City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/4/2026 Page 1
6 1
6 5
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 4, 2026
City Hall, Council Chambers 7:00 PM
Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER at 7:16 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. National Police Week – Proclamation Police Chief Ed Barberini accepted the proclamation and recognized the service of San Mateo Police Department staff, Officer Stephen Clark, Sergeant Gordon Joinville, and law enforcement families.
2. Aragon, San Mateo and Junipero Serra High Schools - 4.0 Grade Recognition The Council recognized 4.0 GPA students from San Mateo High School, Aragon High School, and Junipero Serra High School.
3. Peninsula Clean Energy – Presentation Shawn Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of Peninsula Clean Energy, provided an update on Peninsula Clean Energy’s 10 years of service, local customer savings, clean energy programs, community investments, and the planned rebrand to Westlight Energy.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The following items, 4 through 11, were considered routine by the City Council. After the titles were read by the City Clerk, the Mayor invited public comment.
Public Comment: Kevin Simpson requested that Item 8 be pulled or given additional scrutiny, citing concerns about the lack of a dedicated crossing guard at Humboldt and Cypress and broader pedestrian safety concerns.
Moved: Diaz Nash, Seconded: Newsom
Ayes: Fernandez, Newsom, Loraine, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
4. City Council Meeting Minutes — Approval
Approve the minutes of the special and regular meetings of the City Council held on March 16, 2026, and April 6, 2026. Approve the minutes of the special meeting of the City Council held on March 30, 2026.
5. San Mateo Union High School District (San Mateo Adult and Career Education) Recreation Instruction Services 2026-2028 — Agreement
Approve an agreement with San Mateo Union High School District for Recreation Services facilitated by San Mateo City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/4/2026 Page 2
6 1
6 5
Adult and Career Education in an amount not to exceed $25,000, for a term to start on July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, and authorize the Director of Parks and Recreation to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented.
6. Summer Youth Theater Program — Agreement
Approve an agreement with the Bay Area Educational Theater Company to provide youth theater programs as part of the City’s summer camp programming from June 15, 2026, through August 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $200,000; and authorize the Director of Parks and Recreation to execute the agreement and approve change orders up to $25,000, in substantially the form presented.
7. On-Call Design Professional Services — Agreements
Approve agreements for on-call professional design services agreements through December 31, 2029, with:
Hilliard Architects for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) services in an amount not to exceed $120,000; Kier + Wright Civil Engineers + Surveyors, Inc. for surveying services in an amount not to exceed $175,000; HDR Engineering, Inc. for civil design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for civil design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; MNS Engineers, Inc. for civil design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd. for civil design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; CSWST2 for stormwater design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; Freyer & Laureta, Inc. for stormwater design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; HDR Engineering, Inc. for stormwater design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd. For stormwater design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; and Schaaf & Wheeler for stormwater design services in an amount not to exceed $750,000; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the agreements in substantially the form presented and execute any future no-cost amendments.
8. 2026-2027 School Crossing Guards — Agreement
Approve an agreement with the San Mateo-Foster City School District for school crossing guards in an amount not to exceed $80,000.00 for a term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented.
9. Animal Control Services Agreement — Amendment
Approve Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with the County of San Mateo for the continued provision of animal control services for a three year term commencing July 1, 2026, with an estimated cost of $983,426 for the first year and costs to be recalculated annually for subsequent years; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented.
10. Downtown Business Improvement Area – Approval
Adopt a Resolution of Intent to Levy the Annual Assessments for the Downtown Business Improvement Area for fiscal year 2026-27; accept the fiscal year 2025-26 Downtown San Mateo Association Annual Report; and set a public hearing for the May 18, 2026, City Council meeting for the annual levy.
Enactment: Resolution No. 41 (2026)
11. Comprehensive Liability Fund — Appropriation
Adopt a Resolution approving a supplemental budget appropriation of $1,100,000 of unassigned fund balance from the General Fund and the Construction Services Fund to increase transfers out to the Comprehensive Liability Fund (Fund 880) to increase the budget for legal costs.
Enactment: Resolution No. 42 (2026)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ruth Anderson spoke regarding the March 28 collision at North Delaware Street and State Street and urged immediate quick-build safety improvements, including relocating the portable flashing sign to face northbound traffic. Kevin Simpson spoke regarding street safety, criticizing the City’s response to recent pedestrian injuries City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/4/2026 Page 3
6 1
6 5
and urging the Council to elevate traffic safety as a top priority. Rich Hedges offered a historical quote related to science and humanity, noting it was made after the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. Mike Swire spoke regarding street safety, 17th Avenue and El Camino Real, North Central quick-build improvements, TDA3 bicycle/pedestrian grant funding, and the need to pursue available grant funds.
PUBLIC HEARING
12.Historic Policy Update – Ordinance Introduction
Community Development Director Zachary Dahl, Planning Manager Joanna Winter Smith, and consultant Julianne Murphy presented the proposed Historic Policy Update, including proposed ordinances and resolutions related to historic resource designation, the Historic Resources Commission, the Historic Context Statement, and Mills Act program updates.
