City Council Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
1:30 PM
Council Chambers
Closed Session at 9:00 a.m.
MATT MAHAN, MAYOR
ROSEMARY KAMEI, DISTRICT 1
PAMELA CAMPOS, DISTRICT 2
ANTHONY TORDILLOS, DISTRICT 3
DAVID COHEN, DISTRICT 4
PETER ORTIZ, DISTRICT 5
MICHAEL MULCAHY, DISTRICT 6
BIEN DOAN, DISTRICT 7
DOMINGO CANDELAS, DISTRICT 8
PAM FOLEY, VICE MAYOR, DISTRICT 9
GEORGE CASEY, DISTRICT 10
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 2 October 28,2025
• Call to Order and Roll Call
9:03 a.m. – Closed Session. See Pages 16-17 for the Closed Session Minutes.
Present Councilmembers: Mahan, Tordillos, Doan, Candelas, Foley, Casey.
Absent Councilmembers: Mulcahy, Ortiz, Cohen, Campos, Kamei. 1:34 p.m. Regular Session.
Present Councilmembers: Mahan, Kamei, Campos, Tordillos, Cohen, Ortiz, Mulcahy, Doan, Candelas, Foley, Casey.
Absent Councilmembers: None.
• Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Matt Mahan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Invocation (District 9)
Vice Mayor Pam Foley offered the invocation to The District 9 Stars, recognized for their leadership in District 9.
• Orders of the Day
Councilmember Peter Ortiz requested that Items 3.9 and 4.1 be heard concurrently at 4:00 p.m., with the two items to be voted on separately.
Public Comment: None provided.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Peter Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Domingo Candelas, and carried unanimously, Items 3.9 and 4.1 were approved to be heard concurrently at 4:00 p.m. and voted on separately. (11-0-0)
• Adjournment Recognition
Councilmember Bien Doan announced this meeting was adjourned in memory of Ton Ngo, a respected community leader, educator, and proud veteran who dedicated his life to service, both to his homeland and to the Vietnamese American community in San José. Mr. Ngo served honorably as a First Lieutenant in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and later as Chief Inspector of the Thu Duc Officers Association and host of the “Cư An Tư Nguy” radio program.
He will be remembered for his strength, compassion, and lifelong dedication to education, freedom, and community.
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 3 October 28,2025
• Closed Session Report
None provided.
1. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1.1 Councilmember Peter Ortiz presented a proclamation to honor October 25, 2025 as the Republic of China (Taiwan) Day in the City of San José.
1.2 Councilmember Pamela Campos presented a proclamation declaring October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of San José to uplift the voices of survivors and promote efforts to end domestic violence.
1.3 Vice Mayor Foley, Councilmember Kamei, and Councilmember Casey presented a proclamation recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to reaffirm the City of San José’s dedication to ensuring equal opportunities and access for all.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment: Lilian Koenig offered public comment.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Pamela Campos, seconded by Councilmember David Cohen, and carried unanimously, the Consent Calendar was approved as a whole and the below actions were taken as indicated. (10-0-1; Absent: Doan)
2.1 Approval of City Council Minutes.
None provided.
2.2 Final Adoption of Ordinances.
None provided.
2.3 Approval of Council Committee Minutes.
(a) Regular Transportation and Environment Committee Minutes of October 6, 2025.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-009, Staff Reports, Assessments, Annual Reports, and Informational Memos that involve no approvals of any City action.
Action: The Council Committee Minutes were approved. (10-0-1; Absent: Doan)
2.4 Mayor and Council Excused Absence Requests.
None provided.
2.5 City Council Travel Reports.
None provided.
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 4 October 28,2025
2.6 Report from the Council Liaison to the Retirement Boards.
None provided.
