City Council Special Meeting Minutes – 6/16/2025 Page 1
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Rob Newsom Jr., Mayor
Adam Loraine, Deputy Mayor
Nicole Fernandez
Danielle Cwirko- Godycki
Lisa Diaz Nash
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Special Meeting Minutes
City Council
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www. cityofsanmateo. org
June 16, 2025
City Hall Council Chambers 5: 30 PM
Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER at 5: 30 p. m.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Newsom, Deputy Mayor Loraine, Council Members: Fernandez, Diaz Nash and Cwirko- Godycki AB 2449 Requests and Considerations for Meeting Participation by Teleconference due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances – there were no requests.
CLOSED SESSION
Following the opportunity for public comment, there were no speakers, the City Council convened into Closed Session at 5: 32 p. m. to consider:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Paragraph ( 1) of subdivision ( d) of Section 54956. 9) Name of case: Housing Action Coalition v. City of San Mateo ( San Mateo Superior Court Case No.: 24- CIV- 03126) Council reconvened at 5: 42 p. m.
STUDY SESSION
2. Prohibiting Lodging in Vehicles — Ordinance Enforcement Zachary Reda, Senior Management Analyst, gave a presentation on enforcement of Section 10. 04. 140 of the Municipal Code, entitled “ Prohibiting Vehicle Use for Habitation and Sleep”.
Public Comment: Laurie Watanuki urged the city to resume enforcement of the ordinance and emphasized the need to act promptly to prevent an influx of RVs from neighboring cities tightening their regulations. Julia Bonfiglio and Sebastian Bonfiglio support adopting " option one" with outreach and deadlines, and emphasized the need for both enforcement and assistance for those living in the vehicles. David Light supports “ option one” as the most compassionate and practical solution. He acknowledged alternatives like designated parking areas with facilities but believes they are less feasible for San Mateo. Jeremy Levine acknowledged the need for short- term solutions to RV encampments but urged the council to also consider longer- term strategies, such as collaborating with nearby cities and exploring a safe parking program. He emphasized that while RV living isn' t a permanent housing solution, it could offer greater stability as the city processes new housing developments.
Council agreed to proceed with Option 1: enforce Municipal Code Section 10. 04. 140, but direct the Police Department to conduct outreach at least twice prior to issuing a 24- hour warning. After this warning, citations or other appropriate enforcement actions may be taken. A 45- day grace period will be observed before any citations are issued. The city will focus on educational outreach ( in English and Spanish) and engagement by the HOT Homeless Outreach Team). Council requested progress updates at six months and one year, and staff will explore options for a waste pump- out station and continued coordination with the county on long- term solutions.
Docusign Envelope ID: EA886DFA- 4C82- 4E1C- A4C6- 23E0B9FC6A26 City Council Special Meeting Minutes – 6/16/2025 Page 2 ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 6: 30 p. m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Rob Newsom, Jr., Mayor Martin McTaggart, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: EA886DFA- 4C82- 4E1C- A4C6- 23E0B9FC6A26