City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 7/20/2026 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
July 20, 2026
City Hall, Council Chambers 7:00 PM
Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER at 7:06 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Loraine, Deputy Mayor Fernandez, and Council Members Diaz Nash and Newsom.
Absent: Cwirko-Godycki (excused)
CEREMONIAL
1. Parks & Recreation Appreciation Month — Proclamation Mayor Loraine presented a proclamation recognizing July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Appreciation Month.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Marie Silva accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department and recognized Parks and Recreation staff for their service to the community.
2. Disability Pride Month — Proclamation
Mayor Loraine presented a proclamation recognizing July 2026 as Disability Pride Month. Ligia Andrade Zuniga, Executive Director of the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities, accepted the proclamation with Raymond Jabala and Pete Williams and spoke about disability rights, accessibility, inclusion, and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The following items, 3 through 6 and 8 through 20, were considered routine by the City Council. Agenda Item No. 7 was removed for separate consideration. After the titles were read by the City Clerk, the Mayor invited public comment; there were four requests to speak.
Public Comment: Lisa Maley raised concerns regarding the City’s application of its ethics standards and the proposed Planning Commission appointment under Item No. 20. Michael Reagan opposed the appointment and requested that Item No. 20 be pulled and the selection process reconsidered. Kevin Simpson supported proceeding with the appointment consistent with the Council’s established appointment process. Grace Scharib described personal concerns regarding the proposed appointee’s prior conduct and urged the Council to select another candidate.
Moved: Newsom, Seconded: Diaz Nash
Ayes: Fernandez, Newsom, Loraine, and Diaz Nash
Noes: None
Motion passed 4-0.
3. Marina Lagoon Operations and Maintenance Permit Assistance – Agreement Approve an agreement with WRA, Inc. for Marina Lagoon Operations and Maintenance Permit Assistance in the amount of $259,460; approve a contingency reserve in the amount of $50,000; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented and issue amendments within the contingency amount.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 7/20/2026 Page 2
4. Marina Branch Public Library Restoration Project Furnishings and Shelving – Agreements Adopt a Resolution to approve an alternative purchasing procedure for an agreement with Coordinated Resources, Inc. (CRI) to provide furnishings and installation services for the Marina Branch Library Restoration Project in the amount of $183,466.41; establish a contingency reserve in the amount of $30,000; adopt a Resolution to approve an alternative purchasing procedure for an agreement with Ross McDonald Co., Inc. to provide shelving and installation services in the amount of $238,652.85; establish a contingency reserve in the amount of $25,000; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the agreements in substantially the form presented and issue change orders within the contingency amounts.
Enactment: Resolution No. 72 (2026)
Enactment: Resolution No. 73 (2026)
5. Public Utility Easement Dedication Acceptance — Adoption Adopt a Resolution to accept the grant of public utility easement dedication acceptance in private alley near property located at 31-57 S B St.; and authorize the City Manager to execute the easement dedication in substantially the form presented.
Enactment: Resolution No. 74 (2026)
6. Collection System Construction Management Services for the Clean Water Program – Amendments Approve Amendments No. 4 to professional service agreements with Tanner Pacific, Inc. and Townsend Management, Inc. to continue providing as-needed construction management services for the Clean Water Program’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System Rehabilitation projects to extend the term of each agreement through January 1, 2028; increase the agreement with Tanner Pacific, Inc. by $350,000 for a new total agreement amount not to exceed $6,350,000 and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the amendments in substantially the form presented and approve future amendments within the approved updated budget.
8. Pump Station Mechanic I/II and Pump Station Mechanic III Job Specification – Amendment Adopt a Resolution to amend the Pump Station Mechanic I/II and Pump Station Mechanic III job specifications to remove the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection Systems Maintenance Certification requirement from the minimum qualifications and add the CWEA Mechanical Technologist Certification as a preferred qualification.
Enactment: Resolution No. 75 (2026)
9. Basin D Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project – Bid Rejection Adopt a Resolution to reject all bids received for the Basin D Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project and authorize the Public Works Department to initiate a second Notice Inviting Bids.
Enactment: Resolution No. 76 (2026)
10. Diesel Fuel Procurement and Delivery — Amendment
Approve Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Bosco Oil, Inc. DBA Valley Oil Company for Diesel Fuel Procurement and Delivery in the amount of $319,000 for a new agreement total of $719,000; establish a contingency in the amount of $45,600; and authorize the Public Works Director to issue amendments and change orders within the contingency amount.
