Outlook
FW: Public Comment: February 24, 2026 Meeting - Oversight of Consent Calendar Expenditures From City Clerk < [email protected]>
Date Mon 2/23/2026 7:51 AM
To Agendadesk < [email protected]>
From: brian darby ‹
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 3:19 AM
To: City Clerk < [email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment: February 24, 2026 Meeting - Oversight of Consent Calendar Expenditures [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council Members,
I am writing to provide public comment on the February 24, 2026, Consent Calendar. While these items are presented as routine, I would like to highlight the following expenditures from an oversight perspective:
• Public Safety Communications (Item 2.8): The amendment to the AT&T FirstNet purchase order increases compensation by $1,000,000, bringing the total to $4,500,000. While public safety communication is vital, I urge the Council to ensure there is a clear audit trail for how these funds are allocated between hardware and ongoing service fees, especially as we extend these options through 2026.
• Infrastructure & Consulting (Item 2.7): The $500,000 increase to the NewGen Strategies agreement for professional consulting brings that contract to $850,000. I ask the Council to verify that this additional spending is yielding actionable data that justifies nearly doubling the original contract price.
• Energy Management (Item 2.9): The Quantio amendment increases compensation to a maximum of $1.4 million and extends the term through 2031. For a contract of this length and value, what benchmarks are in place to ensure the software remains the most cost-effective option for San Jose's energy trading needs over the next five years? • Transit Maintenance (Item 2.10): The $550,000 annual lease for CNG shuttle buses at Mineta International Airport is a significant recurring cost. I encourage the Council to regularly review whether leasing remains more fiscally responsible than purchasing, especially as the city moves toward zero-emission fleet goals.
I am not necessarily opposing these items, but I am asking that the Council remains vigilant in auditing these "routine" amendments to ensure we are receiving the highest impact for every dollar spent.
Sincerely,
Brian Darby
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