City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes
City Council
8:30 AM Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(607 All America Way for map directions)
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Special Meeting: Study Issues/Budget Proposals Workshop - 8:30 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to Government Code Subdivision 54953(e), Councilmembers had the opportunity to participate in the meeting telephonically; pursuant to state law, the City Council made the necessary findings by adopting Resolution No. 1089-21, reaffirmed on February 7, 2023.
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Omar Din
Councilmember Russ Melton
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Linda Sell
Present: 7 -
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comment opened at 8:35 p.m.
John Patton, Sunnyvale Urban Forests Advocates, voiced support for study issue DPW 22-04- Street Tree Repopulation with an Equity Lens.
Peggy Brewster, Sunnyvale for Equity and Education, spoke in support for ranking study issue DPW 23-06- Evaluate Range of Options for Shuttle Service and Alternative Transportation Options for Fremont and Homestead High School Students Who Live in North Sunnyvale at the top of the priority list.
Bridget Watson communicated support for study issues DPW 23-05- Vision Zero Redesign of Borregas Ave and DPW 23-06.
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
Eric Krock provided a presentation opposing study issue DPW 23-04- Explore the Feasibility of Converting the PG&E Lot Between Lois Avenue and Ramona Avenue into a Public Fenced Dog Park.
Rebecca Ham shared concerns regarding study issue DPW 23-04.
Kevin Jackson, Bike Sunnyvale, voiced support for study issue DPW 23-08- Define Metrics that the City Will Use to Evaluate the City's Progress on Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure for Future Reporting.
Andy Yang, Bike Sunnyvale and Walt’s Cycle, spoke in support of study issue DPW 23-08.
Jim Davis communicated support for Council prioritizing study issues CDD 23-01- Consider Increasing Inclusionary Housing Requirements to 20% in New Residential Development and CDD 23-03- Review and Potentially Update the Housing In‐Lieu Fees for Rental and Ownership Housing.
Marie Bernard, Sunnyvale Community Services, spoke in support of study issue OCM 23-01- Review and Potentially Update the Housing In-Lieu Fees for Rental and Ownership Housing.
Graham Clark, Superintendent, Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD), communicated FUHSD's position on study issue DPW 23-06.
Mark Hlady, Bike Sunnyvale, voiced support for study issue DPW 21-01- Bike Lanes on Hollenbeck Avenue between El Camino Real and Homestead Road.
Angela Rausch communicated support for study issue CDD 23-05- Evaluate Existing and Potential Emergency Housing and Shelter Opportunities for Families with Minor Children Experiencing Homelessness and to expand the scope of OCM 23-01.
Leia Mehlman, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Chair, communicated the Commission's recommendations on study issues DPW 23-01- Analyze the Addition of a Second Southbound Right Turn Lane at the Bernardo Avenue and Fremont Avenue Intersection, DPW 23-02- Develop a Safe Routes to Parks Master Plan, and FIN 21-01- Explore a General Election Ballot Measure to Fund Bicycle
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
and Pedestrian Infrastructure Projects.
Mathew Reed, Policy Director, SV@Home, communicated their opposition to study issues CDD 23-01 and CDD 23-03.
Martin Pyne, Planning Commission Chair, communicated the Commission's study issue rankings for CDD 23-02- Consider General Land Plan Use Designation Amendments and Rezoning for 22 Legal Non-Conforming Single- and Two-Family Dwellings, CDD 23-01, CDD 23-03, CDD 23-05, and CDD 23-04- Explore Expanding Sunnyvale Municipal Code 19.52 (Art in Private Development) to Include a Public Art Requirement for High Density Residential Developments (Including Affordable Housing).
Marie Perkins spoke in opposition to study issue DPW 23-04.
Lauren Ledbetter, Sunnyvale for Equity and Education, voiced support for study issue DPW 23-06 and communicated modifications to be included in the study issue.
Stephen Meier spoke in support for prioritizing study issues DPW 23-08, DPW 23-06, and raised concerns with the golf study issue.
Kristel Wickham communicated support for study issues ESD 23-01- Climate Budgeting, DPW 22-04, ESD 17-01- Eliminate the Use of Chemical Pesticides on City Owned or Leased Property, DPW 23-07- Evaluate the Feasibility of an Ordinance to Ban the Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers and Other Small Two-Stroke Motors Within the City Limits of Sunnyvale, ESD 22-02- Promotion and Assessment of Sustainable Landscaping Strategies, DPW 21-01, DPW 23-06, and DPW 22-01- Fleet Planning for Electric Vehicle Transition.
Pramod spoke in opposition to study issue DPW 23-04.
Public Comment closed at 9:23 a.m.
