[0:08] Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor: If we Could have roll call.
[0:18] >> The confirmation of the quorum.
[0:19] For the record Council member Chahal is online.
[0:31] Councilmember Chahal: online and no one's in the room.
[0:35] >> Thank you for that.
[0:41] Mayor Gonzalez: We will conduct resignation and applicant
[0:44] interviews and point of application to planning
[0:47] Commission serve one partial term ending June 30th.
[0:51] >> Thank you vice mayor Gonzalez.
[0:52] I'll note for the record that all the applicants have received
[0:57] logistics of this evening. --
[1:21] >> Can everybody hear me?
[1:25] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Good evening.
[1:27] >> Thank you for letting me join.
[1:29] To be a candidate for your planning commission.
[1:35] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you for applying
[1:38] and we'll start with your three minute introduction.
[1:41] >> My name is Naai, I've been a resident of Santa Clara.
[1:46] I moved here in 97.
[1:49] I bought my home in Santa Clara in 2003.
[1:53] My kids have gone in Santa Clara and the school district
[2:01] from third grade onwards.
[2:05] My oldest and youngest have been in kindergarten all the way
[2:08] through high school.
[2:10] All three kids have gone through universities here.
[2:15] I'm a professional software engineer director at a company.
[2:20] A software company in this area.
[2:24] I wanted to volunteer my time back to the community.
[2:30] As the manager and director I've also
[2:37] been volunteering on the boards.
[2:41] I'd like to talk about strategic planning.
[2:44] Planning a future endeavor.
[2:48] And I have an MBA background and that fits my alley
[2:55] and then I can help the Planning Commission.
[2:59] Get some time back to the city.
[3:02] I think that'd be worthwhile for myself.
[3:04] Thank you.
[3:07] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you for that.
[3:09] We're going to get started with our questions.
[3:11] The first would be by Council member Chahal.
[3:22] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Thank you for applying.
[3:24] What government is a good example of planning and why?
[3:31] >> I'd have a development for me personally.
[3:33] Open space and parks.
[3:36] We do more parks and open space areas
[3:40] for our citizens, Santa Clara.
[3:42] Yes, we need development.
[3:44] Nothing wrong with development.
[3:46] We need open spaces for young people.
[3:49] For people, young kids to move around.
[3:52] And enjoy the beautiful of Santa Clara.
[3:58] And everything about it.
[4:00] I'd like to plant more parks comet recreational areas
[4:04] and finding that out.
[4:08] Build some open spaces.
[4:10] Not just development.
[4:12] Development is important.
[4:14] Altogether.
[4:15] Parks are important also.
[4:17] And everything else.
[4:19] I think development spaces for people
[4:22] and for parks to recreational is important also.
[4:27] Having a planning development open spaces
[4:30] is a nice thing personally.
[4:34] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[4:35] We're going to get Council member Hardy.
[4:38] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Do you
[4:41] have any thoughts about the El Camino specific area plan?
[4:46] >> I saw the plan and it is interesting.
[4:50] Nothing specific.
[4:52] I just briefly viewed it.
[4:55] I should have looked at it more, apologies for that.
[4:59] It was interesting.
[5:00] I have to look at it in more detail about it.
[5:04] Sorry about that.
[5:05] I Councilmember Karen Hardy: Thank you.
[5:09] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: I will give you
[5:11] the third question which is, Santa Clara continues
[5:15] to face significant pressure for new housing
[5:17] and development Commonwealth residents
[5:19] are concerned about traffic, infrastructure, neighborhood
[5:22] character and quality of life.
[5:23] How would you approach balancing these competing interests
[5:26] when considering a development proposal?
[5:29] >> As you said, it has to be a balance.
[5:32] I would look at how many units we currently have.
[5:37] In the city.
[5:38] How many do we need.
[5:40] Especially for basic service people.
[5:46] Fire and police, teachers.
[5:50] They have to commute far away.
[5:53] And for low income housing people.
[5:56] So they can afford to live in the city.
[6:00] We need people living here.
[6:03] Honestly, we cannot Overbuild also.
[6:07] And cram everybody.
[6:09] That's very difficult. It is a balance.
[6:13] I know a lot of corporate buildings
[6:16] are being emptied because people work more and more for home.
[6:22] We can look at converting commercial buildings
[6:26] into residential buildings more.
[6:28] I know a lot of people, a lot of corporations
[6:32] work remote from home.
[6:35] Is there.
[6:36] Like our company.
[6:37] We closed our central office.
[6:39] We work 100% remotely.
[6:43] I think other companies don't do long term leases are going
[6:47] to that model, because it makes a lot easier
[6:49] financially for them.
[6:50] It opens up an opportunity for city like ours.
[6:56] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[6:57] Council member park will give the next question.
[7:03] Councilmember Kevin Park: Thank you very much.
[7:08] Planning commissioners are sometimes
[7:11] faced with strong opinions from residents, developers,
[7:15] organizations and other stakeholders.
[7:17] How would you evaluate a project fairly and independently
[7:21] when there is significant public advocacy on both sides?
[7:26] >> I would look at the concerns of the residents.
[7:31] I also have to weigh the benefit overall of the city.
[7:35] It's a hard thing to trade off.
[7:37] Any project look at the trade cost and benefit analysis.
[7:44] You have to see, s, if the residents are 100% against it.
[7:49] The trade off is not that much.
[7:51] You might cite with a resident.
[7:54] It's almost a balanced equaled out.
[7:56] You have to weigh that and it's a tough decision.
[8:00] Sometimes you may have to go against the residents feeling.
[8:03] To put something that's better for the greater community.
[8:08] It is a tough act.
[8:10] But you look at cost dependent value.
[8:12] If I'm getting more value, let's say housing
[8:15] provides more low income homes.
[8:18] More income homes for our community.
[8:21] And the people are against it.
[8:23] I'd say, there's a greater benefit
[8:26] for those building a new home construction
[8:29] for a certain segment.
[8:31] It's more important the city because we
[8:34] need to have affordable homes in our city also.
[8:37] Yes, I would look at the cost benefit of it.
[8:41] Simply drivers trying to maximize profit
[8:44] for private things.
[8:45] But if it's more of a community good on that project.
[8:48] I would weigh that more.
[8:52] Councilmember Kevin Park: Thank you so much sir.
[8:54] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: That concludes the questions.
[8:56] You have one more minute for your closing remarks.
[8:59] >> Thank you for the opportunity.
[9:00] Sorry I did not review the El Camino project.
[9:04] I apologize for that.
[9:05] But I hopefully you'll select me,
[9:08] I'll be more than honored to serve
[9:09] in the Planning Commission.
[9:10] Thank you very much.
[9:14] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[9:16] And if you stick around, we'll decide in this
[9:19] here after we hear from all the applicants.
[9:21] So you can stick around if you want.
[9:23] >> I will stick around.
[9:24] Thank you.
[9:32] A quiet little pause.
[9:38] Jonathan will get ready.
[9:53] I think it should be on.
[9:55] >> Hello, hello, hello.
[9:59] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We will continue here.
[10:03] Jonathan Marinaro, if you have three minutes, opening remarks.
[10:08] >> Thank you vice mayor as well as council members.
[10:11] It's always a pleasure seeing your faces today.
[10:14] I will just have to hear your delightful voice.
[10:18] With that mind, I have been a citizen of Santa Clara
[10:24] for going on 14 years now.
[10:26] It seems like it is a short time.
[10:28] I've been actually coming up here as a kid
[10:30] because my grandma still lives behind Santa Clara High.
[10:34] Eight years ago, actually wanted to be on this commission.
[10:38] This is what actually chooses and figures
[10:42] out how the city grows.
[10:44] It figures out the intent of what we want to do with it.
[10:48] After applying and getting delightfully knocked out.
[10:52] I was approached by the council members
[10:54] at the time who said I should have applied
[10:56] to one of the other commissions where my time could be better
[11:00] used working there and bringing the energy and ideas I
[11:03] had to that.
[11:04] With that I did seven years of our amazing cultural commission.
[11:09] Please go to our events, they are fantastic.
[11:12] Then a year on Bpac.
[11:14] When we can transition over from a basically ad hoc kind
[11:19] of in the middle committee onto a proper brown act
[11:24] compliant commission.
