City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes
City Council
4:30 PM Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Special Meeting: Closed Session - 4:30 PM | Special Meeting: Study Session - 5:30 PM | Regular Meeting - 7 PM
4:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Closed Session)
Call to Order
Vice Mayor Sell called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Linda Sell
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Charlsie Chang
Present: 4 -
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Eileen Le
Absent: 3 -
Councilmembers Cisneros, Srinivasan and Le’s absences are excused.
Public Comment
Public Comment opened at 4:33 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 4:33 p.m.
Convene to Closed Session
Council convened to Closed Session in the Council Conference Room at 4:34 p.m. 0 25-1091 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-INITIATION OF
LITIGATION
Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (1 potential case)
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A 25-1054 Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6:
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency Designated Representatives: Sarah Johnson-Rios,
Assistant City Manager
Employee Organization: Communication Officers Association (COA)
Adjourn Special Meeting
Vice Mayor Sell adjourned the meeting at 5:16 p.m.
5:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Study Session)
Call to Order
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Linda Sell
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Charlsie Chang
Present: 5 -
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Eileen Le
Absent: 2 -
Councilmember Srinivasan joined the meeting at 6:03 p.m.
Councilmember Srinivasan participated via teleconference under the “Just Cause” provision of the California Government Code Section 54953(j)(2).
Councilmembers Cisneros and Le’s absences are excused.
Study Session
B 25-0196 Joint Meeting of City Council with Board and Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs to Review and Improve Overall
Effectiveness of Commission Meetings
City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report and presentation.
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Public Comment opened at 6:25 p.m.
Nila Rajkumar advocated for reserving a youth designated seat on boards and commissions.
Maddy Chang voiced their advocacy for reserving a youth designated seat on boards and commissions.
Peggy Brewster spoke in support for promoting youth participation on boards and commissions.
Sharlene Liu communicated their support for promoting youth participation on boards and commissions.
Satiya D. advocated for reserving a youth designated seat on boards and commissions.
Martin Pyne discussed how board and commissions can best comment on the annual budget.
Joshua C. voiced their advocacy for reserving a youth designated seat on boards and commissions.
Public Comment closed at 6:42 p.m.
Adjourn Special Meeting
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag.
ROLL CALL
November 18, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Linda Sell
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Charlsie Chang
Present: 5 -
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Eileen Le
Absent: 2 -
Councilmember Srinivasan participated via teleconference under the “Just Cause” provision of the California Government Code Section 54953(j)(2).
Councilmembers Cisneros and Le’s absences are excused.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Vice Mayor Sell reported that Council met in CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-INITIATION OF LITIGATION Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (1 potential case); Council directed to initiate litigation with the following vote: 4-1-2 (No by Councilmember Chang with Councilmembers Cisneros and Le absent).
Vice Mayor Sell reported that Council met in Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Agency Designated Representatives: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager Employee Organization: Communication Officers Association (COA); nothing to report.
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
C 25-0494 Small Business Saturday
Mayor Klein spoke in recognition of Small Business Saturday.
Leigh Odum, Leigh's Favorite Books, spoke in honor of Small Business Saturday.
PRESENTATION
D 25-0977 Joint Legislative Update by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens and State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab
Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens provided a legislative update presentation.
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State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab provided a legislative update presentation.
Council took a recess at 7:42 p.m. and returned at 7:48 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the Council Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sharlene Liu provided a presentation in support of the Hollenbeck Avenue bike lane study and shared their family story regarding bicycling in Sunnyvale.
Jin Zhang communicated their concerns with violations of Sunnyvale Public Library policies and the lack of policy enforcement.
Steve Scandalis provided a presentation on their survey regarding Hollenbeck Avenue parking usage and proposed a new option for consideration in the Hollenbeck Avenue bike lane study.
Tiffany Ho provided a presentation highlighting impacts on parking along Hollenbeck Avenue with the potential installation of bicycle lanes.
Jiqnesh Shah continued the presentation.
Susan Selna continued the presentation.
