City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes
City Council
5:30 PM Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Special Meeting: Study Session - 5:30 PM | Regular Meeting - 7 PM 5:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Study Session)
Call to Order
Vice Mayor Mehlinger called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Linda Sell
Councilmember Charlsie Chang
Councilmember Eileen Le
Present: 7 -
Study Session
A 26-0246 Eliminate the Use of Chemical Pesticide on City Owned or Leased Property
Environmental Programs Manager Emma Hinojosa provided the staff report and presentation.
Public Comment opened at 6:45 p.m.
Janet Farabaugh provided a presentation highlighting recommendations for reducing pesticide use and conducting a broader pilot.
Susan Hinton, Conservation Chair, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter provided a presentation regarding gallons of chemicals used by site type in 2024 by the City and the City of Richmond’s Adopt-a-Spot program.
Andrea Wald voiced support for including more than one location in the Pilot Park
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Study.
Cortney Jansen shared support for the Pilot Park Study to focus on an organic or regenerative practice approach.
Sharlene Liu communicated opposition to the use of synthetic pesticides.
Carrie Levin voiced support for eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides and requested Council consider adding Baylands Park to the Pilot Park Study.
Kristel Wickham suggested investigating the use of park developer fees for transitioning landscaping infrastructure, progressively lowering pesticide use per acre by type, and reevaluating the City’s Integrated Pest Management program (IPM).
Rika Gopinath provided a presentation on Sunnyvale’s most-used pesticides and voiced support for updating the City’s IPM program.
Public Comment closed at 7:01 p.m.
Adjourn Special Meeting
Vice Mayor Mehlinger adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m. 7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Larry Klein
Vice Mayor Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember Linda Sell
Councilmember Charlsie Chang
Councilmember Eileen Le
Present: 7 -
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Mehlinger acknowledged Sunnyvale’s Procurement Team receiving the National Procurement Institute’s Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award and announced the Lakewood Park Playground ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Russ Melton, Chief Executive Officer, Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, provided a presentation announcing the Summer Member Mixer, Breakfast with Congressman Ro Khanna, and inaugural golf tournament.
Cortney Jansen shared their support for the summer events and activities being offered by the City.
Vicki Huber urged Council to exclude from consideration renovation options for Las Palmas Park that include a fenced sporting field and field lighting.
Angie Hinson, Las Palmas Green and Serene, spoke towards the City’s General Plan Goal CC-11.1 (Give Priority to the Following Services, Facilities and Amenities) and urged Council to reject permanent fencing at Las Palmas Park.
Sharlene Liu provided a presentation regarding concerns related to bike lanes at the intersections of Mary Avenue and Cascade Drive along with Cascade Drive and The Dalles Avenue.
Karen Gough, Save Las Palmas Park, spoke in support of a petition to remove Option 1 from the Las Palmas Park Renovation project.
Toni Murphy voiced concerns about transitioning Las Palmas Park to include a fenced field and field lighting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 7:35 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 7:35 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve agenda items 1.A through 1.J.
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Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Mehlinger
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
1.A 26-0208 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2026 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2026 as submitted.
1.B 26-0238 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2026 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2026 as submitted.
1.C 26-0235 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2026 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2026 as submitted.
1.D 26-0490 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of June 23, 2026 Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 23, 2026 as submitted.
1.E 26-0164 Approve the List(s) of Claims and Bills Approved for Payment by the City Manager
Approve the list(s) of claims and bills.
1.F 26-0487 Amend an Existing Services Agreement with Brodart Co. for Library Services for Library Printed Materials and Shelf-Ready Services (F26-458)
Take the following actions:
- Approve the First Amendment to the agreement with Brodart Co. in substantially the same form as Attachment 1 to the report to extend the term of the Agreement through August 20, 2027 and increase the contract amount by $250,000 for a new not-to-exceed total of $499,000;
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment when all necessary conditions have been met;
- Authorize the City Manager to execute amendments to extend the term for up to eight (8) one-year periods; and
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- Authorize the City Manager to increase compensation subject to budget availability, need, and negotiated pricing.