2.7 Actions Related to Grant Agreements for Two Interim Housing Program Sites - Cherry and Cerone.
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Housing Director, or his designee, to negotiate and execute new Emergency Interim Housing program grant agreements with the following nonprofit service provider: (a) HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County (Emergency Interim Housing site: Cherry) in an amount not to exceed $3,300,000, retroactive from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026; and
(b) HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County (Emergency Interim Housing site: Cerone) in an amount not to exceed $4,100,000, retroactive from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
CEQA: Determinations of Consistency with the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Emergency Interim Housing Programs project (Resolution No. RES2023-380), File No. ER24-015. Council Districts 4, 9. (Housing)
Action: Resolution No. RES2025-362 was adopted, regarding actions related to grant agreements for (a) HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County Emergency Interim Housing at Cherry, and (b) HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County Emergency Interim Housing at Cerone. (10-0-1; Absent:
Doan)
2.8 Acceptance of Grant Funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Valley Transportation Authority for Transit Oriented Communities Planning.
Adopt a Resolution of Local Support that demonstrates the City of San José will take the necessary assurances to implement the Metropolitan Transportation Commission grant award with the submitted application and will follow the Metropolitan Transportation Commission Funding Delivery Policy and the grant program requirements; and authorizes the City Manager or her designee to:
(a) Negotiate and execute grant agreements and all documents necessary to effectuate a grant agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission from Transit-Oriented Communities Planning and Implementation Grants in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000, with no local match, to implement density requirements for office and residential uses in proximity to transit stations as required by Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transit Oriented Communities policy; and (b) Negotiate and execute grant agreements and all documents necessary to effectuate a grant agreement with the Valley Transportation Authority to implement density requirements for office and residential uses in proximity to transit stations as required by Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transit Oriented Communities policy in an amount not to exceed $175,000, with a 10% local match, subject to the appropriation of funds.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-007, Preliminary direction to staff and eventual action requires approval from the decision-making body. (Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement) Action: Resolution No. RES2025-363 was adopted, regarding the acceptance of Grant Funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Valley Transportation Authority. (10-0-1; Absent:
Doan)
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 5 October 28,2025
2.9 Resolution of Support on State Proposition 50: Election Rigging Response Act.
Adopt a resolution taking a position of support for Proposition 50 (Election Rigging Response Act) on the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election Ballot authorizing temporary changes to congressional district maps in response to Texas’ partisan redistricting. CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-008, General Procedure and Policy Making resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (City Attorney) [Rules Committee referral 10/22/2025 - Item A.1.a] Action: Resolution No. RES2025-364 was adopted, regarding a position of support for State Proposition 50: Election Rigging Response Act. (10-0-1; Absent: Doan)
2.10 Resolution of Support on Santa Clara County Measure A: General Retail Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax of Five-Eighths of One Cent for Five Years.
Adopt a resolution taking a position of support for Measure A on the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election Ballot. CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-008, General Procedure and Policy Making resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (City Attorney) [Rules Committee referral 10/22/2025 - Item A.1.a]
Action: Resolution No. RES2025-365 was adopted, regarding a position of support for Santa Clara County Measure A: General Retail Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax of Five-Eighths of One Cent for Five Years. (10-0-1; Absent: Doan)
2.11 Boards and Commissions Appointment.
Approve the following Boards and Commissions appointments:
(a) Senior Citizens Commission:
(1) District 1 Seat: Appoint Gerald Giles for term ending June 30, 2029. (2) District 2 Seat: Appoint Rolanda Pierre-Dixon for term ending June 30, 2027. (3) District 5 Seat: Appoint Sandra Flores for term ending June 30, 2029.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-010, City Organizational and Administrative activities resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (City Clerk) [Rules Committee referral 10/22/2025 - Item A.1.a]
Action: The following Boards and Commissions appointments were approved:
(a) Senior Citizens Commission:
(1) District 1 Seat: Gerald Giles was appointed for a term ending June 30, 2029. (2) District 2 Seat: Rolanda Pierre-Dixon was appointed for a term ending June 30, 2027. (3) District 5 Seat: Sandra Flores was appointed for a term ending June 30, 2029. (10-0-1; Absent: Doan)
2.12 Retroactive Approval of the Santos Family Car Show Sponsored by Council District 4 as a City Council Sponsored Special Event to Expend City Funds and Accept Donations of Materials and Services for the Event.