11. Public Works Standard Drawings – Update
Adopt a Resolution to update all City of San Mateo Department of Public Works Standard Drawings.
Enactment: Resolution No. 77 (2026)
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 7/20/2026 Page 3
12. Below Market Rental Rates, Sales Prices and Unit Community Priorities — Adoption Adopt a Resolution to establish 2026 maximum rental rates and sales prices for affordable housing, as required by the City of San Mateo's Below Market Rate (BMR) housing program; and establish Community Priority for units containing three or more bedrooms, which may allow a developer to provide fewer BMR units in exchange for units with more bedrooms, as long as all other BMR program provisions are followed.
Enactment: Resolution No. 78 (2026)
13. 19th Avenue / Fashion Island Blvd Multimodal Improvements Project – Adoption Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City to request to the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) 3 Regional Discretionary Funding for the 19th Avenue and Fashion Island Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project (Project) to allocate grant funding in the amount of $3,375,000 to the construction phase and to act as the implementing agency for the Project by updating the original OBAG 3 application.
Enactment: Resolution No. 79 (2026)
14. Monitoring, Reporting, and Regulatory Compliance Services at the East Third Avenue Landfill – Agreement Approve an agreement with Stearns, Conrad and Schmidt Consulting, Inc. (SCS) for Monitoring, Reporting, and Regulatory Compliance Services at the East Third Avenue Landfill in the amount of $108,875 for a two-year term; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented.
15. Storm Drain Master Plan Update — Agreement
Approve an agreement with Schaaf & Wheeler for the Storm Drain Master Plan Update in the amount not to exceed $129,770; establish a contingency reserve of $13,000; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented and issue amendments within the contingency reserve.
16. San Mateo Public Library Main Branch Cafe Operating Lease — Agreement Approve a Property Lease and Operating Agreement with Henok Getahun for operation of the PLUR Cafe at the Main Library Branch for two years commencing on July 22, 2026, through July 21, 2028, in accordance with Municipal Code Section 3.62.030(b); and authorize its execution by the City Librarian.
17. Youth and Adult Tennis and Pickleball Recreation Programs — Amendment Approve Amendment No. 1 with Todd Dissly Athletics, LLC (TDA) to make a one-time payment of $20,171.04 for services already rendered, to increase annual compensation from $300,000 to up to $350,000 annually, with a $25,000 contingency, resulting in the overall six (6) years $2,050,000; and authorize the Director of Parks & Recreation to execute the amendment and change orders in substantially the form presented.
18. Citywide Commercial Economic Assessment Services — Appropriation and Agreement Adopt a Resolution to appropriate $114,868 from the Advance Planning Fund to the Citywide Economic Assessment project; adopt a resolution authorizing Retail Real Estate Resources, LLC to examine sales or transactions and use tax records for all sales and transactions and use taxes; approve an agreement with Retail Real Estate Resources, LLC to support preparation of a Citywide Commercial Economic Assessment and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented.
Enactment: Resolution No. 80 (2026)
Enactment: Resolution No. 81 (2026)
19. Library Materials Acquisition — Agreement
Adopt a Resolution authorizing an alternative purchasing procedure to approve an agreement with Ingram Library Services LLC to provide library materials including books, audiobooks, DVD/Blu-Ray, CD/MP3 and customized collection development services in an amount not to exceed $500,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28, with an optional three-year term extension, for a potential total agreement amount not to exceed City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 7/20/2026 Page 4 $3,000,000; and authorize the City Manager to approve any appropriate changes that do not increase the total not to exceed amount and execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
Enactment: Resolution No. 82 (2026)
20. Boards and Commission Appointment Subcommittee — Appointment Recommendation Appoint Seema Patel to the Planning Commission for a full term from July 20, 2026, through June 10, 2030.
Agenda Item No. 7 was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and consideration by the City Council.
7. Emergency Rental Assistance Program — Approval
Approve an agreement with Samaritan House to continue administration of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in the amount of $220,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and approve updated Program Guidelines; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented.
Deputy Mayor Fernandez asked questions regarding the program, including eligibility and program outcomes.
Council Members expressed support for the program and requested future information regarding households served and housing stability outcomes.
Public Comment: there were no speakers. The City Council approved the item.
Moved: Fernandez, Seconded: Newsom
Ayes: Fernandez, Newsom, Loraine, and Diaz Nash
Noes: None
Motion passed 4-0.
