TOWN OF WOODSIDE
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 9, 2023
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw
Absent: Councilmembers Dombkowski and Fluet
• Staff Present:
Kevin Bryant, Town Manager
Jean Savaree, Town Attorney
Sage Schaan, Planning Director
Sean Rose, Town Engineer/Director of Public Works
Melissa Cardinale, Assistant to the Town Manager
Jennifer Li, Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Freddie and Zoe, Woodside Elementary School students, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Daron Evans, Glenwood Avenue, filed an ethics complaint against the Chair of the Planning Commission because of the last Planning Commission meeting regarding the Village Church.
Christin New, Grandview Drive, spoke of: the recent dangerous traffic accidents that occurred on Old La Honda Road and Kings Mountain Road; the need for communication as the danger moves from rainy season to fire season.
In response to Ms. New's comments, Mayor Shaw stated: there will be a public meeting on May 19, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; the location is to be determined; the meeting will be attended by the CalTrans District 4 Director, State Senator Becker, Assemblyman Berman, County Supervisor Mueller, staff, and Councilmembers; it will be an opportunity to hear from the most senior problem-solvers on the status of the road and plans to repair and reopen; CalTrans has a plan in place to open a single lane of Highway 84, however, they have not provided a start or completion date/time for that; the Town will update the public through the Town website and Nextdoor.
Mr. Bryant added that the Town will use Councilmember Fluet's contact list to inform all neighborhoods.
INTERVIEW AND APPOINTMENT TO THE ASRB
Christina Kamra introduced herself, and spoke of her public hearing process experience.
Council questions included: what she learned about the ASRB and the Town in 2008 as the assumption is her experience influenced her decision to apply; how the Town needs to deal with the influx of new housing over the next eight years; how she would mitigate emotions people bring to meetings; how she sees the Town evolving.
In response to Council's questions, Ms. Kamra stated: she had a great experience with the ASRB in 2008; regarding planning for new housing, she hopes the Town does it carefully; it is a tough issue; she has Town Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2023 Page 1
attended many housing meetings; an apartment building does not suit the Town; the Town's mission is to maintain a scenic, rural environment; to mitigate emotions, it helps to share proposals with the neighbors to get their buy-in in the beginning of the process; Woodside is nirvana, and much has to do with the people; she would like Woodside to evolve as a rural community while figuring out good ways to meet the State mandates.
Councilmember Wall moved to appoint Christina Kamra to the ASRB.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote; AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Dombkowski and Fluet
APPOINTMENTS
Report and Recommendation from the Town Council Committees Appointments Subcommittee:
a. Circulation Committee
b. Environment: Open Space, Conservation & Sustainability Committee c. Livestock and Equestrian Heritage Committee
d. Trails Committee
Mayor Shaw stated that the Council will review items b-d before reviewing item a.
Councilmember Wall recommended approval for all applicants to fill just the right number of available spots.
Councilmember Brown moved approval of the applications for b - d.
Motion seconded by Mayor Shaw and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Dombkowski and Fluet
Mayor Shaw stated: the name, Town Council Committees Appointments Subcommittee, needs to change; Councilmembers Goeld and Wall have been working with the Volunteerism Committee to review processes around governance; one upcoming change is how the size of the Committees is handled.
Councilmember Wall stated: the Volunteer Committee Handbook will be updated; her appreciation for the enthusiasm for volunteer committees; regarding item a, Circulation Committee, since there is one opening and two applicants, Mayor Shaw wanted to extend an invitation to both applicants to talk about why they want to join the Circulation Committee.
Steve Lubin stated: he was a charter member of the late Bicycle Committee and served for many years along with Bob Page and Millo Fenzi; Mr. Page and Mr. Fenzi were on the Circulation Committee and represented the cyclists' point of view; since they no longer serve on the Committee, he felt he needed to step up to represent the cyclist's point of view; he is not that interested in joining a committee after serving as a volunteer in other capacities for many years; he urged the Council to reinstitute the Bicycle Committee, and require that a representative join the Circulation Committee.
Taylor Chaubard spoke of: her upbringing in Woodside, which gave her many different points of view (cyclist, runner, equestrian, driver) and being a mother of young kids; her interest in getting involved and contributing as much as she can.
Councilmember Goeld stated: there is a need for strong Chairs on Town Committees to relay information to the Town Council; his recommendation to appoint Taylor Chaubard.
Town Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2023 Page 2
Councilmember Wall encouraged Mr. Lubin to pursue reinstituting a Bicycle Committee.
Councilmember Brown moved to appoint Taylor Chaubard to the Circulation Committee.
Motion seconded by Mayor Shaw and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Dombkowski and Fluet
CONSENT CALENDAR
Register of Demands Against the Town of Woodside from April 1 through 30, 2023.
2. 2022-23 Third Quarter Treasurers Report.
Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into an Agreement with ClientFirst Technology Consulting to Assist with CentralSquare Migration Contract Negotiation Service and Implementation Assistance.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7586
Resolution Approving Annual Rate Adjustment for Mixed Compostable and Recyclable Materials and Yard Trimming Collection Services for GreenWaste Recovery, LLC for 2023-
24. Resolution No. 2023 - 7581
Resolution Reducing the Quorum for Meetings of the Environment: Open Space, Conservation & Sustainability Committee.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7582
Two Resolutions Continuing the On-Going Declarations of Local Emergency Related to the January and March 2023 Storms.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7583 and No. 2023 - 7584
7. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Maintenance Agreement Between the Town of Woodside and the State of California Department of Transportation for the Woodside Road Median Island Beautification Project.
Resolution No. 2023 - 7585
Councilmember Brown pulled Item 3 for discussion.
Councilmember Wall moved approval of the Consent Calendar Items 1, 2, 4 - 7.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Dombkowski and Fluet
Regarding Item 3, Councilmember Brown stated: the need for staff training on the Town's technology systems so that meetings are not halted or cancelled; whether support can be on-call and available instantaneously.
In response, Ms. Cardinale stated: the contract will include extensive training of all users; she will note that on-call support is desired; the contract will be brought back to Council for review.
Town Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2023 Page 3
Councilmember Brown moved approval of Consent Calendar Item 1.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Goeld, Wall, and Mayor Shaw NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Dombkowski and Fluet
NEW BUSINESS
A. Acceptance of the Technology Master Plan.
Ms. Cardinale presented the staff report.
One Council question included: how this Plan fits into the budget over the next six years.
In response to the Council's question, Mr. Bryant stated: the budget is aligned with current and proposed Information Technology spending.
The Public Comment Period opened at 7:45 p.m.
Lee Ann Gilbert, Olive Hill Lane, expressed support.
The Public Comment Period closed at 7:45 p.m.
The Council expressed support for the Plan and investing in necessary cybersecurity, equipment, and software.
B. Review and Comment on Fire District Ordinance No. 13-2023 Which Would Adopt by Reference the 2022 California Fire Code (Based on the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code) and Woodside Fire Protection District Board Determined Amendments and Additions.
Mr. Bryant presented the staff report and introduced Fire Marshal Don Bullard, Fire Inspector Kim Giuliacci, and Consulting Building Official Elizabeth Rider.
Fire Marshal Bullard and Fire Inspector Giuliacci thanked the Town for its comments and questions about the proposed Code, and reviewed their responses:
• The District is considering withdrawing NFPA 3 and NFPA 1140 standards. • Fire Protection Plan and Vegetation Management Plan are both defined in the CA Fire Code Chapter 49.
• The District has concern about mobile food vehicles operating without inspections. • The District will redefine Aerial Pre-Plans, which shall be developed in a format set and approved by the District. Aerial Pre-Plans will not be required for new single-family residences, alterations, or additions.
• The Standards and Guidelines Manual assists designers, installers, and contractors in installing/using different systems. It provides specifics since each community is different, and will be available online.
• It would be prudent to install automatic fire sprinkler systems. Typically, an existing building will require a higher flow, and there are areas that do not have items to meet that flow. • Regarding Section 903.1.1.2, bathrooms still contain combustibles. Installing an additional fire sprinkler head in the bathroom is low-cost.
• Regarding Section 903.2.7, the original language for an M occupancy building was required for buildings 1,200 SF or larger, and this amendment is for buildings 1,000 SF or larger. • There will be an increase in cost for installing a fire sprinkler system in the attic, however, some of the costs would be reduced by allowing PVC piping. The increase in cost would be worth Town Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2023 Page 4
protecting the building and preventing fire from traveling to other structures and neighborhoods. • Regarding Section 905.3.12 - Lithium-ion batteries, that applies to commercial parking garages only, not residential as private water supply is regulated by another Code. • Alarm companies are certified by Underwriters Laboratories to install systems and its parts. That certification is every three years. It helps with the false alarms received by the Fire Department.
Inspectors keep up with training.
• Any areas that will be adopted as a new fire hazard severity zone needs to be done by ordinance.
They are working on a new map for the District.
Council questions included: coordination with insurance companies providing coverage for homes in a "high-fire severity" zone; whether lithium-ion batteries will be a concern as more consumers are buying electric vehicles.
In response to Council's questions, Fire Marshal Bullard and Fire Inspector Giuliacci stated: insurance coverage depends on who is doing the assessment as to how they come up with hazards; he has talked to Cal Fire and tried to figure out a standard methodology; there is no standard methodology; every consultant or expert in mapping has their own way of identifying the zones; insurance companies have their own criteria to make their decisions; the WFPD has no control over Cal Fire's local maps; the Code impacts commercial buildings and high-rises more than single-family residences; Woodside is overdue for adopting many sections to be consistent with the County; the research is still developing on how to extinguish fires caused by electric vehicles.
