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City Council Minutes July 6 and July 9, 1998 |
City of Redwood City
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City Council Minutes July 6 and July 9, 1998 |
REDWOOD CITY CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR DIANE HOWARD
VICE MAYOR IRA RUSKIN
CITY COUNCIL
COUNCILMEMBER RICHARD S. CLAIRE
COUNCILMEMBER JIM HARTNETT
COUNCILMEMBER JEFF IRA
COUNCILMEMBER MATT LEIPZIG
COUNCILMEMBER IAN BAIN
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
JULY 6, 1998
CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m., Mayor Howard presiding
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Bain, Claire, Hartnett (7:30 p.m. arrival), Ira, Leipzig, Ruskin and Mayor Howard
Council Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Jorgenson, Finance Director Ponty, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Engineering and Construction Manager Patterson, Building and Inspection Manager La Torra, Redevelopment and Planning Manager Church, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Economic Development Supervisor Webb, Public Works Services Director Ingram and Superintendent Rosas, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Griffiths, Superintendent Hover and Supervisor Hannon, Police Officer Banks, and City Volunteer Balsamo;
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Claire
INVOCATION: A moment of silence was observed
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1. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (207)
A. Proclamations acknowledging Jody Sherman and Krista Heieck for their compassion and concern for an abandoned baby boy, and their outstanding efforts in saving his life, June 8, 1998;
Mayor Howard described how Mr. Jody Sherman found an abandoned newborn baby on his doorstep June 15, 1998, and called his neighbor, Ms. Krista Heieck, the mother of a two year old son, who was trained in advanced first aid. Mayor Howard described how Mrs. Heieck determined the baby was in distress and immediately suctioned the baby’s airwaves and administered life saving assistance, while Mr. Sherman called 911. She said that with the 911 operator’s instructions, Mrs. Heieck tied the torn umbilical cord, and wrapped the baby up in clean blankets to keep him warm until medical help arrived on the scene. Mayor Howard, who is a Registered Nurse, said that without their quick and compassionate acts, the little baby most certainly would have developed severe medical complications and possibly would have died.
Police Officer Don Banks, the investigating officer, told the audience that he considered Mr. Sherman and Mrs. Heieck real heroes, and described how important their actions were in saving the infant. He thanked Mrs. Heieck for taking the time to receive training and to be prepared for medical emergencies. Officer Banks thanked Mr. Sherman and Mrs. Heieck for their courage and their willingness to work with the press in getting the information about this little baby out to the general public. He said the investigation was continuing.
Mayor Howard read the two proclamations and presented them to Mr. Sherman and Ms. Heieck.
Mr. Sherman and Ms. Heieck very modestly accepted the proclamations and thanked everyone for this honor.
The audience responded with a sustained round of applause.
MEMO 7/7/98
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2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (203)
A. Robert Slusser, representing the Peninsula Celebration Association, sponsor of the Fourth of July Parade and Festival, thanked the City’s Police Department, Public Works Services Department, Fire Department, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, City staff and especially the "after Parade clean-up crews" who worked past 9:30 p.m. July 4th. Mr. Slusser thanked the Council and the public for its support of this annual event. He said the Parade and Festival could not happen without the support of the City and all the volunteers. Mr. Slusser described the successful Holiday events, and said the PCA volunteers were planning improvements and wonderful surprises for next year, the PCA’s 60th anniversary, including the return of spectacular fireworks.
Mayor Howard thanked the PCA and all the volunteers and said they and all the City crews did a wonderful job.
B. Nancy Morales and Bret Montague, co-chairs of the Redwood City Responsible Dog Owners organization, addressed the Council. Mrs. Morales pointed out the ten to twelve supporters in the audience and described how fifty of their members attended the last Park and Recreation Commission meeting. She said their organization was very pleased that the Council was listening to reasonable and well organized groups that come before them, such as the Skateboard Park supporters, and expressed their support for a Skateboard park as well. Mrs. Morales described their concept plan for a dog park including monitors that would clean-up the park, and their fund raising efforts. She described the history and concerns about dogs in City parks, and offered the organization’s assistance in addressing each and every issue.
Bret Montague said that one of the concerns about a dog park was its single use, and described similar facilities such as tennis courts, children’s play areas, baseball fields and the proposed Skateboard Park that have community support. He described two areas, one at Red Morton Park and the other a grassy meadow at Stulsaft Park that his group believed would be suitable for a fenced dog park based on specific criteria including the least cost. Mr. Montague said the Responsible Dog Owners group believed the total cost of fencing the proposed site at Stulsaft would cost $15,000 and the members were willing to provide "a reasonable portion of the funds." He asked the City to underwrite this project and move forward with this issue that has languished in front of the Council for fifteen years.
Council Member Claire said that the residents of Farm Hill had been working with the City for two-years on modifying and renovating Stulsaft to make it more child friendly. He said it was important for the Responsible Dog Owners group to work with the Farm Hill group so everyone’s needs would be satisfied. Mrs. Morales said her group had spoken with Susie Peyton, representing the Farm Hill group, and Mrs. Peyton told them the grassy meadow at Stulsaft Park was not part of the area of their concern.
In response to Council Member Bain’s questions, Mrs. Morales said her group would raise as much money as possible, and hoped to raise as much as one-third of the cost. Council Member Bain said he thought the request was very reasonable and he was glad the group was so well organized, specifically in the areas of public relations and fund raising. He suggested that the Council Members include this request in the Budget, and consider it as well as the proposed Skateboard Park.
MEMO 7/7/98
Vice Mayor Ruskin said that he had visited the proposed grassy meadow site with Mrs. Peyton, and it was separate from the proposed renovations of the children’s area and the lower meadow. Council Member Claire said the proposed site was currently being used "very heavily" and asked that both groups "be aware of that." Council Member Claire concurred that a dog park was needed, and just cautioned everyone to make sure that the dog park fits into the overall plan for Stulsaft Park, as well as the Council's objective to acquire more play fields in the City.
Mayor Howard said it was imperative to include the Park and Recreation Commission in any plans for City Parks. She said she looked forward to the Commission’s recommendations to the Council on this issue.