INTRODUCTION BY THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Kent Steffens provided an overview and update on the status of prior year study issues.
FISCAL OUTLOOK PRESENTATION
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
Finance Director Tim Kirby and Budget Manager Felicia Silva presented the fiscal outlook.
Council took a recess at 10:48 a.m. and reconvened at 10:57 a.m. with all Councilmembers present in the Council Chambers.
OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY ISSUES/BUDGET PROPOSALS PROCESS
Senior Management Analyst Michelle Zahraie provided an overview of the process for ranking of study issues.
REVIEW, DISCUSSION AND PRIORITY SETTING: STUDY ISSUES/BUDGET
PROPOSALS
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MOTION: Councilmember Melton moved and Vice Mayor Din seconded the motion to defer Study Issue OCM 21-04 - Establishing Local Rules for City Council Campaign Contributions That Would Differ from the Requirements of AB 571.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
Council ranked Study Issue OCM 23-01 and the ranking sheets were collected and tallied.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Din seconded the motion to modify Study Issue CDD 23-02- Consider General Plan Land Use Designation Amendments and Rezoning for 22 Legal Non-Conforming Single- and Two-Family Dwellings to include the homes on North Pastoria Avenue in the Peery Park Area and to update the study issue title accordingly.
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Cisneros seconded the motion to modify Study Issue CDD 19-04- Update to the Historical Context Statement to Include Historical Contributions Made by Asian Americans and Other Minority Groups to remove the language in the title: “Asian Americans and Other.”
The motion failed with the following vote:
Yes: Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
2 -
No: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
5 -
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to drop Study Issue CDD 23-04- Explore Expanding Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.52 (Art in Private Development) to Include a Public Art Requirement for High Density Residential Developments (Including Affordable Housing).
The motion failed with the following vote:
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
Yes: Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
3 -
No: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
4 -
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to defer Study Issue CDD 23-04- Explore Expanding Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.52 (Art in Private Development) to Include a Public Art Requirement for High Density Residential Developments (Including Affordable Housing).
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
6 -
No: Vice Mayor Din1 -
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Cisneros seconded the motion to defer Study Issue CDD 19-06- Programs to Encourage Visitation to Heritage and Landmark Resources.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Din seconded the motion to defer Study Issue CDD 18-02- Update and Review of the Heritage Resource Inventory.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Cisneros moved and Vice Mayor Din seconded the motion to combine Study Issue CDD 23-03- Review and Potentially Update the Housing In-Lieu Fees for Rental and Ownership Housing into CDD 23-01- Consider Increasing Inclusionary Housing Requirements to 20% in New Residential Development.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
5 -
No: Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Sell
2 -
Council ranked Study Issues CDD 19-04, CDD 22-05- Consider Modifications to the Sunnyvale Municipal Code Related to Undergrounding Utilities, CDD 23-01, CDD 23-02, CDD 23-05- Evaluate Existing and Potential Emergency Housing and Shelter
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
Opportunities for Families with Minor Children Experiencing Homelessness and the ranking sheets were collected and tallied.
Council took a recess at 12:17 p.m. and reconvened at 12:55 p.m. with all Councilmembers present in the Council Chambers.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Melton moved and Vice Mayor Din seconded the motion to modify Study Issue DPW 23-06- Evaluate Range of Options for Shuttle Service and Alternative Transportation Options for Fremont and Homestead High School Students Who Live in North Sunnyvale to add MacDonald High School and Wilcox High School.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Mehlinger offered a friendly amendment to have the study issue begin with public outreach with an emphasis to contact Spanish speakers within the community for input and return with the results within a year of the study beginning.
After discussion, Councilmember Mehlinger withdrew the friendly amendment.
The motion failed with the following vote:
Yes: Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
2 -
No: Mayor Klein
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
5 -
MOTION: Councilmember Melton moved and Mayor Klein seconded the motion to drop Study Issue DPW 21-01- Bike Lanes on Hollenbeck Avenue between El Camino Real and Homestead Road.
The motion failed with the following vote:
Yes: Councilmember Melton1 -
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
No: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
6 -
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Sell seconded the motion to drop Study Issue DPW 23-01- Analyze the Addition of a Second Southbound Right Turn Lane at the Bernardo Avenue and Fremont Avenue Intersection.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
6 -
No: Councilmember Melton1 -
MOTION: Councilmember Sell moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to drop Study Issue DPW 23-04- Explore the Feasibility of Converting the PG&E Lot Between Lois Avenue and Ramona Avenue into a Public Fenced Dog Park.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Councilmember Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to drop Study Issue DPW 22-01- Fleet Planning for Electric Vehicle Transition.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to drop Study Issue DPW 22-07- Evaluate a Range of Options for On Demand Shuttle Service Including Technology Options, Availability of Electric Shuttles, and Potential Funding Sources.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
5 -
No: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
2 -
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Sell seconded the motion to drop Study Issue DPW 20-11- Evaluate Feasibility of Dog Off-leash Hours in Select Sunnyvale Park(s).