[11:25] It was that year that really brought
[11:28] my love of transportation on into the forefront.
[11:33] Now I was working directly with the folks
[11:36] who advised you on this.
[11:38] Who understood and didn't just have
[11:41] to deal with the aspects of placemaking.
[11:45] But really getting between those places
[11:48] and understanding that placemaking is not
[11:50] just location, but everything in between
[11:52] and how it ties together.
[11:54] That knowledge and that experience
[11:56] has been foundational to me wanting
[11:59] to come back here and apply again
[12:01] for the Planning Commission.
[12:03] I am very happy that Nancy is doing well.
[12:07] And that she's no longer on the Planning commission.
[12:10] After chatting with her over years in many events,
[12:14] I am excited to petition to fill her shoes on this.
[12:18] With that in mind, I have a background
[12:22] in journalism and working in that space,
[12:25] as well as the eight years of that.
[12:29] Working directly with all of you on many, many different projects
[12:32] all over the city.
[12:34] Please come choose me for planning commission.
[12:38] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[12:40] With that, we'll start with our questions.
[12:44] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: Thank you
[12:46] for applying, Jonathan.
[12:47] What development in Santa Clara is a good example
[12:49] of planning and why?
[12:52] >> I do not think good planning should necessarily be judged,
[12:56] whether a project is perfect.
[13:00] I took or I look at whether the planning process successfully
[13:04] reconciled the constraint of the site
[13:06] with the needs of the surrounding community.
[13:07] With that in mind, I'm actually really
[13:10] impressed with what's happened with Santa Clara Square.
[13:13] As a development has done wonders
[13:16] to a area with a certain amount of nightlife, walkability,
[13:22] market access, and just placemaking.
[13:26] That as someone who has watched the Planning Commission meetings
[13:30] when that was first being built, because that's
[13:32] when I was first originally going through and applying.
[13:35] I am very impressed with how that turned out
[13:39] as an aspect of not just what could potentially be,
[13:43] but what was actually done at the end of that.
[13:46] It is a mixed.
[13:48] You want to address not just what individual citizens
[13:52] in the district need.
[13:53] You need to address what the city needs.
[13:56] You have to look at how that can help us
[13:59] grow smartly and innovatively.
[14:01] It is because of that development, not just
[14:04] the commerce and the residences but the industrial
[14:08] and I guess heavy commercial space around it.
[14:11] That is netted us three more fortune 500
[14:14] companies, which is fantastic.
[14:16] I'm really excited to see where the planning is going forward
[14:20] with now Nvidia's third building that's over on Walsh.
[14:23] It's really that example of just innovation.
[14:27] But really good planning that's creating places, not just
[14:32] projects.
[14:35] Thank you.
[14:36] We will continue on with Council member Chahal.
[14:41] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Thank you Vice mayor.
[14:43] Thanks for applying, Jonathan.
[14:44] My question to you is do you have any thoughts about the El
[14:47] Camino specific area plan?
[14:50] >> El Camino holds a special place on my heart.
[14:52] I grew up on the southern end of it, near San Juan Capistrano.
[14:56] So having come up here and driven along one of our biggest
[15:00] Stroad.
[15:00] It also impacted me with regards to being on the Bay path.
[15:04] We're looking to turn that into a bikeable and walkable
[15:08] corridor.
[15:09] Which seems insane to most.
[15:12] But you look at what's been done with that same stretch
[15:15] in other cities nearby, and it is fantastic.
[15:19] The value of the specific plan is
[15:23] that we're deciding what we want El Camino to become
[15:26] before deciding those individual projects.
[15:29] We want to give an idea.
[15:32] We want to give a metric of where to work with.
[15:35] It borders established neighborhoods.
[15:37] It contains neighborhoods serving businesses
[15:39] and it's a major transportation route with a visible part
[15:43] of Santa Clara.
[15:44] Having the specific plan to work out that middle ground.
[15:48] Being able to get people through it and to places.
[15:51] But not also take over neighborhoods
[15:53] characteristics is important.
[15:55] I think the density alone does not
[15:58] tell whether a project is good.
[16:00] It is not just about putting that on up there,
[16:04] it's seeing what else has been built
[16:06] that draws people to that area.
[16:11] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Thank you very much.
[16:14] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Councilmember Hardy.
[16:17] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Santa Clara
[16:18] continues to face significant pressure for new housing
[16:21] and development, while residents are concerned
[16:23] with traffic, infrastructure, neighborhood character
[16:25] and quality of life.
[16:26] How would you approach balancing these competing interests,
[16:30] when considering a development proposal?
[16:34] >> There is a false binary I found in this.
[16:38] That people believe it's either the old post war neighborhood
[16:43] characteristic or New York.
[16:46] The choice shouldn't be between development
[16:49] at any cost or preservation of that status quo at any cost.
[16:53] It should be good development.
[16:56] We want to start with a framework that
[16:58] understands the state law we have to deal with.
[17:01] The general plan and applicable specific plan and then
[17:04] the zoning required findings.
[17:06] Take for example, the state requirements around public --
[17:12] or the dense public transportation permit that
[17:15] circuit directly nets us, Santa Clara you and a bunch of old
[17:19] quad houses.
[17:20] How are we going to develop that so that it's useful?
[17:24] Look north.
[17:25] Look to that area between the train tracks and the airport
[17:29] to be able to develop what is traditionally
[17:31] an industrial space into the density that
[17:35] should be around Bart station.
[17:38] That should be around Caltrain and multimodal transportation
[17:42] there.
[17:42] The change itself is not automatically impact.
[17:47] Change is going to happen.
[17:50] That is point of a planning commission.
[17:52] The city will grow.
[17:54] The idea is setting it up for success.
[17:58] Setting it up when that change happens,
[18:00] we're able to mitigate the impact on people
[18:03] and allow for the greatest growth possible.
[18:08] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Thank you.
[18:10] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you
[18:11] and the last question is, planning commissioners sometimes
[18:17] faced with strong opinions for residents, developers,
[18:20] organized people and other stakeholders.
[18:22] How would you evaluate your project fairly and independently
[18:25] when there's a significant public advocacy on both sides?
[18:30] >> I have a bit of experience with this with both the Cultural
[18:33] Commission and the Bpac.
[18:34] Everybody deserves to be heard.
[18:37] No one is entitled to that predetermined outcome is
[18:42] the biggest thing.
[18:43] I have had people come on up to me
[18:46] when I was planning a free party that was easily accessible.
[18:53] With food and sometimes even provided
[18:56] and they had complaints.
[18:58] I have gone through and dealt with people
[19:01] who want to make and shut down every car transportation
[19:08] corridor in the city and make it all just bikes and pedestrians.
[19:11] It is a combination of finding what their actual desire is.
[19:17] What they want permit how you can come on up
[19:21] please m, but understand their issues on this.
[19:23] Public participation is essential.
[19:27] Participation decision making are different responsibilities.
[19:29] You want to start with a record, that staff
[19:32] report, an applicable plans.
[19:34] You want studies and evidence, required findings.
[19:38] It's the work that's done beforehand
[19:39] that if someone is raging against it,
[19:42] but it's already established, I'm sorry,
[19:44] there's nothing we can do about something like that.
[19:47] But don't count the speakers.
[19:49] If you have too many people in the room,
[19:51] and one person that's up against it, counts just as much.
[19:54] They have an opinion that also needs to be heard about this.
[19:59] Because maybe the other people aren't
[20:00] able to show up to a meeting.
[20:02] You want to separate the volume of advocacy
[20:04] from the merits of the argument.
[20:07] It really comes back down to my work
[20:09] with the Brown Act and the Bpac.
[20:11] I mean, it is taking what is legally required
[20:16] and then taking the opinions of the folks that are out there
[20:19] and understanding that it's not choosing
[20:21] who wins come who gets a right.
[20:24] It's about figuring out what is the best use of that space two
[20:29] more forward with.
[20:30] Two figure out what maybe drawbacks are there there
[20:34] and address them.
[20:37] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[20:38] Now you have your one minute closing.
[20:42] >> Thank you, vice mayor.
