[{"_1":2,"_96":-5,"_97":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6700267,"mediaKeyId","3468914-ba66da4ed5c11de78bde98f8a2bcbd0f","parentId",3468914,"title","Sunnyvale council approves budget supplements, backs study of project labor agreements and bike-safety measures","audioSeconds",18140,"startMs",134000,"endMs",18274000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468914-ba66da4ed5c11de78bde98f8a2bcbd0f&start=134&end=18274","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468914-ba66da4ed5c11de78bde98f8a2bcbd0f/thumbnail_134000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6700267/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-council-approves-budget-supplements-backs-study-of-project-labor-agreements-and-bike-safety-measures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700267-a9c5cc1441606ba5c6250ba94f455e7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181395&Signature=Vph5-W~PM1Z8Ec337OVaZ4L1zbFzYFYV~DewhyxZOCttWoLWbDSGq5rDa7-~5xbCKlHTd7-4hG~b3QMXCavWNKoKKgDPEcVEvsABnimugKBEenVjo31nRMcYEXLeY0bBYSG5daCPPsE7eGT8AVVH7ZlNAcILz0zrj5R4jvSkhpwmTpUGhX0tKNcAdjGIO8BKo7MI~dS9GwRRkjNTEtzMZcCncaM73UUOOxhIan~3MNARbQfb~ZUxBjjpPI2~9ZFzEVvlpIMYBw2XUFBLIpKjcpHV36HKMdKsI8WFI4PWfte-hrel-cvEf3zbxTBV-C1Ef-p0t6g3UVrWsbOTdx2S9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-23T19:37:02.993Z","article","Sunnyvale — The Sunnyvale City Council on May 22 approved a package of one‑time budget supplements and study items aimed at traffic and bike safety, homelessness response, and construction oversight, and directed staff to carry forward planning work on related projects.

The council voted 7-0 to add the recommended one‑time study issues and budget supplements considered at the all‑day budget workshop, including funding to complete safety projects on Homestead Road and Fair Oaks Avenue, one‑time grants to help nonprofit and faith‑based groups host safe parking sites, a reduced scope approach to maintain protected class 4 bike lanes, and a study of project labor agreements (PLAs) for public construction.

Why it matters: The supplements move limited, one‑time dollars into projects that staff said can be implemented quickly and will be folded into the city’s 20‑year financial plan where appropriate. Council and staff emphasized the emphasis on maintaining bike and pedestrian safety projects that have been under community pressure, while also trying to limit recurring costs in a year when the city is drawing down reserves to fund long‑term liabilities.

What the council approved
- A slate of study issues and one‑time supplements totaling a few hundred thousand dollars (one‑time items focused on feasibility studies, grants and small capital needs). The council motion carried 7‑0. (See “Votes at a glance” below for details.)
- A study of project labor agreements (PLAs) to evaluate whether and how the city should require PLAs for certain publicly funded projects. Council directed staff to prioritize the PLA study within the Public Works planning schedule so it can be brought to council when feasible.
- Funding to advance bike‑safety work the city has prioritized: staff recommended and council approved funding to complete corridor safety work that will support design and limited construction for the Homestead Road bike lanes and Fair Oaks Avenue intersection improvements. The council also approved a reduced‑cost option to begin class‑4 (physically protected) bike‑lane maintenance — funding a pilot approach for lane cleaning and smaller equipment rather than purchasing a dedicated street sweeper immediately.
- A competitive, one‑time grant program (NOFA) for nonprofit and faith‑based organizations to seed small, privately‑run safe parking locations. The grants are intended to pay start‑up capital costs (site prep, accessible water, improvements, and temporary facilities), not ongoing case management or long‑term operations, which staff said would be addressed separately if a city‑run public site is pursued.

Other workshop highlights
- Budget picture: Finance staff described a moderated revenue outlook compared with historical gains but said Sunnyvale’s long‑term financial plan remains stable. The city is intentionally drawing on reserves in the near term to smooth a multi‑year plan to address legacy pension and retirement medical liabilities; staff showed the budget stabilization fund trending back upward later in the planning horizon as liabilities decline.
- Clean water projects: Staff updated council on the city’s multi‑year Clean Water Program (wastewater treatment plant upgrades), including the large secondary treatment project (hundreds of millions in construction cost) and related rehabilitation packages that are already underway. The program is funded largely by loans and bond proceeds; staff cautioned it is a multi‑decade construction effort and remains the city’s largest capital program.
- Parks and planning: Residents and commissioners urged council to review long‑term park fee allocations after public commenters noted a multi‑decade plan includes significant spending for golf course infrastructure. Staff said the parks dedication fund projections are part of the 20‑year plan and that they will continue the planned golf master‑planning process before finalizing long‑term allocations.
- Library and community projects: Construction of the Lakewood branch library is underway and expected to open in early 2026. Several park renovations, including Corn Palace Park, are near completion or in construction.