MEMO 7/7/98
The following people also expressed their support for the proposed off-leash dog park in Redwood City:
Cathy Jennings, D.V.M., Woodside Veterinary Clinic, Redwood City;
Michelle Mascher, 550 King Street, Redwood City;
Alan Smith, 2084 Oregon Avenue, Redwood City;
John Larson, Peninsula Humane Society, San Mateo;
Mayor Howard announced that Redwood City’s first off-leash dog park run is being constructed in Redwood Shores near the SBSA facility, and will open in October of this year. She said the Council supported off-leash dog parks and looked forward to hearing more from the Redwood City Responsible Dog Owners.
MEMO 7/7/98
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3. CONSENT CALENDAR
3.B. MORATORIUM ON STREET TREE REMOVALS AND HIRING A CONSULTANT; COUNCIL MEMBER LEIPZIG ASKED FOR DISCUSSION WITHOUT REMOVING ITEM FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR. (304)
In response to Council Member Leipzig’s questions regarding Consent Calendar Item 3.B. and the need for consultants, Vice Mayor Ruskin, Chair of the Council Task Force on Tree Preservation, explained that a moratorium on tree removal was instituted by the Council in response to the City’s policy "that seemed to be saving more sidewalks than trees." He said that City staff and the Task Force had studied the issue of a comprehensive sidewalk repair and tree preservation policy and decided that staff was not able to move quickly enough and "was not looking outside the box." Vice Mayor Ruskin said, "I wanted to be certain that while we didn’t necessarily adopt any and every option to the current tree policy, that we really looked at this in a very broad way, and we asked ourselves, ‘what new policies could we possibly establish that would be better for the City.’ I was concerned that as we were moving towards the end of our six-month moratorium that this wasn’t being done to my satisfaction. At that point, Director of Public Works Ingram came to me, and I was very pleased that he did… He said that he had come to two conclusions, that the Task Force wasn’t moving fast enough, and that staff wasn’t really examining this from a really new perspective…. He suggested that what would work very well would be to bring on an Arborist Consultant who would be responsible to the Task Force rather than to the staff, and this could result in a really fresh, new look at the problem, and it could move the process along more quickly." Vice Mayor Ruskin said he understood Council Member’s concern about spending $10,000 for this consultant. He said, "My concern is that we do this well, and if it costs another $10,000 to do it well, because this is so important to the community, then I feel it is worth it that we do it. The second point is that I don’t think it is unusual that a staff that is committed and has been committed to executing one policy, in the public sector or business, that they are not necessarily able to look outside the box and look at things in a new way." Vice Mayor Ruskin said he wished they had thought of this method earlier, and "this presents us a with a new tool for future task forces that when they start, they might immediately ask themselves the question, ‘should we bring someone on to help look at the situation, responsible not to the staff, but to the task force itself.’ "
Council Member Leipzig said, "I think we have a basic, fundamental difference of philosophy here. I think to spend $10,000 on a Consultant when we have perfectly capable public employees and an Arborist, Gordon Mann, is a waste. The Parks and Recreation Commission has been utilized with this Task Force. I think they can be utilized some more. Thank you for your answer."
3.I. WARRANTS, PAYMENT TO CATHERINE FRASER, FRASER ADVERTISING; COUNCIL MEMBER LEIPZIG ASKED FOR DISCUSSION WITHOUT REMOVING ITEM FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR. (304)
In response to Council Member Leipzig’s questions regarding the Warrants and the payment to Catherine Fraser, City Manager Everett explained that Ms. Fraser’s company worked with the City’s Human Resources Department and developed recruitment ads and appropriate advertising for all the City’s job opportunities. He said the rate for newspaper space that Ms. Fraser charges the City is the same from her company as it would be if the City bought it directly from the newspaper.
Council Member Leipzig said that newspapers have people on staff to help write and place ads, and asked that Staff provide more information on actual costs.
MEMO 7/7/98
Catherine Fraser, Fraser Advertising, Middlefield Road, described her Company’s services and said her rates were less expensive or the same as if the City bought the space directly from the newspaper. Ms. Fraser said her Company’s experience and expertise saves the City money by using appropriate sized ads, etc. and buying newspaper space in bulk.
Council Member Leipzig thanked everyone for the information.
M/S: LEIPZIG/RUSKIN WAIVE READING OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR, EXCEPT THE ORDINANCES, ADOPT THE RESOLUTIONS AND THE ORDINANCES, AND APPROVE OTHER ITEMS.
ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE WITH COUNCIL MEMBER BAIN VOTING "NO" ON 3.B., COUNCIL MEMBER LEIPZIG VOTING "NO" ON ITEMS 3.B, 3.G., AND 3.H., AND COUNCIL MEMBER HARTNETT ABSTAINING FROM THE VOTE ON 3.I. NO. 13908 DUE TO A POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST AS HIS FIRM MAY REPRESENT THAT VENDOR ON MATTERS UNRELATED TO THE WARRANT.
A. Approve the Minutes of June 29, 1998 Regular Meeting and Budget Study Session as submitted;
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-169
B. Approve the extension of the current moratorium on street tree removals under the City's sidewalk maintenance and repair program from July l, 1998 to November 1, 1998; (304) (5-2)
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-170
C. Approve final acceptance of the Bridge Parkway Traffic Signal Installation Project, and authorize reimbursement (Westport Joint Venture) (304);
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-171
D. RESOLUTION NO. 13378 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE STREET TREE MAINTENANCE PROJECT - 1998-99; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)
E. RESOLUTION NO. 13379 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 1998-1999 COST SHARED SIDEWALK REPAIR PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)
F. RESOLUTION NO. 13380 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 26 TO AGREEMENT RELATING TO SEWAGE TRANSMISSION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL; AND CONSENTING TO ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE EMERALD LAKE HEIGHTS SEWER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT; (Peter T. Krasnicki, APN 068-213-070, 068-213-080) (607)
G. ORDINANCE NO. 2145 AMENDING SECTION 27.100 OF, AND ADDING SECTION 27.106 TO, CHAPTER 27 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO SANITARY SEWERAGE SERVICES FEES AND PROVIDING FOR REFUNDS THEREOF, RESPECTIVELY; (First reading on 6/22/98) (802) (6-1)
H. ORDINANCE NO. 2146 AMENDING SECTIONS 38.5 AND 38.10 OF, AND ADDING ARTICLE V TO CHAPTER 38 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO WATER SERVICE CHARGES AND FEES AND PROVIDING FOR REFUNDS THEREOF, RESPECTIVELY; (First reading on 6/22/98) (802) (6-1)
I. Approve warrants dated through July 9, 1998; APPROVED
(With Council Member Hartnett abstaining from the vote on No. 13908.)
