City Council

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes City Council Tuesday, June 3, 2025 5:00 PM Online and Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Sp. Meeting: Closed Session-5 PM | Sp. Joint Meeting City Council & Charter Review Committee-6 PM | Regular Meeting-7 PM | Joint Meeting City Council & Sunnyvale Financing Authority-7 PM 5 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Closed Session) Call to Order Vice Mayor Sell called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. Roll Call Present: 7 - Mayor Larry Klein Vice Mayor Linda Sell Councilmember Alysa Cisneros Councilmember Richard Mehlinger Councilmember Murali Srinivasan Councilmember Charlsie Chang Councilmember Eileen Le Public Comment Public Comment opened at 5:05 p.m. No speakers. Public Comment closed at 5:05 p.m. Convene to Closed Session Council convened to Closed Session in the Council Conference Room at 5:06 p.m. A 25-0584 Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title: City Attorney Adjourn Special Meeting Vice Mayor Sell adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 6 P.M. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Call to Order Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Roll Call Present: 7 - Mayor Larry Klein Vice Mayor Linda Sell Councilmember Alysa Cisneros Councilmember Richard Mehlinger Councilmember Murali Srinivasan Councilmember Charlsie Chang Councilmember Eileen Le Charter Review Committee Present 10 - Chair Larsson Vice Chair Wickham Member Davis Member Filley Member Newswanger Member Oey Member Olevson Member Pyne Member Rubino Member Vickrey Public Hearing B 25-0212 Discussion and Direction on Recommendations from Charter Review Committee for Potential Charter Amendments for Further Study and Ballot Measure Consideration Deputy City Manager Connie Verceles provided the staff report and presentation. Gustav Larsson, Charter Review Committee Chair, provided the Charter Review Committee report and presentation. City of Sunnyvale Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 Public Hearing opened at 7:05 p.m. Steve Scandalis provided a presentation in support of Alternative 1 and requested more public speaking time. Carolyn Espinoza spoke in support for and shared a video on ranked choice voting. Nina Wong-Dobkin voiced their support for ranked choice voting. Paul N. provided a presentation in support of ranked choice voting. Tara Martin-Milius continued the presentation in support of ranked choice voting. Susan Schwamkrug continued the presentation in support of ranked choice voting. Martin Lee continued the presentation in support of ranked choice voting. Ann Thalls continued the presentation in support of ranked choice voting. Lynne Page continued the presentation in support of ranked choice voting. Daniel Dobkin continued the presentation in support of ranked choice voting. Larry Page spoke in support for ranked choice voting. Jerry Thalls communicated their support for ranked choice voting. Tom Leung discussed their support for ranked choice voting. Stuart Norton shared their support for ranked choice voting. Jeff Morton voiced their support for ranked choice voting. Margaret Lawson spoke against ranked choice voting and support for increasing Mayor and City Councilmember compensation. Zachary Kaufman noted the joint meeting was not noticed under the Charter Review Committee online and commented on the residency requirements of Councilmembers. City of Sunnyvale Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 Mike Buchanan communicated their support for ranked choice voting. Larry Alba shared their concerns with how informational mailers were distributed during elections. Steve Chessin, President, Californians for Electoral Reform, spoke in support for ranked choice voting. Mei-Ling Stefan discussed their support of the four top ranked charter amendments to study further and against combining charter amendments. Jen spoke against a ranked choice voting charter amendment. Susan spoke against a ranked choice voting charter amendment Councilmember Cisneros left the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Alice K. spoke against a ranked choice voting charter amendment. Brian spoke against a ranked choice voting charter amendment. Lois Smallwood shared their support of ranked choice voting Public Hearing closed at 7:37 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Sell seconded the motion to direct the Charter Review Committee to prioritize developing ballot measure language for the following City Charter provisions for the November 2026 Election: - Charter Section 605 (Compensation): Study City Council salaries and compensation, including for the Mayor without modifying the role of the Mayor; - Charter Section 606 (Vacancies): Study whether the current rule providing that councilmembers appointed to fill a vacancy serve until the next general municipal or consolidated statewide election should be changed to the next feasible November general election; - Charter Section 611 (Regular Meetings): Consider changing the Charter provision that requires two council meetings per month to instead require at least 24 meetings per year; City of Sunnyvale Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 - Charter Article 8 (City Manager): Study adding a provision to City Manager’s powers and duties to permit settlement of claims against the City in an amount greater than $50,000; and - Charter Section 1309 (Contracts on Public Works): Study amending the Charter to allow other project delivery methods besides design-bid-build (lowest responsible bidder after notice of publications for bids). FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Le offered a friendly amendment to add “remove gender specific language throughout the Charter” to the motion. Councilmember Mehlinger declined to accept the friendly amendment. FORMAL AMENDMENT: Councilmember Le moved to add “remove gender specific language throughout the Charter” to the motion. The formal amendment failed due to the lack of a second. The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 6 - Mayor Klein Vice Mayor Sell Councilmember Mehlinger Councilmember Srinivasan Councilmember Chang Councilmember Le No: 0 Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros Adjourn Special Meeting Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. 