What council directed staff to do
- Implement the approved one‑time supplements and study issues, carry forward related design work, and return to council with any subsequent requests for ongoing or larger capital funding (for instance, if a city‑run safe parking site or a full‑scale sweeper purchase is proposed).
- Prioritize the PLA study in Public Works scheduling so the study can be completed without re‑submitting it as a future study issue.

Votes at a glance
- Budget supplements and study issues (supplements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; study issues list as presented): approved 7‑0. Vote record in the official meeting minutes: Mayor Klein — yes; Vice Mayor Sell — yes; Council members Cisneros, Mellinger, Srinivasan, Chang and Lay — yes.

What to watch next
- Staff will return with implementation details for any supplemental items that require additional approvals (for example, the competitive safe‑parking NOFA winners, or any proposal for a publicly‑run safe parking site).
- The PLA study’s timetable will be set out as staff places it on the Public Works work plan; council asked staff to bring that analysis back quickly once sufficient resources are available.

Sources and reporting notes
This article is based on the public record of the Sunnyvale City Council budget workshop on May 22, 2025 (audio/video and transcript), staff budget materials presented by the city manager and finance director, and remarks and requests raised by council members and public commenters during the workshop.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting (Budget Workshop) - May 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its May 22 budget workshop the Sunnyvale City Council confirmed a set of one-time budget supplements including funding for bike-safety measures, grants for safe parking, and a study of project labor agreements; the council voted 7-0 to adopt the supplements.","taxTitle","Sunnyvale , Santa Clara County, California","taxId",2858,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":44,"_45":78,"_47":79,"_49":50,"_51":80,"_53":81,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":82,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":83,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6697077,"Sunnyvale holds all‑day budget workshop; council approves staff’s budget supplements",30361,30495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468914-ba66da4ed5c11de78bde98f8a2bcbd0f&start=134&end=30495","/articles/6697077/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-holds-allday-budget-workshop-council-approves-staffs-budget-supplements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697077-03b933935af219a2815da46968736025/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181395&Signature=ehPnwkr-yGzcza52eshSzVf8NG0iJWb-o1O9Do9YfihHIf~36xd4v5X5PZnBSEERpX3dqOTY0IqvAUfdeUTUfi5tNKCanUeIzgQM0zYxCi~-9RfpbaNGCFei36T8P9HWMpBcKrfetDnZIB9dkEQgbsy2um3bZHx5Mu47drKieyILRUhMKPpg8odZ67xiRNsi7YWPOsYzAIMg3YiNeGAzGgFbD8IzbeITxM0bv8xJ9mLBRGZvPqiqhgTQOxR1w2MjaNSsMldfsBZwJjV3lqbnhxQHemlqiMrEJESvsbjRT7rKCGryMTyHgAsOdEnBTvcPf3akaAx5DT2gl50ezoGUEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sunnyvale City Council met for an all‑day budget workshop on May 22 to review the City Manager’s recommended fiscal year 2025‑26 budget, hear public comments on transportation and parks priorities, and consider staff‑recommended budget supplements. Finance staff told the council the city’s financial plan covers almost $780,000,000 in total revenues against roughly $705,000,000 in planned expenditures, and outlined a multi‑year approach that uses reserves to smooth costs while funding major capital projects.

The council voted 7‑0 to approve staff’s recommended budget supplements after a motion by Council Member Mellinger and a second from Vice Mayor Sell. The supplements the council approved are largely one‑time items and study issues that add capacity for planned projects and studies, and include a study of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) at the council’s request. Council set a public hearing on the full budget and fee schedule for June 3, with adoption slated for June 17.

Why it matters: The workshop put council and the public on notice about the city’s near‑term fiscal approach — a mix of continuing capital investment and targeted service additions while drawing reserves in the near term to address long‑running liabilities and fund a large list of projects. Finance staff framed the plan as deliberate: the city will continue to invest in infrastructure (parks, libraries, streets, clean water) while moderating growth assumptions in property and sales tax forecasts. The supplements the council approved will let staff proceed on several planning and small capital activities that staff said are prerequisites to larger project work.