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4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
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5. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
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6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PUBLIC HEARING - Amending the Redwood City Conflict of Interest Code, as required by law (306);
Affidavit of Publication of Notice of Public Hearing on file in the City Clerk Department;
City Clerk Jorgenson, July 6, 1998
2. Open public hearing;
Mayor Howard declared the public hearing open at 7:50 p.m.
3. Hear public comments;
Mayor Howard asked if anyone wished to speak to this issue. No one came forward.
4. Close public hearing;
M/S: LEIPZIG/RUSKIN TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE AND HEARING CLOSED AT 7:51 P.M.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-172
5. Council action;
M/S: LEIPZIG/RUSKIN. TITLE READ.
RESOLUTION NO. 13381 AMENDING CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE FOR THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY
ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.
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7. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST (203)
A. Council Member Hartnett reported that "the Redwood City National Little League Team won its game tonight, 12-0, the ten year old All Stars. And they will be advancing in the City tournament. But probably of more significance, the All Star Team of 11 and 12 year olds from Redwood City that played in one last night, attended tonight’s game as well, and the report was, they were more excited by the fact that the Mayor threw out the first pitch last night, and actually threw a strike, and then gave them high fives. They didn’t know that a Mayor could do that."
Mayor Howard congratulated "all those fine young athletes.
MEMO 7/7/98
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8. STAFF REPORTS (207)
Engineering and Construction Manager Patterson reported that on June 26, 1998, he and Mayor Howard, Former Mayor La Berge and her husband, Warren Dale, and Senior Building Inspector Dunlap, attended the Gold Nugget Awards in San Francisco, sponsored by the Western Building Conference. He announced that the City’s new City Hall had won the Award of Merit for the Best Public/Private Special Use Facility. Manager Patterson said there were in excess of fifty entrants, covering the Western United States to Thailand. Mayor Howard said the architects, Fisher Friedman and the Contractors Rudloph Sletten were also in attendance, and they were all very proud of this Award.
MEMO 7/7/98
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9. CLOSED SESSION
None
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10. ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY OF DICK FERRANDO, LONG TIME RESIDENT AND FRIEND OF REDWOOD CITY
M/S: CLAIRE/RUSKIN ADJOURN THE MEETING IN MEMORY OF DICK FERRANDO TO A BUDGET SESSION IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER, 1017 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD, REDWOOD CITY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ADJOURNED REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 6, 1998
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:55 P.M.
Arlyn C. Jorgenson
City Clerk
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
BUDGET SESSION
JULY 6, 1998
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:56 p.m., Mayor Howard presiding
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2. ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Bain, Claire, Hartnett, Ira, Leipzig, Ruskin and Mayor Howard
Council Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Jorgenson, Finance Director Ponty, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Engineering and Construction Manager Patterson, Building and Inspection Manager La Torra, Redevelopment and Planning Manager Church, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Economic Development Supervisor Webb, Public Works Services Director Ingram and Superintendent Rosas, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Griffiths, Superintendent Hover and Supervisor Hannon, Police Officer Banks, and City Volunteer Balsamo;
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3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
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4. BUDGET STUDY SESSION (501)
A. Welcome - Ed Everett, City Manager
B. Introduction and C.I.P. Budget Overview - Deborah Nelson, Community Development Services Director
1) DEPARTMENT BUDGET;
REPORT: C.I.P. Binder (on file in the City Clerk Department.)
Using overheads, Community Development Services Director Nelson said that the Department’s Budget focused on three areas: Core Businesses; the Department’s Customers; and Council Priorities.
Under "Core Businesses" Director Nelson described Planning, Redevelopment, Housing Programs, Economic Development Building Regulations and Inspections, Code Enforcement, General Engineering, Transportation and Traffic, Subdivision Engineering and Capital Improvement Engineering.
Director Nelson described the changes in organizational structure the Department established and how four divisions were reduced to three to focus on the above described key businesses. She said staff had been reduced by three full time employees, and some contract positions had been added to assist in key Capital Improvement Projects.
Under "Customers" Director Nelson described Counter Services, Permit Activity and Neighborhoods and C.I.P. Projects. She described the one-stop permitting process and displayed a brochure describing "Counter Services." She said the City’s counter service process has served as a model for other jurisdictions and is visited by many, many different agencies. Director Nelson described the positive economic conditions that exist, the increased revenues and the increase in work for her Department. She described current recruitments, including a new Plan Check Engineer for the Counter to provide permits in a timely manner for the development community.
Director Nelson said the Neighborhoods were also customers and in the coming weeks Council would be receiving Reports and recommendations on traffic in the Neighborhoods. She said the Department would work closely with the Neighborhoods on upcoming Capital Improvement Projects.
Under "Council Priorities" Director Nelson said her Department had addressed each of the Council’s objectives on a Department-wide basis and had identified sixteen objectives. She said the Department would focus on eight major projects which included all sixteen objectives: Regional Transportation Advocacy, Comprehensive Long Range Planning, Aesthetics as an Equal Priority, Playing Fields and Park Improvements, Code Enforcement and Cleanup, Effective Communication, Immediate Effects on Quality of Life, and Efficiency and Effectiveness.
Director Nelson said they were proud of the Department’s new reorganization, being all under one roof, and they were looking forward to a very busy year, "as we respond to citizen’s requests, developer’s requests, all the permit activity, and implementing the Capital improvement Program."
2) REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PROJECTS AND BUDGET;
REPORT: Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Church, July 6, 1998
Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Church said, "this was the first year that the Redevelopment Agency and the Planning and the Community Development Block Grants function are all in one envelope and you have already taken action on the CDBG."
Director Church said that under Redevelopment Law the Agency could only submit a one-year Budget and it had to contain a review of previous year’s objectives, proposed work programs for the next year, projected revenues and expenditure estimates, and any proposed indebtedness of the Agency.
