City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/18/2026 Page 1
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Adam Loraine, Mayor
Nicole Fernandez, Deputy Mayor
Danielle Cwirko-Godycki
Lisa Diaz Nash
Rob Newsom Jr.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
May 18, 2026
City Hall, Council Chambers 7:00 PM
Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Loraine, Deputy Mayor Fernandez, and Council Members Cwirko-Godycki, Diaz Nash, and Newsom.
Requests and Considerations for Meeting Participation by Teleconference due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances: there were no requests.
CEREMONIAL
1. Asian American Heritage Month – Proclamation Wesley Taoka, Executive Director of the San Mateo Japanese American Community Center, received the proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
2. Jewish American Heritage Month – Proclamation Mayor Loraine presented the proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month and read prepared remarks from Rabbi Lisa Kingston of Peninsula Temple Beth El.
3. Mental Health Awareness Month and Police Activities League Celebration 10th Anniversary Mental Health and Wellness Run – Recognition Jackie Alms, Aini Lee, and Valeria Ramirez of Allcove San Mateo participated in the recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and shared information on youth behavioral health services.
Police Chief Ed Barberini and representatives of the San Mateo Police Activities League (PAL) received recognition of the 10th Annual Mental Health Matters 5K and Wellness Fair.
4. Christina Horrisberger, Assistant City Manager – Recognition The City Council recognized retiring Assistant City Manager Christina Horrisberger for nearly seven years of service to the City of San Mateo and more than two decades of municipal government service.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The following items, 5 through 14, were considered routine by the City Council. After the titles were read by the City Clerk, the Mayor invited public comment; there were 17 requests to speak.
Public Comment: Richard Delaney, Lit Schalch, Andrew Ryan, Betsy Blossett, John Farrow, and Tracy Volponi opposed provisions of the Historic Policy Update that could allow historic designation without owner consent, citing property rights, financial impacts, notice, costs, and burdens on property owners. Frank Elliott, speaking on behalf of a group of residents, and Eleanor Dogan also urged stronger owner-consent protections. Doug D’Anna, Chris Eckert, Laurie Hietter, Lisa Vande Voorde, Ashley Zerpa, and Debra Athens supported adoption of the Historic Policy Update as presented, citing protections already included in the ordinance, the value of historic preservation, and the need to protect prior historic designations. Joe Valponi raised concerns regarding the cost and process associated with the historic preservation effort. Mélanie Faure, Community Impact Manager with Upwards, thanked the City for support Docusign Envelope ID: 518E5B58-BC72-8C60-807F-24768B8DAC6B City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/18/2026 Page 2
included in the CDBG Annual Action Plan for in-home childcare providers and described the services provided through the Boost program.
Moved: Newsom, Seconded: Fernandez
Ayes: Fernandez, Newsom, Loraine, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
5. 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan — Adoption Adopt the 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan and direct staff to submit the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorize the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement with HUD for CDBG funds.
6. Wastewater Treatment Plant Immediate Actions Projects Package-III —Appropriation and Contingency Increase Adopt a Resolution to appropriate $1,200,000 from the Sewer Fund unassigned fund balance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Immediate Actions Projects (IAP) Package-III project; increase the contingency reserve by $1,200,000 for the associated construction contract with Mountain Cascade, Inc.; and authorize the Public Works Director to issue change orders within the increased contingency.
Enactment: Resolution No. 46 (2026)
7. On-Call Public Works Plan Review Services — Amendments Approve Amendment No. 3 to the professional consultant services agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. for on- call Public Works plan review support services, increasing the amount by $200,000 for a revised total amount not to exceed $800,000 and extending the term through June 30, 2027; approve Amendment No. 2 to the professional consultant services agreement with Ghirardelli Associates, Inc. for on-call Public Works plan review support services, increasing the amount by $200,000 for a revised total amount not to exceed $600,000 and extending the term through June 30, 2027; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the amendments in substantially the form presented and issue future no-cost time extensions, if necessary.
8. Marina Lagoon Spot Dredging – Agreement
Approve an agreement with MidCal Dredging, Inc. for the Marina Lagoon Spot Dredging Project in the amount of $1,266,216; establish a contingency reserve in the amount of $190,000; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented and issue change orders as allowed by the agreement documents and within the contingency amount.
9. 57 Otay Avenue Slide Repair Project — Agreement
Approve an agreement with W.R. Forde Associates, Inc. in the amount of $456,000 for construction of the 57 Otay Avenue Slide Repair Project; establish a contingency reserve of $68,400; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented and issue change orders as allowed by the contract documents within the contingency amount.
10. Quarter ending March 31, 2026 — Investment Report
Receive the quarterly investment report for the period ending March 31, 2026.
