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 6, 2025
Special Meeting: Closed Session - 6 PM | Regular Meeting - 7 PM 6 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Closed Session)
Call to Order
Vice Mayor Sell called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Linda Sell
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Charlsie Chang
Councilmember Eileen Le
Present: 7 -
Councilmember Srinivasan participated remotely in the meeting under the “Just Cause” provision of California Government Code Section 54953(j)(2).
Public Comment
Public Comment opened at 6:04 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 6:04 p.m.
Convene to Closed Session
Council convened to Closed Session in the Council Conference Room at 6:05 p.m.
A 25-0427 Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957:
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Attorney
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Adjourn Special Meeting
Vice Mayor Sell adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Linda Sell
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Charlsie Chang
Councilmember Eileen Le
Present: 7 -
Councilmember Srinivasan participated remotely in the meeting under the “Just Cause” provision of California Government Code Section 54953(j)(2).
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Vice Mayor Sell reported that Council met in Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title: City Attorney; nothing to report.
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
B 25-0471 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Mayor Klein spoke in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Hayden Tang, AAPI Silicon Valley, and Aimee Ge, AAPI Silicon Valley, spoke in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
C 25-0472 Jewish Heritage Month
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Mayor Klein spoke in honor of Jewish Heritage Month.
Oded Shekel, Bay Area Jewish Coalition, spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month.
D 25-0473 Affordable Housing Month
Mayor Klein spoke in honor of Affordable Housing Month.
Karl Lauff, Assistant Director of Real Estate Development, Santa Clara County Housing Authority and Serena Li, Real Estate Development Manager, Santa Clara County Housing Authority spoke in recognition of Affordable Housing Month.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Mehlinger announced the upcoming Drive Electric Event Yael Levy spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and shared concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
City Manager spoke regarding the events that transpired at the Hands on the Arts Festival and announced further review is underway.
Reva Konduru, Policy & Research Associate, Silicon Valley at Home, spoke in recognition of Affordable Housing Month.
Carol Heath, Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, requested financial assistance from the City to support hosting a pride event in Sunnyvale.
Dina Saah shared their concerns about the removal of their Palestine Palette Booth art display at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Omar voiced their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Ayelet communicated their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Tarek Suwwon voiced their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
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Faten shared their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Diane MS discussed their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Sarit Polerey spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and shared concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Margaret Okuzumi voiced their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Julie communicated their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Jason F. shared a presentation that advocated for a bicyclist and pedestrian lane on Tasman Drive.
Elana F. shared a presentation that advocated for a bicyclist and pedestrian lane on Tasman Drive.
Esty R. spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and shared concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Leslie communicated their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Maria Wong voiced their support of the Jewish community and the state of Israel.
Khaled Neonchy spoke to their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Roei Ovadia spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and shared concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Ido Josef spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and shared concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Chen Levkovich discussed how the diversity of art should be displayed and not
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censored.
Romit spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and shared concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Siva H. shared a presentation on their concerns regarding the proposed housing project at the previous Wells Fargo site.
Tamar spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and communicated their concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Hibah, Civil Rights Coordinator, CAIR, voiced concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Rami A. communicated their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Amit spoke in recognition of Jewish Heritage Month and shared concerns about art displayed at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Renee R shared their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Uday Vallamsetty expressed their concerns with the proposed housing project at the previous Wells Fargo site.
Noha voiced their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Dina communicated their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Yosra Abdelaziz spoke to their concerns about the removal of art at the Hands on the Arts Festival.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 8:26 p.m.
AJ requested agenda item 1.E be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
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Public Comment closed at 8:26 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to approve agenda items 1.A through 1.D. and 1.F through 1.G.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
1.A 25-0324 Approve the List(s) of Claims and Bills Approved for Payment by the City Manager
Approve the list(s) of claims and bills.
1.B 25-0458 Accept Pavement Management Technical Assistance Program Round 26 Grant Funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to Complete a Citywide Pavement Condition
Assessment and Approve Budget Modification No. 20 in the Amount of $18,241
Accept Pavement Management Technical Assistance Program Round 26 grant funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to complete a citywide pavement condition assessment to qualify for regional discretionary funds and approve Budget Modification No. 20 in the amount of $18,241.
1.C 25-0500 Award of Contract for the Playground Equipment Replacement 2024 Project at Columbia and Cannery Parks in the Amount of $807,982 to Guerra Construction Group, Finding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15302(c), Approve a Budget Modification No. 22 in the Amount of $272,787
(PW25-07)
Take the following actions:
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- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $807,982 to Guerra Construction Group of Santa Clara; - 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;
- Approve a 10% contingency in the amount of $80,798; and - Approve Budget Modification No. 22 in the amount of $272,787.
1.D 25-0501 Award of Contract in the Amount of $823,972.80 to VSS International, Inc. for Annual Slurry Seal 2025 and Finding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c)
(PW25-02)
Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $823,972.80 to VSS International, Inc. of West Sacramento, CA; - Approve a 10% construction contingency in the amount of $82,397; - 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.E 25-0423 Amend Four Existing Consulting Services Agreements for On-Call Engineering Support Services for the Water Pollution Control Plant (F25-340)
Public Hearing opened at 8:28 p.m.
AJ questioned the decision to hire a design consultant when City staff have job descriptions with similar specializations.