What council and staff said: Mayor Klein opened the session calling it the city’s third all‑day workshop of the year. City Manager Tim (first name used on the record) and Finance Director Matt Pollan led a detailed walk‑through of revenues, reserves, and the 20‑year financial plan. Pollan summarized the top‑line figures: “You can see we take in almost $780,000,000 of revenue and spend nearly $705,000,000.” He and other staff emphasized the plan relies on disciplined use of reserves while the city pays down legacy liabilities and completes a number of capital projects already in progress.

Public comments and priorities: Dozens of residents spoke during the allotted public comment period. Several commenters urged action on bike and pedestrian safety: Steven M. asked the council to fund lane sweeping for class‑4 bike lanes and to finish the long‑pending Homestead Road bike lane project, and Jonathan Blum also urged the council to complete Homestead design to avoid hazardous cyclist interactions with motor traffic. Charlene Loo pressed the council to fund traffic signal improvements on Fair Oaks Avenue at three locations, saying, “Fair Oaks is dangerous to cross.”

Parks, golf and community priorities: Public commenters and commission representatives pressed the council on the long‑term use of park dedication fees and the scale of planned golf investments. A public commenter who reviewed the capital plan warned residents to consider whether the city should prioritize golf‑course projects that staff project over the next 20 years. Parks and Recreation Commission and other speakers pushed for restriping tennis courts for dual tennis/pickleball use but urged against converting basketball courts. Chuck F. (public comment) asked the council to reconsider how park dedication fees are allocated and whether transportation or other needs should be reprioritized.

Labor and construction input: Speakers from United Association Local 393 — including Frank Austin and Erica Valentine — asked the council to “pull up” study issue 2407 to explore Project Labor Agreements, arguing PLAs produce trained workforces and better project outcomes. Council ultimately approved adding the PLA study (see actions below).

Major capital projects highlighted: Staff updates included progress and plans on several large programs:
- Clean Water Program: Public works described ongoing construction of secondary treatment works and multiple rehabilitation projects at the wastewater treatment plant, including replacement of aging power generation engines and pond levee work.
- Library and parks: Staff briefed the council on the Lakewood branch library project (under construction) and multiple park renovations funded from the park dedication fund and other sources.
- Streets and active transportation: Public works reviewed pavement, sidewalk and active‑transportation projects (including Avalon multiuse trail, East Channel Trail study, and work on Poplar Avenue sidewalks); staff noted opportunities to combine resurfacing and bike‑lane work to save costs.
- Utilities and technology: Environmental Services described a proposed advanced metering infrastructure project to replace mechanical water meters with digital units and a recycled‑water package plant pilot to address algae issues in the existing ponds.

What passed at the workshop (vote at a glance)
- Motion (bulk): Approve staff‑recommended study issues and budget supplements (see supplement list below) with amendment to include a study of Project Labor Agreements as part of supplement 2. Mover: Council Member Mellinger. Second: Vice Mayor Sell. Vote: Mayor Klein — yes; Vice Mayor Sell — yes; Council Member Cisneros — yes; Council Member Mellinger — yes; Council Member Srinivasan — yes; Council Member Chang — yes; Council Member Lay — yes. Outcome: approved (7‑0).

Next steps and timeline: Staff said the council’s direction will be used to finalize the recommended budget and bring the proposed budget and fee schedule to the June 3 public hearing; adoption is scheduled for June 17. For some items (for example, grant‑funded capital projects), staff said they will return with finer cost and scope details as they complete feasibility or design work.

Votes at a glance (text of the formal motion approved)
- Motion text (summary): Adopt staff‑recommended study issues and budget supplements 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6; accept supplement 2 with the addition of the Project Labor Agreement study to be pulled above the line for study as staffing/capacity allows. Mover: Council Member Mellinger. Second: Vice Mayor Sell. Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. Legal threshold: simple majority; threshold met.

Ending note: Council and staff framed the workshop as a day for information and deliberation rather than final adoption of the budget. The vote to include the listed supplements gives staff authority to proceed with the studies and one‑time projects approved today; the council will revisit the complete budget and fee schedule at the public hearing and adoption dates this summer.

Lede (source snippets)
“Good morning. Let’s call toward the budget workshop … the day reviewing the city manager’s fiscal year 2025‑26 recommended budget,” Mayor Klein said at the meeting’s start.

“We take in almost $780,000,000 of revenue and spend nearly $705,000,000,” Finance Director Matt Pollan told the council during the staff presentation.

