Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D
TOWN OF WOODSIDE
TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES July 30, 2024
Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wall called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Shaw, and Mayor Wall Staff Present:
Kevin Bryant, Town Manager
Jean Savaree, Town Attorney
Sage Schaan, Planning Director
Yazdan Emrani, Town Engineer/Public Works Director
Melissa Cardinale, Interim Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Goeld led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Thalia Lubin spoke about the Woodside History Museum's walking tour to be held on August 3rd from 1-3 p.m. in conjunction with the San Mateo County Historical Association.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
No Town Manager report.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. CONTINUED FROM JULY 9 AND 23, 2024: Consideration of the following actions related to the Cycle 6 Housing Element (2023-2031) of the General Plan
1. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution amending General Plan land use designations for APN 069-170-450 (High Road) from Open Space/Environmentally Sensitive Area (OS-ESA) to Residential (R) and APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) from Open Space (OS) to Residential (R).
2. Introduction of an Ordinance that would do the following: amend Municipal Code Chapter Road) from Open Space for Preservation of Natural Resources (OSN) to MF; amend the Zoning for portions of Cañada College Campus, APNs 068-320-330/410 from SR/MFRD to Multi-Family Residential Zone (MFRZ).
Ordinance No. 2024 - -
Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 1 Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D
3. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution establishing new multi-family Objective Design Standards (ODS) for the following multi-family sites identified in the Town's Housing Element:
APN 069-170-450 (High Road); APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive); portion of APN 068-100- 220 (773 Cañada Road); and, portions of Cañada College Campus, APNs 068-320-330/410.
4. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution amending the Emerald Lake Hills Specific Plan associated with a new MF Zoning at a portion of APN 068-100-220 (773 Cañada Road) and sewer service area expansion.
Resolution No. 2024 - -
Mayor Wall stated that staff will introduce each item, and then each item will have an opportunity for Council questions, public comment, Council deliberations, and then a vote.
Councilmember Brown stated he needed to be recused due to living within 500 feet of the proposed housing site at High Road, and left the room at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Bryant presented an overall summary of the staff report and the process to be taken by Council.
Council then proceeded with hearing each item separately as outlined below.
1. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution amending General Plan land use designations for APN 069-170-450 (High Road) from Open Space/Environmentally Sensitive Area (OS-ESA) to Residential (R)
Resolution No. 2024 - 7697
2. Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Chapter 153, Approving New Multi- Family Housing Development Standards for the Multi-Family Residential (MF) Zone and Rezoning APN 069-170-450 (High Road) from Open Space for Natural Preservation (OSN) to Multi-Family Residential (MF)
Ordinance No. 2024 - _
3. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution Establishing New Objective Design Standards for the Parcel Zoned Multi-Family (MF) at APN 069-170-450 (High Road) Resolution No. 2024 - 7698
Council questions included: could Council include language regarding its intention for Town-owned sites to be owner occupied; what does it mean that the Town controls the Runnymede and High Road parcels; could the development be less than the units designated in the documents; would the selection of the developer for the Town-owned sites occur during a public meeting; clarification on building on parcels with slopes in excess of 35% without approval of a variance; what is a 35 foot height limit.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Bryant stated a WHEREAS could be added to the zoning ordinance regarding Town-owned sites to be owner occupied. As owner of the parcels, it will be the Town's responsibility and role to identify a program for those parcels and pick a housing partner for development.
The number of units developed could be less than what is designated in the documents. Council can outline a process by which it wants to engage the public and select a developer.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Schaan stated the height measurement comes from existing or finished grade, whichever is lower.
The Public Comment period opened at 7:22 p.m.
The following people spoke to express their concerns: Sue Poletti, Toni Donaldson, Kim Hansen, Dick Brown, Steve Lubin, Alysha Messmer, Thalia Lubin, Jason Reed, Chris Canellos, Sudhir Dixit, Amar, Sophie Makris, Steve Patrick, Pat Del Gavio, Maggie Mah, Lee Ann Gilbert, Steve Zelencik, Sherry Schmidt, Donna Howe, Christine, Tom Johnson, and Jim Toni. Speakers asked if the height limit could be lowered to 30 feet.
