Residents urged the City Council to void a public‑right‑of‑way permit for a lithium battery backup cabinet planned at 3535 Morningside Drive, citing public‑notice, environmental and fire safety concerns.

Speakers said the permit was approved without required steps. "The Public Works Department has serious errors in the city's procedure," said Elaine Ouyang Jamont, who asked the council to void the permit. Jamont cited the transcripted references in her remarks to "city ordinance 12.2822 on transfer of an approved permit" and to "municipal code 12.30.11 regarding public notice." She asked why the fire marshal was not consulted and said residents had gathered signatures opposing the installation.

Nearby residents warned of risks tied to large lithium‑ion battery cabinets, including thermal runaway, toxic exposures and fire. "If the backup battery explodes, a person walking in front of the sidewalk would be dead," Jamont said in public comment. Lou Chavez Jordan told the council lithium batteries are "prone to thermal runaway when their temperature reaches over 70 degrees," and said the site sits above an underground creek and recently repaired drainage work. Speakers also referenced Proposition 65 and asked for environmental disclosure and an electrical study.

Several speakers flagged the cabinet's location next to Cheese Park, which community members said is used by children, parents and dog walkers, and expressed concern about proximity to De Anza High School and a nearby church. Susan Ouyang Varela said the community had a history of exposures near an electronic box and voiced fear of similar harms.

Councilmember Soheila Bana said she had not been notified earlier and asked that the city manager inform district councilmembers of future projects. The council did not take immediate action on the permit during open forum.

The speakers requested that the city void the permit, consult the fire marshal, produce an electrical study, and provide public notices and Prop 65 disclosure where applicable. Staff responses and any administrative follow‑up were not recorded in the public comment segment.