San Marino City Council Agendized Utility Tax Renewal Vote; Planning Commission to Hear Tree Removal Appeal
The San Marino City Council's July 8 regular meeting featured the most consequential items of the past two weeks, including a proposed ballot measure to renew the city's 6% Utility Users Tax and a $38,500 contract amendment for the Stoneman Housing Development project. Minutes from all recent meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes of agendized votes are not yet confirmed.
City Council — July 8
The council's agenda included several significant items:
- **Utility Users Tax renewal:** The council was scheduled to consider placing a measure on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot to renew the city's existing 6% Utility Users Tax under Ordinance O-26-1427.
- **June 2 election certification:** The council was set to certify results of the June 2, 2026 special municipal election, including voter approval of a local transaction and use tax (Ordinance O-26-1426), and authorize related agreements with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
- **Stoneman Housing contract amendment:** The agenda included approval of Amendment No. 2 with Mobius Planning, LLC for the Stoneman Housing Development project, increasing the contract by $38,500 and extending it through July 12, 2029.
- **Fire Station 91:** The council was to receive a report on emergency repairs at Fire Station 91 and consider extending emergency procurement authority.
- **Street light banners:** A request from the San Marino City Club Charitable Fund to install street light pole banners from September 15 to October 15, 2026, with a fee waiver, was on the agenda.
Because minutes have not been published, the results of these votes are not yet available in the public record.
Recreation Commission — July 13
The Recreation Commission met at City Hall Council Chambers. The agenda included approval of minutes from an April 21, 2026 special meeting, receipt of the Director and Recreation Manager Report, and a ceremonial selection of a Chair and Vice Chair. Public comment was accepted via email until 3:00 p.m. Minutes are not yet published.
Design Review Committee — July 15
The Design Review Committee had two meetings agendized on July 15. The regular meeting included reviews of:
- A new commercial sign at 2050 Huntington Drive (Summa Cum Laude School)
- Cedarlite roofing material installation at 2495 Coniston Place
- A new commercial sign at 2060 Huntington Drive #10
- A one-year time extension for projects at 1767 Virginia Road
- Time extension requests for 1395 Bedford Road and 2195 Roanoke Road
A separate committee meeting listed on the same date included a consent calendar item to approve minutes from a January 18, 2023 regular meeting, a Director's report, and distribution of written communications. Minutes for both meetings are not yet published.
Coming Up
- **Public Safety Commission — Monday, July 20:** The commission will reorganize leadership by selecting a chair and vice chair. Staff will recommend receiving and filing the San Marino Community Alert System report, along with monthly reports from the Parks and Public Works, Police, and Fire departments.
- **Planning Commission — Wednesday, July 22:** The commission will hold a public hearing on Tree Removal Permit Case No. TRP 26-237 at 2520 South Oak Knoll Avenue, regarding three lemon scented gum trees. The commission will also consider adoption of Resolution No. PCR 26-07 to deny Variance Case No. VAR 26-03, Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 26-01, and Design Review Case No. DR 26-15 at 1241 Winston Avenue.