Nicolette Chan

The meeting commenced with a ceremonial item recognizing Women's History Month, including the reading of a proclamation and welcoming representatives from the County's Commission on the Status of Women. Following this, the council proceeded to business items, adhering to decorum rules. The consent calendar was approved unanimously, which included items such as the 2026 City of Sonteo legislative platform approval, reclassification of an administrative technician position to housing specialist, and a recommendation for a park and recreation commission appointment subcommittee. A new member, Maya Ray Osi, took the oath of office. The primary business item discussed was Item Number Five, concerning the proposed eight-story, 128-unit multifamily residential development, also known as the Gateway Project at 668 East 3rd Avenue. The presentation detailed the project's history, compliance with state laws like the Housing Crisis Act (SB 330), the Housing Accountability Act (HAA), AB 130 (CEQA exemption), and AB 2097 (parking exemption due to proximity to transit). The project utilizes stacked density bonus provisions, resulting in a density double the base allowed by the general plan. Design aspects, including Mediterranean/Spanish revival styles and integration of four town home-style units, were reviewed. The project requires waivers for height, setback, and stepback standards.

The special meeting featured a study session update on the Clean Water Program and the wastewater treatment plant upgrade and expansion, presented by Santo Public Works. Key discussion points included an overview of the decade-long program, which aimed to address aging infrastructure, meet regulatory requirements, and foster sustainability goals. The presentation detailed the progress, noting that the project is nearing completion, with an estimated cost slightly over the original projection. Specific attention was given to the new state-of-the-art treatment processes, including biological nutrient removal and membrane bioreactor technology, which yield high-quality effluent. Council members inquired about the financial resolution with Foster City regarding a bridge loan, the status of outstanding construction disputes and claims, and the timelines for upcoming milestones, such as the final cut-over of flow to the new plant and the restoration of the recreational path. Updates were also provided on the planned rehabilitation of four pump stations and the future commencement of a sewer master plan update.

The meeting began with ceremonial items, including the official recognition of Black History Month and a proclamation commemorating the centennial of the Sanato branch of the NAACP. Following this, the council moved to the business portion of the meeting, enforcing rules of decorum. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included the approval of city council meeting minutes, adoption of an ordinance for accessory dwelling unit zoning code amendments, salary schedule revision for a senior transportation planner, amendment for the senior transportation getaround program, and an agreement for Audio Solutions special event support. During the general public comment period, citizens raised concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of 17th and El Camino/Bovit, following a recent fatality, urging prioritization for traffic signal workshops. Other public comments addressed concerns related to alleged high radio frequency/directed energy weapon damage to trees and the bio-field, the need to agenda a formal discussion to grandfather the Glazenwood Historic District status before finalizing the historic preservation ordinance, and issues surrounding recent cell tower appeal decisions.

The special meeting primarily focused on the review and discussion of a public art proposal for the 3157 South B Street FirstNB commercial development project. The project developer and artist presented the proposed public art design, which is intended for the east elevation of the new mass timber building, situated near the Cal Train Station. Key discussion points involved the art's location, scale (estimated value $135,000), color palette inspired by local landscapes, and its integration into the architecture. Commission members inquired about nighttime illumination and visual impact for fast-moving train commuters. Staff also noted considerations for light and glare issues related to illumination. The commission approved the minutes from the previous special meeting.

The meeting addressed a public hearing for a proposed eight-story multifamily residential development, referred to as the Gateway project, located at 668 East 3rd Avenue. Key discussion points included the project's history under Senate Bill 330, policy review regarding local zoning and the Downtown Area Plan, and the application of state laws such as the State Density Bonus Law, Housing Accountability Act, and exemptions under Assembly Bill 130 and Assembly Bill 2097. The project proposes 128 units, including 20 affordable units, and seeks waivers for various development standards, including height and massing. The presentation detailed design elements, materials, and estimated impact fees. Staff recommended approval contingent upon modifications to conditions of approval related to curb and gutter requirements, traffic signal infrastructure, and street light photometric analysis deferral.