City of Sunnyvale  
Meeting Minutes  
City Council  
Tuesday, November 18, 2025  
4:30 PM  
Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,  
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086  
Special Meeting: Closed Session - 4:30 PM | Special Meeting: Study Session - 5:30 PM |  
Regular Meeting - 7 PM  
4:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Closed Session)  
Call to Order  
Vice Mayor Sell called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.  
Roll Call  
Present: 4 -  
Absent: 3 -  
Mayor Larry Klein  
Vice Mayor Linda Sell  
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger  
Councilmember Charlsie Chang  
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros  
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan  
Councilmember Eileen Le  
Councilmembers Cisneros, Srinivasan and Le’s absences are excused.  
Public Comment  
Public Comment opened at 4:33 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Comment closed at 4:33 p.m.  
Convene to Closed Session  
Council convened to Closed Session in the Council Conference Room at 4:34 p.m.  
0
25-1091  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-INITIATION OF  
LITIGATION  
Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subdivision  
(d) of Section 54956.9: (1 potential case)  
A
25-1054  
Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code  
Section 54957.6:  
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS  
Agency Designated Representatives: Sarah Johnson-Rios,  
Assistant City Manager  
Employee Organization: Communication Officers Association  
(COA)  
Adjourn Special Meeting  
Vice Mayor Sell adjourned the meeting at 5:16 p.m.  
5:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Study Session)  
Call to Order  
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  
Roll Call  
Present: 5 -  
Mayor Larry Klein  
Vice Mayor Linda Sell  
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger  
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan  
Councilmember Charlsie Chang  
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros  
Councilmember Eileen Le  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Srinivasan joined the meeting at 6:03 p.m.  
Councilmember Srinivasan participated via teleconference under the “Just Cause”  
provision of the California Government Code Section 54953(j)(2).  
Councilmembers Cisneros and Le’s absences are excused.  
Study Session  
B
25-0196  
Joint Meeting of City Council with Board and Commission  
Chairs and Vice Chairs to Review and Improve Overall  
Effectiveness of Commission Meetings  
City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report and presentation.  
Public Comment opened at 6:25 p.m.  
Nila Rajkumar advocated for reserving a youth designated seat on boards and  
commissions.  
Maddy Chang voiced their advocacy for reserving a youth designated seat on  
boards and commissions.  
Peggy Brewster spoke in support for promoting youth participation on boards and  
commissions.  
Sharlene Liu communicated their support for promoting youth participation on  
boards and commissions.  
Satiya D. advocated for reserving a youth designated seat on boards and  
commissions.  
Martin Pyne discussed how board and commissions can best comment on the  
annual budget.  
Joshua C. voiced their advocacy for reserving a youth designated seat on boards  
and commissions.  
Public Comment closed at 6:42 p.m.  
Adjourn Special Meeting  
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.  
7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING  
CALL TO ORDER  
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.  
SALUTE TO THE FLAG  
Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag.  
ROLL CALL  
Present: 5 -  
Mayor Larry Klein  
Vice Mayor Linda Sell  
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger  
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan  
Councilmember Charlsie Chang  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros  
Councilmember Eileen Le  
Councilmember Srinivasan participated via teleconference under the “Just Cause”  
provision of the California Government Code Section 54953(j)(2).  
Councilmembers Cisneros and Le’s absences are excused.  
CLOSED SESSION REPORT  
Vice Mayor Sell reported that Council met in CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL  
COUNSEL-INITIATION OF LITIGATION Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to  
Paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (1 potential case); Council  
directed to initiate litigation with the following vote: 4-1-2 (No by Councilmember  
Chang with Councilmembers Cisneros and Le absent).  
Vice Mayor Sell reported that Council met in Closed Session Held Pursuant to  
California Government Code Section 54957.6: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR  
NEGOTIATORS Agency Designated Representatives: Sarah Johnson-Rios,  
Assistant City Manager Employee Organization: Communication Officers  
Association (COA); nothing to report.  
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY  
C
25-0494  
Small Business Saturday  
Mayor Klein spoke in recognition of Small Business Saturday.  
Leigh Odum, Leigh's Favorite Books, spoke in honor of Small Business Saturday.  
PRESENTATION  
D
25-0977  
Joint Legislative Update by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens  
and State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab  
Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens provided a legislative update presentation.  
State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab provided a legislative update presentation.  
Council took a recess at 7:42 p.m. and returned at 7:48 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice  
Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the Council  
Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.  
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS  
Sharlene Liu provided a presentation in support of the Hollenbeck Avenue bike lane  
study and shared their family story regarding bicycling in Sunnyvale.  
Jin Zhang communicated their concerns with violations of Sunnyvale Public Library  
policies and the lack of policy enforcement.  
Steve Scandalis provided a presentation on their survey regarding Hollenbeck  
Avenue parking usage and proposed a new option for consideration in the  
Hollenbeck Avenue bike lane study.  