11. Fellow I-II New Classification Series, Job Specification, and Salary Schedules – Approval Adopt a Resolution to approve the 1) new limited duration Fellow I-II classification and job specification series pursuant to Personnel Rules and Regulations Section 1 (16) and San Mateo City Employee Association (SMCEA) Memorandum of Understanding Section 27.6 (Limited Duration Positions); and 2) salary ranges for the Fellow I and Fellow II classifications.
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Enactment: Resolution No. 47 (2026)
12. Recreation Program Transportation Services – Agreement Approve a one-year agreement for summer camp transportation services with ZUM Services, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $53,962.33; authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to exercise up to two one-year extensions for up to $53,962.33 each year, for a total not to exceed amount of $161,886.99 over three years; establish a contingency reserve of $24,284 and authorize the Park and Recreation Director to execute change orders or amendments within the contingency amount.
13. Peninsula Clean Energy Name Change to Westlight Energy — Ordinance Adoption Adopt an Ordinance to amend San Mateo Uncodified Ordinance No. 2016 - 1 authorizing the implementation of Community Choice Aggregation Program to address the name change.
Enactment: Ordinance No. 2026-05
14. Historic Policy Update — Ordinance Adoption
Adopt an Ordinance to amend San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 27.66 “Historic Preservation” of the San Mateo Municipal Code to update the City’s historic preservation regulations to be consistent with General Plan 2040, align with industry best practices and establish processes and guidance for identifying, designating, and treating historic resources and districts at the local level; and adopt an Ordinance to add Chapter 2.23 to the San Mateo Municipal Code to establish the Historic Resources Commission.
Enactment: Ordinance No. 2026-06 & Ordinance No. 2026-07
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vikash Bhagwandan, speaking on behalf of North Central residents, presented an alternative concept for Humboldt Street that would remove planter strips and widen the street to restore parking, improve drainage and pedestrian safety, and retain bicycle facilities, and requested that the City study the feasibility of the concept. Mei Li raised concerns regarding alleged radio-frequency exposure, nanosensors, and related personal safety issues. Rick Sakuda opposed the existing Humboldt Street bicycle lane configuration, citing low bicycle use, loss of parking, and impacts on North Central residents, and urged the City to pursue a more equitable alternative. Michael Reagan supported the North Central residents’ concerns, stated that the Humboldt Street bicycle lane had negatively affected the neighborhood, and urged the City to restore parking or pursue another remedy.
City Manager Alex Khojikian recommended that the City Council adjust the order of the agenda to bring forward Agenda Item No. 16 due to public interest in attendance. The Council authorized this request to hear Agenda Item No. 16 before Agenda Item No. 15.
PUBLIC HEARING
16. 445 S. B Street (Bespoke) – New Mixed-Use Development – Approval and Ordinance Introduction Community Development and Housing staff, together with representatives of Prometheus Real Estate Group, Harvest Properties, Alta Housing, and Self-Help for the Elderly, presented the proposed Bespoke mixed-use development at 4th Avenue and Railroad Avenue. The project includes 71 affordable housing units, ground-floor nonprofit space for Self-Help for the Elderly, retail and office space, and a shared underground parking garage.
Public comment: Doug Cheshire, Darin Clark, and Scott Rathjen, representing Carpenters Local 217, supported the project, citing affordable housing, local union jobs, apprenticeship opportunities, and the use of a responsible union general contractor. El Quinn and Haley Daza of IBEW Local 617 supported the project’s housing goals but urged the developer to enter into a community workforce agreement with local mechanical trades and expand local apprenticeship opportunities. Kevin Simpson supported the project, citing benefits to downtown, affordable housing, retail activity, and the permanent space for Self-Help for the Elderly. Debbie Docusign Envelope ID: 518E5B58-BC72-8C60-807F-24768B8DAC6B City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/18/2026 Page 4
Soon and Linda Lam, representing Self-Help for the Elderly, supported the project and emphasized the importance of a permanent downtown home for services to seniors. John Medina, representing the Sprinkler Fitters and other local building trades, urged continued negotiations with Prometheus and Harvest to secure broader union participation. Richard Ball supported the project and expressed interest in local apprentices having the opportunity to work on it. Rick Bonilla, speaking on behalf of the Housing Action Coalition and individually, supported the project for its affordable housing, transit-oriented development, sustainability, and union jobs. Brianna Morales, on behalf of the Housing Action Coalition, strongly supported approval, emphasizing the 71 affordable homes and broader downtown investment. Scott Beale of UA Local 467 stated that his union would otherwise support the project but urged stronger local skilled-trades and apprenticeship participation. Robert Whitehair supported approval, citing affordable housing and climate benefits.