[20:44] Really planning commission is probably -- no,
[20:49] it is the most important commission when it comes
[20:53] to cities.
[20:53] Because the choice of going through and taking
[20:56] the nitty gritty load off your shoulders of individual
[21:01] easements to zoning, to property fines.
[21:05] I have a breadth of experience.
[21:08] I have shown not just to be capable of doing the job,
[21:12] but have done the job in finding consensus.
[21:15] Figuring out what's the best move forward.
[21:19] I think that's what makes me a perfect candidate
[21:22] to fill Nancy's shoes, as she's done before me.
[21:25] Thank you.
[21:27] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[21:29] Next we're going to hear from applicant Jeffrey Jeff Razza.
[21:35] You will have your three minutes opening statement.
[21:41] >> Thank you, council members, vice mayor and staff.
[21:44] Thank you for being here for us tonight.
[21:46] I moved to Santa Clara in 1989.
[21:49] Literally a month before the earthquake.
[21:52] So welcome on that.
[21:54] I met my now wife and moved into what I never thought
[21:59] would be a lifetime here.
[22:01] I first moved in an apartment a homestead Avenue next
[22:05] to firehouse three.
[22:06] After being able to buy in San Jose
[22:09] come right on the north side of San Jose near the Santa Clara
[22:14] border.
[22:14] I moved back into the Kearny Farms area
[22:16] to the home I've called for 35 years.
[22:19] I have three kids who raised in that development
[22:22] and gone through the Santa Clara Unified System through Sutter.
[22:27] Books are middle and Santa Clara High.
[22:30] Two of the schools which my wife went
[22:32] to come which is nice to see actually
[22:34] some people from those days.
[22:36] It's been 30 years of high tech sales
[22:39] until COVID when I aged out.
[22:41] Then transitioned into real estate.
[22:44] I got a chance to move around the area of Santa Clara
[22:47] to see what is there and what has been moved to.
[22:50] As someone who lives on the South Side,
[22:51] thought the north side was really going to take place.
[22:54] Over my time here, I've seen the city change from a rural city
[23:00] to a more urban city.
[23:03] I used to drive down the street to see the orchards where
[23:07] Kaiser is.
[23:08] I used to drive down Lawrence and see the pumphouse.
[23:11] Sunnyvale, but now it's townhomes.
[23:14] I love the opportunity to help promote excuse
[23:18] me come a little nervous.
[23:19] I'm not going to lie.
[23:21] To help influence the growth that Santa Clara has
[23:24] in front of us, while maintaining the beauty
[23:26] that we have and we can still have again.
[23:31] Especially as Santa Clara looks to its redevelopment
[23:34] of the old golf and tennis court.
[23:36] And as we see the son of Great America.
[23:38] We're losing our entertainment, I'd
[23:40] like to see and possibly help influence what we
[23:42] have in store for our futures.
[23:45] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[23:47] We'll get started with our question.
[23:48] We'll start with Council member Park.
[23:51] Councilmember Kevin Park: Thank you very much for applying.
[23:54] What development is Santa Clara is a good example of planning
[23:56] and why?
[23:58] >> Thank you Council member Park.
[23:59] Come down twice when I was looking
[24:03] through the questions that was either going to be Santa Clara
[24:05] Square or Lawrence Station.
[24:06] Since Jonathan talked about Santa Clara where.
[24:10] I'm talking about Lawrence Station.
[24:12] Lawrence Station is a primary example
[24:14] of utilizing the state's Metropolitan Transportation
[24:17] Commission.
[24:18] To utilize and get growth in areas
[24:22] near public transportation.
[24:23] Also based on the fact that I do have 225 year old twins
[24:27] that they don't want to drive around town anymore
[24:29] fulfills the need of having an area where
[24:32] you don't have to drive.
[24:34] Areas like Montecito where you can go down from your apartment
[24:38] to get your groceries and get your pizza at California Pizza
[24:41] Kitchen or your Starbucks coffee in the morning.
[24:44] This is what we're looking for.
[24:46] It needs to be a short distance to work and to be able to stay
[24:55] here when we get back home.
[24:57] Thank you.
[25:02] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Council member Jain.
[25:08] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: Do you
[25:09] have thoughts about the El Camino plan.
[25:12] >> I absolutely do.
[25:13] It was great read.
[25:15] The 216 pages of the brief.
[25:18] It's giving this outside something that's really needed.
[25:21] Personally this addresses a problem
[25:23] that always I felt needed to be corrected.
[25:25] As major land errors comment like
[25:27] the ten acres on Lawrence Square, 15 acres of moonlight
[25:31] and the other 12 at Lawrence Plaza.
[25:34] They are all underutilized.
[25:35] The plant would be able to help that
[25:37] with the addition of almost 4400 houses, additional businesses,
[25:42] restaurants, and the needs that we need.
[25:45] I drive down El Camino and we only
[25:48] have 3.2 miles of historic road.
[25:51] But it needs something to make us.
[25:54] We're here and we can do it.
[25:56] We just need to put that plan into effect.
[25:58] One thing I didn't see in the plan,
[26:00] and then I'm very happy about it,
[26:02] because of the traffic congestion a lot of this
[26:04] is going to take.
[26:05] We're not bringing a third and we're not
[26:07] taking a dedicated road for busses and public transportation
[26:11] Burbank it took me seven, ten minutes to get here.
[26:15] When it would take me 20 with that.
[26:17] So I look forward to helping implement that.
[26:23] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: Thank you.
[26:25] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: The final question
[26:27] will be Read by Council member Chalal.
[26:37] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Thank you for applying, Jeff.
[26:40] Santa Clara continues to face significant pressure
[26:41] for new housing and development, while the residents
[26:44] are concerned about traffic, infrastructure, neighborhood
[26:47] character, and quality of life.
[26:49] How would you approach the balancing these competing
[26:52] interests when considering a development proposal?
[26:56] >> Definitely be our job on the Planning Commission to look
[26:58] at these complex impacts.
[27:01] Additional housing creates more traffic.
[27:03] If we can do it the right way and we
[27:06] minimize how far people have to go to,
[27:09] whether it's traveling from Killarney Farms to Costco.
[27:14] Whether it's the one in Kifer or the one on Coleman.
[27:17] Keeping us where we need to be.
[27:19] We don't have the grocery stores.
[27:21] We don't have the department stores
[27:22] that we had a dozen or 15 years ago.
[27:25] By bringing that back and allowing people to travel less,
[27:28] traffic actually goes down.
[27:30] By allowing people to be closer to public transit
[27:33] to get it to people to come you know public transportation again
[27:38] brings traffic down.
[27:40] It'll work itself out as we run those simulations.
[27:44] For what we'll need in the future,
[27:47] depending on the type of housing comet whether rental
[27:49] or point of sale and ownership.
[27:51] Ownership brings a lot more families.
[27:54] Apartments bring in families or single people.
[27:56] Infrastructure dependent will change
[27:59] on what route we take for that.
[28:04] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Thank you.
[28:07] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: The final question
[28:09] will be read by Council Member Hardy.
[28:11] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Planning commissioners
[28:13] are sometimes faced with strong opinions
[28:15] from residents, developers, organized
[28:18] and they get other stakeholders.
[28:22] I did not write this one.
[28:24] I'm just reading it.
[28:25] How would you evaluate a project fairly and independently?
[28:29] When there are significant public advocacy on both sides?
[28:35] >> I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who get tongue tied up
[28:38] here.
[28:38] This is a great situation and you're probably
[28:43] going to have an unpopular opinion of this.
[28:45] Obviously, public opinion is and there's 130,000 people here
[28:50] in Santa Clara but when I looked at.
[28:53] Depending on what numbers you believe.
[28:55] Everybody wants Paradise for themselves,
[28:58] but not everyone's going to get Paradise.
[28:59] When I was in high tech sales, I never thought to myself,
[29:03] we got a win win.
[29:05] We got lost.
[29:07] So maybe you're going to get a park not in your complex,
[29:11] but maybe close by that you can walk your kids to.
[29:13] It's going to be the matter of that we're
[29:15] going to have to bridge the gaps between the city's needs,
[29:19] in terms of the revenues for those common areas
[29:21] and infrastructure that's going to be needed,
[29:24] and bringing people here that want
[29:26] to stay and want to be and call Santa Clara our home.