Public Comment: Ashley Zerpa gave an organized presentation opposing the draft ordinance as too weak and urged stronger protections for historic resources, including 1989 survey properties. Thomas Maccarra urged the Council to protect San Mateo’s historic buildings for future generations. Michelle McCarr urged incorporation of the 1989 survey into the historic resources inventory and stronger review for eligible resources. Jay Cure urged the City to distinguish real historic resources from “fake history” and require proof of historic relevance. Lisa Vande Voorde said the ordinance was inconsistent with the General Plan because it did not meaningfully protect 1989 survey properties. Tom Lease urged the City to update the 1989 survey and treat those properties as landmarks in the interim. Laurie Watanuki urged additions to the Historic Context Statement and asked the City to investigate conservation overlays. Laurie Hietter opposed the draft ordinance, saying it reduced historic resource protections and did not adequately address the 1989 survey. Rich Hedges urged a logical approach focused on truly historic resources and cautioned that age alone does not make a property historic. Frank Elliott encouraged additional dialogue and compromise before litigation occurs. David Long urged the Council to return the item to staff and the Planning Commission with direction to strengthen definitions and standards. Jordan Grimes expressed concern that the ordinance could be used to block small-scale housing and urged continued work on unresolved issues. Diane Whitaker urged the Council to treat preservation as sustainability and incorporate the 1989 survey data into the official inventory. Connie Weiss urged the Council to direct staff to make stronger changes and include or update the 1989 survey. Kolja Schluetter opposed adding homes from the 1989 survey without re-surveying them under current standards and raised concerns about owner consent.
Recess taken at 9:29 p.m. to 9:39 p.m.
Council asked question of staff and consultants.
The City Council introduced an ordinance updating the Historic Preservation Ordinance and establishing a Historic Resources Inventory, introduced an ordinance establishing a Historic Resources Commission, and adopted resolutions approving the Citywide Historic Context Statement and updating the Mills Act Program.
The Council directed staff to establish a five-member Historic Resources Commission with two youth commissioners; update the 1989 Historic Building Survey and return with recommendations regarding potential landmark designations; develop recommendations to strengthen enforcement provisions for historic preservation ordinance violations; evaluate options to improve monitoring and administration of the Mills Act Program; and conduct community outreach and educational efforts regarding the updated historic preservation program. Motion to introduce the ordinances and adopt the resolutions with modifications and additional direction as discussed by the Council.
Moved: Newsom, Seconded: Cwirko-Godycki
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/4/2026 Page 4
6 1
6 5
Enactment: Resolution No. 43 (2026)
Enactment: Resolution No. 44 (2026)
Extension of Meeting to 12:30 a.m.
Moved: Newsom, Seconded: Diaz Nash
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
Extension of Meeting to 12:45 a.m.
Moved: Cwirko-Godycki, Seconded: Fernandez
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
Extension of Meeting to 1:00 a.m.
Moved: Cwirko-Godycki, Seconded: Newsom
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
13.U.S. 101/SR 92 Direct Connector Status — Update
Carolyn Mamaradlo, Senior Project Manager with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, provided a status update on the environmental review phase of the U.S. 101 / SR 92 Direct Connector Project. The presentation included an overview of project alternatives, efforts to avoid impacts to homes and parks, proposed safety and traffic flow improvements, potential modifications to the Hillsdale Boulevard northbound U.S. 101 on-ramp, and coordination opportunities related to utility and storm drainage infrastructure.
Public Comment: Kevin Simpson opposed the project and urged greater investment in transit service across the San Mateo Bridge rather than freeway expansion. Rich Hedges asked where the proposed flyover connection would merge with SR 92 and commented on the importance of viable transit options supported by major employers. Drew supported continued evaluation of interchange improvements and weaving pattern modifications near Hillsdale Boulevard and SR 92. Jordan Grimes opposed the project, stating that public investment should prioritize transit capacity improvements over highway expansion.
Council discussion focused on potential congestion relief, express lane effectiveness, environmental and neighborhood impacts, opportunities to phase Hillsdale Boulevard improvements separately, and strategies for communicating project impacts and benefits to the community. Council received and filed the informational report; no formal action was taken.
NEW BUSINESS
14.Peninsula Clean Energy Name Change to Westlight Energy — Ordinance Introduction Marc Hershman, Director of Government Affairs with Peninsula Clean Energy provided the presentation on the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 5/4/2026 Page 5
6 1
6 5
proposed ordinance introduction to change Peninsula Clean Energy’s name to Westlight Energy.
Public comment: there were no speakers.
Moved: Cwirko-Godycki, Seconded: Fernandez
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, Cwirko-Godycki, and Diaz Nash Noes: None
Motion passed 5-0.
15.Senate Bill 707 (Brown Act Amendments): Technology Disruption Policy and Public Outreach and Interpretation Policy — Adoption
The City Council continued consideration of the item to a future meeting. No action was taken.
REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMITTEE UPDATES
Council Members provided reports and announcements regarding recent community events, emergency preparedness and regional agency meetings, transportation and bicycle safety initiatives, upcoming Memorial Day activities, and participation in regional organizations and committees.
ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Loraine adjourned the meeting in memory of Nancy McGee, former San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, followed by a moment of silence. The meeting adjourned at 12:56 a.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Adam Loraine, Mayor Martin McTaggart, City Clerk