Director Church said. "The 1998/99 basic theme, as it has been for the last two or three years, is that we have more projects than we do dollars." He described the purchase of property from the Redwood City School District for a cash outlay of $2 million with annual payments over fifteen years. Director Church said that Staff had advised the Council in February that this transaction would use up the Agency’s reserves. He said that did not leave much money for other projects, and "there are not a lot of new project initiatives contemplated in the next year."
Director Church said the Agency was required to place at least 20% of its revenues in low and moderate income housing fund, and in 1998/99 that would amount to approximately $1.1 million. He said the remainder of the revenues is available for economic development activity or for housing. Those revenues are estimated at $2.7 million. He said most of the developments in the Budget have developed mid-year, after the Budget was prepared. Director Church said that was true of Franklin Street and the Downtown Theater Project, "neither of those were included in the Budget in the year they became serious projects."
Director Church said, "The Agency’s Budget is very speculative. We don’t know at the beginning of the year what the Projects are going to be." He said that required a large number of amendments during the Budget year.
Director Church said that the Agency Budget Housing Fund has allocated $100,000 for housing by a non-profit entity such as Habitat for Humanity. He said, "All the Housing Projects would be developed in concept by the Housing and Human concerns Committee, and we would come back to you with recommendations that you would then act on." He said all the projects in the Budget would come back to the Board for final consideration.
Director Church described the First Time Homebuyer’s program that has been allocated $350,000 in the proposed Budget, with $260,000 allocated in the CDBG program. He said there was a lack of definite projects in the proposed Budget, but the Agency Board had directed the HHCC to work on developing a project concept and to bring it back for the Board’s consideration. Director Church said the HHCC was working on Council concerns that people not necessarily with low or moderate income, such as teachers and fire and police personnel, had difficulty buying homes in Redwood City. He said the Agency’s money had strings attached and financial guidelines had to be followed, such as Block Grant money could be used for people at or below 65% of median incomes, and Agency money could be used for people with up to 120% of median incomes, which is about $78,000 for a family of four. Director Church described the HHCC’s strategy to try and raise funds from the local business community, "who have a very big say in trying to provide affordable housing in the community for their employees."
Director Church described the on-going process concerning the Franklin Street Area Project and the anticipated some costs. He described the Landbanking Project which involves payments to the School District for the purchase of the Way to Go property, assuming that Project is approved. Director Church said the administrative costs of the Agency are split between the two basic Agency Funds, 806 and 807, Housing and Economic Development. He said the Tax Apportionment line item covers the payments that are passed from the County through the Agency to other taxing agencies, such as the School District and the Harbor District. Director Church said the last payment to the County for the Parking Structure was included in this year’s proposed Budget. He described the $125,000 set aside for the Store Front Improvement Program which is a part of the Economic Development Strategy the Board approved two years ago, and $100,000 will be carried over from 1997/98 to add to that Program.
Director Church said that Fund 807, the General Fund the smaller share of the Administrative Costs, includes expenditures for Professional Services and appraisers, as well as Agency staff.
Director Church said the final part of the proposed Budget deals with indebtedness. He said it included the request for "a loan from the City to the Redevelopment Agency that would establish a line of credit from the City to the Agency which would be at the interest rate the City gets on its use of funds, so there would be no net cost of funds to the City." Director Church said, "Redevelopment Agencies typically use this mechanism because a Redevelopment Agency can only get revenues when it has debt. It can only claim tax increment from the County when it has already established debt…. And the reason for it is, as you can see from the Fund balances using overheads)… the ending balance for June 30, 1999… is going to be around $937,000 for the Housing Fund and $477,00 for the Agency General Fund. And we were at the time we put these figures together, projecting that we would have a slight deficit starting this year, about $65,000. I don’t think that will probably come to pass. That was based on some very pessimistic expenditure assumptions. There was not a lot of money at the beginning of the year, and we are spending it about the rate we are getting it. We won’t be accumulating anything seriously." Director Church said there were not a lot of funds for on-going programs, and the proposed Budget did not include funds for large expenditures such as the Downtown Theater Project,
Director Church described Council objectives, such as the Whipple and Industrial Specific Plan, the Fourth Amendment to the Redevelopment Agency Project No. 2, and said funds for those kinds of activities are not included in the proposed Budget and would need a loan from the City to go forward.
In answer to Vice Mayor Ruskin’s concerns and questions regarding proposed indebtedness and the line of credit from the City to the Agency, Director Church said, "The numbers were predicated on the current revenue to the Redevelopment Agency and the projected growth in the Redevelopment funding, but not factoring in the Theater project or the Franklin Street project. Simply our best estimate of what those projected future incomes from tax increment would be."
Finance Director Ponty said, "Before we would actually implement a loan between the General Fund and the Agency, we would look at how would that loan be repaid based on the Projects in front of the Agency at the time and the projected changes in the assessed valuation. We have some flexibility in setting up the loan since the City Council sits as both the lender and the borrower. We would probably structure something very similar to what we’ve done between the City and the Parking Fund, and set up an interest-only loan initially for the first several years, so that the Agency wouldn’t have to pay back both principal and interest which lessens the burden and makes it much more feasible to service the debt."
Vice Mayor Ruskin said the interest payments on the Reserves are used to finance current expenses and asked Director Ponty what impact the loss of interest would have on projected expenses in the upcoming Budget. Director Ponty said, "The Agency is able to make the interest payments on the loan… The interest income that the Redevelopment Agency would be paying (on the City loan) is the same amount that the City would be earning if we invested in the State Local Agency Investment Funds. There would be no financial harm to the General Fund."
Council Member Hartnett referred to the Community Development Services Department Budget, Comprehensive Long Range Planning Priority, Page 55, the Build-Out Analysis of the Existing Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Plans, and said the Performance Indicator states a Report back to Council and the Planning Commission was due in June 1999. He said the Council originally did not ask for a Citywide analysis, but wanted to focus on high priority areas of the City. Council Member Hartnett asked that a focused analysis be brought to the Council at a future date.
MEMO 7/7/98
Council Member Hartnett referred to the same document, Council Priority No. 4, Play Fields and Parks Improvements, on Page 56, and said that the Performance indicator was to include funding in 1998/99 and 1999/2000 C.I.P. Budget. He said $1 million was set aside in 1998/99 but he did not see any funds set aside for 1999/2000. He asked that the 1999/2000 Budget include some money for playing fields with the same goals, to increase the inventory, which is the consensus of the Council to continue this effort in the years to come.