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on October 22, 2025:
(a) Retroactively approve the Santos Family Car Show scheduled on August 30, 2025, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds; and (b) Retroactively approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses, or community groups to support the event. CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Cohen) [Rules Committee referral 10/22/2025 - Item B.3]
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 6 October 28,2025
Action: The special event sponsored by Council District 4 was retroactively approved. (10-0-1;
Absent: Doan)
3. STRATEGIC SUPPORT
3.1 Report of the City Manager, Jennifer Maguire (Verbal Report).
None provided.
3.2 Labor Negotiations Update.
None provided.
3.3 Coordination of Homelessness Activities Audit Report.
Accept the audit report on the coordination of homelessness activities.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-009, Staff Reports, Assessments, Annual Reports, and Informational Memos that involve no approvals of any City action. (City Auditor)
Joe Rois, City Auditor, City Auditor’s Office; Gitanjali Mandrekar, Assistant City Auditor, City Auditor’s Office; Michelle Mallari, Program Performance Auditor II, City Auditor’s Office; Adrian Perez, Program Performance Auditor II, City Auditor’s Office; and Erik Soliván, Director, Housing Department, offered the presentation and responded to questions from the Council.
Public Comment: Andrew Siegler, Lori, Azazel, Debbie Ow, Brie Mendoza, K. Hedges, Deb St.
Julien, Kayla C., Kim Guptill, and Shaunn offered public comment.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Peter Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Pamela Campos, and carried unanimously, the audit report on the coordination of homelessness activities was accepted.
AND
Including acceptance of the memorandum authored by Councilmember Peter Ortiz, dated October 29, 2025, recommending the following:
1. Accept the report and the Administration’s response.
2. Direct the City Manager to collaborate with the Housing Department to design and propose metrics that measure the achievement of outcomes by service providers funded by the City of San José, providing services to City Programs. These metrics would supplement audit recommendations 5, 6, and 7, which aim to improve oversight for Housing's service providers.
AND
Also including acceptance of the joint memorandum co-authored by Mayor Mahan, Vice Mayor Foley, Councilmember Kamei, Councilmember Campos, and Councilmember Tordillos, dated October 24, 2025, recommending the following:
1. Accept the report and the Administration’s response.
2. Direct the City Attorney and the City Manager, in collaboration with the Office of Racial and Social Equity, to review existing protocols and training materials regarding:
a. Reasonable accommodations for unhoused people with disabilities engaged in advance of and during encampment abatements, Oversized and Lived-In Vehicle Enforcement (OLIVE) activations, and other relevant interactions; and
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 7 October 28,2025
b. The collection, storage, and retrieval of personal belongings encountered during encampment abatements, OLIVE activations, and other relevant interactions.
3. If the City Manager and City Attorney determine that additional training is needed for contracted service providers and City staff who frequently engage with unhoused individuals on reasonable accommodations and the handling of personal belongings, direct the City Manager in collaboration with the Office of Racial and Social Equity to provide such training. (11-0-0)
3.4 Actions Related to the Purchase Order for Fire Apparatuses.
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or her designee to:
(a) Amend purchase order PO 83531 with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc., dba Fire Apparatus Solutions (Rialto, CA), for the purchase of four additional tractor-drawn aerial fire apparatuses, to increase the total compensation by up to $12,709,000, for a maximum compensation not-to-exceed $15,614,848, for the period ending June 30, 2028, subject to the appropriation of funds; and (b) Execute further amendments to PO 83531, and any additional purchase orders as necessary, for the purchase of tractor-drawn aerial fire apparatuses and related items based on the needs of the Fire Department, pursuant to pricing obtained under the Sourcewell cooperative agreement #113021- RVG, subject to the appropriation of funds.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-003, Agreements/Contracts (New or Amended) resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Finance)
Public Comment: None provided.