[29:34] Just many of us on this side of the podium and on that side.
[29:37] The bottom line is you're not going to make everybody happy.
[29:41] Everybody does deserve to be heard.
[29:46] Sometimes what they want is not just going to happen.
[29:51] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you for that.
[29:53] With that, you have your one minute closing statement.
[29:56] >> Thank you, vice mayor.
[29:58] A couple of years ago when I realized
[30:00] I was more on the retirement side of my career,
[30:03] I started getting more involved with things.
[30:06] Real estate kind of opened my eyes
[30:08] as to what was going on in my main city.
[30:12] In contrast here, we have amazing routes.
[30:15] The average owner here stays and doesn't sell their home
[30:20] for almost 19 years.
[30:22] In some areas it's 5 to 7.
[30:24] There's reasons people want to stay.
[30:26] I want to keep it that way.
[30:28] My son's recently moved out of the house at 25,
[30:30] because of the high cost.
[30:32] And they couldn't stay in Santa Clara,
[30:34] because they could find things in their budget.
[30:36] I want to bring them back.
[30:38] I want other people to come back.
[30:40] I hope that my influence and the influence of the other members
[30:44] of the Planning Commission can do
[30:45] things that would allow others to enjoy
[30:48] this city the same way I have.
[30:50] Thank you for your time.
[30:52] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[30:54] Thank you for applying.
[30:55] With that, our fourth candidate is Nicholas Rapido.
[31:08] >>, Council I think on question number four,
[31:10] the author meant to say organized groups.
[31:12] I think it is a typo.
[31:14] Sorry.
[31:16] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: You have your three minute opening
[31:18] statement.
[31:19] Go ahead.
[31:20] >> Thank you very much.
[31:21] My name is Nick Repetto.
[31:23] I was born in Santa Clara at the Kaiser Hospital.
[31:27] Almost 26 years ago.
[31:31] I've been at Santa Clara resident my entire life.
[31:35] All 25 years.
[31:36] I went to Bowers Elementary School.
[31:39] When I was 5 to 6.
[31:43] Then I transferred to a school in San Jose, Saint Leo's.
[31:47] I spent my middle school there.
[31:51] After that, I wanted to stay back
[31:57] in Santa Clara for the rest of my high school.
[32:00] I went to Saint Lawrence High School.
[32:04] And it's located near the expressway.
[32:07] Also, I went to Wilson.
[32:10] Almost the old quad area.
[32:12] Next to the monastery.
[32:14] Going to that school gave me the opportunity to graduate early.
[32:19] I was able to graduate when I was 16.
[32:23] Because of that, my pretty much only option
[32:29] for continuing school at that point was to go to De Anza.
[32:33] Just any community college come because didn't get a chance
[32:37] to take the SATs comment because I graduated
[32:39] before that was open to me.
[32:43] I did that and because I went to community college,
[32:46] I was able to transfer into a four year.
[32:50] That worked out.
[32:51] I went to San Jose State.
[32:53] Then I got a degree from the Department of Geography
[32:58] and Urban Planning.
[33:00] I have been working in the solar industry.
[33:06] Just installations.
[33:08] I've been doing that because I'm interested in both the energy
[33:14] industry and now I'm here because this is
[33:17] my other interest is planning.
[33:19] That is pretty much it.
[33:23] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[33:24] We're going to get started with the questions.
[33:26] I will start with the first question.
[33:28] What development in Santa Clara is a good example
[33:32] of planning and why?
[33:35] >> I think both the elements I was thinking or that were
[33:39] mentioned already, Santa Clara Square and the other one that
[33:45] was mentioned.
[33:46] I was mainly thinking of Santa Clara Square.
[33:49] Mainly because it is a new development.
[33:53] It is kind of outside the rest of Santa Clara.
[33:59] It's more in the office area, industrial area.
[34:02] So most residents I feel are like too connected to it.
[34:08] It does provide an opportunity for people to travel there.
[34:11] Get away for a little bit.
[34:14] It's kind of a good location for traveling to
[34:19] and it's right next to 101.
[34:21] Major arteries.
[34:23] It makes sense to have a development in that area.
[34:28] Vice Mayor Albert Thank you.
[34:29] Questions should be read by council member. .
[34:32] Councilmember Park: Thank you very much for applying.
[34:34] Do you have any thoughts about the El Camino specifically?
[34:40] >> I have some positive thoughts and a little bit of negative
[34:43] thoughts.
[34:46] Councilmember Park: Leave the negative thoughts.
[34:48] I'm kidding.
[34:49] >> I probably live closer to El Camino than anyone's here
[34:53] probably.
[34:53] I live right in the backyard to it.
[34:57] It's probably a minute walk away from where I live.
[35:02] There are a lot of good things about it.
[35:07] I think developing the El Camino is necessary,
[35:12] because it's a major corridor.
[35:14] I think more focus should be on developing it.
[35:19] Especially talking to the owners of businesses
[35:25] who have one story, two story kind of commercial buildings.
[35:31] Also the ones that are vacant along the entire stretch
[35:36] of the road.
[35:37] There's a significant amount of vacant properties
[35:39] or underutilized properties along that whole route.
[35:43] Some of them have been absent or absented
[35:47] for more than ten years.
[35:50] It is just kind of sad to see that.
[35:53] That's such a major road is being neglected.
[35:58] That's like the positive parts about it.
[36:02] The negative parts come in my opinion,
[36:05] it doesn't really concern me.
[36:09] When you think about in my example,
[36:11] I live in a one story house .
[36:17] A lot of the plant or the El Camino specific plan
[36:21] talks about wanting larger or higher
[36:24] density residential buildings along the whole El Camino.
[36:31] It is kind of like a one story to a six story
[36:34] kind of transition.
[36:36] In some ways, that kind of bothers me
[36:40] it rubs me the wrong way.
[36:41] Because you have like 100 windows looking down at you.
[36:44] That kind of opinion.
[36:48] It kind of doesn't bother me in a way,
[36:55] because it would be nicer to see a little bit
[37:02] of median residential houses in the area.
[37:06] Higher residential is probably the better investment to have.
[37:12] Just because these buildings are intended
[37:15] to sit there or just kind of serve
[37:18] the community for many decades.
[37:21] Not just 10 or 20 years down the line.
[37:25] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you very much.
[37:27] The next question will be read by Council member Jain.
[37:34] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: Thank you for applying.
[37:36] Santa Clara continues to face significant pressure
[37:38] for new housing and development comment
[37:40] while residents are concerned about traffic, infrastructure
[37:43] comment neighborhood character, and quality of life.
[37:46] How will you approach balancing these competing interests
[37:49] when considering a development proposal?
[37:57] >> I think just simply meeting the middle is the best way
[38:00] to make or appease as many people as possible.
[38:04] You can't pick overwhelmingly one side or the other.
[38:08] You have to show that you care a little bit for everyone.
[38:13] Show that you're not being and just towards some people
[38:19] and not listening to other people.
[38:22] Kind of gathering an opinion poll of what the thoughts are
[38:26] out there in the community.
[38:28] Is the most important thing you have to do.
[38:33] I think also finding alternatives.
[38:39] Especially just big development plans.
[38:44] I was thinking in relation to the other question that's been
[38:49] asked .
[38:57] That it's probably like a better idea
[38:58] to place more development in areas.
[39:04] Certainly long corridors, like major expressways, Lawrence
[39:08] Expressway and poly, even though there's not a lot of development
[39:14] on Santa Moss.
[39:15] It's mostly surrounded by residences.
[39:17] It makes most sense to have those kind
[39:20] of quarters developed.
[39:22] More so than middle of corridors or areas
[39:27] that are far away from transit corridors.
[39:35] Also, this is kind of a related topic.
[39:39] There is what's called SB 79.
[39:43] It is kind of like a state imposed legislation
[39:48] to promote the construction are basically control comment not
[39:55] control, but control the development
[39:57] of the corridors in the area.
[39:59] It kind of overshadows local from what I know about it.
[40:05] It overshadows a lot of local planning.
[40:10] So in one example that's how you meet in the middle with that.