MEMO 7/7/98
Council Member Hartnett referred to the Redevelopment Agency Budget, the First Time Homebuyers Program, and said it was an extremely important program. He said the Council gave the HHCC the responsibility of developing strategies to recommend to the Council, and said it was important for the Council to meet with the HHCC jointly, somewhat early in the process, "So the Council may pass along our own thoughts that might also shape what might be the final recommendation of the Committee. It is a big area and I know the HHCC is frankly more competent to deal with it than we are, but after they have done some work on it, before they get to the stage of actually making a recommendation, I think it would be helpful for us all to get together an talk about it."
MEMO 7/7/98
Council Member Bain referred to Council Priority No. 5, Code Enforcement, Page 56, and asked the status of the current Code review process. Building and Inspections Manager LaTorra said the Council Committee on Code Review has been meeting and the review has broadened to include almost all of the City’s Codes. He said the Committee’s recommendations would be brought to the full Council in groups rather than all at once, with the first Report in about two months. Mayor Howard, member of the Committee, described the process and agreed the first Report would be in about two months.
MEMO 7/7/98
In response to Council Member Bain’s questions regarding the time it takes between a Code violation being reported to the time it gets resolved, Building and Inspections Manager LaTorra said it depended upon the issue, but most were handled within 30 days. He described the Department’s work with ICMA, the City Managers Association, in studying parameters and indicators of performance and evaluation, and said that code enforcement was included in the study. Council Member Bain asked for a Report on the evaluation process, and expressed his support for making code enforcement a priority to resolve certain issues in a more timely manner.
MEMO 7/7/98
Mayor Howard explained that many of the Codes the Committee was reviewing were being addressed only as a Public Safety issue. She said the committee and staff were beginning to look at the Codes differently and trying to incorporate another Council priority, aesthetics. She said that new tactic would address some Council concerns about code enforcement.
MEMO 7/7/98
Vice Mayor Ruskin referred to Council Priority No. 5, Code Enforcement and Clean Up, page 56, working with the County on Land Use Standards to Improve El Camino Real South of Woodside Road, and said that was a very welcome sight in the Budget. Vice Mayor Ruskin asked staff to also include the Neighborhood Associations in this area. He said that the neighbors were very eager to have the City take a leadership role to clean up the southern part of El Camino Real and Director Nelson agreed they should be very much involved.
MEMO 7/7/98
Vice Mayor Ruskin said he concurred with Council Member Hartnett that meeting with the HHCC early on was a good idea, agreed that a focused analysis of Build-Out was appropriate, and agreed that setting aside money for fields in 1999/2000 was also appropriate, although taking money away from other projects would have to be carefully considered. Vice Mayor Ruskin said he seconded Council Member Bain’s suggestions for tracking code enforcement and establishing reasonable expectations and guidelines.
Council Member Ira referred to the line of credit requested in the Redevelopment Agency Budget, and said, "I am assuming the line of credit is essentially for Fund 807, the General Fund," and Director Church agreed. He said he was concerned about the repayment based on projected growth in that Fund. Council Member Ira said, "I guess my thought is, I really don’t believe we are going to get our interest paid back." He said he believed "the loan was important, the development of that site was important, but at the same time, we need to be realistic here. I think we have to visualize right now that that money is going to be taken out of the General Fund and we are not going to get those interest payments in reality. We really need to look at that and budget accordingly."
In response to Council Member Ira’s questions regarding the low and moderate income housing fund deficits, Director Church said State law included incentives to spend those funds, and actually penalized Agencies that accumulate more than two years annual accrual of revenues. Council Member Ira said it appeared that in year three there would have to be a cut in housing programs to avoid a deficit situation and avoid having other funds expended to support those programs, and he wanted everyone to be aware of that situation.
MEMO 7/7/98
In response to Council Member Leipzig’s questions regarding the legality of assuming interest payments may not be paid, City Attorney Schricker said, "It is legal to make a loan. The notion of entering into a loan with the assumption that interest won’t be repaid is not so much a legal question, as a policy as to whether or not that’s the nature of the conditions of the loan you want to make. The loans we have restructured in the past have had a definite schedule of payments which included interest and I understood that was what the proposal was this time as well. If that is not feasible then it ought to be revisited so that we don’t project an unrealistic repayment schedule." Answering further questions, City Attorney Schricker advised that it was acceptable for a City to make a loan without interest payments.
City Manager Everett advised that one of the conditions involved "is buying a piece of land. It is our assumption that we won’t be giving that piece of land away to a developer, that we will actually be selling it. And in two years, or a period of time, we will recapture that or a piece of it, if the Redevelopment Agency does decide to make a contribution, and by then the land will have gone up as well." He said that a major part of the repayment of the loan would be covered by development of that property.
Director Church advised that since the Council Members/Agency Board Members were both the lender and the borrower, ultimate control of the transaction rested with them.
In response to Council Member Leipzig’s questions regarding Rolison Road directives in the Budget and the Council Committee, Mayor Howard explained that the Committee (the Mayor, Council Member Leipzig and former Council Member Buchan) had not met since Council Member Buchan’s resignation in January. Mayor Howard said. "This is such an important issue that will require a great deal of time and study and expertise." Mayor Howard said that during the Council Study Session and the Interview process, the HHCC had been asked if they would be interested in tackling Rolison Road and coming up with a blueprint, a plan for this particular site. And they said they would be very, very interested." Mayor Howard said the HHCC meets regularly, in the same place, staff support and experts could be brought to them, and they work closely with the Neighborhoods. She said she attended the HHCC meeting last month and asked them again if they would like to take on this assignment, and they said they would very much like to do it. Mayor Howard said that she and Council Member Bain are alternates to the HHCC and would attend monthly, and bring Reports back to the Council. She said it is a huge project and expressed support for the HHCC’s expertise and its willingness to tackle it.
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Council Member Hartnett requested that before the HHCC gets too far along with the Rolison Road process, the Council and the HHCC need to meet jointly and discuss direction and options. He said that ultimately the full Council needs to feel comfortable with the recommendations, and early discussions would be helpful.