The Public Comment Period opened at 8:31 p.m.
Lee Ann Gilbert, Olive Hill Lane, asked about a special foam that protects vacation homes before a fire reaches them.
Fire Marshal Bullard stated: there is a system that sprays gel on the house; the technology works, however, the timing is critical because the gel loses effectiveness.
Steve Lubin asked the proper setbacks between buildings for fire separation.
Fire Marshal Bullard stated: research is still being conducted on the proper distances.
The Public Comment Period closed at 8:37 p.m.
Council comments and questions included: how municipalities manage satisfying Fire requirements of 30- 50' separation between buildings while the State is mandating four feet of separation for Accessory welling Units; if there is a product that can be sprayed on a building for protection, it should be communicated to homeowners; the increased costs for fire-safe materials is working in opposition of some of the Town's other objectives (e.g., providing affordable housing).
In response to Council's comments and questions, Fire Marshal Bullard stated: State law overrides the WFPD Code; the sprayed product is a short-term solution; the WFPD wants people to evacuate early; home hardening and defensible space is effective against spreading fire.
Additional Council comments included: appreciation for the presentation; agreement with the draft letter to the Board of Directors.
Mr. Bryant thanked the WFPD.
REPORTS
C. Town Manager's Oral Report on January and March Storm-Related Proclaimed Emergencies.
Mr. Bryant stated: the closure on Highway 84 continues to impact usage of Old La Honda Road; the Town Town Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2023 Page 5
expends a lot of labor and resources to ensure Old La Honda Road is used as a detour; traffic data reveals that there were about 7,000 average daily trips on Highway 84, around 2,150 now on Kings Mountain Road, and about 1,450 now on Old La Honda Road; Old La Honda Road is carrying five times the amount of normal traffic; the Town continues to work on qualifying for FEMA reimbursement for the March storms.
Councilmember Goeld stated: there was an extensive, frustrated exchange on Nextdoor regarding the road closure and the lack of communication from Caltrans.
Mr. Bryant stated: unfortunately, their project website has stayed static; the meeting on the 19th is a great opportunity for the Town to directly engage with people who can make decisions.
Mayor Shaw stated: it was challenging for that cohort of officials to decide on a date and time; his appreciation of Councilmember Fluet for his work behind the scenes to pull all this together.
Councilmember Goeld suggested using a large venue to accommodate the expected audience, and read a statement from Lisa Cohen:
"People drive that portion of [Old La Honda Road] at high speeds. Given that bicycles are not heeding the warning to take alternative routes, this has become dangerous. I'm wondering if there's some way that signage could be put up on either portion of that area of the road stating the speed limit as 25 mph. I'd also like to suggest a speed bump. I cannot tell you how many cars come down here at rapid speed. The frequency of cars that come down and up this portion; it's a highway now and I want it to be safe for all inhabitants in this area. If you know where else I can voice my concern so that something happens here, I would appreciate it. " Mayor Shaw noted that a couple of weeks ago, there was a planned bicycle ride on Kings Mountain Road.
Mr. Rose said the Circulation Committee recommended not approving the ride, and the organizers cancelled the ride.
Councilmember Wall asked how the meeting on the 19th will be advertised.
Councilmember Shaw said Nextdoor and website.
Mr. Bryant added that Councilmember Fluet has a mailing list for three or four affected communities.
David Mittelman, Grandview Drive, stated: many residents are looking forward to this meeting, however, it will be difficult to make it down the hill; a suggestion to host the event at the Mountain Terrace or the Cal Fire Department.
Mayor Shaw stated they will work harder on finalizing the location.
D. Mayor and Councilmember Communications.
Councilmember Brown reported on a recent C/CAG meeting, and exploring a shuttle service from Redwood City to downtown Woodside with commute.org that would take some pressure off traffic and parking.
Councilmember Goeld stated: his appreciation of Steve Lubin for an enlightening wildflower visit on Jane Drive; he attended an emergency services meeting where he mentioned the catastrophic closure to Warren Slocum; May Day and Fun Run was a fun event, and thanked the Recreation Committee for organizing the event.
Councilmember Wall echoed that the May Day is a fun Woodside tradition.
Mayor Shaw spoke of: a recent Council of Cities dinner in San Carlos where there was a presentation of Town Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2023 Page 6
the new East San Carlos Site Specific Plan where housing and large commercial development co-exist; reminding neighbors about the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund Program and the Chipper Program; working with Councilmember Goeld to create a panel discussion of elected officials to discuss insurance; hearing back soon from HCD on the Housing Element; the Volunteer Fair on June 6,
COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m.
1128
Clerk of the Town of Woodside
APPROVED:
Mayor of the Town of Woodside
Town Council Meeting Minutes May 9, 2023 Page 7