Staff liaison (Fernanda) explained the council’s newly adopted Council Priority Projects process and timeline and led a discussion about ideas the Human Relations Commission might forward for council consideration.

Fernanda outlined the sequence that will guide the process: boards may select and forward one idea for council consideration (November–December); councilmembers may submit up to three priority proposals between November and January; the council will hold a public workshop in February; staff will prepare 3–5 page analyses in March–April; the city manager will recommend projects during the May budget workshop; and final adoption of council priority projects is expected during the June budget adoption process.

The commission reviewed two items already on the prior study‑issues list that appear in the new framework: an item described in the agenda materials as "addressing the search of Jew Hatred in Sunnyvale" and a proposed community center study on safety and inclusion, plus an item to amend the personnel policy manual to include religious observances as excused absences.

Commissioners proposed additional ideas for future consideration and for the December discussion, including:

• A preliminary proposal to study a rental registry for traditional (12‑month) rental properties to monitor rent increases and assess equity impacts (moved by Commissioner Camacho).

• A proposal to expand city support for cultural events that reflect Sunnyvale’s communities, using community grants or other assistance.

• A suggestion to research whether noncitizen residents could vote in school board elections, similar to efforts discussed in San Francisco and San Jose.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about whether the commission could use ranked or alternative voting methods; staff said the process this year is transitional (moving off the old 'study issues' list) and that the commission should prepare to present and vote in December. Staff offered to seek city‑clerk guidance on the exact voting mechanics for this transitional year.

Votes at a glance

• Motion: Approve Human Relations Commission minutes from 10/09/2025 — Mover: Commissioner (speaker 7); Second: Commissioner (speaker 4). Outcome: Approved, roll‑call tally recorded as 6–0.

• Motion: Approve 2026 annual work plan — Mover: Commissioner (speaker 4); Second: Commissioner (speaker 7). Outcome: Approved, roll‑call tally recorded as 6–0. Staff will submit the approved work plan to City Council for consideration.

Staff announced a joint chair/vice‑chair meeting next week to review commission meeting effectiveness and noted the commission will make an appointment to fill a vacancy at an upcoming meeting. Chair Zapata adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.