Motion: Councilmember David Cohen motioned to approve the October 24, 2025 joint memorandum co-authored by Mayor Mahan, Vice Mayor Foley, Councilmember Candelas, and Councilmember Cohen. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Domingo Candelas.
Friendly Amendment: Councilmember Bien Doan offered a friendly amendment to remove recommendations 2 and 4 from the October 24, 2025 joint memorandum, co-authored by Mayor Mahan, Vice Mayor Foley, Councilmember Candelas, and Councilmember Cohen. The friendly amendment was not accepted by the maker of the motion.
Matt Loesch, Director, Public Works Department; James Dobson, Deputy Fire Chief, San José Fire Department; and Patrick Chung, Deputy Fire Chief, San José Fire Department, responded to questions from the Council.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember David Cohen, seconded by Councilmember Domingo Candelas, Resolution No. RES2025-366 was adopted,
(a) amending purchase order PO 83531 with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc., for the purchase of four additional tractor-drawn aerial fire apparatuses to increase the total compensation by up to $12,709,000, for a maximum compensation not-to-exceed $15,614,848, for the period ending June 30, 2028, subject to the appropriation of funds; and
(b) executing further amendments to PO 83531, and any additional purchase orders as necessary, for the purchase of tractor-drawn aerial fire apparatuses and related items based on the needs of the Fire Department, pursuant to pricing obtained under the Sourcewell cooperative agreement #113021- RVG, subject to the appropriation of funds.
AND
Including acceptance of the joint memorandum co-authored by Mayor Mahan, Vice Mayor Foley, City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 8 October 28,2025
Councilmember Candelas, and Councilmember Cohen, dated October 24, 2025, recommending the following:
1. Accept the staff recommendations
2. Direct the city manager to make sure staff includes in future fleet purchasing decisions an evaluation of zero emissions options. For fleet purchases that are brought to council, the council memo should include an explanation as to why a zero-emission alternative is not feasible.
3. Include in the T&E presentation that is scheduled in Spring the build-out and funding needs that would be required to support electrification of the fleet in accordance with state requirements and city goals.
4. Explore the feasibility of purchasing more compact fire apparatuses that meet Fire Department capability requirements in future procurements. (10-1-0; Noes: Doan)
3.5 Amendment to the Vendor Agreement with Vision Service Plan for Vision Care Benefits for City Employees, Retirees, and their Dependents.
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or her designee to negotiate and execute a Third Amendment to the Vendor Agreement with Vision Service Plan for vision care benefits for City employees, retirees, and their dependents extending the term of the Agreement from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029, and increasing the not-to-exceed Agreement amount of compensation from $13,745,682 to a revised not-to-exceed amount of compensation of $20,504,700, subject to the appropriation of funds.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-003, Agreements/Contracts (New or Amended) resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Human Resources)
Public Comment: None provided
Action: Upon motion by Vice Mayor Pam Foley, seconded by Councilmember Domingo Candelas, and carried unanimously, Resolution No. RES2025-367 was adopted, regarding the amendment to the vendor agreement with Vision Service Plan for vision care benefits for City employees, retirees, and their dependents. (11-0-0)
