City of Sunnyvale  
Meeting Minutes  
City Council  
Tuesday, November 28, 2023  
5:30 PM  
Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,  
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086  
Special Meeting: Closed Session - 5:30 p.m. | Regular Meeting - 7 PM  
5:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (Closed Session)  
Call to Order  
Vice Mayor Din called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.  
Roll Call  
Present: 5 -  
Mayor Larry Klein  
Vice Mayor Omar Din  
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger  
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan  
Councilmember Linda Sell  
Councilmember Russ Melton  
Councilmember Alysa Cisneros  
Absent: 2 -  
Public Comment  
Public Comment opened at 5:33 p.m.ꢀ  
No speakers.  
Public Comment closed at 5:33 p.m.  
Convene to Closed Session  
City Council convened to closed session at 5:34 p.m.  
A
B
23-0788  
Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code  
Section 54957:  
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION  
Title: City Manager  
23-0789  
Closed Session Held Pursuant to California Government Code  
Section 54957:  
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION  
Title: City Attorney  
Adjourn Special Meeting  
Vice Mayor Din adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.  
7 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING  
CALL TO ORDER  
Mayor Klein called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m.  
SALUTE TO THE FLAG  
Mayor Klein led the salute to the United States flag.  
ROLL CALL  
Present: 6 -  
Mayor Larry Klein  
Vice Mayor Omar Din  
Councilmember Russ Melton  
Councilmember Richard Mehlinger  
Councilmember Murali Srinivasan  
Councilmember Linda Sell  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Alysa Cisneros  
CLOSED SESSION REPORT  
Vice Mayor Din reported that Council met in Closed Session Held Pursuant to  
California Government Code Section 54957: Public Employee Performance  
Evaluation Title: City Manager; nothing to report.  
Vice Mayor Din 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
23-0076  
Ceremonial Oath of Office for Commission Members  
City Clerk David Carnahan administered the ceremonial oath of office for  
commission members.  
D
23-1080  
Recognition of Chief Phan S. Ngo for 2023 Department of  
Public Safety Citizen’s Academy  
Mayor Klein and Councilmember Sell spoke in recognition of the Department of  
Public Safety Citizen's Academy.  
Public Safety Chief Phan Ngo spoke in honor of be recognized for the 2023  
Department of Public Safety Citizen’s Academy.  
PRESENTATION  
E
23-1019  
2023 Municipal Information Systems Association of California  
(MISAC) Awards, Presented by MISAC Board Member Gaurav  
Garg  
Gaurav Garg, MISAC Board Member, presented the MISAC award to Chief  
Information Officer Kathleen Boutté Foster-Gee on behalf of the City of Sunnyvale.  
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS  
Hillel spoke in support of the children of Israel in response to several  
Councilmembers signing a statement that supported the children of Gaza.  
Ido Josef shared their safety concerns as a Jewish person living in Sunnyvale.  
Yarin Itzkovitz voiced their concerns with the statement several Councilmembers  
signed and urged Council to condemn Hamas.  
Ester Levy communicated their safety concerns as a Jewish person living in  
Sunnyvale.  
Roni shared their safety concerns with the rise of antisemitism in the Sunnyvale  
community.  
Paz Brill shared their safety concerns as a Jewish person living in Sunnyvale.  
Esty Rosenfeld voiced their concerns with the statement several Councilmembers  
signed and for their safety as a Jewish resident.  
Gilli Yahalom shared their safety concerns as a Jewish person living in Sunnyvale.  
Maia Elderkader communicated their safety concerns as a Jewish person living in  
Sunnyvale and offense to the Councilmembers who signed a statement in support  
of the children of Gaza.  
Raya Mall spoke to their safety concerns as a Jewish person living in Sunnyvale.  
Naomi Ben Ayonn requested Council develop a plan to address the concerns of the  
Sunnyvale Jewish community.  
Revitule Meron Tell shared their safety concerns as a Jewish person living in  
Sunnyvale and a concerning message they received from the school district.  
Dorit Kerem voiced safety concerns as a Jewish person living in Sunnyvale.  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
Public Comment opened at 7:51 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Comment closed at 7:51 p.m.  
MOTION: Vice Mayor Din moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the  
motion to approve agenda items 1.A through 1.C.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 6 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Din  
Councilmember Melton  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Sell  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros  
1.A  
23-0282  
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  
23-1016  
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Finance Director to Renew  
a Business License Tax Data Exchange Agreement with the  
California Franchise Tax Board  
Find that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)  
pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section 15378(b)(5) and adopt a Resolution  
authorizing the Finance Director to execute a reciprocal agreement with the  
California Franchise Tax Board for the exchange of business license tax data  
through December 31, 2026.  
