Holly Gonzales

The meeting commenced with proclamations recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month and American Heart Month. The proclamation for Black History Month honored historical achievements and celebrated the city's commitment to equity and inclusion. The American Heart Month proclamation emphasized the importance of CPR education and community-based strategies to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest. Additionally, the council recognized the Downtown Advisory Commission (DTAC) for its dedicated service and contributions to the successful completion of the Downtown Specific Plan and Streetscape Master Plan, which guides the future vision of downtown San Carlos. The Library Manager presented the annual report for fiscal year 2024-2025, detailing significant metrics such as visitor counts, item circulation, program attendance, digital usage, and highlights from community engagement initiatives like the 55 and up programs and the city's centennial celebration support.

The meeting began with a report from closed session indicating no reportable action. Council communications included announcements regarding the upcoming Art and Wine Festival seeking volunteers, and a 'Passing the Torch' forum for women interested in public office. A council member inquired about the status of confidential memos concerning homelessness and labor negotiations, with the clarification that policy discussions could be brought up in open session later. An announcement was also made regarding the Sister City Association's 10th Annual Taste of Italy event. The consent calendar was reviewed, during which Item 6G regarding the use of ARRA grant savings for Crestview Drive resulted in a council member recusing themselves due to proximity. The council then approved items 6A through 6F, and 6H, 6J, 6K, and 6L, followed by discussion and approval of item 6G after the recusal. Public comment included a citizen request regarding making routes safer to school and a detailed discussion with city staff concerning the eligibility of safe routes to school projects versus street repaving projects for the available funding, specifically citing tight timelines and environmental study requirements for ground-disturbing projects. Public hearings were held for the abandonment of a five-foot strip of right-of-way along Moulton Avenue (approved) and the abandonment of public utilities easements at 35 Hartford Avenue (approved). The meeting concluded with the consideration of adopting the City of San Carlos's strategic plan.

The document details a public hearing and discussion related to a request for a conditional use permit to modify an existing Sprint Wireless telecommunications facility at 260 Shelford Avenue. Key discussion points included concerns raised during a previous meeting regarding a comprehensive noise study, site maintenance issues, and the overall height of the structure. The applicant presented updated information, including a noise study that measured 43.3 DBA, which is below the city's most restrictive nighttime measurement of 45 DBA. Proposed modifications involve antenna replacements, installation of new radio remote units, and the replacement of the southern chain link fence with a vinyl-coated fence featuring attached lattice for screening. The commission also addressed procedures for handling future complaints regarding noise and site maintenance.

The meeting addressed two primary cases. The first involved a request for design review approval for a new 67.3 square foot, freeway-oriented wall sign for Hilti at 1659 Industrial, which was discussed regarding its size, materials, and illumination, and subsequently approved. The second major item concerned a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code chapters regarding Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, specifically recommending the removal of a duplicative chapter (12.32) to consolidate regulations into the zoning ordinance (Chapter 18.24). Staff presented on the regulatory framework set by federal law (Telecommunications Act of 1996, 2012 act, and 2014/2018 FCC rulings) regarding macro facilities and the emerging technology of small cells, noting shorter review timelines for small cells. The discussion highlighted the city's retained authority to impose reasonable aesthetic requirements and the delegation of routine small cell reviews to the Zoning Administrator, with discretion to forward contentious items to the Commission. General public comment was inadvertently skipped at the beginning but addressed later.

The meeting commenced with procedural adjustments to the agenda, including moving item 11e regarding the temporary closure of Laurel Street and Park for an outdoor dining program. A significant portion of the meeting involved issuing a Proclamation commending Dr. Michelle Harmeyer upon her retirement as Superintendent of the San Carlos School District for her leadership, stabilization of the budget, successful pivot to distance learning, and community involvement. Following this, a proclamation declaring June 2021 as Pride Month was issued to honor the history of LGBTQ+ liberation and support equality. Council Communications included well wishes for Father's Day and congratulations to recent graduates. A public comment segment included requests for budget adjustments related to climate mitigation funding, funding for Pogus Creek Watershed, and restoration of funds for landslide repair at 800 Alameda de las Pulgas. A correction was noted for the minutes of the May 1st project study session concerning guidance on painting the Wheeler Plaza parking garage.