[40:17] It's kind of hard when you have the state saying something.
[40:22] Then local residences being at odds with that.
[40:27] Like we don't have voices because our city is being
[40:32] overshadowed by the state.
[40:34] I think the other alternative that has shown up
[40:41] or people combating that kind of thing
[40:44] is getting sued by the state, because you're not
[40:48] abiding by the legislation that's being suggested.
[40:56] I think some kind of pushing against that
[40:59] is probably necessary.
[41:00] To have voices of the residents heard.
[41:05] Just so input is from both directions.
[41:14] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: The final question will be read by--
[41:24] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Thank you, vice mayor.
[41:26] Thanks for applying, Nicholas.
[41:29] Planning commissioners are sometimes
[41:30] faced with strong opinions from residents.
[41:34] Developers, organized groups, and other stakeholders.
[41:37] How would you evaluate a project fairly and independently,
[41:43] when their significant public advocacy on both sides?
[41:52] >> I think this question is a little bit and similarly worded
[41:57] to the other one.
[41:58] My response would be almost the same thing.
[42:01] Just meet in the middle with both parties or all parties.
[42:04] To make sure everyone's voices are considered.
[42:16] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Thank you.
[42:18] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: You'll have your one minute
[42:20] closing statement now.
[42:22] >> I may not have all the experience as all the other
[42:25] candidates here.
[42:26] There are certainly a number of other or everyone here is
[42:30] certainly qualified , in my eyes, to have a position here.
[42:38] I really liked what I heard here.
[42:42] I think specifically if you want a voice for El Camino itself,
[42:48] just the corridor, I travel the corridor every single day.
[42:52] Weekends included.
[42:53] I know what and I've seen the changes
[42:55] that have happened across the El Camino over the last 25 years.
[43:01] For input on the corridor itself,
[43:04] I think I'd be the best candidate.
[43:08] Because I am familiar with all the communities
[43:11] along the corridor and I've seen the change.
[43:18] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you and thank you
[43:20] for applying.
[43:20] With that, our last but not least candidate
[43:27] is Sean Williams.
[43:29] If you can go ahead and give your three minute opening
[43:32] statement.
[43:35] >> First off, I want to say to each candidate that got up here
[43:38] comment you had some valid points.
[43:40] Your passions are amazing.
[43:41] Listening to what you had to say about our city
[43:44] filled me with even more pride as a Santa Clara.
[43:47] Thank you guys.
[43:48] It's pretty awesome.
[43:49] My name is Sean Williams and I've been in Santa Clara
[43:52] for quite a while.
[43:53] My children went to school here.
[43:55] Almost sound redundant with these guys.
[43:57] I've been involved with a lot of city activities.
[44:00] As a recent, Edmc, global Relations Committee.
[44:03] The face of Santa Clara, which I saw many of you at last night.
[44:08] Not you, man, where were you at?
[44:10] But that is okay.
[44:11] It has been a privilege and an honor
[44:14] to be involved with these voluntary projects
[44:17] to showcase my love for the city.
[44:20] To highlight other people that have
[44:23] been involved with our city.
[44:25] To bring some really awesome events to the city.
[44:28] The other thing I did a while back, I want to say it was 2016,
[44:32] I served on the planning commission.
[44:34] I had to step down for some personal reasons.
[44:37] I had family issues going on.
[44:38] I regret that it happened.
[44:40] However, those issues have been resolved
[44:43] for quite some time which is why I
[44:45] got involved with the Edmc and other committees
[44:48] as I previously stated.
[44:49] Now I'm coming back for the Planning Commission.
[44:52] As a Santa Clara, I've seen a lot of growth.
[44:56] I've seen both ends.
[44:58] I've seen growth that I like.
[45:00] I've seen growth that I don't like.
[45:02] Ultimately, I think Santa Clara is
[45:05] headed in the right direction as a proud Santa Clara,
[45:09] I really want to be proud of that.
[45:11] Most of a small business owner I own a studio, tattoo parlor,
[45:16] dream school and a live venue in downtown San Jose.
[45:18] We had to move because they built condos on our old property
[45:22] period I understand the growth is important
[45:25] and the future is moving forward no matter what.
[45:28] It is one of the biggest reasons why I want to be part of this.
[45:33] I'm passionate about our city.
[45:36] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[45:37] We'll get started with our questions.
[45:39] Councilmember Hardy.
[45:42] Councilmember Karen Hardy: What development in Santa Clara
[45:44] is a good example of planning and why?
[45:48] >> What John said.
[45:50] Everything he said.
[45:51] Santa Clara square.
[45:54] What I wrote down is it took an industrial area
[45:57] and it created a neighborhood that aligns with the hometown
[46:01] vibe of our city.
[46:02] While truly showing growth and with the future of Santa Clara
[46:06] or where the future of Santa Clara is headed.
[46:08] A lot of these pop up cities, the little 15 minute
[46:12] cities they're calling them.
[46:13] 15 minute towns.
[46:14] Where everything is right there.
[46:17] Is Montecito the name of it?
[46:20] I was just over there.
[46:22] I shop at that Nob Hill and California Pizza kitchen
[46:26] is cool.
[46:26] That kind of stuff having convenience of that.
[46:29] It cuts down on congestion.
[46:30] As everybody else has stated.
[46:33] I think that but over there off of Santa
[46:35] Clara Square is brilliant.
[46:36] It has been sitting empty for quite a while.
[46:39] To see something pop up right next to the stadium,
[46:42] other than empty office buildings is pretty awesome.
[46:47] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Thank you.
[46:49] >> You're welcome.
[46:50] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: I have question number two.
[46:53] Do you have any thoughts about the El Camino specific area
[46:55] plan.
[46:56] >> Sir, yes sir.
[46:58] It is a concept allowing growth for our city
[47:01] while we care our hometown vibe that we love so much.
[47:03] It's a win win for Santa Clara and it
[47:06] sets stage for future projects.
[47:07] It's clearly where everything is headed.
[47:09] It was a good vision.
[47:11] It was executed well.
[47:12] Or it will be executed well.
[47:14] I think as it moves forward, it is
[47:17] going to be a good win for us.
[47:20] We are on the global stage now.
[47:22] Let's show what we can do with our space.
[47:26] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[47:27] Council number three is council member. .
[47:32] Councilmember Kevin Park: Thank you very much for coming.
[47:34] >> You are welcome.
[47:35] I came to see you, buddy.
[47:38] Councilmember Kevin Park: Actually I knew that.
[47:40] Santa Clara continues to face significant pressure
[47:42] for new housing and development while residents are concerned
[47:44] about traffic, infrastructure, neighborhood character
[47:47] and quality of life.
[47:48] How would you approach balancing these competing interests
[47:51] while considering a development proposal?
[47:53] >> Great question.
[47:54] I'm glad you asked.
[47:56] Approaches to treat it not as a competition at all.
[47:58] Evaluate each proposal as a complete neighborhood assessment
[48:02] or investment.
[48:05] With on going housing crisis, we have
[48:11] to ask how much the housing proposal and what it brings
[48:14] to our community and what comes with it to keep a functional
[48:18] Santa Clara moving forward.
[48:22] Councilmember Kevin Park: Thank you very much, sir.
[48:24] >> You are welcome.
[48:34] >> Planning commissioners are sometimes faced with strong
[48:37] opinions from residents, developers,
[48:40] organized stakeholders.
[48:42] How would you evaluate a project fairly and independently
[48:48] when there is significant public advocacy on both sides?
[48:53] >> To reiterate what's already been said.
[48:56] You cannot please everybody.
[48:57] All the people of all the time.
[49:00] We're also not selling ice cream here either.
[49:03] We are building the future of our city.
[49:05] I think the most solid approach would
[49:09] be to review what the evidence and what the city policy is
[49:13] and the current laws tell me.
[49:15] It's not which side has the better argument.
[49:18] But what we are legally allowed to do.
[49:21] As John stated, you listen to everybody.
[49:24] You take in their input.
[49:26] What it boils down to is the law and what
[49:28] we're allowed to do with it.
[49:33] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[49:35] With that, we will have your one minute closing statement.
[49:39] >> These guys are great.
[49:40] I was really impressed.