1.C  
23-0899  
Receive a Report of an Emergency Procurement to Provide a  
Bulk Chemical, a Mineral Oxidant, to Meet Compliance  
Requirements at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)  
and Find that the Project is of Urgent Necessity for the  
Preservation of Life, Health, or Property (F24-026), and Find  
that the Action is Exempt from the California Environmental  
Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15308 of  
the CEQA Guidelines.  
Find that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA )  
pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines, receive the report  
of an emergency procurement to provide a mineral oxidant, to meet compliance  
requirements at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) and find that the project  
is of urgent necessity for the preservation of life, health, or property.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS  
2
23-1082  
1154 Sonora Court (1154 Site)  
Proposed Project: Related applications on a 1.88-acre site:  
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: to demolish the existing  
33,055 square foot one-story industrial building and construct  
a seven-story mixed-use building with 173 apartments,  
142,270 square feet of office/R&D space, and two levels of  
below-grade parking.  
VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP: to allow creation of five  
commercial condominiums in the office/R&D space.  
Location: 1154 Sonora Court (APN: 205-50-016)  
File #: 2022-7270  
1170 Sonora Court (1170 Site)  
Proposed Project: Related applications on a 1.09-acre site:  
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: to demolish the existing  
14,902 square foot one-story industrial building and construct  
a seven-story mixed-use building with 107 apartments, 79,211  
square feet of office/R&D space, 377 square feet of retail  
space, and two levels of below-grade parking.  
VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP: to allow creation of six  
commercial condominiums in the office/R&D space.  
Location: 1170 Sonora Court (APN: 205-50-014)  
File #: 2022-7271  
1154 and 1170 Sonora Court  
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT: Introduction of an Ordinance  
approving and adopting a Development Agreement between  
the City of Sunnyvale and SKS Partners.  
Zoning: MXD-I/S (Flexible Mixed-Use I/Sonora Court)  
Applicant / Owner: SKS Partners (applicant/developer) / A&F  
Properties, LLC (owner)  
Environmental Review: No additional review required pursuant  
to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines  
15162 and 15168(c)(2) and (4) - environmental impacts of the  
project are addressed in the 2016 Lawrence Station Area Plan  
Environmental Impact Report (EIR - State Clearinghouse No.  
2013082030) and 2021 Lawrence Station Area Plan  
Update/Intuitive Surgical Corporate Campus Project  
Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR - State  
Clearinghouse No. 2019012022).  
Project Planner: Aastha Vashist, (408) 730-7458,  
avashist@sunnyvale.ca.gov  
Senior Planner Aastha Vashist provided the staff report and presentation.  
Public Hearing opened at 8:37 p.m.  
Alexandra Lee, SKS Partners, and Adam Woltag, WRNStudio, provided the  
Applicant presentation.  
Public Hearing closed at 8:54 p.m.  
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Melton seconded  
the motion to approve Alternatives 1 and 2: 1. Make the required findings to approve  
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination as pursuant to  
CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 and 15168(c)(2) and (4) and approve the Special  
Development Permits and Vesting Tentative Parcel Maps based on findings in  
Attachments 6 and 7 to the report and Recommended Conditions of Approval in  
Attachments 8 and 9 to the report; and 2. Introduction of an Ordinance approving  
and adopting a Development Agreement between the City of Sunnyvale and SKS  
Partners (Attachment 3 to the report) and authorize the City Manager to make  
updates to Exhibit B of the Development Agreement to clarify which fees are subject  
to escalation.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 6 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Din  
Councilmember Melton  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Sell  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros  
3
23-1087  
Approve Amendments to Council Policy 7.3.10 (Vice Mayor  
Selection) to Remove the Electronic Voting Requirement  
City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report.  
Public Hearing opened at 9:07 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Hearing closed at 9:07 p.m.  
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Melton seconded  
the motion to approve Alternative 1: Approve amendments to Council Policy 7.3.10  
(Vice Mayor Selection) to remove the electronic voting requirement and other  
amendments as shown in Attachment 1 to the report.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 6 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Din  
Councilmember Melton  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Sell  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros  
4
23-1088  
Adopt a Resolution Approving the City Council Regular  
Meeting Calendar for 2024 Through February 2025  
City Clerk David Carnahan provided the staff report.  
Public Hearing opened at 9:20 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Hearing closed at 9:20 p.m.  
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Srinivasan  
seconded the motion to approve Alternative 2: Adopt a Resolution approving the  
City Council Regular Meeting Calendar for 2024 through February 2025, with the  
following modifications:  
(1) Remove the April 2, 2024 tentative meeting date;  
(2) Move the June 11, 2024 regular meeting date to June 18, 2024;  
(3) Move the July 9, 2024 regular meeting to July 23, 2024; and  
(4) Schedule Feb. 11, 2025 as a regular scheduled meeting and Feb. 4, 2025 as a  
tentative meeting date.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 6 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Din  
Councilmember Melton  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Sell  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros  
COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL  
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS  
Councilmember Mehlinger reported their attendance at a recent Bay Area Water  
Supply and Conservation Agency meeting.  
