received support from the full Council and will be agendized for a future meeting.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Venkatesh adjourned the meeting at 11:12 p.m.
Crystal Mui,
City Clerk