Several speakers expressed concerns with the change from open space to multi-family residential. Several speakers reiterated concerns with the gas line under the High Road parcel. A speaker asked why the General Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 2 Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D Plan can be changed by the Town Council for these sites, but Town Center requires a ballot measure. A nel. sea pace preced once with are rie speaker,
asked about the School District boundaries and if they would be revised. A speaker asked if an environmental impact report was prepared. Speakers asked why the Town hasn't done its due diligence to find out if the parcels are even usable. A speaker asked who will own the units on Town-owned sites. A speaker asked if other cities have been fined by the State for non-compliance. Several speakers asked why Council and the Town are not fighting the State on this. A speaker asked if the Pioneer Hotel could go back to being a hotel to help with the RHNA numbers.
Scott Stanley spoke to share his appreciation to Council, his understanding that the State is putting more and more pressure on the Town and Council, and that it is going to take a little give on all our parts to make this work.
In response, Mr. Bryant stated that the height limitation for Town Center applies to commercial properties along Woodside Road and it limits the buildings to a single story. That restriction was put in place by a vote of the people, so the only way that restriction can change is by a vote of the people. School district boundaries are the purview of the districts themselves and the San Mateo County Department of Education.
Regarding ownership, the Town would have to follow the requirements of the Surplus Lands Act and Council would discuss ownership at future public hearings. The Town submits annual reports to the State and mid- cycle. The number that is our target holds firm and we either meet that at the sites designated or we need to find other sites. Mr. Bryant outlined the penalties and the cities who have lost their permitting authority.
In response, Mr. Schaan stated Council set up a RHNA Subcommittee to identify different sites in Town.
That Subcommittee made recommendations to the Planning Commission and Council for different sites and through multiple hearings, these were the 4 sites that ended up being approved by Council to remain in the Housing Element. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared and approved by Council at the July 23, 2024 Council meeting. Without specific project proposals, you can only do so much with the initial studies of the land, but that all has to be completed prior to any permit issuance. Each parcel has unique characteristics and the Objective Design Standards vary for each parcel's surroundings. Hotels, motels, or any type of transient housing is not permitted in the Town so it would require a change to the zoning code.
In response, Councilmember Shaw stated he has participated in meetings regarding school district boundaries, and it requires both school districts, Redwood City, and Woodside to agree to the transfer as well as the County.
The Public Comment period closed at 8:37 p.m.
Councilmember Dombkowski asked Council to consider adding an additional WHEREAS which would state:
"WHEREAS, the Town of Woodside is the sole owner of Accessor Parcel Number APN 069-170-450 (High Road), and the Town Council of the Town of Woodside by this resolution makes clear the intention to create multi-family housing within the Town of Woodside, we direct that any future housing development at this parcel be designated as owner occupied."
Council discussion included: support for owner occupied units; the sites are not near transportation, schools, shopping, or jobs; a suggestion to increase the ADU number in the RHNA plan from 15 to 20 per year for a total of 160; a suggestion to reduce the number of units at the Runnymede site from 17 units to 5 and 3 units on High Road; HCD requires multi-family zoning of 20 units per acre; the Town is not in substantial compliance until the rezonings that are called for in the Housing Element are completed; discussions began in 2020 to locate compliant sites; Town-owned sites gives us the best shot at local control; Council has been very careful and meticulous about picking these sites; this has been a very hard process; the RHNA allocation is a larger number than Woodside has ever had to deal with.
Councilmember Dombkowski moved approval of the Resolution Amending the General Plan Land Use Designation for APN 069-170-450 (High Road) from Open Space-Environmentally Sensitive Area (OS-ESA) to Residential (R).
Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 3 Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D Motion seconded by Councilmember Fluet and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Shaw, and Mayor Wall NOES: Councilmember Goeld
RECUSED: Councilmember Brown
Councilmember Dombkowski moved approval to introduce and schedule second reading and adoption of the proposed Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Chapter 153, Approving New Multi-Family Housing Development Standards for the Multi-Family Residential (MF) Zone and Rezoning APN 069-170-450 (High Road) from Open Space for Natural Preservation (ON) to Multi-Family Residential (MF), to add the staff recommended language regarding reference to the Objective Design Standards, and to include a new WHEREAS to state, "WHEREAS, the Town of Woodside is the sole owner of Assessor Parcel Number APN 069- 170-450 (High Road), and the Town Council of the Town of Woodside by this resolution makes clear the intention to create multi-family housing within the Town of Woodside, we direct that any future housing development at this parcel be designated as owner occupied." Motion seconded by Councilmember Shaw and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Shaw, and Mayor Wall NOES: Councilmember Goeld
RECUSED: Councilmember Brown
Councilmember Dombkowski moved approval of the Resolution Establishing New Objective Design Standards for the Parcel Zoned Multi-Family (MF) at APN 069-170-450 (High Road).
Motion seconded by Councilmember Fluet and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dombkowski, Fluet, Shaw, and Mayor Wall NOES: Councilmember Goeld
RECUSED: Councilmember Brown
There was a break from 9:33 p.m. to 9:41 p.m.
Councilmember Brown rejoined the meeting at 9:41 p.m.
4. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution amending the Emerald Lake Hills Specific Plan associated with a new MF Zoning at a portion of APN 068-100-220 (773 Cañada Road) and sewer service area expansion
Resolution No. 2024 - 7699
Mr. Bryant and Mr. Schaan provided a brief introduction to this item.
Council questions included: could the height limit be reduced from 35 feet to 30 feet; what the current sewer flow and excess capacity is; how the owner agreed to reduce from 1.6-acres to 1-acre.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Schaan stated that the height could be adjusted. If an owner wanted to do something different, they would request changes to the Objective Design Standards. Currently there are just setback requirements on the parcel. The owner's representative advised that based on feedback they have heard from the neighborhood, they reduced the parcel to 1-acre.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Emrani stated that we have an allotment of 100,000 gallons per day for the Town Center service area. Regarding the flows, two years ago it was approximately 34,000 gallons per day, and last year it was 37,000 gallons. The excess could accommodate approximately 400 housing units.
The Public Comment period opened at 9:59 p.m.
The following people spoke to express their concern: Steve Lubin, David Mittelman, Chris Canellos, Amar, Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 4 Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D Jill Stanley, Mary Truebridge, Kim Hansen, Stephanie Discher, Jonathan MacSwain, Steve Patrick, Amir Esmaili, Lee Ann Gilbert, resident on Palm Circle, and Thalia Lubin. Several speakers stated their opinion that the Objective Design Standards are boilerplate. Speakers asked if the height limit could be lowered to 28 feet and the front setbacks set to match the R-1 District. A speaker asked for clarification on the sewer limits. A speaker asked if the Town was receiving any form of entitlement compensation from the builder for the extra burden on services. A speaker asked if the families in these housing sites would have an opportunity to attend schools in Woodside. Several speakers asked how the acre on the map today differs from the acre that was considered in the EIR. Speakers asked if the construction materials that will be used could take into consideration the high risk of fire in this area. A speaker suggested the extension of the sewer be approved for the multi-family lot only and not for any of the SR lots that still remain at that Alex Tauber spoke about those who are looking for a way to replace the Raymundo site and take some pressure off of the High Road site. He thanked Council for the work they have done on these hard decisions.
In response, Mr. Bryant stated sewer would be paid for by the developer consistent with the extension of the lines and then the end users of the sewer will pay for that service. General taxes would be received to support emergency services. Regarding schools, two of the sites are within the Woodside Elementary School District.
In response, Mr. Schaan stated the shape of the 1-acre parcel changed. Regarding the high fire area, all the statements in the Objective Design Standards require materials that are fire resistant and require the soffits to be enclosed. It does encourage wood and wire fencing which is something that is consistent throughout the Town.
The Public Comment period closed at 10:47 p.m.
Council discussion included: reducing the height in the Objective Design Standards from 35 feet to 30 feet; sewer should be extended to adjacent properties and new divisions if we have the capacity; any new construction is going to be subjected to the most up to date Fire Code; accepting Mr. Lubin's redline for the first paragraph but not the second paragraph; it's a big win that the property owner's representative and the property owner have indicated they are willing to go down from 1.6-acres to 1-acre; in terms of process, residents have concerns around a road that is in the concept map but any new road would be subject to Planning Commission and Town Council input.