Zachary Kaufman provided comments on the legislative update and legislative voting record of Assemblymember Ahrens.
Marius Röevde, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, spoke to their sports organization and the need for improved sports fields.
Ann Harren provided comments on the future agenda item - Hollenbeck Avenue Bike Lane Study, specifically Option 1 - to remove on-street parking on both sides of Hollenbeck Avenue between Danforth Drive and Alberta Avenue to implement Class IIB buffered bicycle lanes.
Alok B. shared their concerns with parking and traffic on Hollenbeck Avenue.
Kevin Jackson spoke in support of Option 1 for the future Hollenbeck Avenue Bike Lane Study agenda item.
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Lakshmi shared their safety and traffic concerns with the proposed introduction of bicycle lanes on Hollenbeck Avenue.
Ari Feinsmith voiced their support for the future agenda item - Hollenbeck Avenue Bike Lane Study - Option 1.
Rupa communicated their concerns with proposed introduction of bicycle lanes on Hollenbeck Avenue.
Stephen Meier spoke in support for the future agenda item - Hollenbeck Avenue Bike Lane Study - Option 1.
Council took a recess at 9:04 p.m. and returned at 9:12 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the Council Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 9:12 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 9:12 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Chang seconded the motion to approve agenda items 1.A through 1.H.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Le
2 -
1.A 25-1043 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2025 (Closed Session)
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2025 as submitted.
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1.B 25-0440 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 as submitted.
1.C 25-0647 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2025 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2025 as submitted.
1.D 25-0795 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2025 (Board and Commission Interviews)
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2025 as submitted.
1.E 25-0889 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2025 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2025 as submitted.
1.F 25-0338 Approve the List(s) of Claims and Bills Approved for Payment by the City Manager
Approve the list(s) of claims and bills.
1.G 25-1016 Authorize the Execution of an Agreement with Otis Elevator Company in the Amount of $454,150 for the Repair and
Modernization of the Department of Public Safety
Headquarters Elevator and Approve Budget Modification No. 9 in the Amount of $499,565
Take the following actions:
- Authorize the issuance of a purchase order to Otis Elevator Company of San Jose in the amount of $454,150 to repair and modernize the Public Safety Headquarters elevator at 700 All American Way;
- Authorize 10% contingency in the amount of $45,415, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $499,565; and
- Approve Budget Modification No. 9 in the amount of $499,565.
1.H 25-1063 Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to Change the Classification Titles of Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer and Create the Classification of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, and Update the Salary Resolution to Make Corresponding Changes to the Schedule of Pay and Increase the Salaries for GIS Specialist 1/2
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Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to Change the Classification Titles of Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer and Create the Classification of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, and Update the Salary Resolution to Make Corresponding Changes to the Schedule of Pay and Increase the Salaries for GIS Specialist 1/2, effective November 23, 2025.
STUDY SESSION
2 25-0635 Active Transportation Plan Progress and Reporting Update City Manager Tim Kirby, Public Works Director Chip Taylor and Active Transportation Planner Jose Palma provided the staff report and presentation.
Public Comment opened at 9:45 p.m.
Sharlene Liu provided feedback on the Active Transportation Plan and interactive reporting map.
Kevin Jackson spoke to the Active Transportation Plan and how to improve bicycle safety.
Jonathan Blum advocated for increasing opportunities for community feedback on the Active Transportation Plan.
Public Comment closed at 9:51 p.m.
Council took a recess at 9:52 p.m. and returned at 9:59 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the Council Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
3 25-0950 Consider a Below Market Rate (BMR) Alternative Compliance Plan for Residential Development at 1124 W. El Camino Real:
Applicant: DeAnza Properties, Planning File 2024-0780
Affordable Housing Manager Ernie DeFrenchi provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 10:15 p.m.
John Vidovich provided the applicant report and presentation.
