City Council Special Meeting Minutes – 7/28/2025 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
July 28, 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: Jonathan Ayala- Zirate
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Paragraph ( 1) of subdivision ( d) of Section 54956. 9) Name of case: Christopher Tofavaha v. City of San Mateo, San Mateo Superior Court Case No.: 25- CIV- 0484
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Paragraph ( 1) of subdivision ( d) of Section 54956. 9) Name of case: PAR3SM LLC, Alicia Petrakis v. City of San Mateo, San Mateo Superior Court Case No.: 25- CIV- 03773
4. Conference with Labor Negotiators ( Government Code Section 54957. 6) City designated representatives: Aracelia Esparza, Yumi Maeda, and Stacey Cue - IEDA Consultant Employee organization: SEIU, SMCEA, SMMEA, POA, Police Sergeants’ Association, and Safety Management Association
5. Conference with Labor Negotiators ( Government Code Section 54957. 6) City designated representatives: Aracelia Esparza, Karen Huang, Abby Veeser, Stacey Cue - IEDA Consultant Employee organization: San Mateo Management Employees’ Association ( SMMEA) Council reconvened at 6: 14 p. m.
Docusign Envelope ID: E946FA54- 406B- 4A7B- A935- B1AFC1759D6E City Council Special Meeting Minutes – 7/28/2025 Page 2
STUDY SESSION
6. City Council Rules and Procedures – Updates
Martin McTaggart, City Clerk, gave a presentation on City Council' s Rules and Procedures.
Public Comment:
Kevin Simpson expressed concern that organized presentations may advantage developers, advocated for equitable public input, recommended earlier access to meeting materials for residents, and supported requiring reapplication for commission appointments. Dave C. acknowledged the adopted code of conduct, questioned group presentation ID requirements, and recommended stronger enforcement of conflict- of- interest findings.
Council provided direction to approve staff’ s proposed updates to the Rules and Procedures. Additional direction was provided to organize appointment subcommittees generally with two council members, allowing exceptions for high- profile commissions to have more members. Interview questions should be shared in advance. A discussion item will be provided in advance of next year’ s recruitment to review vacancies, reappointments, and interview processes. Reappointment language should maintain council flexibility. Event attendance assignments should prioritize council members’ districts and clearly indicate Brown Act applicability. Public presentation materials must be submitted in advance, with group presenters required to attend meetings. Staff may reorder agenda items based on public interest. Interview panels should include a staff liaison, allow council members to opt in or out.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 7: 10 p. m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Rob Newsom, Jr., Mayor Martin McTaggart, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: E946FA54- 406B- 4A7B- A935- B1AFC1759D6E