Redwood City’s ongoing, controversial districting process, along with its participation in regional planning efforts in regards to flooding and rising sea levels, were among several important topics discussed at the City Council meeting on Monday, April 8, 2019.
Here’s a brief overview of decisions made during the meeting:
SEA-LEVEL RESILIENCE: Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency Agency Proposal. The plan intends to establish a unified county agency that would be better positioned to win grant funding for projects concerning flooding and sea level rise. The council also approved spending $55,000 annually for three fiscal years to support the agency’s start up.
DISTRICTING: City Council held another public hearing on its tumultuous transition from at-large council elections to district elections. Council is prepared to decide on a final map on May 6. More on this subject in Mark Simon’s column later this week.
SAFE STORAGE: Redwood City staff was also directed by council to draft a proposed ordinance requiring the safe storage of firearms for future consideration. The consideration comes after the county recently approved a similar ordinance. Councilmember Diana Reddy expressed some reservations about the ordinance, saying it doesn’t provide necessary public education on safe storage and lacks plans to enforce it. She said she plans to work with city staff on the proposed law.
STANFORD: Also, council unanimously approved Stanford University’s request for authorization to conduct parking enforcement at their Redwood City Campus. Stanford plans to implement a virtual parking permit system similar to its Palo Alto campus where enforcement is conducted by vehicles equipped with License Plate Readers (LPRs), according to city documents.
APPOINTMENTS: Rene Alejandro Ortega was appointed to the Planning Commission, and Ashley Quintana was appointed to the Civic Commission. Each received five council votes. Mayor Ian Bain urged those who were not appointed to apply at a future date, as there were “so many qualified candidates.”
TRAFFIC SAFETY: the council approved a number of items, including a $132,860 contract with Lisa Wise Consulting Inc. to prepare residential design guidelines in the city. The guidelines will attempt to address neighborhood compatibility concerns regarding projects to build second-story additions and two-story single-family homes in the city.
Council also approved two contracts for traffic calming measures: a $107,725 contract with Alta Planning + Design, Inc. to design pedestrian crossing safety improvements at Jefferson Avenue and Cleveland Street, and also $108,340 with Fehr & Peers for the Roosevelt Avenue Traffic Calming Plan.
FARMERS MARKET: In addition, council approved a three-year term with two one-year extensions to have the Redwood City Kiwanis Club’s Farmers’ Market locate on Arguello Street at Bradford Street.
SEQUOIA STAMPEDE: The market plans to open for the 2019 season on April 20. The council also approved temporary street closures on April 20 for the 8th Annual Sequoia Stampede 5K sponsored by the Sequoia High Booster Club.