3.6 Amendments to the Agreements with Standard Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of North America.
(a) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or her designee to negotiate and execute a Third Amendment to the Consultant Agreement with Standard Insurance Company to provide group basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and matching accidental death and dismemberment insurance as applicable, to employees and retirees, extending the term of the Agreement from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, and increasing the not-to-exceed Agreement amount from $13,427,595 to a revised not-to-exceed amount of $26,279,570, subject to the appropriation of funds. (b) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or her designee to negotiate and execute a Fourth Amendment to the Consultant Agreement with Standard Insurance Company to provide voluntary long-term disability insurance to employees, extending the term of the Agreement from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, and increasing the not-to-exceed Agreement amount from $21,141,181 to a revised not-to-exceed amount of $42,918,680, subject to the appropriation of funds. (c) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or her designee to negotiate and execute a Fifth Amendment to the Vendor Agreement with Life Insurance Company of North America to provide voluntary personal accident/accidental death and dismemberment insurance to employees and City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 9 October 28,2025
retirees extending the term of the agreement from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, and increasing the not-to-exceed amount from $7,100,000 to a revised not-to-exceed amount of $12,636,874.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-003, Agreements/Contracts (New or Amended) resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Human Resources)
Public Comment: None provided.
Action: Upon motion by Vice Mayor Pam Foley, seconded by Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, and carried unanimously,
(a) Resolution No. RES2025-368 was adopted, authorizing the City Manager or her designee to negotiate and execute a Third Amendment to the Consultant Agreement with Standard Insurance Company to provide group basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and matching accidental death and dismemberment insurance as applicable, to employees and retirees, extending the term of the Agreement from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, and increasing the not-to-exceed Agreement amount from $13,427,595 to a revised not-to-exceed amount of $26,279,570, subject to the appropriation of funds;
(b) Resolution No. RES2025-369 was adopted, authorizing the City Manager or her designee to negotiate and execute a Fourth Amendment to the Consultant Agreement with Standard Insurance Company to provide voluntary long-term disability insurance to employees, extending the term of the Agreement from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, and increasing the not-to-exceed Agreement amount from $21,141,181 to a revised not-to-exceed amount of $42,918,680, subject to the appropriation of funds; and
(c) Resolution No. RES2025-370 was adopted, authorizing the City Manager or her designee to negotiate and execute a Fifth Amendment to the Vendor Agreement with Life Insurance Company of North America to provide voluntary personal accident/accidental death and dismemberment insurance to employees and retirees extending the term of the agreement from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, and increasing the not-to-exceed amount from $7,100,000 to a revised not-to- exceed amount of $12,636,874. (11-0-0)
3.7 Citywide Capital Improvement Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Accept the Citywide Capital Improvement Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-009, Staff Reports, Assessments, Annual Reports, and Informational Memos that involve no approvals of any City action. (Public Works)
Item 3.7 was taken out of order and heard after Items 3.8, 3.9, and 4.1 Matt Loesch, Director, Public Works Department; and Katherine Brown, Assistant Director, Public Works Department, offered the presentation and responded to questions from the Council.
Public Comment: None provided.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Domingo Candelas, seconded by Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, and carried unanimously, the Citywide Capital Improvement Program Annual City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 10 October 28,2025
Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 was accepted. (11-0-0)
3.8 Award of Contract for 10344 - Vision Zero East San José Safety Improvements Senter Road Project.
(a) Report on bids and award of contract for the 10344 - Vision Zero East San José Safety Improvements Senter Road Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Granite Rock Company, for the Base Bid and Bid Alternate Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, in the amount of $6,942,036; and (b) Approve a 10% contingency in the amount of $694,204.
CEQA: Categorically Exempt, File No. ER24-313, CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c), Existing Facilities. Council Districts 2, 7. (Public Works/Transportation) Public Comment: None provided.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Bien Doan, seconded by Councilmember Peter Ortiz, and carried unanimously, the (a) report on bids and award of contract for the 10344 - Vision Zero East San José Safety Improvements Senter Road Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Granite Rock Company, for the Base Bid and Bid Alternate Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, in the amount of $6,942,036; and (b) a 10% contingency in the amount of $694,204, were approved. (11-0-0) At 3:57 p.m., Mayor Matt Mahan announced that the City Council would briefly recess for Items 3.9 and 4.1 to be heard time-certain at 4:00 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 4:04 p.m.
