City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes
City Council
6:30 PM Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Election Certification Reception - 6:30 p.m. | Regular Meeting - 7 PM 6:30 P.M. ELECTION CERTIFICATION RECEPTION
A reception was held in the Council Chambers Lobby.
7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag.
ROLL CALL
Present : 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
A 25-0083 Certification of November 5, 2024 Election Results - City Council Districts 2, 4 and 6 and the Office of Mayor
City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 7:07 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 7:07 p.m.
January 7, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Vice Mayor Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Din seconded the motion to adopt a Resolution declaring the Canvas of Returns and results of the Consolidated General Municipal Election held November 5, 2024 for the election of Councilmembers to City Council Districts 2, 4 and 6 and the Office of Mayor and such other matters as provided by law.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Melton
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Din
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
No: 0
B 25-0084 Recognition of Outgoing Councilmembers
Jordan Tachibana, Office of Congressman Ro Khanna, shared remarks in recognition of outgoing Councilmembers Melton and Din.
Betty Duong, Santa Clara County Supervisor, shared remarks in recognition of outgoing Councilmembers Melton and Din.
Elizabeth Vacca, Office of State Senator Aisha Wahab, shared remarks in recognition of outgoing Councilmembers Melton and Din.
Patrick Ahrens, Assembly Member, shared remarks in recognition of outgoing Councilmembers Melton and Din.
Julia Miller, Board member, El Camino Healthcare District, shared remarks in recognition of outgoing Councilmembers Melton and Din.
Public Hearing opened at 7:17 p.m.
Member of the public spoke in recognition of outgoing Councilmember Melton.
Public Hearing closed at 7:20 p.m.
January 7, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Klein extended remarks in recognition and appreciation of Councilmember Melton for his service to the City of Sunnyvale. Councilmember Melton provided outgoing remarks.
Mayor Klein spoke in recognition and appreciation of Councilmember Din for his service to the City of Sunnyvale. Councilmember Din provided outgoing remarks.
C 25-0085 Ceremonial Oath of Office for and Recognition of Incoming Councilmembers and Mayor
Mayor Klein provided remarks in recognition of incoming Councilmembers Charlsie Chang and Eileen Le.
The ceremonial Oath of Office for Councilmember Eileen Le was administered by Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong. Councilmember Le provided incoming remarks.
The ceremonial Oath of Office for Councilmember Charlsie Chang was administered by Mick Del Rosario. Councilmember Chang provided incoming remarks.
Mayor Klein provided remarks in recognition of re-elected Councilmember Alysa Cisneros.
The ceremonial Oath of Office for Councilmember Alysa Cisneros was administered by Ed Cisneros. Councilmember Cisneros provided incoming remarks.
Vice Mayor Srinivasan provided remarks in recognition of re-elected Mayor Larry Klein.
The ceremonial Oath of Office for Mayor Larry Klein was administered by Kara Evan. Mayor Klein provided incoming remarks.
Public Hearing opened at 8:11 p.m.
Patrick Ahrens, Assembly Member, shared remarks in recognition of incoming Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros, Chang and Le.
Alex Lee, Assembly Member, shared remarks in recognition of incoming Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros, Chang and Le.
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Santa Clara County School Board Members shared remarks in recognition of incoming Councilmember Le and for her service on the Sunnyvale School Board.
J.R. Fruen, Councilmember, City of Cupertino, shared remarks in recognition of incoming Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros, Chang and Le.
Emily Ann Ramos, Councilmember, City of Mountain View, shared remarks in recognition of incoming Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros, Chang and Le.
Pamela Campos, Councilmember, City of San Jose, shared remarks in recognition of incoming Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros, Chang and Le.
Margaret Lawson shared remarks in recognition of incoming Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros, Chang and Le.
Steve shared remarks in recognition of incoming Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros, Chang and Le.
Public Hearing closed at 8:23 p.m.
Councilmember Mehlinger provided remarks in recognition of outgoing and incoming Councilmembers.
Councilmember Sell provided remarks in recognition of the re-elected Mayor, Councilmember and incoming Councilmembers.
Vice Mayor Srinivasan provided remarks in recognition of the re-elected Mayor, Councilmember and incoming Councilmembers.
City Council took a recess at 8:26 p.m. and reconvened at 8:43 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Sell announced the recruitment for various Boards and Commissions.
Kathryn Besser spoke in appreciation to City Council for approving a grant to help spread awareness of the Sunnyvale Climate Action Plan in the Cherry Chase neighborhood.
