Milpitas council certifies election, introduces municipal-code updates and appoints vice mayor

The Milpitas City Council on Dec. 10 adopted a resolution formally certifying the Nov. 5, 2024 general municipal election results, approved the consent calendar with one item deferred, introduced an ordinance to update municipal code department names and structure, and appointed a council member as vice mayor.

City Clerk Guzzetta reported the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters certified the election on Dec. 5, 2024, as required by the California Elections Code. The clerk reported 38,836 registered voters in Milpitas, 26,364 ballots cast (67.9% turnout), and the vote counts as reported: Carmen Montano was reelected mayor with 35.8% of the vote; Evelyn Chua and William Lam won council seats with 41.93% and 27.16%, respectively. Measure J was reported as approved by 80.1% of votes cast; the clerk described Measure J as providing “approximately $7,000,000 annually” for essential services including public safety, street maintenance and emergency preparedness.

On a motion by Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua, seconded by Council Member Anthony Phan, the council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution confirming the official canvass and declaring the election results.

The council approved the consent calendar by unanimous vote with staff request to defer Item C-10 to the council’s Jan. 7, 2025 meeting. The consent‑calendar motion was made and seconded on the floor; participants recorded no public speakers on the consent items.

Assistant City Manager Matt Cano presented a staff report introducing Ordinance No. 315, described as a set of corrections, clarifications and minor updates to the Milpitas Municipal Code to reflect recent reorganizations (including consolidation of public works and engineering and deletion of a building safety and housing department as a distinct department). After a reading of the ordinance title by the city attorney, the council voted unanimously to waive further reading beyond the title and introduce Ordinance No. 315.

Mayor Carmen Montano announced a recommendation to appoint Council Member Barbara Dio as vice mayor. Montano said she had made the motion and Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua seconded. The council voted unanimously to appoint Council Member Barbara Dio as the new vice mayor. Council members later adjusted dais seating by seniority.

Ending note: The council completed its organizational business and recessed for a reception; regular meeting business and additional agenda items were scheduled to resume the same evening and at the next regular meeting on Jan. 7, 2025.