Nut graf
The workshop outlined a multi‑year financial plan that uses targeted reserve draws to support capital investments while staff continue to refine revenue projections and project scopes. The council approved a package of one‑time study issues and budget supplements to allow staff to move forward on planning, grant matches, and small capital needs, and set a public hearing on the budget for June 3 with adoption planned for June 17.","At an all‑day May 22 budget workshop, Sunnyvale staff reviewed a multi‑year financial plan and capital projects; the City Council approved five budget supplements (including a study of Project Labor Agreements) by a 7‑0 vote and set a public hearing for the proposed budget on June 3 with adoption planned June 17.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":87,"_43":88,"_45":89,"_47":90,"_49":91,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6695158,"Sunnyvale council adopts a set of budget supplements; discusses Homestead bike lanes, parks, golf and wastewater projects",16644,1531000,18175000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468914-ba66da4ed5c11de78bde98f8a2bcbd0f&start=1531&end=18175","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468914-ba66da4ed5c11de78bde98f8a2bcbd0f/thumbnail_1531000.jpg","/articles/6695158/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-council-adopts-a-set-of-budget-supplements-discusses-Homestead-bike-lanes-parks-golf-and-wastewater-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695158-ae3752fe79181eb3899bbd2cf592bbec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181395&Signature=nNfm96v5ya4C6vgCo7l-zhn6xzOYnKefMzoBhUPCOKcPaJTBBoNNl9cykVTvOO1QmyJ9Udz330sWdg9ItfaSknQ8-1Y61EK5nK-iRrcy8-uRmEmhmWpwBCsTHpaG~E05BiG49oHV3bDojEYkt1zyX-s3rfAz1IWsGM3fm2T4eE6BncdERnPojGU4QOA46QoGUL1Zb0XnPJPz59x2zWtR0mkn2CG~~5twW-WDj8oKuZRn3XoxrUh6079Un-ye2NHZMtBavv-yJpuStxUlOZ5TL3Xlhe9zFxduugVGaDfgkq6hYa6yv8G4o-RQvYHrlRT5vhhj~pVrSZMPxnLwaUUAAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sunnyvale's City Council on May 22 approved a package of budget supplements and looked across a multi‑year financial plan while hearing residents and commissions advocate for safety and infrastructure projects. The council voted 7-0 to add a set of recommended budget supplements (including funds for study issues and a set of transportation and parks items), and directed staff to pursue several workstreams through the budget process.

The vote came after an all-day workshop where staff presented the city manager's recommended FY 2025-26 budget and a 20-year financial plan. City Manager Tim opened the workshop by urging long-term thinking about the city's financial posture and said \"Sunnyvale is known for its fiscal responsibility, you know, from our 10 year balanced budget to our 20 year plan.\" Finance Director Matt Pollan and the budget team walked the council through revenue forecasts, reserve strategies and targeted service additions.

Why it matters: The council's decisions will set the city's operating priorities and capital investments for the coming year and affect projects that residents have sought for years — from bike lanes to park renovations and clean water upgrades. The approved supplements add time‑limited funding for study issues and capital items, and the discussions clarified which costs are one‑time versus ongoing.

Key outcomes and topics

Budget supplements and the council vote: Councilmember Mellinger moved the staff recommendations with the addition of the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) study item to be pulled \"above the line,\" and the motion passed 7-0 (Mayor Klein; Vice Mayor Sell; Councilmembers Cisneros, Mellinger, Srinivasan, Chang and Lay). The action directed staff to include the approved supplements in the final recommended budget and to carry out the studies and capital work as scoped in the supplemental spreadsheets.

Bicycle safety and Homestead Road: Multiple public speakers and council members prioritized completing full-time bike lanes on Homestead Road and funding safety studies at Fair Oaks intersections. Charlene Loo, speaking during public comment, said, \"Fair Oaks is dangerous to cross,\" urging the council to fund signal upgrades. Several speakers who bike Homestead urged final design and funding to finish a project the council approved in 2023.

Bike‑lane sweeping and maintenance: The recommended budget included a smaller, more-conservative proposal for bike‑lane sweeping (option b) rather than an immediate purchase of a dedicated micro-sweeper. The supplemental request that the council adopted funds overtime and a microtransit operations coordinator and includes a smaller scale sweeping option intended to use current resources while preserving the ability to scale up if the network expands.

Parks funding and golf debate: Residents and a Parks and Recreation Commission member questioned the share of park dedication fees earmarked for golf course projects. Public speakers and some councilmembers pushed staff to clarify how much of the parks dedication fund is reserved for golf versus neighborhood parks and open space. Staff said the 20-year plan currently shows large investments across parks: roughly $270 million for non‑golf park projects and an estimated $130 million for golf‑related infrastructure over the same period; staff described those as high‑level estimates that will be refined as master plans and public outreach proceed.

