CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 10, 2025
WE PROVIDE EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES THAT ARE
ESSENTIAL TO THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN SAN RAMON
Mark Armstrong Mayor
Robert Jweinat, Councilmember • Marisol Rubio, Councilmember • Sridhar Verose, Councilmember Council Chamber
7000 Bollinger Canyon Road
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 PM
Agenda Questions: Please contact the City Clerk (925) 973-2539 or [email protected] Please refer to the end of the agenda to review options for participation in the meeting.
Unless stated otherwise on the agenda, every item on the agenda is exempt from CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c), 15061(b)(3), 15273, 15378, 15301, 15323 and/or Public Resources Code Section 21065.
TELECONFERENCING LOCATION
Councilmember Sridhar Verose
Street: 13-9 P&T Colony
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Pin Code: 500060
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. COUNCIL BUSINESS
2.1 City Council District 2 Interviews and Appointment
3. ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify the agenda was posted 24 hours before the noted meeting. This agenda is posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a).
Dated: January 9, 2025
2 City Council Meeting – January 10, 2025
HOW TO VIEW OR PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING:
The public is invited to participate in the meeting using any of the following methods:
IN-PERSON
Members of the public can provide in-person comments at the meeting. To make a request for disability-related accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION BY EMAIL
Public comments may be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. Any public comments received up until two (2) hours prior to the scheduled start time of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council via e-mail, provided at the meeting in the red binder, and posted online at https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/public_comment.
Written comments received after the cut-off time will be provided to the City Council the day following the meeting.
Please include “Public Comment” in the subject line. In the body of the email please include your name and the item you wish to comment on. Written public comment will not be read aloud during the meeting.
TO VIEW OR LISTEN ONLY
As a courtesy and technology permitting, the public will have the opportunity to view the meeting via one-way feed by the options below. However, the City cannot guarantee that the public’s remote access to any meeting will be uninterrupted, and technical difficulties may occur from time to time. In those instances, so long as the public may still attend the meeting in person, the meeting will continue. Members of the public desiring to provide comments as a part of the meeting are encouraged to either submit written comments prior to the meeting or to attend the meeting in person.
a. Zoom: https://cityofsanramon.zoom.us/j/94751479864
Webinar ID: 947 5147 9864
Zoom Phone Numbers: +1 (669) 900-6833
b. The City’s YouTube Channel: www.sanramon.ca.gov/YouTube
ATTENDEE CONDUCT
There will be zero tolerance for any person addressing the Council making profane, offensive and disruptive remarks, or engaging in loud, boisterous, or other disorderly conduct, that disrupts the orderly conduct of the public meeting.
Specifically, it is important for all speakers to adhere to the following guidelines for participation in this meeting:
a. No profanity or obscenity.
b. Refrain from personal threats or attacks.
c. Refrain from hateful epithets and demeaning language based on any person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or disability.
d. Respect all people that are present or watching.
At the discretion of the Mayor, a speaker may forfeit speaking time for any of the following reasons:
a. Exceeding the allotted time to speak;
b. Yelling, screaming, or other behavior that renders this Council unable to continue the meeting; c. Excessive profanity or slander;
d. Specific threats or “fighting words” that incite violence; or e. Speech that is outside the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or the specific agenda item in which you are speaking.
While the City of San Ramon ensures the First Amendment rights of its citizens, we do not accept nor endorse any offensive or hateful comments made during our meetings. The City of San Ramon celebrates the diversity of our community, and we strive to be a welcoming and open community for all.
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 10, 2025
TO: City Council/City Manager
FROM: Christina Franco, City Clerk
By: Christina Franco, City Clerk
SUBJECT: City Council District 2 Interviews and Appointment
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff recommends that the City Council review the applications, conduct the interviews, and appoint one candidate to fill the vacancy on the City Council. The successful applicant will serve from the time of appointment until the results of the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election are certified by the City Council.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
At the December 11, 2024 special meeting of the City Council, the council elected to appoint a resident from District 2 to fill the current vacancy. The City Clerk listed the vacancy on the City’s website and social media accounts soliciting applications. The application was made available on December 12, 2024. A total of 21 applications were received by the January 3, 2025, deadline. Qualified applications were received from 16 candidates who met the requirements to serve on the City Council, District 2. Five applicants did not meet the minimum qualifications to hold office in the City of San Ramon District 2 and are not eligible to be considered by the City Council.