Mayor Klein reported on a recent City Associations of Santa Clara County meeting  
and announced the City Associations Holiday party.  
NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS  
-Council  
Councilmember Melton made a statement on the Israel and Palestinian conflict and  
shared their reasons to why they did not sign a recent petition in support of the  
children of Gaza.  
Councilmember Mehlinger made a statement to their reasons for signing a petition  
in support of the children of Gaza and their goal to ensure all Sunnyvale residents  
feel safe.  
Councilmember Mehlinger shared a statement about their accidental Ralph M.  
Brown Act violation through email correspondence with Councilmembers that  
occurred outside of a noticed public meeting.  
Councilmember Mehlinger proposed a future study session on the issue of hate  
crimes in Sunnyvale.  
Councilmember Srinivasan shared a statement on the Israel and Palestinian conflict  
and their goal to ensure everyone in Sunnyvale feels safe.  
Councilmember Sell made a statement on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict and  
acknowledged those who have made public comments on their safety concerns.  
Vice Mayor Din made a statement on the Israel and Palestinian conflict.  
Mayor Klein shared a statement on the many public comments that have been made  
on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict and acknowledged it is the Council’s priority to  
ensure all Sunnyvale residents feel safe in the community.  
Mayor Klein provided their reasons for signing the petition supporting the children  
on Gaza.  
Mayor Klein spoke to their recent visit to Iizuka, Japan, in celebration of ten years as  
a Sister City of Sunnyvale.  
Vice Mayor Din asked for a meeting between the Public Safety Department and the  
Muslim community be held to address Islamophobia concerns from residents.  
Councilmember Melton asked if the Public Safety Chief Phan Ngo could provide a  
statement to how residents can best communicate their safety concerns to the  
Public Safety Department.  
Public Safety Chief Phan Ngo encourage community members that feel unsafe to  
contact him or the Public Safety Department.  
Councilmember Melton made statements on the successes of the Sunnyvale Public  
Safety Department and in support of Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers and efforts to  
improve their mental wellbeing.  
Councilmember Sell proposed a study issue to evaluate ordinances from other cities  
and legal precedents with a consideration for better shared parking practices in  
Sunnyvale. Councilmember Melton proposed adding to the study issue scope of  
work; modernize and strengthen Sunnyvale Municipal code 10.16.120.  
Councilmember Sell accepted the additional scope of work. Mayor Klein, Vice  
Mayor Din, along with Councilmembers Melton, Mehlinger and Srinivasan  
co-sponsored the study issue.  
Mayor Klein proposed a study issue to explore the benefits and costs of Project  
Labor Agreements (PLAs) setting the basic terms and conditions of employment for  
a City construction project over a certain project threshold amount. Evaluate the use  
of PLAs in other public agencies including general requirements, implementation,  
enforcement and results. Vice Mayor Din along with Councilmembers Melton,  
Mehlinger, Srinivasan and Sell co-sponsored the study issue.  
F
23-1089  
Colleagues Memorandum: Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT)  
MOTION: Councilmember Mehlinger moved and Councilmember Mayor Klein  
seconded the motion to agendize Colleagues Memorandum: Real Property Transfer  
Tax (RPTT) to a future meeting.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Din  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Sell  
No: 1 - Councilmember Melton  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros  
G
23-1070  
Colleagues Memorandum: Empanel a Charter Review  
Commission (CRC)  
MOTION: Vice Mayor Din moved and Councilmember Mehlinger seconded the  
motion to agendize the Colleagues Memorandum: Empanel a Charter Review  
Commission (CRC).  
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Mehlinger made a friendly amendment  
to replace “Commission” with “Committee” in the motion. Vice Mayor Din accepted  
the friendly amendment.  
The motion as amended carried with the following vote:  
Yes: 6 -  
Mayor Klein  
Vice Mayor Din  
Councilmember Melton  
Councilmember Mehlinger  
Councilmember Srinivasan  
Councilmember Sell  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Cisneros  
Mayor Klein encouraged residents to review the National Citizens Survey results,  
-City Manager  
City Manager Kent Steffens spoke to the National Citizens Survey results.  
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS  
23-1031  
23-1029  
23-1032  
Board/Commission Meeting Minutes  
Tentative Council Meeting Agenda Calendar  
Information/Action Items  
23-1066  
National Citizens Survey Results (Information Only)  
ADJOURNMENT  
Mayor Klein adjourned the meeting at 10:37 p.m.