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Council Member Hartnett referred to the loan from the City to the Redevelopment Agency and said it was not unprecedented, but agreed with Council Member Ira that the Council needed to be realistic. He said he did not want the loan to be structured without interest payments, and suggested a regular agreed upon schedule. He asked that Finance Ponty play a role in this matter so that the overall Budget picture is not impacted "in a way that is a surprise to anybody." Council Member Hartnett agreed, "that a big hunk of that will get paid sooner rather than later.
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Mayor Howard said she agreed that the Council should meet with the HHCC and said she believed the first meeting was already scheduled for October.
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Mayor Howard said she agreed with previous comments on the Build-Out analysis and requested that the City’s surplus lands be incorporated into the Study. City Manager Everett said that study would have to be done separately. He said the Council has requested that many projects be moved up, and staff had a very full plate. He said he would look into all the requests and bring back options to the Council Members for their decision as to priorities. Mayor Howard said the land on Bair Island Road should be considered before the other projects were approved. Director Church said the City had a summer intern who had already begun the Build-Out analysis and is focusing on "little bites to see what it really means, because the project itself is so huge and amorphous it is difficult to get a grip on." He said a sample, a reality check, should be completed by the end of summer, to see if the study is doing what the Council wants it to do.
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In response to Mayor Howard’s questions regarding traffic consultants, Director Nelson said that Dan Smith, traffic consultant, would stay for a year due to the high priority placed on traffic issues. She described other consultant services planned, including in Redwood Shores.
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C. PUBLIC COMMENTS;
1) Ed Bailey, 3215 Page Street, asked that the Neighborhood be involved in any discussions for the Rolison Road Project. He described the successful work accomplished with the Midpointe Development in his Neighborhood.
Council Member Claire said it was imperative that the Neighborhood be involved in the Rolison Road Project. He described the difference between a Line Item Budget and a Program Budget, which is currently employed in the City. Council Member Claire said an alleged flaw of a Program Budget is its lack of details, and said former candidates for Council had assailed the 1995 and 1997 Budgets on that ground. He said the current Budget process appears to have Council members spend only one or two sessions on the Budget, when in reality the process is on going. He said the Council establishes priorities and staff develops costs analysis for them. Council Member Claire said the League of Cities recommends Program Budgets as an appropriate Budgetary process rather than a line item Budget. He referred to the letter sent last week by Mr. Pete Hughes and said many of his comments were appropriate. Council Member Claire said the supplementary Budget documents delivered to Council and available to the public do contain a great deal of details, but individuals that have not been part of the entire process are not aware of the details that are submitted and available for public review, and may conclude that the Budget is weak on detail. He suggested that he and Council Member Ira, Members of the Council Finance Committee, review the current Budgetary process and "see if we can, through our collective expertise… come up with a different format that would give more detail to the casual reader of the Budget, so they understand that much of what we are doing here has been reviewed, and reviewed very thoroughly by the Council - in spite of what some candidates might say during an Election."
MEMO 7/7/98
Council Member Claire said, "We are a City between 70,000 and 85,000… We have approximately 553 employees in this Budget, which is slightly more than the 525 employees we had in the 1978 Budget after passage of Prop 13 when we wiped out 75 positions, if I remember correctly, and which we never replaced." He said that over the past two decades City staff has grown about .6% and considering the amount of work that has increased, that was remarkable. Council Member Claire said Palo Alto has about 20% fewer residents and its General Fund Budget is $96 million, 100% larger than Redwood City’s. He said Redwood City has done an excellent job of holding the line on general expenditures. He said his only concern was the very large Reserve included in the Budget, equal to about 20% of the General Fund. Council Member Claire said San Mateo’s Charter sets a limit for Reserves at 5% of the General Fund. He said that during his review of the Budgetary process he would be looking at whether 20% Reserves was necessary, and added that the City of Palo Alto’s Reserve was even higher than Redwood City’s. He said he didn’t want needed projects put on hold while the City had a Reserve of 20% of the General Fund.
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Council Member Ira agreed to have the Finance Committee on which he serves, review the Budget format. He also agreed that more detail would be appropriate. Council Member Ira said that at the last Council Meeting, it was established that about 70% of the Budget was already committed to matters such as employee salaries and benefits and fixed costs, and there was not that much flexibility left in the Budget. He said one area with some flexibility was Supplies and Services and he wanted to review that issue. He said that people have a tendency to always want the newest and the best if someone else is footing the bill. He said he wanted to be sure that City money was spent wisely and not wasted, and for people to see that, they needed to see more details. Council Member Ira said that was an area that needed improvement, without making the Budget so thick no one would want to read it. He added that it was imperative for the Council, as stewards of the City’s money, to exercise care and diligence during the Budgetary process.
MEMO 7/7/98
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Mayor Howard declared a recess at 9:00 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m.
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3) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS;
REPORTS: C.I.P. Binder and Proposed Bound Budget (on file in the City Clerk Department.)
Director Nelson presented the proposed C.I.P. Budget for 1998/99 and 1999/2000 and said it was the fourth time the Council had looked at items this year. She displayed overheads which listed Council Priorities as addressed through the C.I.P. on Page IV of the Proposed City Budget: Regional Transportation Advocacy; Long Range Planning; Aesthetics; Play Fields and Parks Improvements; Immediate Effects on the Quality of Life; and some projects that had been discussed for several years including Fire Station 11 Improvements, HVAC at the Veterans Memorial Senior building and a new Restroom Replacement Program.
Director Nelson focused attention on Pages XI and XII in the C.I.P. Budget and described the two-year C.I.P. She said all of the proposed projects had been discussed at Study Sessions in March and May and the Council had given direction to staff to go forward: $1 million for new play fields or renovation of existing fields in the 1998/99 fiscal year; $750,000 for major road improvements not yet designated; $250,000 towards streets, medians and entryways, combined with money from last year designated for El Camino Real and $30,000 in an on-going yearly landscaping program. Director Nelson said the original Budget for Stafford and Stulsaft Parks was left in tact and an update was scheduled for the July 27 Council meeting. She said $280,000 including previous encumbrances was designated for Stulsaft Park and $525,000 for Stafford Park, which was also included previous encumbrances and new funding.