7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING CALL TO ORDER Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 8:38 p.m. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag. ROLL CALL City of Sunnyvale Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 Present: 6 - Mayor Larry Klein Vice Mayor Linda Sell Councilmember Richard Mehlinger Councilmember Murali Srinivasan Councilmember Charlsie Chang Councilmember Eileen Le Absent: 1 - Councilmember Alysa Cisneros Councilmember Cisneros’ absence is excused. CLOSED SESSION REPORT Vice Mayor Sell reported that Council met in Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title: City Attorney; nothing to report. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY C 25-0475 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month Mayor Klein spoke in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Isa Garcia, Management Analyst, County of Santa Clara Health System, spoke in recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. D 25-0476 Recognition of the Department of Public Safety’s 75th Anniversary Mayor Klein spoke in honor of the Department of Public Safety’s 75th Anniversary. Interim Public Safety Chief Ava Fanucchi spoke in recognition of the Department of Public Safety’s 75th Anniversary. E 25-0040 Ceremonial Oath of Office for Board and Commission Members City Clerk David Carnahan lead the ceremonial oath of office for Board and Commission Members. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilmember Le announced the upcoming Sustainability Speaker Series webinar. City of Sunnyvale Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 Larry Alba spoke against displaying the pride flag on City flag polls. Phillip Alba spoke against displaying the pride flag on City flag polls. AJ shared their concerns regarding the Bulk Handling System (BHS) Inc. contract associated with the SMaRT Station. Dina voiced their concerns with the removal of the Palestine Palette Booth art display at the Hands on the Arts Festival. De communicated their concerns with the removal of the Palestine Palette Booth art display at the Hands on the Arts Festival. Nupur Hiremath, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, shared the Silicon Valley Clean Energy 2024 community impact report. Steve Scandalis spoke to the events at the Hands on the Arts Festival and how speaker time is allocated during public comment. Rajic Mathur, Executive Director, Friends of Stevens Creak Trial, announced plans to hold a state of the creek summit in March of 2026 and invited the City of Sunnyvale to participate. YA spoke to their concerns with the removal of the Palestine Palette Booth art display at the Hands on the Arts Festival. Jen shared their support for the Charter Review Committee and their ongoing work. Stephen Meier spoke to closed session agenda Item F and shared their concerns with potential litigation. Dina discussed their concerns with the removal of the Palestine Palette Booth art display at the Hands on the Arts Festival. Councilmember Mehlinger spoke in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. CONSENT CALENDAR City of Sunnyvale Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 Public Comment opened at 9:28 p.m. AJ requested agenda Item 1.E. be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Public Comment closed at 9:28 p.m. MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the motion to approve agenda items 1.A through 1.D. The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 6 - Mayor Klein Vice Mayor Sell Councilmember Mehlinger Councilmember Srinivasan Councilmember Chang Councilmember Le No: 0 Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros 1.A 25-0326 Approve the List(s) of Claims and Bills Approved for Payment by the City Manager Approve the list(s) of claims and bills. 1.B 25-0350 Adopt a Resolution to Approve Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Proposed Projects List for the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 - Local Streets and Roads Funding Program Adopt a Resolution to approve the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Updated Proposed Projects List for the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 - Local Streets and Roads Funding Program and find the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b) (4) as it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment. 1.C 25-0574 Approve the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Sustainability Speakers Series Approve the FY 2025/26 Sustainability Speaker Series topics as proposed by the Sustainability Commission, with the provision that the implementation of up to four City of Sunnyvale Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 events will be contingent on speaker availability, staffing resources, and available budget. Staff collaborated with the Subcommittee during the development of the proposed Series and generally supports the topics selected. 1.D 25-0536 Reject all Bids Received for the Refurbishment of Water Tank at Wolfe and Evelyn Water Plant Project and Make a Finding that the Action Does not Constitute a “Project” Within the Meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) (PW-25-06) Reject all bids received in response to Invitation for Bids PW25-06, Refurbishment of Water Tank at Wolfe and Evelyn Water Plant. 