City Clerk Martin McTaggart administered the Oath of Office to the newly appointed member of the Planning Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ronald Guillen raised concerns regarding alleged unpermitted construction and safety issues at 2910 Edison Street and requested City enforcement and inspection. Kevin Simpson thanked the Police Department and City staff for efforts that substantially reduced illegal fireworks activity on July 4. Donovan Kenway commented on local public safety and community issues. Lisa Taner addressed the Council regarding community concerns. Mei Li raised concerns regarding alleged radio-frequency exposure and related personal safety issues. TJ addressed the Council regarding a community matter. Jordan Grimes commented on local housing and community issues. Madeline raised concerns and asked the City to consider follow-up on the matter she presented. Eric Dodge urged the City to evaluate potential impacts of a proposed data center at the San Mateo County Event Center and consider proactive land-use action.
Charmaine also provided general public comment.
PUBLIC HEARING
21. Appeal of a Planning Commission Approval of a New Six-Story Multifamily Residential Development — Adoption Community Development staff presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of a six-story, 181- unit residential development on North San Mateo Drive and reviewed the project, applicable state housing law, the appeal points, environmental review, parking, access, and conditions of approval. The appellant Steve Carlson, the project applicant, Don Peterson with Promethesus Real Estate, and architect Jeff Gibson addressed the Council.
Public comment: Cindy Skelton opposed the project and described concerns regarding neighborhood compatibility, parking, traffic, construction, garbage collection, and potential adverse impacts. Jordan Grimes City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 7/20/2026 Page 5 supported the project and emphasized the need for housing and the application of state housing law. Max Mautner supported the project while requesting attention to SamTrans operations, residential parking permits, and pedestrian and bicycle safety in the area.
The City Council adopted a resolution denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s approval of the site plan and architectural review, site development planning application, and vesting tentative parcel map for the 181-unit project, and found the project exempt from further CEQA review pursuant to applicable state law, subject to the conditions of approval.
Moved: Fernandez, Seconded: Diaz Nash
Ayes: Fernandez, Newsom, Loraine, and Diaz Nash
Noes: None
Motion passed 4-0.
Enactment: Resolution No. 83 (2026)
NEW BUSINESS
22. November 3, 2026 Election – Consideration of Placing a ¼-Cent Transactions and Use (Sales) Tax Measure on the Ballot –Ordinance Introduction
Staff presented a proposal to place an additional one-quarter-cent transactions and use tax before San Mateo voters at the November 3, 2026 election, estimated to generate approximately $7 million annually for general City services, with independent audits, public reporting, and local control.
Public Comment: there were no speakers.
The City Council adopted a resolution calling and consolidating the election and submitting the measure to voters; appropriated $158,000 for related election costs; authorized two Council Members to submit ballot arguments in favor of the measure; and introduced an ordinance establishing the additional one-quarter-cent transactions and use tax, subject to voter approval.
Moved: Newsom, Seconded: Loraine
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, and Diaz Nash
Noes: None
Motion passed 4-0.
Enactment: Resolution No. 84 (2026)
PUBLIC HEARING
23. November 3, 2026 Election – Placement of Charter Amendments on the Ballot The City Attorney presented proposed Charter amendments addressing district elections, Council vacancies, scheduling of regular Council meetings, urgency ordinances, candidate information, and other outdated provisions.
Public Comment: there were no speakers.
The City Council adopted a resolution placing a measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot to revise the City Charter to reflect district elections, update the process for scheduling Council meetings and filling Council vacancies, and update or remove other outdated provisions.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – 7/20/2026 Page 6 Moved: Diaz Nash, Seconded: Newsom
Ayes: Newsom, Loraine, Fernandez, and Diaz Nash
Noes: None
Motion passed 4-0.
Enactment: Resolution No. 85 (2026)
REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND COMMITTEE UPDATES
City Manager, City Attorney, and Council Members reported on assignments, liaison roles, and community events.
Council discussed a potential data center proposal at the San Mateo County Event Center. A majority of the Council supported staff contacting San Mateo County for additional information and returning with an update regarding potential impacts and possible City actions. Deputy Mayor Fernandez requested that staff research policies adopted by other jurisdictions regarding the use of City property, facilities, or resources by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration enforcement activities. Following discussion with the City Attorney regarding existing state law and the City's welcoming resolution, Council supported staff researching the issue and reporting back before consideration of a future agenda item. Council Members also reported on San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department activities, the Jerry Hill honorary street naming ceremony, July 4 fireworks enforcement, and upcoming community events. The City Manager provided an update on community engagement for the King Center Pool and Resiliency Center project.
ADJOURNMENT –The meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Adam Loraine, Mayor Martin McTaggart, City Clerk