[49:41] I felt underprepared as I listened to their speeches
[49:45] and their answers.
[49:46] However, I do have experience with the city planning
[49:49] Commission.
[49:49] I would like to continue that experience.
[49:52] I've experienced giving back to the city.
[49:54] I would love to continue that.
[49:56] With your vote, I think that gives me
[49:59] the opportunity to do so.
[50:00] Also thank you all for listening to me.
[50:03] I'm usually for both, but I kept my answer short on purpose.
[50:07] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[50:09] With that, up to the Council.
[50:16] >> The council may deliberate when you're ready.
[50:19] You can either come however come we do have a public speaker.
[50:23] This normally doesn't occur.
[50:25] We have someone online who has their hand up to make a comment.
[50:29] This is a public meeting period so it is open to public comment.
[50:35] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We'll take public comment.
[50:37] Anyone in the chamber who would want to speak?
[50:42] We will take the person online.
[50:45] Kirk Vartan.
[50:48] >> Good evening council members.
[50:50] Kirk Vartan here.
[50:52] You have now heard from all five candidates.
[50:54] As you deliberate, I ask you to waive what you heard tonight
[50:58] against three test: First, when the city adopted policies,
[51:02] the general plan, housing element, point
[51:05] when direction and the loudest voices in the room
[51:07] point the other, which way did each candidate Tell you
[51:10] they would go Kim in you're feeling only matters
[51:14] on the nights when following adopted policy is uncomfortable.
[51:17] Second, what wait did they give the commitments already made?
[51:23] Covenants recorded on title, conditions of approval,
[51:26] promises made with public land and public money changed hands.
[51:29] Commission seat is not a place to renegotiate
[51:31] the public side of a bargain after the private side has
[51:35] been paid.
[51:35] Third, did they treat the housing element as binding site
[51:39] by site or a document we celebrate
[51:42] when it's adopted and abandoned parcel by parcel.
[51:45] One can it stood out tonight.
[51:47] Mr. Mariano Ray's place making unprompted.
[51:51] Mentioned San Juan Capistrano, where
[51:53] the ecology center is grounded and the Agrihood farm was model.
[51:57] When asked about pressure, described standing
[52:00] with one voice against ten because everyone
[52:02] needs to be heard.
[52:03] That answer is the whole job.
[52:05] I spent a decade and my own money
[52:09] on placemaking in the city.
[52:11] I know the lens and the seat needs when I hear it.
[52:13] I support his appointment.
[52:15] The commission has a major item pending, where exactly
[52:18] these tests will be applied.
[52:20] Point the candidate whose answers showed backbone.
[52:23] Thank you.
[52:25] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[52:26] I do not see another hand.
[52:30] We will get on to voting.
[52:33] Typically we have a top pick.
[52:36] Nor, unless I am wrong, unless you haven't done it, correct.
[52:42] Our topic and then -- >> This evening you have one.
[52:47] One select.
[52:50] And other meetings you have elected to choose your top two
[52:55] candidates.
[52:56] The highest vote getter would be the appointed person.
[53:00] If you choose to establish an eligibility list,
[53:04] then the second vote getter can be on that
[53:07] and should a vacancy occur within six months from today.
[53:13] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Council member Jain.
[53:17] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: I believe
[53:19] the instructions that were given to us
[53:20] is if there are more than four candidates, we do two votes.
[53:26] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: That's what you said.
[53:31] if there are four or fewer applicants.
[53:34] So if five or more applicants, the council casts one vote each
[53:39] for two desired appointees.
[53:40] Only one vote per applicant is allowed.
[53:43] Can choose to vote for only one applicant,
[53:45] but will relinquish the other vote.
[53:49] Okay.
[53:49] So vote for the top two, you are saying.
[53:53] That's the way it seems to read.
[53:56] I will let Nora pull us.
[54:00] >> If the council is ready, I will begin.
[54:04] We will start with council member chahal online.
[54:09] Would you like to cast your vote please.
[54:15] Councilmember Raj Chahal: I will go for Jeff Bereza and Nesma hi.
[54:23] >> Council member Hardy.
[54:28] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Jonathan Marinari,
[54:30] and Sean Williams.
[54:34] >> Council member.
[54:39] Park
[54:41] Councilmember Kevin Park: I'm going the odd man out.
[54:44] Nick and John.
[54:48] >> John being Jonathan?
[54:51] Council member Jain.
[54:57] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: Jeff and Sean.
[55:03] it is between Jonathan Marinaro --
[55:09] I am sorry.
[55:17] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Can I have Jonathan and Sean.
[55:25] >> It has been between Jonathan and Sean.
[55:27] Three and three.
[55:28] Do we do another vote now?
[55:34] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We can look that Jonathan
[55:36] has the most number one.
[55:37] You can do that.
[55:39] We'll take another vote for the top two.
[55:45] >> Okay.
[55:50] Council member Hardy.
[55:54] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Jonathan.
[55:57] >> Council member. .
[56:00] Councilmember Kevin Park: Jonathan.
[56:02] >> Sean.
[56:05] >> Council member Chahal.
[56:08] Councilmember Raj Chahal: John.
[56:10] >> Vice mayor Gonzalez.
[56:14] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: John.
[56:16] >> Jonathan gets the appointment.
[56:18] And Sean Williams will be on the list.
[56:24] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Can we
[56:26] have a motion to approve the resignation
[56:30] and appoint Jonathan to the Planning Commission for one
[56:37] partial term.
[56:38] And Sean on the eligibility list.
[56:42] Sorry, Council member Hardy.
[56:45] Councilmember Karen Hardy: I'd like to make a motion.
[56:48] We first have to accept the resignation of Nancy Biagini.
[56:53] Unfortunately.
[56:54] I will nominate Jonathan Marinaro as our next planning
[57:01] commissioner.
[57:02] Then Sean Williams on our eligibility list, which will
[57:07] be in place for six months.
[57:14] >> I second that.
[57:15] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We have a motion.
[57:17] And we have a second by council member Jain.
[57:23] Can we have a roll call vote.
[57:34] I will just read the motion back.
[57:36] It's accepting the resignation from Planning Commissioner Nancy
[57:42] Biagini.
[57:42] Appoint Jonathan Marinara to the partial term ending June 30th,
[57:46] 2030.
[57:47] Set the eligibility list with Sean Williams for six months.
[58:07] Council member Chahal.
[58:13] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Councilmember Karen Hardy: Yes.
[58:19] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: Yes.
[58:21] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Yes.
[58:22] That motion passes unanimously.
[58:24] All in attendance.
[58:27] Thank you for applying.
[58:30] >> Thank you to all the candidates.
[58:36] [Applause]
[58:45] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We will take a five minute break.
[58:48] Let's get started here at seven in a few minutes.
[58:56] Stretch your legs.
[1:05:38] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: If you can grab your seats.
[1:05:41] Council members.
[1:05:42] We are going to get started here.
[1:05:45] We're going to get back in session.
[1:06:30] Hopefully comet will see how long it takes.
[1:06:35] Council member Jain and..
[1:06:40] Please take your seats.
[1:06:46] We're not doing that today are we?
[1:06:55] Councilmember Karen Hardy: I can do it or somebody can do it.
[1:07:11] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Let's take our seats.
[1:07:19] Councilmember Karen Hardy: And all the right
[1:07:21] places with bright shiny faces.
[1:07:25] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We are going to reconvene
[1:07:29] our meeting for September 1st.
[1:07:33] We have one item.
[1:07:35] I will start with public hearings general business.
[1:07:43] >> The roll call.
[1:07:45] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Roll call, please.
[1:07:52] >> Before I take the roll, I'll mention in accordance
[1:07:54] in the Brown Act government code section 5493 B,
[1:07:57] Council member Chahal is attending tonight's meeting via
[1:08:02] teleconference.
[1:08:03] The location from where he's attending
[1:08:05] is included on the agenda for this meeting.
[1:08:07] Council member Chahal at this time
[1:08:10] will you please confirm that the agenda for this meeting
[1:08:13] is posted at teleconference location.
[1:08:15] That this location is accessible to the public.
[1:08:18] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Yes the agenda
[1:08:21] was posted and is accessible to the public
[1:08:23] and nobody is in my room right now.