1.E 25-0641 Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to add the Classification of Assistant Director of Environmental Services and Make Corresponding Changes to the Salary Resolution and Schedule of Pay Public Hearing opened at 9:30 p.m. AJ shared their concerns with the addition of the Assistant Director of Environmental Services position and questioned the employee numbers at the Department of Environmental Services. Public Hearing closed at 9:32 p.m. MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to adopt a Resolution amending the Classification Plan to add the Classification of Assistant Director of Environmental Services and make corresponding changes to the City’s Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay effective June 4, 2025. The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 6 - Mayor Klein Vice Mayor Sell Councilmember Mehlinger Councilmember Srinivasan Councilmember Chang Councilmember Le No: 0 City of Sunnyvale Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros City Council took at recess at 9:34 p.m. and returned at 9:41 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan, Change and Le present. ADJOURNMENT TO JOINT MEETING WITH THE SUNNYVALE FINANCING AUTHORITY 7 P.M. (OR SOON THEREAFTER) JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND SUNNYVALE FINANCING AUTHORITY Call to Order Authority Chair/Mayor Klein called the joint meeting of the City Council and Sunnyvale Financing Authority Meeting to order at 9:41 p.m. Roll Call Present: 6 - Authority Chair / Mayor Larry Klein Authority Vice Chair / Vice Mayor Linda Sell Authority Member / Councilmember Richard Mehlinger Authority Member / Councilmember Murali Srinivasan Authority Member / Councilmember Charlsie Chang Authority Member / Councilmember Eileen Le Absent: 1 - Authority Member / Councilmember Alysa Cisneros Authority Member/Councilmember Cisneros ’ absence is excused. Oral Communications None. Consent Calendar Public Comment opened at 9:44 p.m. No speakers. Public Comment closed at 9:44 p.m. MOTION: Authority Member Mehlinger moved and Authority Vice Chair Sell seconded the motion to approve agenda item 2.A City of Sunnyvale Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 6 - Authority Chair Klein Authority Vice Chair Sell Authority Member Mehlinger Authority Member Srinivasan Authority Member Chang Authority Member Le No: 0 Absent: 1 - Authority Member Cisneros 2.A 25-0565 Approve Sunnyvale Financing Authority Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2024 Approve the Sunnyvale Financing Authority Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2024 as submitted. PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 3 25-0345 Annual City Council Public Hearing on FY 2025/26 Budget and Resource Allocation Plan and Establishment of Appropriations Limit and Sunnyvale Financing Authority Public Hearing on FY 2025/26 Budget Finance Director Matt Paulin provided the staff report. Public Hearing opened at 9:49 p.m. Zachary Kaufman questioned if replacement of City Hall solar panels is incorporated in the 20 year financial plan. Stephen Meier questioned if the continued management of City golf courses is the best use of City resources and finances. Jade Bradfish, Senior Adult Legal Assistance, shared their support for the continued grant support given by the City of Sunnyvale to the Senior Adult Legal Assistance organization. Public Hearing closed at 9:57 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 No action taken. ADJOURN JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND SUNNYVALE FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING Authority Chair/Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 10:04 p.m. RECONVENE TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Klein reconvened the City Council meeting at 10:04 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 4 25-0173 Annual Review of Proposed Fees and Charges for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Finance Manager Nancy Grove provided the staff report. Public Hearing opened at 10:23 p.m. No speakers. Public Hearing closed at 10:23 p.m. No action taken. 5 25-0602 Adopt Resolution Enabling the City Manager to Execute and Deliver an Installment Sale Agreement, for up to $50,000,000 in Clean Water State Revolving Funds, Between the City of Sunnyvale and the State Water Resources Control Board, and to Execute All Implementing Documents for Financial Assistance in Connection with the City’s Water Pollution Control Plant Upgrade Project Public Works Director Chip Taylor provided the staff report and presentation. Public Hearing opened at 10:33 p.m. No speakers. Public Hearing closed at 10:33 p.m. MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Srinivasan seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver an Installment Sale Agreement, for up to $50,000,000 in Clean Water State Revolving Funds, between the City of Sunnyvale and the State Water Resources Control Board, and to execute all implementing documents for financial City of Sunnyvale Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 assistance in connection with the City’s Water Pollution Control Plant Upgrade Project. The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 6 - Mayor Klein Vice Mayor Sell Councilmember Mehlinger Councilmember Srinivasan Councilmember Chang Councilmember Le No: 0 Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Councilmember Srinivasan shared that Sunnyvale hosted a delegation from Cambodia on a visit to City Hall. Councilmember Mehlinger reported on recent meetings of the Santa Clara County Airport Land Use Commission and Caltrain Local Policy Makers Meeting. NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS -Council Councilmember Chang offered their appreciation to City workers that addressed a water main break at Aster Avenue and Reed Avenue. -City Manager City Manager Tim Kirby announced the Department of Public Safety has established a Disability Awareness Program. CLOSED SESSION Public Comment Public Comment opened at 10:39 p.m. No speakers. Public Comment closed at 10:39 p.m. Convene to Closed Session City of Sunnyvale Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 Council convened to Closed Session in the Council Conference Room at 10:40 p.m. F 25-0671 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.5: Significant Exposure to Litigation Under Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): A receipt of a communication from a potential plaintiff threatening litigation Closed Session Report City Council reconvened at 11:59 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan, Change and Le. Vice Mayor Sell reported that Council met in CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.5: Significant Exposure to Litigation Under Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(3): A receipt of a communication from a potential plaintiff threatening litigation; nothing to report. INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS 25-0538 Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar 25-0576 Board/Commission Meeting Minutes 25-0598 Information/Action Items ADJOURNMENT Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 11:59 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 14