3.9 Restricting Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities on Certain City Properties and Facilities.
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on October 22, 2025, direct staff to prioritize identifying City-owned properties such as parking lots, garages, and open spaces, that could be commandeered for civil immigration enforcement activities like staging, processing, or establishing an operational base; and to coordinate with the City Attorney to develop a policy or ordinance that would restrict civil immigration enforcement activities like staging, processing or establishing an operational base.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-010, City Organizational and Administrative activities resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Ortiz, Candelas, and Kamei) [Rules Committee referral 10/22/2025 - Item C.1]
Mayor Matt Mahan announced that public comments for Items 3.9 and 4.1 would be limited to 90 seconds per speaker, heard concurrently at 4:00 p.m., and voted on separately, in accordance with the motion made during Orders of the Day.
Matt Loesch, Director, Public Works Department, responded to questions from Council.
Public Comment: Azazel, Andrew Siegler, Deb St. Julian, Kayla C., Maria L., Kim Guptill, K.
Hedges, Cindy Bautista, Dilza Gonzalez, Jeremy Barousse, Lawrence Deng, Mark Trout, and Shaunn offered public comment.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Peter Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Bien Doan, and carried unanimously, staff was directed to prioritize identifying City-owned properties such as parking lots, garages, and open spaces, that could be commandeered for civil immigration City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 11 October 28,2025
enforcement activities like staging, processing, or establishing an operational base; and to coordinate with the City Attorney to develop a policy or ordinance that would restrict civil immigration enforcement activities like staging, processing or establishing an operational base. (11-0-0)
4. PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
4.1 Ordinance Prohibiting Law Enforcement Officers from Concealing their Identities in the City of San José.
Approve an ordinance of the City of San José adding a new Chapter 10.54 to Title 10 of the San José Municipal Code requiring all law enforcement officers operating in the City of San José to wear clearly visible identification and prohibiting the use of face coverings that obscure identity during public interaction, with limited exceptions.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-008, General Procedure and Policy Making resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (City Attorney)
Mayor Matt Mahan announced that public comments for Items 3.9 and 4.1 would be limited to 90 seconds per speaker, heard concurrently at 4:00 p.m., and voted on separately, in accordance with the motion made during Orders of the Day.
Matt Loesch, Director, Public Works Department, responded to questions from Council.
Public Comment: Azazel, Andrew Siegler, Deb St. Julian, Kayla C., Maria L., Kim Guptill, K.
Hedges, Cindy Bautista, Dilza Gonzalez, Jeremy Barousse, Lawrence Deng, Mark Trout, and Shaunn offered public comment.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Peter Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Domingo Candelas, and carried unanimously, Ordinance No. 31255 was passed for publication, adding a new Chapter 10.54 to Title 10 of the San José Municipal Code requiring all law enforcement officers operating in the City of San José to wear clearly visible identification and prohibiting the use of face coverings that obscure identity during public interaction, with limited exceptions (11-0-0)
5. TRANSPORTATION & AVIATION SERVICES
No items provided.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL & UTILITY SERVICES
No items provided.
7. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
No items provided.
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 12 October 28,2025
8. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
8.1 Grant Agreement with WeHOPE for Operations at the Arena Hotel Interim Housing Program.
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Housing Director, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a grant agreement with WeHOPE for the oversight and provision of services at the Arena Hotel in an amount not to exceed $2,700,000, retroactive from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-003, Agreements/Contracts (New or Amended) resulting in no physical changes to the environment. Council District 6. (Housing) Erik Soliván, Director, Housing Department; and Cupid Alexander, Deputy Director, Housing Department, offered the presentation and responded to questions from the Council.
Public Comment: Shaunn and Chris offered public comment.