1.G 26-0565 Award a Contract in the Amount of $2,129,070.17 to United Building Maintenance, Inc. for Custodial Services (F26-351) Take the following actions:
- Award a contract to United Building Maintenance, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $2,129,070.17 in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report for custodial services;
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met; and
- Authorize the City Manager to extend the contract for up to three additional one-year periods and to increase compensation, subject to budget availability, need, and negotiated pricing.
1.H 26-0504 Award of Contract to Brannon Corporation in the Amount of $1,391,426 for the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) Oxidation Pond Levee Rehabilitation Project and Finding of Class 1 Exemption Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption
Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $1,391,426 to Brannon Corporation of Morgan Hill, CA; - Make a finding of categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(d); - Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met: and
- Approve a 10% contingency in the amount of $139,143.
1.I 26-0621 Award Contract with all Additive Alternate Bid Items in the Amount of $3,892,772.50 to GradeTech Inc. for the Evelyn Avenue Multi-Use Trail Project; Make Finding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Class 1 Categorical
Exemption Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c); and Approve Budget Modification No. 3 in the Amount of
$546,385.75 (PW26-19)
Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $3,892,772.50 to GradeTech, Inc. of Livermore;
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- Approve Budget Modification No. 5 in the amount of $389,177.25; - Approve a 10% construction contingency in the amount of $546,385.75; and - Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met.
1.J 26-0540 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Elective California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Coverage for Pay Plan Category G Unrepresented Classified Confidential Employees under
California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 710.5
Adopt a Resolution authorizing elective California State Disability Insurance (SDI) coverage for Pay Plan Category G Unrepresented Classified Confidential Employees under California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 710.5.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 26-0590 CONTINUED FROM JUNE 2, 2026
Proposed Project: Take the following Actions:
a. Find that the Proposed Actions are Exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15308;
b. Adopt a Resolution to Establish Lower Density Residential Objective Design Standards for Single-family Dwellings, Two-family Dwellings and Dual Urban Opportunity (DUO)
Housing Developments, and Repeal the Single-Family Home Design Techniques;
c. Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Sunnyvale Municipal
Code Title 19 (Zoning) to Amend Chapter 19.32 (Building Heights, Lot Coverages and Floor Area Ratios) and Repeal and Replace Chapter 19.80 (Design Review) to Implement the Lower Density Residential Design Standards, and to Amend Chapter 19.79 (Accessory Dwelling Units [ADU]) to Conform with New State ADU Laws;
d. Adopt a Resolution to Update and Adopt the Green Building Tables for 2026; and
e. Repeal City Council Policy 1.1.12 Maximum Standards for Small Lot Single-family Residential Developments.
Location: Citywide
File #: PLNG-2024-0517
Project Planner: Aastha Vashist, (408) 730-7458,
[email protected]
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Principal Planner Aastha Vashist provided the staff report and presentation.
Public Hearing opened at 7:52 p.m.
Zachary Kaufman provided a presentation regarding design review thresholds and concerns about raising the Planning Commission review threshold from 45% floor area ratio (FAR) or 3,600 s.f. floor area to 60% FAR.
Steve Scandalis shared concerns about accessory dwelling units and storage sheds not requiring to be screened if they are located on "side yards". He voiced support for establishing standards that require screening of these units regardless of location.
Public Hearing closed at 7:58 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Cisneros seconded the motion to approve Alternative 2: Approve Alternative 1 with modifications:
- Find that the proposed actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15308; - Adopt a Resolution to Establish Lower Density Residential Objective Design Standards for Single-family Dwellings, Two-family Dwellings and Dual Urban Opportunity (DUO) Housing Developments, and Repeal the Single-Family Home Design Techniques (Attachment 3 to the report);
- Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code Title 19 (Zoning) to Amend Chapter 19.32 (Building Heights, Lot Coverages and Floor Area Ratios) and Repeal and Replace Chapter 19.80 (Design Review) to Implement the Lower Density Residential Design Standards, and to Amend Chapter 19.79 (Accessory Dwelling Units [ADU]) to Conform with New State ADU Laws (Attachment 4 to the report);
- Adopt a Resolution to Update and Adopt the Green Building Tables for 2026 (Attachment 5 to the report);
- Repeal City Council Policy 1.1.12 Maximum Standards for Small Lot Single-Family Residential Developments; and
- Direct staff to collect feedback on the guidelines from users especially as it pertains to sustainability and energy use and report findings to Council in two years.