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Public Hearing closed at 10:22 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve Alternative 2: Approve the Applicant’s BMR Alternative Compliance Plan for the project located at 1124 W. El Camino Real and direct to staff to identify whether 86 units or 91 units should be used for the Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee calculation.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Le
2 -
4 25-1046 Approve a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Sunnyvale and the Sunnyvale Public Safety Managers’
Association (PSMA), and Adopt Resolutions (1) Amending the City's Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay to Increase Salaries for Pay Plan Category M (Public Safety Captains and Public Safety Deputy Chiefs); and (2)
For Paying and Reporting the Value of Employer Paid Member Contributions to the California Public Employees' Retirement System for Employees of the Public Safety Managers’
Association
Assistant City Manager/Interim Human Resources Director Sarah Johnson-Rios provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 10:35 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 10:35 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Authorize the City Manager to execute the
November 18, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes
Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sunnyvale and the Public Safety Managers’ Association; and adopt Resolutions (1) Amending the City's Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay to increase salaries for Pay Plan Category M (Public Safety Captains and Public Safety Deputy Chiefs); and (2) For Paying and Reporting the Value of Employer Paid Member Contributions to the California Public Employees' Retirement System for Employees of the Public Safety Managers’ Association.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Le
2 -
5 25-0929 Introduction of an Ordinance to Renew a Franchise Agreement Granted to Air Products Corporation and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. for the Distribution of Nitrogen Gas Within the City of Sunnyvale
Public Works Director Chip Taylor provided the staff report and presentation.
Public Hearing opened at 10:54 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 10:54 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Chang seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Introduce an Ordinance awarding a fifteen-year extension to an existing non-exclusive franchise for the distribution of nitrogen gas by Air Products Manufacturing Corporation and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
City Clerk David Carnahan read the Ordinance title for the records.
The motion carried with the following vote:
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Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Le
2 -
6 25-0045 Appoint Applicant to the Human Relations Commission City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report.
Public Hearing opened at 10:59 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 10:59 p.m.
Human Relations Commission (one term to 6/30/2026 could be Category One or Category Two)
Aaditri Ramisetty (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
Adithya Vishwanath (Category One)
Vote: 1-0-5 (Abstentions by Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell and Councilmembers Mehlinger and Srinivasan)
Betsy Gissell Ortega Florez (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
Idan Kestenbom (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
Joshua Charnota (Category One)
Vote: 5-0-0
Manjula Jayaraman (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
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Nila Rajkumar (Category One)
Vote: 5-0-0
Nili Helman-Caspi (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
Ofri Vaisman (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
Pranjali Dani (Category One)
Vote: 2-0-3 (Abstentions by Vice Mayor Sell and Councilmembers Mehlinger and Chang)
Vidushi Prayag (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
Yuriana Valencia (Category One)
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)
Council took a recess at 11:10 p.m. and returned at 11:16 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the Council Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Sell seconded the motion to appoint Joshua Charnota to the Human Relations Commission to serve a term expiring 6/30/2026.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Le
2 -
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Joshua Charnota was appointed to the Human Relations Commission to serve a term expiring 6/30/2026.
7 25-0912 Review, Discussion, and Potential Action to Amend Policies Within the Council Policy Manual Chapter 7 - Planning and Management
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Mayor Klein seconded the motion to continue agenda item 7 to a date to a date uncertain.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Sell
Councilmember Mehlinger
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Chang
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Le
2 -
COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
None.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
-Council
Councilmember Chang wished Mayor Klein and Vice Mayor Sell a belated birthday.
Mayor Klein noted the upcoming Nation League of Cities Conference in Salt Lake City.
City Council Mehlinger proposed a Council Priority Project Idea to explore restricting the establishment of new smoke shops and restricting the sale of certain substances within those smoke shops. Co-sponsored by Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell and Councilmembers Srinivasan and Chang.
-City Manager
None.
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INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
25-0898 Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar
25-1034 Board/Commission Meeting Minutes
25-1042 Potential Council Priority Project Ideas Proposed by Council 25-0519 Update on Guaranteed Basic Income Funding (Information Only)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 11:26 p.m.