TOWN OF WOODSIDE
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 14, 2023
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was held as a hybrid meeting with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person, in compliance with Town of Woodside Resolution No. 2023-7550.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw
Absent: Councilmember Brown
Staff Present:
Kevin Bryant, Town Manager
Jean Savaree, Town Attorney
Kai Ruess, Deputy Town Attorney
Sage Schaan, Planning Director
Sean Rose, Town Engineer/Director of Public Works
Jennifer Li, Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Shaw led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Bryant congratulated Planning Director Sage Schaan on his recent promotion.
Mr. Schaan expressed his appreciation for working with the Town.
Mr. Bryant reported some updates on the Housing Element including: the gas transmission line is located in the Todo El Mundo public right-of-way; the minimum distance from a building's foundations is 10 feet; the consulting team continues to complete the draft Housing Element for submittal; there will be a mandatory seven-day public review period later next week; after that, the Housing Element will be transmitted to HCD for a 60-day review.
The following people spoke in opposition of the proposed housing site at High Road:
• Hilleary Hoshkinson, High Rd, due to dangerous traffic concerns. • Hank Upton, 230 Todo El Mundo, due to slope stability and traffic concerns. • Louis Malozsak, Woodside Road, due to sewer issues and proximity to a gas transmission line. • Erica Malozsak, Woodside Road, due to traffic safety concerns.
Sue Poletti, Raymundo Drive, opined that Councilmember Goeld violated the integrity and validity of the Code of Ethics when he tried to persuade other Councilmembers to remove the High Road site by bringing in false information so late into the process.
Kendra Blendel, Raymundo Drive, spoke in opposition of the proposed housing site at Raymundo Drive.
Kim Hansen, Raymundo Drive, stated: the current process is flawed if it allows a Councilmember to bring up new information after the staff and public had opportunities to speak; the need to expand the list of sites to comply with fair housing; Councilmember Goeld should recuse himself from discussions and Town Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2023 Page 1
decisions on the High Road site.
John Huhs, Marva Oaks Drive, spoke of: the process being a dreadful experience with neighbors being pitted against neighbors to put high-density housing where it does not belong; disappointment how the High Road and Raymundo Drive sites could end up in the Housing Element as a serious proposal; a suggestion to appoint a special committee to review SB9 positively, focusing on private properties with three acres and more.
Paul Poletti, Raymundo Drive, stated that the Town will need to comply with just compensation wherever the new high-density housing is proposed.
INTERVIEW AND APPOINTMENT TO THE ASRB
Matthew Apfel introduced himself, and spoke of wanting to be reappointed for continuity and pride for building consensus.
The Council's questions and comments included: how he ensures applicants feel like the ASRB is fair; appreciation that there is a spirit of consensus; how he balances a pragmatic approach to new projects, as mentioned in his application; his opinion on the current environment of the ASRB that makes it difficult to recruit new volunteers.
In response to Council's questions, Mr. Apfel stated: the ASRB leans into collaboration and preparation; the ASRB highlights the important sections of the guidelines and values that are important around Town; applicants get a chance to understand and an opportunity to make a statement; his experience has been collaborative and positive; the ASRB exists to offer the best guidance and support on what is important as neighbors; regarding a pragmatic approach, there was a challenging project in the Glens where neighbors felt excluded from the process and did not feel heard by the applicant. The ASRB encouraged them to meet and work things out. He was glad the ASRB was not dictating what changes to make to the project; regarding the current application environment, he feels it is dumb luck. There are multiple people resigning at the same time. He asked his friends, and it is not about time, level of commitment, or being anti-government. The ASRB might still have a reputation for being combative. He is working on spreading the word on ASRB's benefits.
The Council thanked Mr. Apfel for his recruitment efforts.
Councilmember Fluet moved to appoint Matthew Apfel to the ASRB.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Dombkowski and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
INTERVIEW AND APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION DISTRICTS 2, 3, and 5 Lyle Weaver - District 2
Marilyn Voelke - District 3
Alexander Tauber - District 5
Lyle Weaver, District 2 applicant, introduced himself.
The Council's questions included: his familiarity with the proposed housing sites in the Housing Element; his opinion about Measure A in terms of expanded parking and permanent outdoor dining; specific examples for how Woodside can adapt to changing circumstances while keeping the essential elements of the Town that makes it so desirable; how he handles the human emotions of disputes.