City Clerk David Carnahan read the Ordinance title for the record.
The motion carried with the following vote:
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Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Mehlinger
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
Council took a recess at 8:03 p.m. and reconvened at 8:10 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
3 26-0484 CONTINUED FROM APRIL 7, 2026
Proposed Project: Consider applications on a 0.77-acre site at Carlisle Way:
USE PERMIT: To allow construction of a replacement
groundwater extraction well, a 17-foot-tall water storage tank, chemical storage cabinets, and associated utility and
right-of-way improvements; and
EIR: Adopt a Resolution to certify the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), make required findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Location: 800 Carlisle Way (APN: 309-12-013)
File: 2022-7041
Zoning: R-0/S (Low Density Residential/Single-Story
combining district)
Applicant and Owner: California Water Service (Cal Water) Environmental Review: Environmental Impact Report
Project Planner: Mary Jeyaprakash, (408) 730-7449,
[email protected]
Vice Mayor Mehlinger abstained from this agenda item due to a close personal relationship with an interested party and left the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Senior Planner Mary Jeyaprakash provided the staff report and presentation.
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Councilmember Chang shared that per the Fair Political Practices Commission letter No. A-25-103 dated July 23, 2025, they may participate in this agenda item.
Public Hearing opened at 8:50 p.m.
Melinda Schmidt, Superintendent; Gurkiran Kaur, Capital Delivery Director; and Dawn Smithson, District Manager, California Water Service; and Bill DeBoer, Principal Hydrogeologist, Consultant, provided the applicant report and presentation.
Geetha Iyer shared concerns regarding vibration threshold and risk of localized ground subsidence.
Raghu Srinivasan voiced concerns regarding potential pollution from drilling and from the use of a diesel generator.
Ann Bogan shared information about California Water Service’s business model and that the parcel is zoned for housing.
Ann Hatcher communicated opposition to the project.
Maximillian Palli voiced concerns regarding the proposed sound mitigation barrier.
Uli Palli provided a presentation regarding concerns with the sound wall height and proximity to power lines.
Susan Charbonneau shared concerns regarding pollution from the diesel generator and the stability and condition of the wood fence along the property line.
Tina Baumgatner voiced opposition to the project.
Mei-Ling Stefan provided a presentation regarding the location of the well and an unexplored project alternative.
Terry Grossman communicated concerns with noise and vibration from the drilling.
Paul Healy provided a presentation regarding concerns with the project’s tree removal and noise mitigation plans.
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James B. shared concerns regarding the long-term use of a diesel generator and noise.
Liam Davis voiced concerns with items outlined in the project’s draft Environmental Impact Report.
Tom G. communicated support for conducting a property survey and filing an insurance bond.
Sherry shared support for the availability of the project’s emergency action plan details such as who to contact for emergencies and who is responsible for responding.
Dawn Smithson, District Manager; Gurkiran Kaur, Capital Delivery Director; Carol Colby, Civil/Acoustic Engineer, California Water Service, provided the applicant response.
Nick Towstopiat, Project Manager, David J. Powers provided information regarding subsidence analysis on behalf of the City.
Public Hearing closed at 11:31 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Srinivasan moved to approve Alternatives 1 and 4:
1. Adopt a Resolution to Certify the EIR, Make the Findings Required by CEQA, and Adopt the Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in Attachment 6 to the report; and
4. Make the Recommended Findings for the Use Permit; and Approve the Use Permit subject to Recommended Conditions of Approval in Attachment 5 to the report with the following modifications:
- Noise and vibration monitor reports to be made available online, any variations from acceptable the noise and vibration levels should be reported to City staff immediately, including corrected actions measures conducted; - Residents to have easy access to filing a claim under California Water Service’s liability insurance;
- Independent third-party verification of noise level to be paid by applicant; - Require future technical reports be made available to the public; - Evaluate additional mitigation efforts to reduce diesel emissions onto neighboring properties;
- Investigate alternative back-up power options;
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- Require the installation of a secure fence and gate; and - Installation of public art on the fence.