Public Hearing closed at 8:30 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Sell seconded the motion to take the following actions:
- Approve the first amendment to the agreement with Hazen and Sawyer in substantially the same form as Attachment 1 to the report to extend the term of the Agreement until June 2, 2026 and increase the contract amount by $250,000 for a new not to exceed total of $450,000;
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- Approve the first amendment to the agreement with Hydro Science Engineers, Inc. in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report to extend the term of the Agreement until June 6, 2026 and increase the contract amount by $250,000 for a new not to exceed total of $450,000;
- Approve the first amendment to the agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation in substantially the same form as Attachment 3 to the report to extend the term of the Agreement until June 22, 2026 and increase the contract amount by $250,000 for a new not to exceed total of $500,000;
- Approve the first amendment to the agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. in substantially the same form as Attachment 4 to the report to extend the term of the Agreement until July 12, 2026 and increase the contract amount by $250,000 for a new not to exceed total of $500,000;
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendments when all necessary conditions have been met; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute a future amendment of the agreements for up to one (1) additional year, and to increase compensation subject to budget availability, need and negotiated pricing.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
1.F 25-0514 Authorize the Issuance of a Purchase Agreement in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $936,000 for Dedicated Internet Access and DDoS Mitigation Service (F25-301)
Take the following actions:
- Award a five (5) year contract purchase agreement in the amount of $936,000 for Dedicated Internet Access and DDoS Mitigation Service;
- Authorize the City Manager to authorize a purchase agreement when all necessary conditions have been met;
- Authorize the City Manager to renew the agreement for up to two (2) additional one-year periods based upon budget availability, need, acceptable pricing and service;
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- Authorize the City Manager to increase the agreement up to available budgeted amounts;
- Approve a 10% contingency in the amount not to exceed $93,600; and - Find the above actions categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(a).
1.G 25-0517 Review and Adopt Legislative Advocacy Positions and Long-Term Advocacy Positions Related to Housing Element Certification, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Preventing Homelessness, Fair Energy Distribution and
Pricing, Civil and Human Rights, and the School District (Re)Districting Process
Approval of six (6) policy positions as presented and outlined in the report.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
City Council took a recess at 8:34 p.m. and returned at 8:43 p.m. with all Councilmembers present and Councilmember Srinivasan participating via teleconference.
2 25-0551 Consider Approval of the Draft 2025-2030 HUD Consolidated Plan and Draft FY 2025/26 HUD Action Plan and Provide
Direction Regarding Potential Options if Federal Funding is Reduced
Homeless Services Manager Amanda Sztoltz and Haidi Aggeler, Managing Director, Root Policy Research, provided the staff report and presentation.
Public Hearing opened at 9:44 p.m.
Melanie Faure, Upwards, spoke to Upwards services and answered questions posed by City Council.
Agnes Veith voiced support for continuing to finance the Tenant Based Rental Assistance program.
Marie Bernard, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Community Services, requested financial assistance in ensuring Sunnyvale Community Services programs continue to be funded.
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Erika Laguna, Santa Clara County Director, Downtown Streets Team, spoke to Downtown Streets Team’s services.
Pilar Furlong, Chief Community Resources Officer, Bill Wilson Center, spoke in support of City staff recommendations
Scott Duncan communicated the Housing and Humans Services Commission’s recommendations.
Mike Serrone shared their support for continuing to support existing social programs and step-in to assist in funding these programs if federal funding would end.
Public Hearing closed at 10:22 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Mayor Klein seconded the motion to approve Alternative 2. Adopt the draft 2025-2030 HUD Consolidated Plan and 2025/26 Action Plan as shown in Attachments 2 and 3 to this report with the modifications to:
- Allocate $513,534 to the Sunnyvale Community Services Workforce Program; - Allocate $64,000 to Upwards; and
- Allocate $202,416 to the Minor Home Repair Program.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Sell offered a friendly amendment to modify the motion to approve Alternative 3. Councilmember Mehlinger declined to accept the friendly amendment.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
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City Council took a recess at 10:40 p.m. and returned at 10:47 p.m. with all Councilmembers present and Councilmember Srinivasan participating via teleconference.
3 25-0276 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 2025/26
Deputy City Manager Connie Verceles provided the staff report.
Kristina Kawczynski, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Downtown Association, provided the Downtown Sunnyvale Business Improvement District report.
Public Hearing opened at 10:52 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 10:52 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Cisneros 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 2025/26.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
4 25-0566 Approve Art in Private Development Project - Hunter Properties/Cityline, Titled Redwood Dawn (Phase 2, Artwork 4 of 4)
Management Analyst Kristin Dance and Ellie Hunter, Art Consultant, Hunter Properties, provided the staff report and presentation.
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Public Hearing opened at 11:23 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 11:23 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Cisneros seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Approve Art in Private Development Project - Hunter Properties/Cityline, titled Redwood Dawn (Phase 2, Artwork 4 of 4).
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Councilmember Mehlinger reported on a recent Airport Land Use Commission meeting.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
-Council
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Cisneros seconded the motion to agendize an item to allocate up to $5,000 from the City Council set aside to Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church for the Sunnyvale Pride Celebration to be heard at the next regular City Council meeting.
Councilmember Sell registered an an abstention due to being a member of the Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church.
The motion carried with the following vote:
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Yes: Mayor Klein
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
6 -
No: 0
Abstain: Vice Mayor Sell1 -
Councilmember Mehlinger spoke to the public comments made during Oral Communications.
Mayor Klein highlighted Municipal Clerk Week, Public Service Recognition Week, and spoke to the Hands on the Arts Festival.
Councilmember Le spoke to the Hands on the Arts Festival and acknowledged the retirement on Public Safety Chief Ngo and the 50-year anniversary of the fall of Saigon, Vietnam.
Vice Mayor Sell spoke to the public comments made during Oral Communications. -City Manager
City Manager Tim Kirby announced the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommended Budget will be released in the near future.
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
25-0386 Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar
25-0393 Board/Commission Meeting Minutes
25-0404 Information/Action Items
25-0573 Council Advocacy Letters
25-0580 Board/Commission Resignation (Information Only)
ADJOURNMENT
May 6, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 11:34 p.m.