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Michael Mulcahy, seconded by Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, and carried unanimously, Resolution No. RES2025-371 was adopted, authorizing the Housing Director, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a grant agreement with WeHOPE for the oversight and provision of services at the Arena Hotel in an amount not to exceed $2,700,000, retroactive from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. (11-0-0) City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 13 October 28,2025
8.2 Amendment to the San José Municipal Code Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards, with Local Technical Amendments, and Repealing Superseded San José Reach Codes.
(a) Approve an ordinance amending Title 24 (Technical Codes) of the San José Municipal Code to:
(1) Adopt the 2025 editions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Historical Building Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, and California Green Building Standards Code;
(2) Find that the City of San José local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions warrant additional protections in the San José Municipal Code; and (3) Adopt local amendments regarding certain structural design requirements, fire sprinkler regulations, and other building requirements.
(b) Approve an ordinance amending Chapter 24.10 and Chapter 24.12 of Title 24 (Technical Codes) of the San José Municipal Code to:
(1) Adopt the 2025 editions of the California Green Building Standards Code and the California Energy Code; and
(2) Repeal previously adopted reach codes from the San José Municipal Code that are now superseded by the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code and the 2025 Energy Code. (c) Approve an ordinance amending Chapter 17.12 and Chapter 17.68 of Title 17 (San José Fire Code) of the San José Municipal Code to:
(1) Adopt the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code; (2) Find that the City of San José local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions warrant additional protections in the San José Municipal Code; and (3) Adopt local amendments regarding certain structural design requirements, fire sprinkler regulations, and other building requirements.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-008, General Procedure and Policy Making resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement/Fire) Chris Burton, Director, Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement (PBCE); Lisa Joiner, Deputy Director, PBCE; and James Dobson, Deputy Fire Chief, San José Fire Department, offered the presentation and responded to questions from the Council.
Public Comment: Greg T., Alex Shoor, and Danny Mangan offered public comment.
Motion: Councilmember Bien Doan moved approval of his memorandum, dated October 28, 2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Domingo Candelas.
Substitute Motion: Councilmember Anthony Tordillos made a substitute motion to move approval of the joint memorandum, dated October 24, 2025, co-authored by Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmember Pamela Campos, Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, Councilmember David Cohen, and Councilmember Michael Mulcahy. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Michael Mulcahy.
Friendly Amendment: Councilmember Rosemary Kamei requested a friendly amendment to include firefighters and Local 230 in discussions to evaluate the proposed changes. The friendly amendment was accepted by the maker of the substitute motion and the seconder.
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 14 October 28,2025
Friendly Amendment: Vice Mayor Pam Foley proposed a friendly amendment to expand evaluative discussions to include all relevant stakeholders, included but not limited to: fire marshals and builders. The friendly amendment was accepted by the maker of the substitute motion and seconder.
Action: On a call to question, the substitute motion passed, and the following actions were approved:
(a) Ordinance No. ORD31256 was passed for publication, except for any new findings and new local amendments added to the building code referenced in (a) (2), (a) (3), (1) adopting the 2025 editions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Historical Building Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, and California Green Building Standards Code;
(2) finding that the City of San José local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions warrant additional protections in the San José Municipal Code; and (3) adopting local amendments regarding certain structural design requirements, fire sprinkler regulations, and other building requirements; (b) Ordinance No. ORD31257 was passed for publication,
(1) adopting the 2025 editions of the California Green Building Standards Code and the California Energy Code; and
(2) repealing previously adopted reach codes from the San José Municipal Code that are now superseded by the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code and the 2025 Energy Code; and
(c) Ordinance No. ORD31258 was passed for publication, except for any new findings and new local amendments added to the fire code referenced in c (2), and (c) (3) (1) adopting the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code; (2) finding that the City of San José local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions warrant additional protections in the San José Municipal Code; and (3) adopting local amendments regarding certain structural design requirements, fire sprinkler regulations, and other building requirements.