Councilmember Le seconded the motion and offered a friendly amendment to specify that the public art piece is to be a wooden or otherwise solid fence and have public art subject to the City’s current public art requirements. Councilmember Srinivasan accepted the friendly amendment
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Sell offered a friendly amendment to add that vibration and noise reports include the full data collected and an executive summary of the data. Councilmembers Srinivasan and Le accepted the friendly amendment.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Sell offered a friendly amendment to add that protocols be established for exceedance of noise and vibration levels.
Friendly amendment withdrawn.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Sell offered a friendly amendment to add that California Water Service work with residents outside of the impact zone on a case-by-case basis to determine if a voucher is appropriate. Councilmembers Srinivasan and Le accepted the friendly amendment.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Sell offered a friendly amendment to increase the number of properties in the impact zone to include 20 additional properties up to a maximum of 30 properties and a radius to be determined by staff.
Councilmembers Srinivasan and Le accepted the friendly amendment.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Klein offered a friendly amendment to replace or add an additional wall on the east and south sides of the property. Councilmembers Srinivasan and Le accepted the friendly amendment.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Klein offered a friendly amendment that the project’s construction site signage include both City staff and California Water Service contact information. Councilmembers Srinivasan and Le accepted the friendly amendment.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Klein offered a friendly amendment to revise the number of connections to 1,400 and the appropriate number of residents outlined in the Resolution. Councilmembers Srinivasan and Le accepted the friendly
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amendment.
MOTION AS AMENDED RESTATED: Councilmember Srinivasan moved and Councilmember Le seconded the motion to approve Alternatives 1 and 4:
1. Adopt a Resolution to Certify the EIR, Make the Findings Required by CEQA, and Adopt the Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in Attachment 6 to the report; and
4. Make the Recommended Findings for the Use Permit; and Approve the Use Permit subject to Recommended Conditions of Approval in Attachment 5 to the report with the following modifications:
- Noise and vibration monitor reports with an executive summary to be made available online, any variations from acceptable the noise and vibration levels should be reported to City staff immediately, including corrected actions measures conducted;
- Residents to have easy access to filing a claim under California Water Service’s liability insurance;
- Independent third-party verification of noise level to be paid by applicant; - Require future technical reports be made available to the public; - Evaluate additional mitigation efforts to reduce diesel emissions onto neighboring properties;
- Investigate alternative back-up power options;
- Require the installation of a secure fence and gate;
- Required a wooden or otherwise solid fence that has public art subject to the City’s current public art requirements;
- That protocols be established for exceedance of noise and vibration levels; - Increase the number of properties in the impact zone to include 20 additional properties up to a maximum of 30 properties and a radius to be determined by staff; - Replace or add an additional wall on the east and south sides of the property; - Project construction site signage shall include both City staff and California Water Service contact information; and
- Revise the number of connections to 1,400 and the appropriate number of residents outlined in the Resolution.
The motion as amended carried with the following vote:
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Yes: Mayor Klein
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
6 -
No: 0
Abstain: Vice Mayor Mehlinger1 -
Council took a recess at 12:04 a.m.
Vice Mayor Mehlinger returned to the meeting at 12:11 a.m.
Council reconvened at 12:11 a.m. with all Councilmembers present.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Mehlinger moved and Mayor Klein seconded the motion to hear agenda item 5.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Mehlinger
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
4 26-0669 Introduction of Ordinance Amending Section 2.04.030 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code Relating to City Manager Claims Settlement Authority
Item not heard by Council.
5 26-0655 Review and Approve Arguments Drafted by Mayor Klein and Vice Mayor Mehlinger in Support of Three Charter Amendment Ballot Measures or Provide Other Direction to Complete the
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Arguments
Public Hearing opened at 12:12 a.m.
Zachary Kaufman spoke towards the proposed ballot measure regarding Council Vacancies.
Public Hearing closed at 12:14 a.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Chang seconded the motion to continue the item to July 28.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Mayor Klein
Vice Mayor Mehlinger
Councilmember Cisneros
Councilmember Srinivasan
Councilmember Sell
Councilmember Chang
Councilmember Le
7 -
No: 0
COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Item not heard by Council.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
Item not heard by Council.
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
26-0317 Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar
26-0323 Board/Commission Meeting Minutes
26-0685 Council Advocacy Letters
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 12:17 a.m.