Cristian Cruz

The primary discussion item was a public hearing regarding a City-initiated Zoning Text Amendment (DAP25-0047) to modify provisions related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs, recommending adoption of Resolution No. R-03-26 to the City Council, determining the ordinance exempt from CEQA. Training sessions were also held concerning Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) and zoning application technicalities. The Director's Remarks included a review of upcoming City Council agendas covering ADU Ordinance updates and Housing Element Rezonings.

The agenda for the meeting included the approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting. Key informational items involved the Electric Utility Mid-Year Budget Update, detailing revenue and expenditure projections for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for both Fund 520 (Electric Utility) and Fund 526 (Public Benefit). The budget update provided breakdowns by account type, customer class for revenue, and expenditure categories. It also reviewed capital requests and expenditures for FY 2025-26, and summarized the overall Electric Department financial status and reserve balances. The agenda also outlined staff authorized positions for FY 2025-26.

Key discussions for this meeting included the introduction of the Interim Assistant Director, Jessica Sutorus. A presentation was scheduled regarding the SCPPA Prepay Agreement, involving Tom Miller, and an informational report from Stephanie Vargas detailed the 2026 Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) annual filing requirements. The agenda item for the previous month's minutes (December 8, 2025) was listed for approval, and Commissioners were scheduled to provide comments. The supporting documents detail the SCPPA Renewable Energy Prepayment Opportunity, focusing on cost savings through hedging municipal bond markets and leveraging renewable energy projects like Astoria Solar, Kingbird Solar, and the Casa Diablo IV Geothermal Project.

The meeting involved a public hearing for File Index Number DAP-001-744, concerning a request for the Planning Commission to recommend to the City Council amendments to nine areas of the General Plan Land Use Map and Zoning Map, as well as amendments to the 2013 General Plan Land Use Element and Title 18 (Zoning Code), consistent with the 2021-2029 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. Key discussions included adopting environmental findings, certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report, and adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations. A second public hearing addressed File Index Number DAP25-0047, a city-initiated Zoning Text Amendment related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs, where staff recommended recommending approval of the text amendment to the City Council. The agenda also included sections for Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance, Public Comments, Director's Remarks/Review of City Council Agendas, and Commission Comments.

The meeting included updates on Terrace Water Consolidation, an update on the Electric Newsletter and Low-Income Assistance Program, a discussion on Water Meter Reading, a summary of the Flushing Program, and a Public Health Goals Report. The meeting also involved commissioner's comments.