At the January 6, 2025 special meeting of the City Council, the council selected candidates Richard Adler, Kyle Levy, Baljit Sull, and Tiffany Uhri Chi for a formal interview.
Candidates will be interviewed individually. Each candidate will be given two minutes for an opening statement. Each candidate will be asked a total of twelve (12) questions and will have up to three minutes per question. Candidates will be given two minutes for a closing statement. The total interview time will be approximately 45 minutes.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
None.
STEPS FOLLOWING APPROVAL
Staff will notify the appointed City Council member.
2.1 Packet Pg. 4
ATTACHMENT
City Council Appointment Applications
2.1 Packet Pg. 5
CITY COUNCIL APPLICATION
Applicant: Richard Adler
Candidate Statement:
I believe that my background and experience has prepared me to serve on the San Ramon City Council. I work well with others to get goals done. I strongly believe in public service and giving back to my community. The following is a partial list of my activities:
1) President, Dougherty Valley San Ramon Rotary Club 2024/25. My focus is on community service and mental health.
2) Member of the Yes on Measure N committee, 2024.
3) Served as chair of the San Ramon Senior Advisory Committee in 2023. I was reappointed to the committee in 2024. I presented our Annual Report to the City Council and the Parks and Community Services Committee.
4) Member San Ramon Valley Mental Health Advisory, 2024 to present. 5) Completed Leadership San Ramon Valley, Class of 2023. 6) Completed Citizens Planning Academy 2021.
7) Completed Government 101, Class of 2020
8) Completed Citizens Police Academy 2019.
9) VP Board of Directors of Greystone Ranch HOA, 2020 to present. 10) Intern, Congressman Pete McCloskey.
11) Student Rep. to the UC Berkeley Faculty Senate.
12)Student Body President, Awalt High School, Mountain View, CA. 12) American Field Service High School Exchange Student to Navajo Reservation in Many Farms Arizona.
2.1.a
Packet Pg. 6
Attachment: City Council Appointment Applications (4553 : City Council Appointment)
CITY COUNCIL APPLICATION
Applicant: Kyle Levy
Candidate Statement:
Kyle Levy
My Objective: Bring new perspectives to City leadership and encourage resident engagement through my background in local government and volunteer service for the community.
Who I Am:
• A 25-year resident of San Ramon who graduated from Cal High. I currently serve as a member of the Parks and Community Services Commission; Board Secretary of the San Ramon Library Foundation; and as Chairperson for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Facilities Oversight and Advisory Committee. I previously served on the Library Advisory Committee and I was the treasurer for the successful Measure N sales tax campaign. • I have completed the San Ramon Government 101 and Citizen’s Planning Academy classes, and graduated from Leadership San Ramon Valley. I hold a degree in Political Science, a law degree, and certificates in HR Management and Public Law and Policy. • My profession is administrative project management, working for an agency which provides sanitation services to an unincorporated community. I oversee the agency’s tax roll assessment process, generating $11 million in revenue. I also administer a $75,000 grant program which assists property owners. I have prepared staff reports and written and updated policies and procedures. I hold certifications from the California Water Environment Association and the American Society of Administrative Professionals.
My Priorities:
• Public Engagement: Engage in proactive outreach to residents to explain some of the external mandates which regulate many of the City’s powers. Promoting such understanding will increase civic participation and engagement in the City, and help to understand and better meet the needs of our diverse population, youth, and seniors.
• Fiscal Responsibility: The City has made many fiscally responsible decisions, but costs for goods and services continue to increase. We have a limited retail footprint to derive revenue from. The City needs to pursue grant funding opportunities to help support its innovative initiatives, such as environmentally sustainable practices or organized retail theft prevention efforts.