AND
Including approval of the joint memorandum co-authored by Mayor Mahan, Councilmember Campos, Councilmember Tordillos, Councilmember Cohen, and Councilmember Mulcahy, dated October 24, 2025, recommending the following:
(1) Approval of the staff recommendation, as outlined below, except for any new findings and new local amendments added to the building code referenced in (a) (2), (a) (3), c (2), and (c) (3); and (2) Direction to the City Manager to evaluate a local building code amendment to allow the construction of buildings up to six stories with a single staircase. If implementing this local amendment requires changes to State law, direct the City Manager to include pursuit of those changes in the City’s legislative program.(9-2-0; Noes: Doan, Ortiz)
9. REDEVELOPMENT – SUCCESSOR AGENCY
No items provided.
10. LAND USE
No items provided.
City Council Agenda October 28, 2025
City of San José Page 15 October 28,2025
10.1 Land Use on Consent Calendar
No items provided.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
• Open Forum
1. Mark Trout provided comment related to border passage and religion.
2. Churchill offered public comment regarding human trafficking and requested a meeting with City staff.
3. Shaunn highlighted the importance of accessibility at Council meetings. • Adjournment
The Council of the City of San José adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. in memory of Ton Ngo, a respected community leader, educator, and proud veteran who dedicated his life to service, both to his homeland and to the Vietnamese American community in San José. Mr. Ngo served honorably as a First Lieutenant in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and later as Chief Inspector of the Thu Duc Officers Association and host of the “Cư An Tư Nguy” radio program. He will be remembered for his strength, compassion, and lifelong dedication to education, freedom, and community.
Minutes Recorded, Prepared, and Respectfully Submitted by, Daniel Aguilar
Deputy City Clerk, City of San José
Approved at Council on:
Number of actions: 12
Attest by:
Toni J. Taber, MMC
C
ity Clerk, City of San José
11/18/2025
SAN JOSÉ CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
October 28, 2025
Present Councilmembers: Mahan, Tordillos, Doan, Candelas, Foley, Casey.
Absent Councilmembers: Mulcahy, Ortiz, Cohen, Campos, Kamei.
Place: City Hall Conference Room W-133
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Items discussed:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1):
1. Case Name: City and County of San Francisco, et al. v.
Donald J. Trump, et al.
Name(s) of Party(ies): City and County of San Francisco, County of Santa Clara, City of Portland, Martin Luther King,
Jr. County, City of New Haven, City of Oakland,
City of Emeryville, City of San José, City of San
Diego, City of Sacramento, City of Santa Cruz,
County of Monterey, City of Seattle, City of
Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, City of Santa Fe,
County of Alameda, City of Albany, City of
Albuquerque, County of Allegheny, City of
Baltimore, City of Bend, City of Benicia, City of
Berkeley, City of Boston, City of Cambridge, City
of Cathedral City, City of Chicago, City of
Columbus, City of Culver City, County of Dane,
City and County of Denver, City of Healdsburg,
County of Hennepin, City of Los Angeles, County
of Marin, City of Menlo Park, Multnomah County,
City of Pacifica, City of palo Alto, City of
Petaluma, Pierce County, City of Richmond, City
of Rochester, City of Rohnert Park, County of San
Mateo, City of Santa Rosa, County of Sonoma,
City of Watsonville, City of Wilsonville;
Donald J. Trump, United States Department of
Justice, Pamela Bondi, Emil Bove, Kristi Noem,
United States of America, United States Office of
Management and Budget, Russell Vought.
Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of California Case No: 3:25cv01350-WHO
Amount of Money or
Other Relief Sought:
Declaratory Relief and Injunctive Relief
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Sections 54956.9(d)(4) and (e)(1) of the Government code:
Number of matter(s) to be discussed: 1
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1) of the Government Code:
Number of matter(s) to be discussed: 3
D. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT/PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957:
Department or Agency: City Clerk
Title: City Clerk
Name: Toni Taber
Department or Agency: City Auditor
Title: City Auditor
Name: Joe Rois