Councilmember Fluet moved approval of the Resolution Amending the Emerald Lake Hills Specific Plan Associated with New Multi-Family Zoning at a portion of APN 068-100-220 (773 Canada Road) with the revisions proposed by Steve Lubin in the first paragraph of his desk item, and to include the reshaping of the property to 1-acre in the rezoning map.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Shaw and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Goeld, Shaw, and Mayor Wall NOES: None
Due to the time of the meeting (after 11:00 p.m.), Council voted to continue ahead with the meeting.
There was a break from 11:10 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
5. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution Amending the General Plan Land Use designation for APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) from Open Space (OS) to Residential (R) Resolution No. 2024 - 7700
Mr. Bryant provided a brief introduction to this item.
Council questions included: could the Town ask for an emergency egress easement or encroachment from San Francisco County on land in Woodside.
Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 5 Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D In response to Council questions, Mr. Bryant stated that it would be an easement or license on the trail that exists on the County's land.
The Public Comment period opened at 11:22 p.m.
The following people spoke to express their concerns: Thalia Lubin, Sue Poletti, Steve Lubin, Kim Hansen, Chris Canellos, and Steve Patrick. Speakers expressed concerns with the project complying with the Fire Code, fire safety and installation of a second access road from Runnymede to Raymundo. Several speakers noted their objection to the late meetings and the order the agenda items were addressed. Speakers raised concerns about building units along a freeway. A speaker asked about the lot having a deed restriction on it and if it is not used for public benefit, the lot reverts back to CalWater.
In response, Ms. Savaree stated that a proposed project would have to comply with the Fire Code. State law says there is a public purpose here and that is the provision of affordable housing.
In response, Mr. Bryant stated that if the parcel is not used for public purposes, it reverts ownership to the State.
The Public Comment period closed at 11:48 p.m.
Councilmember Dombkowski asked Council to consider adding two additional Whereases which would state:
"WHEREAS, the Town of Woodside is the sole owner of Accessor Parcel Number APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) and the Town Council of the Town of Woodside by this resolution makes clear the intention to create multi-family housing within the Town of Woodside, we direct that any future housing developed at APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) to be designated as owner occupied."; "and WHEREAS, further the Town of Woodside acknowledges the broader evacuation concerns associated with the single egress site. The Town Council of the Town of Woodside shall direct staff to research additional egress options as well as related roadway and infrastructure needs near or adjacent to this parcel." Council discussion included: sound mitigation issues and an additional access road would be addressed during the planning phase; support for owner occupied units; Council chose this site because it gave us control over the project; exploring different options for the site and creating affordable housing for special needs, teachers, firefighters, etc.
Councilmember Fluet moved approval of the Resolution Amending the General Plan Land Use designation for APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) from Open Space (OS) to Residential (R).
Motion seconded by Councilmember Brown and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Shaw, and Mayor Wall NOES: Councilmember Goeld
6. Review and approval or denial of a Resolution Establishing New Objective Design Standards for the Parcels Zoned Multi-Family (MF) at APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive), a Portion of APN 068-100-220 (773 Canada Road), and Portions of APNS 068-320-330/410 (Cañada College) Resolution No. 2024 - 7701
7. Introduction of an Ordinance to amend Municipal Code Chapter 153, Zoning, approving revisions to the existing Multi-Family Residential Development Overlay Zone (MFRD) at Cañada College (APNS 068-320-330/410), rezoning of a portion of APN 068-100-220 (773 Cañada Road) from Suburban Residential (SR) to Multi-Family Residential (MF), rezoning portions of APNs 068-320-330/410 (Cañada College) from SR/MFRD to Multifamily Residential Zone (MFRZ), and rezoning APN 072-041- 040 (Raymundo Drive) from Open Space (OS) to Multi-Family Residential (MF) Ordinance No. 2024 -
Mr. Bryant provided a brief introduction to these items.