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In response to Council's questions, Mr. Weaver stated: yes, he has visited all the proposed housing sites, and they all have challenges; he had a yard sign supporting Measure A; there has been a significant change to usage of Cañada Corners in recent years; the parking constraints are unsustainable; COVID-19 has changed the way people prefer to dine, there is more sensitivity towards wildfire dangers, and the technology boom in the last 10 years has made housing unaffordable; trying to have Woodside adapt to that is a big question; everyone's opinions are important; deliberations need to be transparent and rational; health and safety come before items of taste or personal preference; he would like to see civil and rational discussions about building consensus rather than being more contentious like they are in neighboring communities.
Councilmember Dombkowski moved to appoint Lyle Weaver to Planning Commission District 2.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
Marilyn Voelke, District 3 applicant, introduced herself and stated: it is important to have some continuity for the next year while the Town works through the housing issues; the Planning Commission had a good and productive year this year; she is not looking to fill the position for the full four-year term; she is a strong proponent of district representation.
The Council's questions and comments included: what she would want improved with the Planning Commission; what she hopes the Planning Commission accomplishes in the upcoming year; her views of SB9; her views about exceptions for artificial turf; recommendations for recruitment efforts; appreciation for her application and her calm and rational demeanor; input during her time on Planning Commission.
In response to the Council's questions, Ms. Voelke stated: the Planning Commission has had problems with making quorum as people are very busy; it would be good to impress upon applicants the critical importance of appearing for meetings; the workload has been much heavier in the past two to three years due to all the housing mandates; she is glad for in-person meetings; in the upcoming year, she hopes the Planning Commission assists in the Town having an approved Housing Element; regarding SB9, the Council has the power to change Woodside, and is better at it than the State. The Town should continue treating SB9 the way it has been treated - as one tool in the toolbox. It will work in some situations, however, the Town already has a better system with generous ADU allowances. SB9 is a fire- danger law to Woodside and similar towns; regarding artificial turf, she has evolved her opinion. She thought it was ugly, not ecological (e.g., non-recyclable), and did not drain. It is a struggle on how much the Town will allow, and what conditions should be in place; regarding recruitment recommendations, she suggested reaching out to neighbors next year when she plans to step down. During their interview, the Council needs to ask whether the applicant is committed to staying for four years.
Councilmember Fluet moved to appoint Marilyn Voelke to Planning Commission District 3.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
Alexander Tauber, District 5 applicant, introduced himself and stated his commitment to making a difference.
The Council's questions and comments included: how he would approach the RHNA controversies; whether he is prepared to serve a full term and attend in-person meetings; appreciation for his passion and engagement which potentially significantly reshaped downtown; how he feels about potentially Town Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2023 Page 3
recusing himself from decisions regarding changes allowed by the passage of Measure A; appreciation for his quiet, compelling style, which will be an immense asset to the Planning Commission, and gratitude for his willingness to step up and serve.
In response to the Council's questions, Mr. Tauber stated: the housing issues cannot be solved without controversy; a negative unintended consequence is increasing fire risk; public officials must give each side a voice and deliberate publicly; he echoed what has been said already about consensus; he does not know enough about the housing issues to opine on them, however, the Town has the power/agency to shape how the Housing Element is locally implemented; he is committed to serving a full term; participating through Zoom does not serve the process; the Town knows what it stands for, but it is still open to change; regarding Measure A, many people did a lot of work and his involvement was to ensure balance; all the actors involved will need to step up; Woodside is his slice of heaven, and being involved is his duty as an American citizen.
Councilmember Fluet moved to appoint Alexander Tauber to Planning Commission District 5.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
APPOINTMENTS
Report and Recommendation from the Town Council Committees Appointments Subcommittee:
a. Arts and Culture Committee
b. Circulation Committee
C. Emergency Preparedness Committee
d. Environment: Open Space, Conservation & Sustainability Committee e. Livestock and Equestrian Heritage Committee
f. Recreation Committee
g. Trails Committee
h. Woodside History Committee
i. Volunteerism/Volunteer Liaison and Engagement Committee Councilmember Wall stated: a recommendation that the reappointment requests and the applications to the Arts and Culture, Emergency Preparedness, Environment, Livestock and Equestrian Heritage, Recreation, Trails, Woodside History, and Volunteerism Committees all be approved; there are three reappointment requests and four new applications for five open seats on the Circulation Committee, which the Subcommittee will make a determination on after completing some additional investigation.