[1:08:25] >> All votes during the teleconference meeting shall be
[1:08:29] by roll call vote.
[1:08:31] With that, Council member Chahal.
[1:08:36] Councilmember Raj Chahal: Present.
[1:08:39] Councilmember Karen Hardy: Present.
[1:08:43] Councilmember Kevin Park: Here.
[1:08:46] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Here.
[1:08:48] >> And I'll make note that council member Cox and Mayor
[1:08:51] Gilmore are absent this evening.
[1:08:53] I will read one statement of behavioral standards.
[1:08:56] The city of Santa Clara has adopted
[1:08:59] a code of ethics and values and behavioral standards
[1:09:02] for the public meeting to promote and maintain
[1:09:04] the highest level of conduct.
[1:09:06] This includes virtual respect common discussion
[1:09:09] and allowing city business to be done
[1:09:11] in an efficient and consistent manner.
[1:09:13] Please note that as Presiding Officer, the chairs direction,
[1:09:18] the Vice Mayor's chair direction in matters of process and quorum
[1:09:21] should be followed and the use of the gavel
[1:09:24] indicates that all conversation must conclude
[1:09:26] and everyone attends should come to order and attention.
[1:09:30] Welcome and thank you for your participation.
[1:09:34] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We have one item tonight.
[1:09:36] Action City Council's response to the City grant report
[1:09:40] entitled report entitled -- city manager.
[1:09:51] >> Good evening vice mayor and members of City Council.
[1:09:55] This was on August 25th agenda but do not have time to hear it.
[1:09:59] This is the second report of the grand jury from their 2025-26
[1:10:03] season that is recommendations specifically related to Santa
[1:10:09] Clara.
[1:10:09] The report focuses on Vta's management and oversight
[1:10:13] of the Bart Silicon Valley Phase two project.
[1:10:17] Importantly it contains ten findings and recommendation.
[1:10:20] The city is responsible for responding
[1:10:23] to findings six and seven, which relate to appointments
[1:10:28] of the VTA board.
[1:10:29] I'll turn the presentation over to Assistant City Manager
[1:10:33] Arcelli, a Zito.
[1:10:41] >> Good evening vice mayor and city Council members.
[1:10:44] Do I need to wait?
[1:10:51] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We will take a quick pause here.
[1:11:01] Councilmember Park, if you can join us.
[1:11:07] We are good to.
[1:11:12] >> This evening the item before you is requesting council
[1:11:16] approval of the city's response to the civil Grand jury report
[1:11:21] titled, Vta's Management and Oversight of Bart Silicon Valley
[1:11:26] phase two.
[1:11:28] As background, the report was published on June 17th.
[1:11:33] We have 90 days to provide a response.
[1:11:36] That we are required to provide a response September 15th.
[1:11:40] The report focuses primarily on Vta's Management and oversight.
[1:11:45] However, there are two findings and recommendations.
[1:11:49] Six and seven, that focus on how cities appoint VTA board
[1:11:55] members.
[1:11:56] The city of Santa Clara along with other agencies
[1:11:59] are required to respond to that.
[1:12:01] For reference, the Vta's administrative code
[1:12:05] does have six groupings.
[1:12:07] Under each grouping, there's a list of agencies.
[1:12:10] We fall into group five.
[1:12:13] Along with Sunny Mill and Milpitas.
[1:12:17] With respect to responses to findings,
[1:12:22] the penal code provides two options:
[1:12:24] We either agree with the finding or disagree
[1:12:28] with the finding in whole or in part.
[1:12:31] We are required to provide a response if we disagree.
[1:12:34] With respect to recommendations, the penal code
[1:12:39] provides four options: One, the recommendation
[1:12:43] has been implemented.
[1:12:44] Two, the recommendation will be implemented
[1:12:47] over a period of time.
[1:12:49] Three, the recommendation needs further review and analysis
[1:12:54] and we're required to complete that analysis within six months.
[1:12:58] Four, the recommendation will not
[1:13:01] be implemented because it's not warranted
[1:13:03] or it's not reasonable, and we are required
[1:13:08] to provide an explanation.
[1:13:10] As I mentioned, required to respond
[1:13:12] to findings and recommendations to six and seven.
[1:13:16] For finding six, it states that city groups often
[1:13:20] do not follow Vta's administrative code
[1:13:22] on appointing members with transportation experience.
[1:13:25] We also don't reappoint individuals
[1:13:28] to consecutive terms.
[1:13:30] The city's proposed draft response
[1:13:32] is to partially disagree with this finding.
[1:13:36] The reasons for that is as follows: The cities appointments
[1:13:40] comply with the state law.
[1:13:41] Which requires that the mayor or a council member
[1:13:44] be appointed to the VTA board.
[1:13:46] Second, set of charter section 600,
[1:13:49] outlines a requirement for an elected position
[1:13:52] and it doesn't include any specific subject matter
[1:13:56] expertise.
[1:13:57] And three, Vta's own administrative code,
[1:14:01] section 214, states that appointing authorities
[1:14:04] are strongly encouraged, not required,
[1:14:09] where possible to appoint individuals
[1:14:11] with transportation experience.
[1:14:15] Again, it's not a requirement.
[1:14:17] It is just strongly encouraged.
[1:14:18] So moving on to the recommendation,
[1:14:21] their recommendation is to have each agency certify adherence
[1:14:26] to Vta's code.
[1:14:28] The proposed draft response is that the city not
[1:14:32] implement the recommendation, because it's not warranted.
[1:14:35] The reason for that is we will continue
[1:14:37] to follow the state law, which is
[1:14:39] to appoint either the mayor or a council member.
[1:14:42] The City Council has a practice when making appointments
[1:14:46] to commissions and boards.
[1:14:49] That includes city boards and commissions as well as
[1:14:52] external boards and commissions.
[1:14:54] Our current practice is that the mayor brings forward
[1:14:58] recommendations.
[1:14:58] We bring that in open session.
[1:15:01] There is discussion and consideration of the recommended
[1:15:06] appointments.
[1:15:06] Ultimately the City Council approves those.
[1:15:09] The city cannot guarantee what a future council makeup will be.
[1:15:15] We cannot confirm that a future council will have a council
[1:15:20] member or mayor that's going to have expertise in the area
[1:15:23] of transportation.
[1:15:25] Moving on to finding and recommendation seven.
[1:15:29] The proposed draft response is to partially disagree
[1:15:32] with this finding.
[1:15:33] To the extent that it suggests that the absence
[1:15:37] of uniform process results in appointments
[1:15:39] that do not comply with state laws.
[1:15:42] Again, we follow the state law.
[1:15:45] We have a consistent annual process.
[1:15:47] We have not deviated from that process.
[1:15:50] We also cannot speak to what other agencies do.
[1:15:54] The report doesn't include any specificity, specificity on what
[1:16:00] those agencies have done.
[1:16:01] We have a couple policies that some agencies have.
[1:16:05] But they do vary.
[1:16:07] Recommendation seven states that agencies
[1:16:10] should agree on a uniform process for making appointments.
[1:16:14] The proposed draft response is the recommendation not
[1:16:17] be implemented.
[1:16:18] Because each city's approach reflects its own charter,
[1:16:23] practice, policies and needs.
[1:16:25] Again, we follow the state law.
[1:16:28] With that, our recommendation is that the City Council approve
[1:16:33] the draft responses to the Civil Grand Jury report and authorizes
[1:16:38] City Manager to issue a report prior to the deadline
[1:16:42] of September 15th.
[1:16:44] With that, I'm available to answer any questions.
[1:16:51] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We're
[1:16:53] going to take counsel questions.
[1:16:55] Council member Jain.
[1:17:03] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: I'm
[1:17:04] going to make a few comments before I ask my questions to set
[1:17:09] the stage for my comments.
[1:17:13] The Vta's project come the Bart Silicon Valley project
[1:17:20] which this refers to.
[1:17:23] It's a very long term project.
[1:17:26] It's over 20 years in the making.
[1:17:28] One of the things that the grand jury is interested in
[1:17:35] is having longevity with the commissioners.
[1:17:39] The committee members.
[1:17:41] Because the project is so long, we
[1:17:44] lose a lot of institutional knowledge.
