San Bruno Council Weighs $37M Bond Issuance; Arts Commission Approves Work Plan and Movie Lineup Vote
The San Bruno City Council used its July 14 meeting to weigh a proposed $37 million general obligation bond issuance for street, roadway, and storm drain repairs, while the Culture & Arts Commission approved its 2026-27 work plan and selected fifteen films for a public vote on the Movies-in-the-Park program.
City Council Considers Bond Issuance and Sewer Charges
The City Council reviewed a proposal to issue the first series of Measure Q general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $37,000,000, earmarked for street, roadway, and storm drain repairs. The council also took up annual sewer service charges for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and the receipt of $169,611.29 in CHP Grant Funds for the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.
The meeting included consideration of appointments to the Crime Prevention Committee, Culture & Arts Commission, and Emergency Preparedness Committee, as well as a tentative agreement between the City and Teamsters Local 856 IBT Public Safety Mid-Management Unit. Minutes from the July 14 meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes of these items are not yet confirmed.
Business License Tax Modernization Discussed
In a study session, the council reviewed potential revenue measure options for a 2026 ballot measure focused on updating the Business License Tax, which has not been comprehensively updated in over 25 years. The current tax schedule generates approximately $2.7 million annually.
A recommended "Model 2" rate structure was discussed, with variable gross receipts rates by business category ranging from $1.00 to $3.00 per $1,000 in gross receipts. The council also reviewed a report on $20.6 million-plus in annual city revenue at risk due to state actions.
Fourth of July Costs and Fire Incidents Reviewed
The council reviewed a report showing $61,454.59 in total city costs for Fourth of July operational efforts. The report also covered four fireworks-related fire incidents, including a vegetation fire near Lyon's Field.
Culture & Arts Commission Approves Work Plan
On July 16, the Culture & Arts Commission approved its 2026-27 Work Plan and assigned members to the Mural Program Ad-Hoc Committee. The commission created a new program called "San Bruno's Art in Community Spaces" with $300 artist stipends.
The commission selected fifteen films for a public vote for the Movies-in-the-Park program, including Coco and The Wizard of Oz. Members also received an update on the Posy Park Sculpture installation, anticipated for late June or early July, and a status update on the Paseo Mural at 568 San Mateo Avenue.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meets
The Emergency Preparedness Committee met on July 16 and 17 to discuss planning for the Great Shakeout drill on October 15 and to review an emergency vendor list. Staff provided police and Fire/CERT updates, and members heard monthly reports from the Radio Club and Red Cross. The consent calendar included approval of minutes from May 21 and June 18, 2026, and the 2026 community events schedule. No major financial decisions or ordinances were on the agenda.
Meetings Cancelled
The regularly scheduled Crime Prevention Committee meeting for July 9, 2026, was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2026. The Parks & Recreation Commission meeting for July 15, 2026, was also cancelled; its next regular meeting is August 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Coming Up
- **Planning Commission — July 21, 2026:** Study session on downtown zoning adjustments and a separate study session on the size of the Planning Commission. No formal decisions are scheduled.
- **Senior Advisory Board — July 21, 2026:** Review of June 2026 front desk sign-in data, class attendance, and nutrition site meal statistics, plus updates on Senior Center improvements and reports from four ad-hoc subcommittees.