Millbrae planning commission finds 2025–26 capital improvement program consistent with general plan, approves resolution

The Millbrae Planning Commission on Monday voted 4-0 to adopt a resolution confirming that the City of Millbrae's proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal year 2025'26 conforms with the Millbrae General Plan under California Government Code Section 65401.

Jennifer Lim, assistant planner for the City of Millbrae, told the commission the action before them was a review required by state law: "So tonight's action is for the planning commission to review the capital improvement program, consider the public testimony and the materials presented in this report, and consider adopting the attached resolution confirming review of the CIP for fiscal year 2025'26 and its conformance with the Millbrae General Plan pursuant to California Government Code section 65401."

The staff report and presentation, given by Lim and Nicole Tandell, senior civil engineer for the city, summarized proposed projects across park and recreation facilities, sewer and water infrastructure, stormwater, and transportation and circulation.

Tandell outlined several park-focused items: Mills Estate Park design and development work, continued planning for the Japanese garden and pet run sites, Spur Trail connectivity and landscaping concepts, Central Park security camera and lighting upgrades, Green Hills Park improvements and Taylor Sports Field work, and El Camino Real landscape median design. On utilities, staff identified ongoing annual programs (sanitary sewer inspection and replacement, flow monitoring, water main replacement) and discrete projects including AV door and East Mowbray Avenue capacity upgrades, Madrone force main and pump station replacement, lower Hillcrest South sanitary sewer replacement and treatment-plant equipment upgrades such as sludge thickener and belt press work.

On water and storm systems, staff listed water-main replacements (El Benito Way, Meadows, and other upsizing projects), supervisory control upgrades and a stormwater pump-station study at Lometas Canal and the High Line. Transportation projects noted included the Millbrae Avenue bicycle path, Aviator Bridge replacement, Skyline Drive slope restoration, an urban reforestation program, Green Hills pavement maintenance and traffic calming, the 2026 pavement maintenance and rehabilitation program, and Millbrae downtown specific plan improvements including parking meter implementation.

Commission discussion focused on project selection, electrification, and specific project status. "How were the projects decided on? What was the mechanism by which they were selected or weeded out?" asked Commissioner Choi. Staff said priorities reflect project criticality, consistency with the general plan and master plans, and sequencing tied to development needs. On vehicle replacement policy, staff said the city is "looking at phasing EV back or, fully into our fleet over a number of years." On the Millbrae Avenue bike path, staff said work is ongoing with Caltrans after initial designs were rejected.

Vice Chair Davis, who moved the resolution, praised work on less visible infrastructure: "There's so much work that we really don't see, like at the water treatment plant. It's amazing, and it's just nice that we are keeping it up to date and modernized and safe." The motion to adopt the resolution was seconded and the commission voted 4-0 to approve item 4A. Commissioner Wong was recorded as excused.

The commission's action is considered final pending a 10-day appeal period and payment of the required appeal fee; members of the public seeking to appeal were directed to contact the city clerk.

The resolution adopted confirms staff's determination that the CIP projects proposed for planning initiation or construction in fiscal year 2025'26 are consistent with the goals and policies of the Millbrae General Plan. Staff materials note that new or revised CIP projects in the packet were reviewed and found consistent with the general plan.

The commission received no public testimony on the item during the hearing. Staff remained available after the vote for follow-up questions and next steps.

Ending: The commission closed the public hearing on the CIP and moved to other agenda items; the adopted resolution will be forwarded as part of the council agenda process and is subject to the city's appeal procedures.