Mayor recuses from data‑center item; council convenes study session for transparency

The mayor opened a special study session on Aug. 3 to allow city staff to present information and answer residents’ questions about the proposed Avaya data center. She said she would recuse herself from the data‑center interconnection and related approvals because of her employment relationship with PG&E and referenced advice received from the California Fair Political Practices Commission. "I will be recusing myself from this item," the mayor said, explaining the recusal was consistent with legal advice and her role on the municipal utility board.

City staff framed the meeting as informational, aimed at improving transparency, answering outstanding questions about the project's entitlements, environmental review, and remaining approvals, and providing residents a structured Q&A and public comment opportunity. The city manager and staff said documents including the environmental impact report, settlement agreement and mitigation monitoring and reporting program have been posted on the project website. After public testimony, council members directed staff to pursue a citizens advisory committee and to require planning‑commission and council review for any future phases rather than administrative approvals.