City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes
City Council
6:00 PM Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Special Meeting: Study Session 6 PM | Regular Meeting - 7 PM 6 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Study Session)
Call to Order
Vice Mayor Srinivasan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Russ Melton
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Omar Din
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Linda Sell
Present: 7 -
Study Session
A 24-0177 35% Design for Homestead Road, Safe Routes to School Project
Hassan Basma, Project Manager, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), provided the report and presentation.
Public Comment opened at 6:46 p.m.
Kevin Jackson shared their recommendations to be included in the design for Homestead Road.
Sharlene Liu voiced their support for a shared use path and pedestrian scramble to be incorporated into the design for Homestead Road.
Mark Hlady communicated their support for a shared use path and scramble pedestrian crossing.
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
Thalia Ong shared their support for a shared use path and scramble pedestrian crossing.
Public Comment closed at 6:55 p.m.
Adjourn Special Meeting
Vice Mayor Srinivasan adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. 7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Russ Melton
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Omar Din
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Linda Sell
Present: 7 -
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Vice Mayor Srinivasan reported that Council met in Closed Session on April 30, 2024 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT Title: Interim City Manager; nothing to report.
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
B 24-0333 Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month
Mayor Klein spoke in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Audrey Fan and Hayden Tang, Co-Chairs, AAPI Silicon Valley, provided remarks on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
C 24-0336 Jewish Heritage Month
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Klein spoke in honor of Jewish Heritage Month.
Jessica Blitchok, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Silicon Valley, spoke in honor of Jewish Heritage Month.
Oded Shekel, Executive Director, Bay Area Jewish Coalition, shared words in honor of Jewish Heritage Month.
D 24-0620 Recognition of Outgoing Sunnyvale Downtown Association Executive Director
Mayor Klein spoke in recognition of Mike Johnson, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Downtown Association.
Deputy City Manager Connie Verceles shared further words in recognition of Mike Johnson, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Downtown Association.
Mike Johnson, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Downtown Association, spoke to their recognition.
E 24-0335 Public Service Recognition Week
Mayor Klein spoke in honor of Public Service Recognition Week.
Human Resources Director Tina Murphy spoke in recognition of Public Service Recognition Week.
PRESENTATION
F 24-0402 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) Update by District Board Members Jed Cyr and Curt Riffle
Jed Cyr, Karen Holman and Curt Riffle, Midpen Board Members, provided the presentation.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Srinivasan announced the upcoming Hands on the Arts Festival and the Drive Electric event.
Carmel Johnson shared their appreciation to City Council for honoring Jewish Heritage Month and asked there be a formal definition of antisemitism by the City.
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
Ida Josef voiced their appreciation for the City Council honoring Jewish Heritage Month.
Miriam Buzi advocated for adoption of a formal definition of antisemitism by the City.
Hagit Shekel shared their experience living in Sunnyvale as a Jewish community member and their appreciation for the City Council honoring Jewish Heritage Month Yael Levy voiced their appreciation for the City Council honoring Jewish Heritage Month and advocated for the adoption of a formal definition of antisemitism by the City.
Hana Barniv communicated their advocacy for the adoption of a formal definition of antisemitism by the City.
Elana Feinsmith voiced their appreciation for City Council honoring Jewish Heritage Month.
Marie Bernard, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Community Services, announced the Sunnyvale Community Services backpack drive.
Kristina Kawczynski, Director of Operations, Sunnyvale Downtown Association, announced the upcoming wine stroll event.
Andrea Wald shared their appreciation for City Council honoring Jewish Heritage Month.
Tara Martin-Milius communicated support for developing village centers that contain retail businesses.
Haruko Matusda, volunteer, Sunnyvale Live Soccer Club, advocated for the City to improve grass fields and for additional field maintenance funding.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 8:17 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 8:17 p.m.
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Vice Mayor Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to approve agenda items 1.A through 1.K.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
1.A 24-0409 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2024 (Closed Session)
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2024 as submitted.
1.B 24-0463 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2024 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2024 as submitted.
1.C 24-0003 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of April 30, 2024 (Closed Session)
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of April 30, 2024 as submitted.
1.D 24-0436 Approve the List(s) of Claims and Bills Approved for Payment by the City Manager
Approve the list(s) of claims and bills.
1.E 24-0517 Authorize the Issuance of a Two-Year Purchase Agreement in the Amount of $420,000 to L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc. to Provide Fire Protective Clothing, Equipment and Fire Safety Supplies for the Department of Public Safety (F24-145)
Take the following actions:
- Authorize the issuance of a two-year purchase agreement in the amount of $420,000 to L.N. Curtis & Sons, Inc.; and
- Authorize the City Manager to amend and renew the purchase agreement for three (3) additional one-year periods, not-to-exceed budgeted amounts, provided pricing
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and service remain acceptable to the City.