Director Nelson said that as a result of the May discussions, which included a great deal of input from advocates of a Skateboard Park, staff had included a new item of $150,000 for a Skateboard Park for Council consideration. She said the Park and Recreation Commission would work on this project and Council would review it along the way.
Director Nelson said projects not included in the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 C.I.P. Budgets and pending the Council’s decision involve $25,000-$35,000 for fencing of the Municipal Services Corporation Yard discussed at last week’s meeting, with possible funding of 1/3 from Sewer Funds, 1/3 from Water Funds and 1/3 from the Entry Features Budget. Director Nelson said Council had asked for a cost benefit analysis of renovating or reconstruction of Fire Station 11. She said there is $560,000 currently programmed in the C.I.P., which would be enough for a seismic retrofit and asbestos remediation. Director Nelson said staff would prepare the analysis over the next few months and the Report would be ready for Council consideration in the fall.
Director Nelson said that issues that had arisen at this Meeting include: additional funding for play fields in the 1999/2000 fiscal year; money for an additional dog park. She said funds from GID 1-64 will pay for the dog park being built in Redwood Shores.
In response to Council Member Bain’s questions regarding total cost of a Skateboard Park, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor Hannon said the $150,000 figure was based upon conversations upon information she received at a recent Parks and Recreation Conference she attended in Long Beach. She said the range was between $100,000 and $200,000 depending on the site selected. She said she made a presentation on Skateboard Parks to the Park and Recreation Commission last week. Supervisor Hannon also said the Youth Advisory Board is very active and supportive of a Skateboard Park in Redwood City and willing to help in fundraising. Supervisor Hannon said everyone was waiting to see if Council would approve the funding before a big effort was made to go forward. She said she could have filled the Council Chamber with supporters.
Council Member Bain said the dog park issue has been going on for fifteen years, and an off-leash dog park in Redwood City was not an unreasonable request. He said this request would cost far less than the $150,000 Council was considering for a Skateboard Park. Council Member Bain suggested setting aside $10,000 for an additional dog park.
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Council Member Claire said he wanted to see the concept of dog parks in the City thoroughly worked out by the Park and Recreation Commission. He said he had no objections to allocating funds in a preliminary Budget that contained guestimates. Council Member Claire said when an item comes back for final Council approval, those guestimates could change dramatically. He said the grassy meadow in Stulsaft Park suggested for the second dog park was used quite heavily as a practice area when he coached for over twenty years. He asked that all the constituents be involved in deciding where that dog park should be located.
Council Member Hartnett said he concurred with Council Member Claire’s comments. He said Redwood City needed a Skateboard Park, but at this point the final cost was unknown due to so many variables. Council Member Hartnett said $150,000 was a reasonable amount to set aside in a preliminary fashion as described by Council Member Claire above. He said that amount would reflect the Council’s commitment to the concept, but not to a specific site or amount, and suggested others could work with the City in raising funds. Council Member Hartnett said he had been troubled for a long time "by the problems skateboarders face and how we stereotype them. I know a number of great kids who are skateboarders who irritate me on a daily basis and on baseball fields, soccer fields and many other ways. But they are great kids. And when they skateboard in the City parking garage or other places we don’t want them to be, they are not there doing bad things. They are there because they don’t have another really good place to skateboard." Council Member Hartnett said, "That like other endeavors there are risks involved, but its is a safe and sane thing to do given the world we live in, and I think it is something that our youth really deserve some commitment from the City on, in a reasonable fashion." Council Member Hartnett said that $150,000 is a reasonable commitment to the youth of our community.
In response to Council Member Bain’s question about the street lighting installation program, Engineering and Construction Manager Patterson said the City had not had such a program for a couple of years. He said the City now had money in the Budget and staff had a list of all requests. Manager Patterson said staff was working with PG&E and is almost ready to go out to bid for installation. He said there was also money for 1999/2000.
Council member Bain said people on Candle Way had been waiting for a long time for street lights, and Manager Patterson advised that about 90% of current requests would be completed in 1998/99. In answer to further questions, Senior Civil Engineer Chang said about 15-20 lights could be installed for $30,000. Manager Patterson described the very objective criteria used to determine where lights are installed, and said some areas do not have access to PG&E power which makes it very difficult and very expensive.
In response to the Mayor Howard’s questions regarding the $15,000 allocated for Neighborhood Grants Program, Director Nelson said that any Neighborhood could apply for these funds if the project was related to a capital project, such as a Display Board. She added that other kinds of Neighborhood Grants that are program related will continue to be funded out of the General Fund portion of the Neighborhood Program.
In response to Mayor Howard’s comments regarding the citywide storm drainage planning for Cordilleras and Friendly Acres, Public Works Services Director Ingram noted the $200,000 set aside in the C.I.P. for this planning. He described the coordination needed to involve neighboring jurisdictions, funding agencies, Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife, etc. and said it had already begun. Director Ingram described the proposed work for Cordilleras Creek and said he was optimistic that the permits would be issued quickly and the work done before the next rain storms. He described the proposed Cordilleras Creek neighbors and their great ideas for solutions to the problems. Director Ingram referred to Council Member Hartnett’s suggestion at the March C.I.P. meeting to do some work defining outcomes ahead of time, and described the work done in that area. He said that Friendly Acres and Cordilleras Creek were the two main areas on which the Department was focusing a long term effort. Director Ingram said there was also money in the budget to sponsor the repair of Redwood Creek damaged in the February storms, and staff was applying for reimbursement funds from the state and federal governments. Senior Engineer Chang said the plans for Redwood Creek were 80% complete and staff was getting ready to go out to bid. He said they were planning to have the project finished before winter.
Vice Mayor Ruskin recommended that the City implement improvements to the fencing around the Municipal Services Corporation Yard, which was discussed at last week’s meeting, and meets the Council’s priorities of beautifying entryways. Vice Mayor Ruskin said that Director Ingram provided an estimate of $25,000 to $30,000 for improving that fence, which was a ballpark estimate. He said the Council would get a lot of bang for its buck with such a project, and if the City moved forward, the County would be more amenable to improving its properties in the area as it already has started to do. He suggested funding of $10,000 from the Water Fund, $10,000 from the Sewer Fund and $10,000 from the $70,000 surplus or from the Entryway and Median Fund. Public Works Services Director Ingram described the replacement fence, which would be significant visual improvement but would continue to provide the necessary security. He also described improved landscapes and softening features that are planned at a later date.