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Robert Chen shared the need for improving access to fiber-optic internet and cellular service across Sunnyvale.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 8:52 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 8:52 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve agenda item 1.A.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Srinivasan
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Sell
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
1.A 25-0095 Adopt a Resolution Approving the City Council Regular Meeting Calendar for March 2025 Through March 2026
Adopt a Resolution approving the City Council Regular Meeting Calendar for 2025 through March 2026 as submitted.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 25-0086 Selection of Vice Mayor for a One-Year Term Effective January 7, 2025
Mayor Klein opened the floor for nominations for Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Srinivasan nominated Councilmember Sell to serve as Vice Mayor. They accepted the nomination.
Public Hearing opened at 8:54 p.m.
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Vicki Veenker, Vice Mayor, City of Palo Alto, spoke in support of nominating Councilmember Sell as Vice Mayor.
Public Hearing closed at 8:55 p.m.
Mayor Klein invited the nominee to speak to their nomination.
Councilmember Sell provided remarks.
Councilmember Sell was selected by unanimous consent as Vice-Mayor for 2025. 3 25-0098 Appoint Councilmembers to Intergovernmental Assignments; Ratify Appointments of Councilmembers Made by Outside
Agencies; and Take Action to Modify, Create, or Terminate Council Subcommittees
Public Hearing opened at 9:00 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 9:00 p.m.
1.a. Community Member Appointments
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to appoint Leia Mehlman to the Valley Transportation (VTA) – Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
1.b. Board and Commission Liaison Assignments
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MOTION: Councilmember Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to appoint Councilmembers to Board and Commission Liaison Assignments as outlined in Attachment 1 to the report.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
1.c. Council Subcommittees – Standing Committees
Councilmembers expressed interests and preferences in appointments to standing committees.
MOTION: Councilmember Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to appoint Mayor Klein and Councilmembers Cisneros and Mehlinger to the Council Subcommittee on Boards and Commission.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
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MOTION: Councilmember Le moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to appoint Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Cisneros and Srinivasan to the Community Event and Neighborhood Grant Distribution Subcommittee.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
1.d. Appointments to External (Intergovernmental Relations) IGR Agencies Councilmembers expressed interests and preferences in appointments to external intergovernmental agencies.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve the following appointments to external IGR agencies:
San Francisco Bay Area Regional Water System Financing Authority (RFA) Board of Directors: Councilmember Mehlinger
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (SVCEA): Mayor Klein Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board: Vice Mayor Sell VTA Policy Advisory Transportation Authority: Councilmember Le Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) Board of Directors:
Councilmember Mehlinger
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
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Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve the following appointments to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG): Councilmember Srinivasan and Councilmember Chang as Alternate.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Le seconded the motion to approve the following appointments to the Santa Clara County Expressway Policy Advisory Board: Councilmember Le and Councilmember Mehlinger as Alternate.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the
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motion to appoint Councilmember Cisneros to the North Valley Job Training Consortium (NOVA) Workforce Board Committee.
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to appoint Mayor Klein to the Moffett Field Restoration Advisory Board.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Sell seconded the motion to appoint Councilmember Le to the South Bay Salt Forum.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
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Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to appoint Councilmember Srinivasan as SVCEA Alternate.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded motion to appoint Councilmember Mehlinger as Alternate to the VTA Policy Advisory Committee.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to approve the following appointments to the Valley Water Commission:
Councilmember Cisneros and Councilmember Srinivasan as Alternate.
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The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
2.a. Mayor Klein announced appointments outlined in 2.a. would be announced at a future Council meeting.
2.b. Mayor Klein announced appointments outlined in 2.b. would be announced at a future Council meeting.
3.a. Appointments Made by Outside Agencies
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to ratify outside agency appointments as shown in Attachment 1 to the report.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
No: 0
4 25-0087 Determine the 2025 Seating Arrangements for City Council City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report.
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Public Hearing opened at 9:43 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 9:43 p.m.
By consensus and in the order of seniority, Council determined the seating arrangements for 2025 as follow:
Mayor Klein will remain in the Mayor’s seat (Seat 4).
Vice Mayor Sell selected to take Seat 5.
Councilmember Cisneros selected to take Seat 3.
Councilmember Mehlinger selected to take Seat 7.
Councilmember Srinivasan selected to take Seat 6.
Councilmember Chang selected to take Seat 2.
Councilmember Le selected to take Seat 1.
COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Councilmember Mehlinger reported on a recent Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) meeting.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS
-Council
Mayor Klein announced the upcoming Council Retreat.
-City Manager
City Manager Tim Kirby announced the appointment of a Finance Director and the upcoming retirement of Public Safety Chief Phan Ngo.
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
25-0121 Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar
25-0123 Board/Commission Meeting Minutes
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25-0124 Information/Action Items
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m.