[1:17:46] We lose a lot of history if you keep
[1:17:49] changing members board members.
[1:17:52] That balances against expertise and interest.
[1:17:56] This project is and I have been very skeptical and critical
[1:18:02] of the three grand jury reports against the city of Santa Clara
[1:18:07] around the stadium.
[1:18:08] There were a lot of errors in those reports.
[1:18:13] In this report I am actually 80% in agreement
[1:18:17] with what the grand jury has recommended for the rest of VTA.
[1:18:24] I just want to say that when I was appointed
[1:18:33] to be the representative to the VTA,
[1:18:37] I had a little bit of a fight on the council.
[1:18:42] The mayor had been the previous representative to the VTA,
[1:18:47] but she didn't seem to have a lot of commitment to the agency.
[1:18:52] As a result, now that I've been on the VTA board,
[1:18:57] I am now in the oversight committee for this Bart project.
[1:19:02] I'm on the representative to the capital quarter, GPA.
[1:19:07] I'm now going to be the new chair of the safety security
[1:19:11] transportation planning period the organization and operations.
[1:19:18] I've been very committed to this agency.
[1:19:21] Spending a lot of my time talking to a lot of people.
[1:19:25] You have to balance longevity with commitment to the agency.
[1:19:32] Sometimes those are competing interests.
[1:19:35] It doesn't actually make sense .
[1:19:46] There's the longevity does it matter
[1:19:49] if the person serving is not terribly
[1:19:51] interested in the agency.
[1:19:55] Sunnyvale had this problem with one of their members.
[1:19:59] Did show up to meetings and I was the alternate.
[1:20:01] I showed up to all the meetings.
[1:20:03] I got to be able to vote on the items.
[1:20:06] This project is seriously over budget and Overschedule period
[1:20:10] it started at $4.7 billion project
[1:20:12] and then went to 6.9 billion.
[1:20:14] Then went to 9.3 billion.
[1:20:16] Then to 12.1 billion.
[1:20:18] Then to 12.7 billion.
[1:20:20] Now they're doing a rebaselining and they'll probably
[1:20:23] put it at 13.7 billion and up.
[1:20:28] This project really does need to have very dedicated board
[1:20:34] members who pay attention to the packets.
[1:20:36] Read the packets and follow the issues.
[1:20:39] We don't always get that.
[1:20:41] We often get people that are there
[1:20:43] to build their resumes to run for higher office.
[1:20:46] It is unfortunate.
[1:20:48] It doesn't serve the agency.
[1:20:50] We want people who are more committed than longevity.
[1:20:59] There's no way and having the longevity allows us to then get
[1:21:03] into leadership you can be vice chair of the board
[1:21:07] and then you can be chair of the board.
[1:21:08] But you have to be there for a number of years.
[1:21:11] The current strategy kind of disadvantages.
[1:21:14] The smaller agencies, like Santa Clara.
[1:21:18] Because we're actually on for two years.
[1:21:20] We're in a group of three and we only have two board seats.
[1:21:24] That means each member will serve for two consecutive years.
[1:21:27] Then offer one.
[1:21:29] So it makes it hard for us to get into leadership positions.
[1:21:32] Because you're not there long enough to be able to get
[1:21:37] into leadership positions.
[1:21:38] I like the fact that we have some flexibility.
[1:21:44] I've been very committed to being on the oversight committee
[1:21:47] for the Bart project.
[1:21:50] Art normal rotation as I've been on for two years
[1:21:54] and then I would be off this coming year.
[1:21:57] Carmen Montana from Milpitas was gracious enough
[1:22:01] to allow me to stay on for another year.
[1:22:03] So that I could follow through some critical votes
[1:22:06] that are coming up for this project.
[1:22:08] Having flexibility is important.
[1:22:11] And I agree with our responses.
[1:22:16] So I will be voting for these responses.
[1:22:19] I wanted to put into perspective why
[1:22:22] it's important to have some flexibility.
[1:22:24] I think there's some real need for the governance.
[1:22:28] For VTA to change.
[1:22:34] And that is really kind of what the grand jury report refers to.
[1:22:40] The governance of VTA.
[1:22:44] But that is going to be done at the state level.
[1:22:47] Because we're authorized by the Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez:
[1:22:54] Is there any questions ?
[1:23:03] Councilmember Sudhanshu Jain: I don't really have a question.
[1:23:04] I just have the comments.
[1:23:05] My question is that is there any way
[1:23:11] the city can try to advocate to change the governance of VTA?
[1:23:16] That is my only question.
[1:23:19] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[1:23:21] Council member Hardy.
[1:23:25] Councilmember Karen Hardy: That is very similar to my question.
[1:23:27] I, too, was frustrated with past grand jury reports.
[1:23:35] This was in my mind much better.
[1:23:38] We have very little control over things.
[1:23:40] I felt staff's answers were very good.
[1:23:43] I can support that.
[1:23:45] My question is, knowing that our representative needs
[1:23:49] to be committed.
[1:23:50] Then they have to go off for a year is confusing to me.
[1:23:56] I was wondering if that could be any part of our answer back.
[1:24:01] That's some of the other agencies
[1:24:05] can they have more of a consistent vote
[1:24:07] or a consistent voice on this committee?
[1:24:12] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: All right.
[1:24:14] I don't see any other hands.
[1:24:22] With that, we will take the answers or staff responses.
[1:24:35] >> Why don't I start with the first Council member Jane.
[1:24:37] Essentially, how can the city advocate
[1:24:40] for its desire to have changes to the VTA governance structure.
[1:24:46] As council knows, we have a lap legislative advocacy policy
[1:24:51] that the Council reviews each year.
[1:24:54] You adopt what your legislative policies are.
[1:24:57] And there are certain guidelines for how staff responds,
[1:25:01] depending on legislations and any legislation at the state
[1:25:05] or federal level.
[1:25:06] That does not govern or speak to vta's governance structure.
[1:25:12] And so amending that is one way.
[1:25:16] A zero 30 with direction to staff to issue a letter
[1:25:21] would be the other way.
[1:25:23] Zero 30 or an amendment to the LAPD.
[1:25:26] We can follow up later once I have some time to talk to staff.
[1:25:31] If there's a preference for the two.
[1:25:42] >> The only thing I would add, is we fall under group five.
[1:25:45] What we don't know is if the other groups
[1:25:48] have a certain procedure they follow.
[1:25:51] We wouldn't be able to speak to those other groups.
[1:25:55] We can only speak to group five.
[1:25:58] It's really in speaking to Council member
[1:26:00] Jane on how that process works.
[1:26:02] There's nothing formal on the appointment of the two board
[1:26:06] members and the alternate.
[1:26:09] It's just a consensus that that is a process that they follow.
[1:26:14] But it is not Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: Thank you.
[1:26:19] I don't see any other hands.
[1:26:20] Anybody from the public that wants to speak on this?
[1:26:23] Anybody online?
[1:26:26] Okay.
[1:26:27] Any comments?
[1:26:30] Any motions?
[1:26:31] Council member Hardy.
[1:26:34] Councilmember Karen Hardy: I'd like to make a motion -- sorry.
[1:26:39] I thought we did.
[1:26:41] I'd like to make a motion for staff recommendation.
[1:26:46] >> I second it.
[1:26:47] Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez: We have a motion and a second.
[1:26:50] Council member. .
[1:26:52] Councilmember Kevin Park: I want to make questions.
[1:26:56] I was worried about responses because like many of the council
[1:26:59] members come I was here during the previous civil grand jury
[1:27:04] reports period some of those reports
[1:27:06] and I will just say they were factually incorrect.
[1:27:10] I was worried that perhaps with Gilman amnesia
[1:27:14] we would accept a report that wasn't exactly pointed at us.
[1:27:20] The fact that we looked at the report
[1:27:23] and we looked at the recommendation,
[1:27:25] looked at the findings.
[1:27:26] Came up with with what we need to do.
[1:27:30] These are the changes and these are the light disagreements
[1:27:32] that we have.
[1:27:33] I'm actually very happy with that.
[1:27:35] I also want to make a point that Council Member Jane has probably
[1:27:38] been the most educated person on the VTA board.