• Quality of Life: The City is undergoing significant growth which it must balance with the need to continue providing excellent facilities for recreation, while also maintaining San Ramon’s status as one of the nation’s safest communities to live and work in.
Why Me:
I have the experience with San Ramon’s institutions and local government decision-making to thoughtfully evaluate issues that impact San Ramon. I will work to meet the needs of our residents and sustain San Ramon’s high quality of life.
2.1.a
Packet Pg. 7
Attachment: City Council Appointment Applications (4553 : City Council Appointment)
CITY COUNCIL APPLICATION
Applicant: Baljit Sull
Candidate Statement:
Since 1989, I have been rooted in San Ramon. I attending Pine Valley Middle School and graduating California High School in 1995. I graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Information Systems from the University of Arizona.
Through my educational and work experience I have cultivated a unique skill set rooted in communication, relationship building and advocacy. I believe the City Council needs a person with a historical perspective on San Ramon. I have seen many changes in this community over the last 35 years of being a resident.
I have been involved in various non-profits and volunteer organizations including San Ramon Futbol Club for 8 years, T-Shirt Sub-Committee Chair for the Run For Education for 10 years, Local PTA and Contra Costa County PTA. I’ve been a youth sports coach for City of San Ramon, City of Dublin and San Ramon FC collectively about 13+ years. I appreciate San Ramon’s commitment to the arts as I am a member of the San Ramon Symphonic Band, where I play euphonium horn.
But the most important volunteer position I have held is being part of the organizing team for the "Bay Sikh Community Blanket Drive" that now memorializes its founder Betty Sull who started the blanket drive out of the Fremont Gurdwara/Sikh Temple over 30 years ago. My mother Betty Sull had instilled a live long sense of service to community.
Since 2011, I have served as a Chief Vice President of Sull Corp, Inc. The corporation owns and maintains three high volume petrol stations in Fairfield, Suisun City and Williams, CA. Prior to 2011, I worked as an information technology specialist for AT&T and Family Violence Law Center serving Alameda County. The Family Violence Law Center is a non-profit which assists people and families out of domestic violence situations. In this role, as the IT Manager I also assisted in the grant process as well as grant reporting.
Being apart of the San Ramon for such a long time, I have the skills and motivation to give back to my community.
2.1.a
Packet Pg. 8
Attachment: City Council Appointment Applications (4553 : City Council Appointment)
CITY COUNCIL APPLICATION
Applicant: Tiffany Uhri Chu
Candidate Statement:
I am excited to submit my candidacy for the San Ramon City Council District 2 seat, and eager to bring my passion for public service, and my commitment to our community, to this important role.
With a master’s degree in education and a law degree, I bring a well-rounded perspective to public service, combining my ability to advocate for others with the skills to make informed, fair, and thoughtful decisions. My background and experience have taught me the value of critical thinking, collaboration, and finding solutions that benefit the greater good; qualities that I will bring to the City Council.
As our city plans for significant growth and new housing developments, I understand the urgency and importance of managing this transition thoughtfully. We need to balance the state housing mandates with the need for infrastructure and neighborhood preservation, while also ensuring that the Measure N taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on projects that benefit all of us. It’s vital that as we expand, we do so responsibly, keeping in mind the future that we are creating for our children and future generations.
I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and will ensure that our city’s resources are managed efficiently, making decisions that prioritize long-term sustainability without overburdening taxpayers.
As a dedicated parent of two young children, I submit my candidacy for City Council with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our community. I am committed to ensuring that our city continues to be a great place to raise a family, with safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community.
Protecting the quality of life of San Ramon residents is a top priority and means ensuring our open spaces and parks remain accessible and well-maintained for families to enjoy. Additionally, I believe that keeping crime rates low is essential to maintaining the safety and security of all our neighborhoods. I will support policies and initiatives that enhance public safety, ensuring that our city remains a place where families feel secure and can thrive.
I would be honored to have your support to serve on the City Council, where I can bring my education, legal experience, and passion for public service to work for the citizens of San Ramon.
Thank you for the opportunity.
2.1.a
Packet Pg. 9
Attachment: City Council Appointment Applications (4553 : City Council Appointment)