Tiffany Ho provided a presentation highlighting impacts on parking along  
Hollenbeck Avenue with the potential installation of bicycle lanes.  
Jiqnesh Shah continued the presentation.  
Susan Selna continued the presentation.  
Zachary Kaufman provided comments on the legislative update and legislative  
voting record of Assemblymember Ahrens.  
Marius Röevde, Executive Director, Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, spoke to their  
sports organization and the need for improved sports fields.  
Ann Harren provided comments on the future agenda item - Hollenbeck Avenue  
Bike Lane Study, specifically Option 1 - to remove on-street parking on both sides of  
Hollenbeck Avenue between Danforth Drive and Alberta Avenue to implement Class  
IIB buffered bicycle lanes.  
Alok B. shared their concerns with parking and traffic on Hollenbeck Avenue.  
Kevin Jackson spoke in support of Option 1 for the future Hollenbeck Avenue Bike  
Lane Study agenda item.  
Lakshmi shared their safety and traffic concerns with the proposed introduction of  
bicycle lanes on Hollenbeck Avenue.  
Ari Feinsmith voiced their support for the future agenda item - Hollenbeck Avenue  
Bike Lane Study - Option 1.  
Rupa communicated their concerns with proposed introduction of bicycle lanes on  
Hollenbeck Avenue.  
Stephen Meier spoke in support for the future agenda item - Hollenbeck Avenue  
Bike Lane Study - Option 1.  
Council took a recess at 9:04 p.m. and returned at 9:12 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice  
Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the Council  
Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
Public Comment opened at 9:12 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Comment closed at 9:12 p.m.  
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Chang seconded the motion  
to approve agenda items 1.A through 1.H.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Sell  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Chang  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Cisneros  
Councilmember Le  
1.A  
25-1043  
Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2025  
(Closed Session)  
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2025 as submitted.  
1.B  
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 as submitted.  
25-0440  
Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025  
1.C  
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2025 as submitted.  
25-0647  
Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2025  
1.D  
25-0795  
Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2025  
(Board and Commission Interviews)  
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2025 as submitted.  
1.E  
Approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2025 as submitted.  
25-0889  
Approve City Council Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2025  
1.F  
25-0338  
Approve the List(s) of Claims and Bills Approved for Payment  
by the City Manager  
Approve the list(s) of claims and bills.  
1.G  
25-1016  
Authorize the Execution of an Agreement with Otis Elevator  
Company in the Amount of $454,150 for the Repair and  
Modernization of the Department of Public Safety  
Headquarters Elevator and Approve Budget Modification No. 9  
in the Amount of $499,565  
Take the following actions:  
- Authorize the issuance of a purchase order to Otis Elevator Company of San Jose  
in the amount of $454,150 to repair and modernize the Public Safety Headquarters  
elevator at 700 All American Way;  
- Authorize 10% contingency in the amount of $45,415, for a total not-to-exceed  
contract amount of $499,565; and  
- Approve Budget Modification No. 9 in the amount of $499,565.  
1.H  
25-1063  
Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to  
Change the Classification Titles of Engineering Assistant 1/2  
and Civil Engineer and Create the Classification of Geographic  
Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, and Update the Salary  
Resolution to Make Corresponding Changes to the Schedule  
of Pay and Increase the Salaries for GIS Specialist 1/2  
Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to Change the Classification  
Titles of Engineering Assistant 1/2 and Civil Engineer and Create the Classification  
of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator, and Update the Salary  
Resolution to Make Corresponding Changes to the Schedule of Pay and Increase  
the Salaries for GIS Specialist 1/2, effective November 23, 2025.  
STUDY SESSION  
2
25-0635  
Active Transportation Plan Progress and Reporting Update  
City Manager Tim Kirby, Public Works Director Chip Taylor and Active  
Transportation Planner Jose Palma provided the staff report and presentation.  
Public Comment opened at 9:45 p.m.  
Sharlene Liu provided feedback on the Active Transportation Plan and interactive  
reporting map.  
Kevin Jackson spoke to the Active Transportation Plan and how to improve bicycle  
safety.  
Jonathan Blum advocated for increasing opportunities for community feedback on  
the Active Transportation Plan.  
Public Comment closed at 9:51 p.m.  
Council took a recess at 9:52 p.m. and returned at 9:59 p.m. with Mayor Klein, Vice  
Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the Council  
Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS  
3
25-0950  
Consider a Below Market Rate (BMR) Alternative Compliance  
Plan for Residential Development at 1124 W. El Camino Real:  
Applicant: DeAnza Properties, Planning File 2024-0780  
Affordable Housing Manager Ernie DeFrenchi provided the staff report.  
Public Hearing opened at 10:15 p.m.  
John Vidovich provided the applicant report and presentation.  
Public Hearing closed at 10:22 p.m.  