The motion failed with the following vote:
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
Yes: Councilmember Mehlinger1 -
No: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
6 -
MOTION: Councilmember Cisneros moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to drop Study Issue DPW 23-02- Develop a Safe Routes to Parks Master Plan.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
5 -
No: Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
2 -
MOTION: Vice Mayor Din moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to defer Study Issue DPW 20-13- Lighting of Current and Future City Owned Dog Parks.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Vice Mayor Din moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to defer Study Issue DPW 20-11- Evaluate Feasibility of Dog Off-leash Hours in Select Sunnyvale Park(s).
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
6 -
No: Councilmember Melton1 -
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Mayor Klein seconded the motion to defer Study Issue DPW 23-05- Vision Zero Redesign of Borregas Ave.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to defer Study Issue DPW 20-03- Waste Reduction Initiative in Sunnyvale Parks.
The motion carried with the following vote:
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
Council ranked Study Issues DPW 21-01, DPW 22-03- Research Possible Causes of & Potential Mitigation Measures for Nuisance Bird Populations in Sunnyvale Public Spaces, DPW 22-04- Street Tree Repopulation with an Equity Lens, DPW 22-08- Define Metrics that the City Will Use to Evaluate the City's Progress on Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure for Future Reporting, DPW 23-06, DPW 23-07- Evaluate the Feasibility of an Ordinance to Ban the Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers and Other Small TwoStroke Motors Within the City Limits of Sunnyvale, DPW 23-08- Define Metrics that the City Will Use to Evaluate the City's Progress on Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure for Future Reporting and the ranking sheets were collected and tallied.
Department of Public Works (DPW) Tiebreaker:
Management Analyst Michelle Zahraie reported a tie exists between DPW 21-01- Bike Lanes on Hollenbeck Avenue between El Camino Real and Homestead Road and DPW 22-03- Research Possible Causes of and Potential Mitigation Measures for Nuisance Bird Populations in Sunnyvale Public Spaces.
MOTION: Councilmember Melton moved and Councilmember Cisneros seconded the motion to rank Study Issue DPW 22-03 above DPW 21-01.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
4 -
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
No: Mayor Klein
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
3 -
Council took a recess at 3:23 p.m. and reconvened at 3:31 p.m. with all Councilmembers present in the Council Chambers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MOTION: Vice Mayor Din moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to drop Study Issue ESD 23-02- Improving Community Awareness of Indoor Air Quality for Climate Resiliency and Public Health.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
Council ranked Study Issues ESD 17-01- Eliminate the Use of Chemical Pesticides on City Owned or Leased Property, ESD 22-02- Promotion and Assessment of Sustainable Landscaping Strategies, ESD 23-01- Climate Budgeting, and the ranking sheets were collected and tallied.
LIBRARY AND RECREATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Council ranked Study Issue LRS 20-03- Assessment of Needs for Additional Outdoor Sports Programs and Facilities and the ranking sheets were collected and tallied.
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Council ranked Study Issues ITD 23-01- Access Sunnyvale Customer Relationship Management System Upgrade to include access designed for Mobile Apps and ITD 23-02- Evaluate the Development of a Single Mobile Application (Sunnyvale App) for All of the Functions of the Current City of Sunnyvale Mobile Applications and the ranking sheets were collected and tallied.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Din seconded the motion to drop Study Issue FIN 22-01- Explore a General Election Ballot Measure to Fund Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Projects.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
BUDGET PROPOSALS
MOTION: Vice Mayor Din moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to refer Budget Proposal 2023-01: Increase the Tree Pruning Contract to Resolve the Two-Year Backlog Over the Next Two Fiscal Years.
The motion carried with the following vote:
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Melton moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to refer Budget Proposal 2023-03: Increased Service Levels for Neighborhood Preservation to Enforce the City's Short-Term Rental Ordinance.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Din seconded the motion to refer Budget Proposal 2023-02: Bicycle and Pedestrian Collision Investigation Pilot Program.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Din
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
7 -
February 16, 2023City Council Meeting Minutes
No: 0
AVAILABILITY OF RANKING/NEXT STEPS
Senior Management Analyst Michelle Zahraie provided closing remarks and reported the Study Issues ranking results would be made available on the City website.
CLOSING REMARKS
City Manager Kent Steffens and Mayor Klein provided closing remarks.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.