Council questions included: if Council lowers the height limit on Lot 1 to 30 feet and Lot 2 to 35 feet, would Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 6 Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D that constrain Cañada College's ability to deliver the 75 units that are in the RHNA plan; can Council approve one lot over another; will there be a public College District Board meeting where input could be provided on the projects; can Council implement any setback for Lot 1.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Schaan stated that if the College needed a taller height limit, they would come to the Town to request an adjustment. Council could impose a setback on either lot.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Bryant stated that staff would not recommend approving one lot over another because the approved plan is based on what the College has already identified in their Facilities Master Plan. The College District Board will hold public hearings to approve plans or contracts related to these projects.
The Public Comment period opened at 12:09 a.m.
The following people spoke to express their concerns: Dan Stoddard, Olivia Zwaanstra, Karen, Michele Ono, Pat Del Gavio, Joby Merten, Thalia Lubin, Chris Canellos, Steve Lubin, and Walter Cook. Several speakers expressed concerns with the multi-family housing at Cañada College and asked Council to remove or relocate the site on the campus. Speakers were concerned that if this was approved, they would lose their ability to provide feedback on the projects. Speakers asked for the height limit to be reduced and suggested a sloping height limit to lessen the visual impact.
In response, Mr. Schaan stated that moving the sites at Cañada College would take a revision to the Objective Design Standards. The Objective Design Standards were prepared based on site visits and existing standards within the Town.
In response, Mr. Bryant stated that if a site were removed, the Town would not be able to have a certified Housing Element.
The Public Comment period closed at 12:42 a.m.
Council discussion included: clarification on whether setbacks and height limits could be imposed; increasing the setbacks on Lot 1 to 110-120 feet from the property line at Godetia; reducing the height limit at Cañada College Lot 1 to 30 feet; the Town doesn't have the same control on the Cañada College sites as we do with High Road and Raymundo; the Cañada College sites are a real benefit to the Town because we are able to include these units in our RHNA allocation and not find alternate sites.
In response, Mr. Schaan stated that setbacks and height limits could be imposed.
Councilmember Shaw moved approval of the Resolution Establishing New Objective Design Standards for the Parcels Zoned Multi-Family (MF) at APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive), a Portion of APN 068-100-220 (773 Cañada Road), and Portions of APNS 068-320-330/410 (Cañada College), with amendments to include a 110 foot setback for MFRZ Lot 1 parallel to Godetia Drive, measured from the property line, a 30 foot height limit at MFRZ Lot 1, and a 30 foot height limit at 773 Cañada Road.
Motion seconded by Mayor Wall and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Shaw, and Mayor Wall NOES: Councilmember Goeld
Councilmember Dombkowski moved approval to introduce and schedule second reading and adoption of the proposed Ordinance to amend Municipal Code Chapter 153, Zoning, approving revisions to the existing Multi- Family Residential Development Overlay Zone (MFRD) at Cañada College (APNS 068-320-330/410), rezoning of a portion of APN 068-100-220 (773 Cañada Road) from Suburban Residential (SR) to Multi-Family Residential (MF), rezoning portions of APNs 068-320-330/410 (Cañada College) from SR/MFRD to Multifamily Residential Zone (MFRZ), and rezoning APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) from Open Space (OS) to Multi-Family Residential (MF), to include two new Whereases to state, "WHEREAS, the Town of Woodside is the sole owner of Accessor Parcel Number APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) and the Town Council of the Town of Woodside by this resolution makes clear the intention to create multi-family housing within the Town of Woodside, we direct Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 7 Docusign Envelope ID: F407FF04-F650-4F40-89F3-6AC12130207D that any future housing developed at APN 072-041-040 (Raymundo Drive) to be designated as owner occupied", and "WHEREAS, further the Town of Woodside acknowledges the broader evacuation concern:
associated with the single egress site. The Town Council of the Town of Woodside shall direct staff to research additional egress options as well as related roadway and infrastructure needs near or adjacent to this parcel," and to add the staff recommended language regarding reference to the Objective Design Standards.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Fluet and approved by roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Dombkowski, Fluet, Shaw, and Mayor Wall NOES: Councilmember Goeld
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wall adjourned the meeting at 1:10 a.m.
APPROVED:
•Signed by:
Brian Dombkowski
c=11GC32E22D0F4D8...
Mayor of the Town of Woodside
Town Council Special Meeting Minutes July 30, 2024 Page 8