What’s Happening At City Council

City Council Reorganization

The annual City Council reorganization occurred at our December 9th meeting. This is when new Council Members are elected to be mayor and deputy mayor, typically on a rotating basis. I stepped aside as mayor and look forward to being able to focus on my responsibilities as your District 1 representative. My Deputy Mayor, Rob Newsom (District 3, Sunnybrae, Fiesta Gardens, Bay Meadows and Laurie Meadows area) was elected mayor by the Council and District 5 (Beresford-Hillsdale) representative, Adam Loraine, was voted in as Deputy Mayor.

Our reorganization meeting was full of many other milestones. The Council said goodbye and thanked two departing Council Members, Amourence Lee (District 2, North Central and North Shoreview) and Rich Hedges (District 4, Shoreview and Parkside area). We then welcomed and swore in their newly elected replacements, Nicole Fernandez (District 2) and Danielle Cwirko-Godycki (District 4). It was a packed Council Chambers and the evening finished with a reception to celebrate all that has been accomplished in 2024 and the important work Council will undertake in 2025. Thanks to everyone who participated in-person or virtually!

Small Cell Tower Draft Ordinance (small cell tower photo from Nov. edition)

City Council gave final approval to the new small cell tower ordinance at the December 9th meeting. The ordinance increases the restrictions under which small cell towers can be installed in San Mateo, as well as the financial and repair requirements placed upon installers. There also is a more detailed process for reviewing small cell tower applications and the use of 3rd party experts to increase efficiency and accuracy. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after this approval.

Click here to read the entire draft small cell ordinance.

Train Noise and Vibration

As I shared last month, our City staff has been meeting with Caltrain officials about the louder and more frequent horns and bells of the new electrified Caltrains. Caltrain shared last month that all of their trains’ horns and bells were now within the approved decibel levels. Unfortunately, residents report that problems continue. City staff has asked for an expedited meeting with senior Caltrain management to ensure accountability on this issue. Stay tuned and know that this is being treated with the highest priority.