Foster City Planning Commission recommends nine projects for 5‑year capital improvement program

The Foster City Planning Commission voted unanimously by those present to recommend nine projects for inclusion in the fiscal year 2026–27 budget and the city's five‑year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the commission announced April 2.

Staff opened the public hearing by explaining the commission's role in reviewing CIP projects for consistency with the Foster City General Plan and the City's obligation to prepare a capital improvement budget under California Government Code sections 65401 and 65403. The staff report recommended the commission adopt a resolution finding the proposed projects consistent with the General Plan and stated the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the guidelines cited in the report.

The package presented by staff included an assessment and potential replacement or upsizing of the government center emergency generator (BD05); park renovations at Shad Park (PK05), Leo J. Ryan Park (PK11), Sunfish Park (PK60) and Baywinds Park (PK17); a sheet‑pile wall coating project for a segment of the city's levee where above‑grade atmospheric corrosion has been observed; a 24‑inch water transmission main replacement of about 1,500 feet (W06); and a force‑main condition assessment (WW09).

On the generator project staff said the work is an assessment to determine the condition of the existing unit, the facilities it serves (police, fire and city hall), and whether an in‑kind replacement or an upsized unit is necessary. "The item in front of you all is the review of CIP projects to determine their consistency with the goals, policies, and programs of the Foster City General Plan," staff said during the presentation.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify why some projects that extend beyond FY2026–27 appeared in the five‑year plan. A commissioner noted concern about appearing to "rush" projects that are scheduled later; staff replied that projects added to the five‑year CIP are new to the plan and recommending them to Council does not commit the city to immediate construction or early funding. "That doesn't mean we are implementing them," a commissioner said; "we are authorizing the projects now," staff answered.

Commissioners also pressed staff on the levee work. The city engineer (introduced by staff) explained there are two separate corrosion concerns: atmospheric corrosion on the above‑grade portion (exposed to wind and marine spray) and below‑grade corrosion where components sit in brackish water. She said the levee design includes coupon monitoring stations that are inspected about every six months to track below‑grade corrosion rates and that additional treatments would be added if monitoring indicates accelerated deterioration. "There's two different types of corrosion that are going on," the engineer said, adding that the proposed coating is intended for the water‑facing, above‑grade portions of the wall and that extending coating across the entire wall would primarily be a cost decision.

Staff also noted a permit from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) is likely required for the levee work because of its location and potential shoreline impacts.

The commission moved and seconded the resolution recommending the listed projects to the City Council and recording no public speakers during the hearing. Roll call recorded four yes votes, zero nos, and one absence; the motion passed 4‑0 with one absent.

Next steps: if the City Council accepts the commission's recommendation, the council will hold its own public hearing on the budget and CIP before final adoption. Staff identified Laura Galley, the city's engineer manager, and Parks & Recreation staff as technical contacts for follow‑up questions.