Councilmember Goeld moved to appoint the new applicants to the History Committee and the Recreation Committee, and approve the reappointment requests for all Committees except the Circulation Committee.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Fluet and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
Councilmember Goeld stated: Council is at a significant disadvantage being so far removed from understanding the Committees and how they operate; a suggestion to include in the packet a one paragraph statement from the Chair of the Committee on what is and is not working.
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Mayor Shaw agreed. It should be a policy that will add a more meaningful report to agenda packets and give the Committees a voice that becomes part of the public record.
Councilmember Wall added that they can review whether any additional verbiage might need to be added to the Committee Handbook.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Register of Demands Against the Town of Woodside from January 16 through 31, 2023.
Annual Progress Report for the General Plan (2022).
Annual Reporting for the Climate Action Plan (2022).
Resolution Directing That All Meetings of the Town Council, Council Subcommittees, Planning Commission, and Architectural and Site Review Board Will Continue to Be Held in Hybrid Format to Allow Attendance in Person or Remotely Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953(e).
Resolution No. 2023 - 7561
Resolution Increasing Membership for the Circulation Committee.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7562
Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of December 13, 2022.
Councilmember Wall requested to withdraw Item 5 since the Council did not act on the Circulation Committee reappointments and applications.
Councilmember Fluet moved to table Consent Calendar Item 5 until a future meeting.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
Councilmember Fluet moved approval of Consent Calendar Items 1 - 4, and 6.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
PUBLIC HEARING
A. Review of two appeals of the Planning Commission's decision to approve a Tentative Map for a Land Division (LDIV2020-0001) and associated Mitigated Negative Declaration (CEQA2020- 0001), to divide one existing legal parcel of record at 988 Godetia Drive (APN: 068-301-100) into two legal parcels (Parcel A and Parcel B). The existing property is 4.96 acres. Proposed Parcel A would be approximately 1.97 acres and proposed Parcel B would be approximately
2.98 acres. No development is proposed with this application. Resolution No. 2023 - - Councilmember Wall moved to continue Item A to the meeting of February 28, 2023.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Fluet and approved by roll call vote:
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AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown
NEW BUSINESS
B. Planning for Return to In-Person Meetings of the Town Council, Planning Commission, Architectural and Site Review Board, and Citizen Advisory Committees.
Ms. Savaree presented the staff report. The two questions for Council are: whether there is preference to continue providing the Zoom option, and whether the Town should put limitations on the number of times volunteers can use traditional Brown Act exceptions.
The Council asked: if an elected official chooses not to abide by this, is there a process for removal.
In response to Council's question, Ms. Savaree stated: if an elected official has not been attending meetings for a specific period and they have not been excused from those meetings, that is abandonment of office.
The Public Comment Period opened and closed at 9:06 p.m.
In response to Council's request for clarification about the attendance policy, Ms. Savaree stated: as the law is currently written, any member of could choose to teleconference so long as 1) the agenda was posted noticing that, and 2) their door is open inviting the public to attend; quorum is based on the members in the jurisdiction, not necessarily at Town Hall, for the Brown Act exception.
The Council's comments included: support for continuing remote public participation and not adding more restrictions to the onerous requirements of the Brown Act.
Ms. Savaree said staff will implement the direction.
REPORTS
Mayor and Councilmember Communications.
Councilmember Goeld spoke of: a meeting that was well-attended by citizens in the Emerald Hills area last week concerning residential burglaries; Senator Scott Wiener proposing greater penalties and restrictions on local governments trying to circumvent Housing Element requirements.
Councilmember Fluet spoke of a recent C/CAG meeting where the Highway 101 project is progressing well and under budget.
Mayor Shaw read an email he received from a Portola Valley resident regarding the meeting of January 31, 2023, "Woodside runs a respectful, cordial, and smooth meeting in tough times. It felt like a listening Town Council who has to make tough decisions. Compliments to Council. It was refreshing to observe some public comment questions being answered by staff and not ignored. I was impressed the Public
COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m.
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APPROVED:
Mayor of the Town of Woodside
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