1.F 24-0536 Award of Contract to Interstate Grading & Paving, Inc. in the Amount of $2,562,341 for the Wolfe Road Pavement
Rehabilitation Project and Make a Finding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption Pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) (PW24-13)
Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $2,562,341 to Interstate Grading & Paving, Inc.; - Approve a 10% construction contingency in the amount of $256,234.10; - Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met; and
- Make a finding of a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c).
1.G 24-0537 Award of an On-Call Service Agreement to Telestar Instruments in the Amount of $500,000 for On-Call Services for the Water Pollution Control Plant (F24-083)
Take the following actions:
- Award an on-call service agreement in substantially the same form as Attachment 1 to the report to Telestar Instruments in a not-to-exceed amount of $500,000; - Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met;
- Authorize the City Manager to increase the contract up to budgeted amounts; - Authorize the City Manager to extend the contract for up to two (2) additional two (2) year periods based upon available funding, need, and acceptable pricing and service; and
- Authorize the City Manager to modify the contract compensation schedule subject to negotiated pricing.
1.H 24-0552 Award a Contract to Joseph J Albanese, Inc. in the Amount of $3,782,663 for Peery Park Area Transportation Improvements - Re-Bid, Approve a 10% Construction Contingency, Allow the Withdrawal of a Bid in Conformance with Public Contract Code Section 5103, Make a Finding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15303, and Approve Budget Modification No. 22 in the Amount of $438,000 (PW24-09)
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Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $3,782,663 to Joseph J Albanese, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA; - Approve a 10% construction contingency in the amount of $378,266; - Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met;
- Allow S&H Construction Inc., to withdraw its bid in conformance with Public Contract Code (PCC) Section 5103;
- Make a finding of a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15303; and - Approve Budget Modification No. 22 in the amount of $438,000.
1.I 24-0567 Award of Contract in the Amount of $5,249,820 to DPI, Inc. for Citywide Water Line Replacement 2023 (Maude & San Aleso) and Finding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15302(c) (PW24-17)
Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $5,249,820 to DPI, Inc. of Livermore;
- Make a finding of a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15302(c); - Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met; and
- Approve a 15% contingency in the amount of $787,473.
1.J 24-0564 Adopt a Resolution Calling a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 for the Election of Councilmembers from Districts 2, 4 and 6 and the Office of Mayor; Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide General Election and Election Services from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors; Providing
Regulations for Candidates’ Statements
Adopt a Resolution calling a General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 for the Election of Councilmembers to Districts 2, 4 and 6 and the Office of Mayor; requesting consolidation with the Statewide General Election and Election Services from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors; and providing regulations for Candidates’ Statements.
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
1.K 24-0611 Ratify National League of Cities’ Appointment of Vice Mayor Murali Srinivasan to the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee
Ratify National League of Cities’ appointment of Vice Mayor Murali Srinivasan to the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 24-0229 Public Hearing to Adopt a Resolution Confirming the Annual Report to Levy and Collect an Annual Assessment for the Downtown Sunnyvale Business Improvement District (BID) for Fiscal Year 2024/25
Economic Development Manager Christine Velasquez provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 8:33 p.m.
Kristina Kawczynski, Director of Operations, Sunnyvale Downtown Association, spoke to the events being hosted by the Sunnyvale Downtown Association.
Mike Johnson, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Downtown Association, responded to questions posed by Council.
Public Hearing closed at 8:48 p.m.
Economic Development Manager Christine Velasquez announced the BID Annual Assessment received 0 protests.
MOTION: Councilmember Melton moved and Vice Mayor Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Adopt a Resolution to confirm the Annual Report and Levy and collect an Annual Assessment for the Downtown Sunnyvale Business Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
The motion carried with the following vote:
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
City Council took a recess at 8:57 p.m. and returned at 9:04 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
3 24-0599 Consider Approval of Draft 2024 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan
Homeless Services Manager Amanda Sztoltz provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 9:08 p.m.
Marie Bernard, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Community Services, spoke to how important HUD funds are to Sunnyvale Community Services.
Public Hearing closed at 9:11 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Melton moved and Councilmember Sell seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Approve the 2024 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan as shown in Attachment 2 of the staff report.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
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4 24-0603 Proposed Project: Related applications on three sites totaling 1.74 acres:
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: Amend the General Plan
land use designation from Commercial to either Medium
Density (15-24 du/ac) or High Density (25-36 du/ac)
Residential.
REZONE: Rezone from Neighborhood Business with a
Planned Development combining district (C-1/PD) to either Medium Density Residential (R-3) or High Density Residential (R-4) with a Mixed Use (MU) and Planned Development (PD) combining district.
File #: 2022-7146
Location: 1313 South Wolfe Road (APNs 309-10-026 and
309-10-027) and 898 East Fremont Avenue (APN 309-10-015) Current Zoning: C-1/PD (Neighborhood Business with a
Planned Development combining district)
Applicant / Owner: 4Terra Investments (applicant)/Desmond Family Real Estate Limited Partner (Owner)
Environmental Review: Mitigated Negative Declaration
Project Planner: Mary Jeyaprakash, (408) 730-7449,
[email protected]
Senior Planner Mary Jeyaprakash provided the staff report and presentation.