The Council expressed support for the project and interest in honoring the site’s history as the former location of Talbot’s Toyland, assisting existing business tenants through the transition, and continuing engagement with local labor unions.
The City Council approved the staff recommendation, including the development agreement with Prometheus Real Estate Group, Harvest Properties and Alta Housing; project and environmental approvals; a $2.9 million predevelopment appropriation; a $3 million affordable housing loan; and site plan and permitting approvals, and introduced the related ordinance.
Moved: Loraine, Seconded: Cwirko-Godycki
Ayes: Fernandez, Newsom, Loraine, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
Enactment: Resolution No. 48 (2026), Resolution No. 49 (2026), Resolution No. 50 (2026), and Resolution No. 51 (2026)
Staff proposed that agenda item No. 18 be taken up as the next item for discussion due to public interest. The City Council approved this request.
18. Downtown Business Improvement Area – Annual Renewal Senior Management Analyst Zach Rado and Downtown San Mateo Association Executive Director Mackenzie Jakubik presented the annual report, including a financial overview, special events, recent achievements, and strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Public Comment: Deborah Soon supported renewal and highlighted DSMA’s success in activating downtown and strengthening collaboration with community organizations. Rafat Haddad, DSMA President and owner of 3 Bees Coffee, supported renewal and cited DSMA’s work on marketing, beautification, events, business support, and downtown vitality. Robert Anderson, DSMA Secretary and past president, supported renewal and described DSMA as a grassroots organization connecting businesses, property owners, and the community. Mark Bartos, a DSMA Board Member, supported renewal and praised DSMA’s leadership, communication, and work to strengthen downtown. Cathy Levitt, DSMA Treasurer and manager of Tri Counties Bank, supported renewal and highlighted increased activity, cleanliness, safety, and business benefits from downtown events. Kevin Simpson supported renewal, praised the success of the pedestrian mall and DSMA’s work, and encouraged expanding that energy throughout downtown and other commercial areas. Amy Lee of MODxMOD Furnishings supported renewal and highlighted increased crowds, marketing, events, and downtown vibrancy.
The City Council adopted a resolution levying the annual assessments for the Downtown Business Improvement Area for fiscal year 2026–27.
Moved: Newsom, Seconded: Fernandez
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Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
Enactment: Resolution No. 52 (2026)
A motion was made by Councilmember Cwirko-Godycki to extend the meeting to 11:30 p.m.
Moved: Cwirko-Godycki, Seconded: Fernandez
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
Council directed that Agenda Items No. 15 and No. 17 would be addressed during the remainder of the meeting and Item No. 19 would be moved to a future Council meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
15. 19th Avenue / Fashion Island Boulevard Multimodal Improvement Project — Informational Update
Council Member Cwirko-Godycki recused herself from consideration of this item due to a financial interest and left the Council Chambers.
Senior Engineer Bethany Lopez provided an informational update on the planned improvements along the 1.3- mile corridor from Pacific Boulevard to Mariners Island Boulevard, including congestion, safety, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, parking, project funding, and anticipated construction timing.
Public Comment: Kevin Simpson strongly supported the project, citing the proposed safety and connectivity improvements and urging the City to move forward. Mike Swire supported the project and its focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety, praised the public outreach and outside funding secured, and suggested clearer tracking of design changes during future outreach processes.
The Council expressed support for the project and asked questions regarding collision history and traffic safety, bicycle route alternatives and connectivity, parking impacts, and community feedback. No action was taken.
PUBLIC HEARING
17. Charter Amendments – Public Hearing No. 2
City Attorney Prasanna Rasiah presented the second required public hearing on proposed Charter amendments, including updates related to district elections, Council vacancies, regular meeting dates and times, urgency ordinances, appointment of the Finance Director, candidate statements, selection of the official newspaper, and other minor revisions.
Public Comment: there were no speakers.
No action was taken. The City Council is scheduled to consider a resolution on July 20, 2026, to place the proposed Charter amendments on the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election ballot.
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NEW BUSINESS
19. Senate Bill 707 (Brown Act Amendments): Technology Disruption Policy and Public Outreach and Interpretation Policy – Adoption
This item was postponed and will be considered by the City Council at a future meeting.
REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND COMMITTEE UPDATES
City Manager, City Attorney and Council Members reported on their various assignments and liaison roles and noted past and future events, along with updates. Council Members highlighted the May 25 Memorial Day ceremony and letter-writing event, continued work regarding Humboldt Street, upcoming FIFA World Cup activities in San Mateo, and ongoing Boards and Commissions recruitment. Council Member Diaz Nash requested Council support for a letter endorsing Linda Patterson’s nomination for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Council provided unanimous consent.
ADJOURNMENT –The meeting adjourned at 11:49 p.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Adam Loraine, Mayor Martin McTaggart, City Clerk
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