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan  
seconded the motion to approve Alternative 2: Approve the Applicant’s BMR  
Alternative Compliance Plan for the project located at 1124 W. El Camino Real and  
direct to staff to identify whether 86 units or 91 units should be used for the  
Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee calculation.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Sell  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Chang  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Cisneros  
Councilmember Le  
4
25-1046  
Approve a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of  
Sunnyvale and the Sunnyvale Public Safety Managers’  
Association (PSMA), and Adopt Resolutions (1) Amending the  
City's Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay to Increase  
Salaries for Pay Plan Category M (Public Safety Captains and  
Public Safety Deputy Chiefs); and (2)  
For Paying and Reporting the Value of Employer Paid Member  
Contributions to the California Public Employees' Retirement  
System for Employees of the Public Safety Managers’  
Association  
Assistant City Manager/Interim Human Resources Director Sarah Johnson-Rios  
provided the staff report.  
Public Hearing opened at 10:35 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Hearing closed at 10:35 p.m.  
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the  
motion to approve Alternative 1: Authorize the City Manager to execute the  
Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sunnyvale and the Public  
Safety Managers’ Association; and adopt Resolutions (1) Amending the City's  
Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay to increase salaries for Pay Plan  
Category M (Public Safety Captains and Public Safety Deputy Chiefs); and (2) For  
Paying and Reporting the Value of Employer Paid Member Contributions to the  
California Public Employees' Retirement System for Employees of the Public Safety  
Managers’ Association.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Sell  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Chang  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Cisneros  
Councilmember Le  
5
25-0929  
Introduction of an Ordinance to Renew a Franchise Agreement  
Granted to Air Products Corporation and Air Products and  
Chemicals, Inc. for the Distribution of Nitrogen Gas Within the  
City of Sunnyvale  
Public Works Director Chip Taylor provided the staff report and presentation.  
Public Hearing opened at 10:54 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Hearing closed at 10:54 p.m.  
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Councilmember Chang seconded the motion  
to approve Alternative 1: Introduce an Ordinance awarding a fifteen-year extension  
to an existing non-exclusive franchise for the distribution of nitrogen gas by Air  
Products Manufacturing Corporation and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.  
City Clerk David Carnahan read the Ordinance title for the records.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Sell  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Chang  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Cisneros  
Councilmember Le  
6
25-0045  
Appoint Applicant to the Human Relations Commission  
City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report.  
Public Hearing opened at 10:59 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Hearing closed at 10:59 p.m.  
Human Relations Commission (one term to 6/30/2026 could be Category One or  
Category Two)  
Aaditri Ramisetty (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Adithya Vishwanath (Category One)  
Vote: 1-0-5 (Abstentions by Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Sell and Councilmembers  
Mehlinger and Srinivasan)  
Betsy Gissell Ortega Florez (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Idan Kestenbom (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Joshua Charnota (Category One)  
Vote: 5-0-0  
Manjula Jayaraman (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Nila Rajkumar (Category One)  
Vote: 5-0-0  
Nili Helman-Caspi (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Ofri Vaisman (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Pranjali Dani (Category One)  
Vote: 2-0-3 (Abstentions by Vice Mayor Sell and Councilmembers Mehlinger and  
Chang)  
Vidushi Prayag (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Yuriana Valencia (Category One)  
Vote: 0-0-5 (Abstentions by all Councilmembers)  
Council took a recess at 11:10 p.m. and returned at 11:16 p.m. with Mayor Klein,  
Vice Mayor Sell, and Councilmembers Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Chang in the  
Council Chambers and Councilmember Srinivasan present via teleconference.  
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Vice Mayor Sell seconded the  
motion to appoint Joshua Charnota to the Human Relations Commission to serve a  
term expiring 6/30/2026.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Sell  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Chang  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Cisneros  
Councilmember Le  
Joshua Charnota was appointed to the Human Relations Commission to serve a  
term expiring 6/30/2026.  
7
25-0912  
Review, Discussion, and Potential Action to Amend Policies  
Within the Council Policy Manual Chapter 7 - Planning and  
Management  
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sell moved and Mayor Klein seconded the motion to continue  
agenda item 7 to a date to a date uncertain.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Sell  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Chang  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Councilmember Cisneros  
Councilmember Le  
COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL  
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS  
None.  
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS  
-Council  
Councilmember Chang wished Mayor Klein and Vice Mayor Sell a belated birthday.  
Mayor Klein noted the upcoming Nation League of Cities Conference in Salt Lake  
City.  
City Council Mehlinger proposed a Council Priority Project Idea to explore restricting  
the establishment of new smoke shops and restricting the sale of certain  
substances within those smoke shops. Co-sponsored by Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor  
Sell and Councilmembers Srinivasan and Chang.  
-City Manager  
None.  
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS  
25-0898  
25-1034  
25-1042  
25-0519  
Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar  
Board/Commission Meeting Minutes  
Potential Council Priority Project Ideas Proposed by Council  
Update on Guaranteed Basic Income Funding (Information  
Only)  
ADJOURNMENT  
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 11:26 p.m.