Public Hearing opened at 10:02 p.m.
Amar Masi provided the applicant presentation.
Martin Pyne, Planning Commission Chair, spoke to the Commission’s recommendation.
Chuck Fraleigh, Vice Chair, Livable Sunnyvale, communicated support for approving the proposed project.
Charlsie shared their experience as a resident living in the neighborhood of the proposed site.
Public Hearing closed at 10:25 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Melton seconded
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
the motion to approve Alternative 1: Take the following actions:
a. Make the findings required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Attachment 3 to the report) and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (Attachment 10 to the report);
b. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment 4 to the report) to amend the General Plan Designation for the two parcels at 1313 South Wolfe Road from Commercial to Medium Density Residential;
c. Make the finding that the General Plan Amendment and rezoning are deemed to be in the public interest (Attachment 3 to the report); and d. Introduce an Ordinance (Attachment 5 to the report) to rezone 1313 South Wolfe Road (APN 309-10-026) from Neighborhood Commercial with a Planned Development Combining District (C-1/PD) to Medium Density Residential with a Mixed-Use Combining District (R-3/MU) and 1313 South Wolfe Road (APN 309-10-027) from C-1/PD to Medium Density Residential with a Planned Development Combining District (R-3/PD).
City Clerk David Carnahan read the Ordinance title for the record.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
City Council took a recess at 10:32 p.m. and returned at 10:41 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
5 24-0406 Discussion and (1) Adoption of a Resolution Calling a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the Purpose of Submitting to City Voters an Ordinance Concerning Amendments to the City Charter; Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide General Election and Election Services from Santa Clara County; Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis;
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
and Setting Priorities for Ballot Arguments; and (2) Approve Amendments to Council Policy 7.3.4 (Roles and
Responsibilities of Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers) Relating to the Role of District Councilmembers
Assistant City Manager Sarah Johnson-Rios provided the staff report and presentation.
Public Hearing opened at 11:06 p.m.
Steve Scandalis voiced their concerns with how City Charter amendment topics are grouped into one ballot measure.
Martin Pyne provided comments on how the potential amendments can relate to the Planning Commission.
Public Hearing closed at 11:12 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Din seconded the motion to approve Alternatives 1 and 2:
1. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1 to the report) calling a General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Sunnyvale on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the purpose of submitting to City voters an Ordinance concerning amendments to the City Charter; requesting consolidation with the Statewide General Election and election services from Santa Clara County; directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; and setting priorities for ballot arguments;
2. Approve amendments to Council Policy 7.3.4 (Roles and Responsibilities of Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers) relating to the role of District Councilmembers; and
- Authorize Mayor Klein and Councilmember Mehlinger to submit an argument in support of the ballot measure and a rebuttal to an argument against the measure.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
6 -
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No: 0
Abstain: Councilmember Melton1 -
6 24-0626 Approve the Appointment of the City Attorney and Approve the Employment Agreement
Interim City Attorney Rebecca Moon recused themselves as this agenda item involves their potential employment agreement.
Human Resources Director Tina Murphy provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 11:23 p.m.
Martin Pyne spoke in support of approving Alternative 1.
Public Hearing closed at 11:25 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Din moved and Vice Mayor Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve Alternatives 1 and 3:
1. Appoint Rebecca Moon as City Attorney; and
3. Approve an employment agreement with Rebecca Moon as outlined in Attachment 1 to the report and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
City Attorney Rebecca Moon returned to the Council Chambers at 11:27 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to hear agenda item 7.
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
7 24-0592 Appointment of Interim City Manager and Approval of Employment Agreement
Human Resources Director Tina Murphy provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 11:33 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 11:33 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Din moved and Vice Mayor Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Approve the appointment of Tim Kirby as Interim City Manager and authorize the Mayor to execute the employment agreement in substantially the same form as Attachment 1 to the report.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
MOTION: Vice Mayor Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Melton seconded the motion to hear agenda item 8.
The motion carried with the following vote:
May 7, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
8 24-0600 Adopt a Resolution Amending the City's Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay to Increase the Salary Range for the Director of NOVA Workforce Services
Human Resources Director Tina Murphy provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 11:42 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 11:42 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Din moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Adopt a Resolution amending the City’s Salary Resolution and Schedule of Pay to increase the Salary Range for the Director of NOVA Workforce Services effective May 12, 2024.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
7 -
No: 0
COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Agenda item not heard by Council.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS
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-Council
Agenda item not heard by Council.
G 24-0606 Colleagues Memorandum: Study Session on City Support for Organizing Community Events
Agenda item not heard by Council.
-City Manager
Agenda item not heard by Council.
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
24-0532 Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar
24-0546 Board/Commission Meeting Minutes
24-0573 Information/Action Items
24-0612 Council Advocacy Letters
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 11:44 p.m.