Lakewood and other park projects: The council reviewed several park projects in design or construction, including the new Corn Palace Park (nearing completion), Lakewood Park renovation and Plaza del Sol phase 2. Staff said Corn Palace Park construction is nearly finished and a grand‑opening will be scheduled.

Golf enterprise fund: Staff presented an updated long‑term projection for the golf and tennis enterprise fund. The budget assumes the fund will continue to be largely self-supporting but includes a modest general‑fund subsidy beginning in FY 2029-30 in the current plan; council discussion signaled a desire to keep the golf operation as self‑sustaining as practicable while the master‑planning work proceeds.

Clean Water Program and wastewater projects: Environmental Services and Public Works described the multi‑phased Clean Water Program underway at the wastewater treatment plant, including the recently completed primary headworks and major under‑construction secondary treatment facilities. Staff emphasized the program's scale and federal/state grant and loan relationships. A member of the public raised the Baykeeper litigation concerning the city's wastewater treatment; staff noted legal and project activity but did not present a legal update at the workshop.

SV Hopper microtransit: A remote speaker highlighted the SV Hopper microtransit project and a $4 million grant that includes five years of funding; staff said the recommended budget includes an annual operations line for a microtransit operations coordinator and matching funds as part of the service level set aside so the city can stand up the shuttle and administer the grant.

Project Labor Agreements (PLA) study issue: Labor organizations urged the council to pull a PLA study issue above the line; UA Local 393 representatives described apprenticeship and training benefits and urged the council to explore project labor agreements. Council voted to add the PLA study into the approved supplements for staff study.

Safe parking seed grants: The council approved a one‑time competitive grant pool to help nonprofit or faith‑based organizations convert sites (repaving, portable facilities and site improvements) to host a safe parking program. Staff explained that operational elements (case management, ongoing security) will be handled under separate operational arrangements and any city‑operated site would be brought back for specific funding.

Reserves, pensions and long‑term plan: Staff reiterated that Sunnyvale is drawing on reserves in the near term as part of a planned long‑term strategy to address pension liabilities and sustain capital investment. The finance presentation showed how a pension trust and assumed future plan actions smooth expected peaks in required pension payments.

Quotes from the workshop

City Manager Tim (opening): \"Sunnyvale is known for its fiscal responsibility, you know, from our 10 year balanced budget to our 20 year plan.\"

Finance Director Matt Pollan: \"I very much appreciate the team and the work they put in. I'm very proud of the work product that we've put before you today.\"

Public commenter Charlene Loo (on Fair Oaks): \"Fair Oaks is dangerous to cross.\"

Public commenter Jonathan Blum (on Homestead bike lanes): \"This project has been in progress for more than a decade.\"

What the council directed staff to do

- Include the approved supplements in the final budget for adoption (vote 7-0).
- Proceed with study issues that the council approved, including the PLA study and others listed in the workshop supplement packet.
- Continue work on design and grant applications for Homestead Road bike lanes, Fair Oaks safety improvements and park projects; return to council with implementation details and any funding gaps.

What happens next

- Staff will publish errata and follow‑up attachments ahead of the public hearing on the budget (the city manager noted public hearing and adoption dates in June).
- The council will consider final budget adoption on the scheduled adoption date; staff will return with any requested additional detail before adoption.

Ending

The workshop brought residents, commissions and council into a single‑day review of Sunnyvale's recommended budget and long‑range capital planning. Council members asked staff for more detail in several areas — particularly parks, golf funding, Homestead Road bike lanes and the Clean Water Program timeline — and approved a set of budget supplements to move the plan forward into adoption.

Votes at a glance

- Adopted (motion by Councilmember Mellinger; second Vice Mayor Sell): budget supplements 1, 2 (with PLA pulled above the line), 3, 4, 5 and 6 as described in the workshop packet. Outcome: approved 7-0 (Mayor Klein; Vice Mayor Sell; Councilmembers Cisneros, Mellinger, Srinivasan, Chang and Lay).","At a full-day May 22 budget workshop the Sunnyvale City Council approved a package of budget supplements and heard multi‑hour briefings on the city's 2025-26 recommended budget, capital projects and policy study issues including Homestead Road bike lanes, park funding and the clean water program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sunnyvale council approves budget supplements, backs study of project labor agreements and bike-safety measures

Sunnyvale holds all‑day budget workshop; council approves staff’s budget supplements

Sunnyvale council adopts a set of budget supplements; discusses Homestead bike lanes, parks, golf and wastewater projects