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Vice Mayor Ruskin said he also supported setting aside $10,000 for a dog park, and $150,000 for a Skateboard Park. In response to Vice Mayor Ruskin’s questions about process, City Manager Everett suggested the Council vote on items they would like to add and staff would find the money and give the Council options.
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Council Member Ira said he didn’t believe $10,000 would be enough to cover expenses for a dog park. He said $40,000 was originally discussed for a Skateboard Park and it had already jumped to $150,000. Council Member Ira said he was also very concerned about the sufficiency of funds set aside for Fire Station No. 11. He said he believed Council would eventually approve reconstruction rather than renovation, which would probably cost twice as much as the money set aside in the Budget. He said the Council needed to think about adding additional funds to cover the actual costs of reconstruction of Station 11. Council Member Ira said the Council needed to be realistic with its allocations.
City Manager Everett said he agreed with Council Member Ira’s comments about Fire Station 11. He said he and staff had met with Fire Captain Anderson and looked carefully at Fire Station 11. He said that project had a timeline with the County and the City would probably push that project out a bit, finishing it in the next two-year Budget cycle, which would give them time to set aside funds. City Manager Everett explained that the original $40,000 figure for a Skateboard Park was for a temporary one using an existing parking lot, but people are now saying that probably isn’t a wise expenditure of funds.
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Council Member Hartnett asked that the request from the Redwood Shores Homeowners Association for 27 trash receptacles at a cost of $4,050 be added to the list of issues continued from June 29 to be discussed after the C.I.P.
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Council Member Claire suggested that the City partner with School Districts on the issue of a Skateboard Park. He said there were a few School areas that might be worthwhile investigating as far as land is concerned.
MEMO 7/7/98
Council Member Hartnett said that the Council should "Master Plan" the available land inventory included within the School network as it might relate to playing fields. He said, "I think we need a more formal process of actually as a priority of looking at all of that land in partnership with those, including the Community College campus in talking about what our mutual interests are." He said the Council/School Liaison Committee with Vice Mayor Ruskin serving as Chair could provide leadership in that area. He said that effort would take substantial staff assistance, which has budget, and time implications, but it was necessary if the City wanted to spend its money wisely.
MEMO 7/7/98
In response to Council Member Leipzig’s questions regarding the lack of projects included the $750,000 in the 1998/99 Major Road Construction Program, Director Nelson said this item was included as a result of Council’s direction in March and on May 11. She said Council asked that these funds be set aside "for Regional Transportation and major road activity should that be needed. It is not project specific, it would essentially be a place holder" and Council would decide how to spend it at a future date. City Manager Everett said it might end up being several smaller projects and it probably would be spent over the next two fiscal years. He said it was "front loaded" to make it available to the Council. City Manager Everett said there was a different fund for street paving, and the amount of street paving projects was not a function of money, but how big of a project staff could be managed well. Director Nelson said that about $1.2 million a year is about all the Department could manage, and about all the citizens could tolerate. Council Member Leipzig said they couldn't tolerate pot holes either, but it was a tough decision.
In response to Council Member Leipzig’s questions regarding the different projects of Water Distribution Replacement Programs both residential and fire and earthquake emergencies, Senior Engineer Chang said the system itself was the problem. He said in some areas it was just too old and outdated and in others the lines were too small and needed to be upgraded. He said all the projects were trying to achieve both goals of better fire protection and to move water faster from one direction to another.
Director Nelson said that Senior Engineer Chang has been working on the dog park in Redwood Shores and advised that $20,000 would be the minimum just for a fence. She said if the Council wanted to allocate $10,000 it would be a place holder, and asked Council to provide direction on that issue later in the Meeting.
MEMO 7/7/98
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS;
- Bonnie Miller
, 1224 Fifth Avenue, representing the Friendly Acres/East Bayshore Neighborhood Association, said they were thrilled that some of the flooding issues were being addressed in the Budget. Mrs. Miller reminded the Council that whatever is done to address flooding in Friendly Acres will have an impact on East Bayshore residents. In response to Mrs. Miller’s comments, Senior Engineer Chang said there was a limit to the amount of dredging that could be done in the channel, and it isn’t deep enough to dredge to make an impact before ground water would fill it. She had the residents of the two Neighborhoods stand for the Council to show their support of addressing both Neighborhoods when addressing flooding.Mayor Howard said the Neighborhoods had good meetings with staff and reiterated the Council’s commitment to address flooding problems.
Council Member Claire provided background of flooding in the Friendly Acres area since he grew up there. He said it was a very serious problem, but it had taught him that democratic governments move slowly. He complimented his colleagues for having the courage to go forward with this very important but very expensive long-term project. He described the impediments that had caused long delays including Proposition 218, and said he was thrilled that the Council was providing leadership to move this project along.
- Ed Bailey
, 3215 Page Street, said he appreciated the City Manager’s support addressing the flooding problems and his influence with fellow City Managers, and said the Neighborhoods were willing to do what they could to move the process along. Mr. Bailey expressed his concern for the renovation plans for Fire Station 11 and said Midpointe had been asked if they would allow a temporary station on one of its back parking lots. He said the contract with the County obligated the City to go forward with the retrofit. Mr. Bailey asked what part of the $100,000 allocated for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program would be spent in Friendly Acres. City Manager Everett explained that these allocated funds were separate from the $50,000 commitment made by Midpointe, and would be spent throughout the City. Mr. Bailey expressed support for the partnership for playing fields supported by the City, County and School District, and said a good maintenance program was needed to make it viable.- Anne Palu,
1710 Whipple Avenue, expressed her support for a Skateboard Park in Redwood City, and said if it did cost $150,000 that would only be $15,000 over a ten year period, with very, very little maintenance. She said she could also fill the Chamber with supporters, and described fund raising support.- Brent Britschgi
, 57 Woodsworth, former Mayor of Redwood City, said the proposed Budget was the fattest he had ever seen in his twenty years of being involved in the system. He said, "You have more money than you know what to do with. You have almost $10 million in reserves and by the time you finish this year, it’s going to be about $12 million. I would like to offer to you an opportunity tonight, and certainly something I have talked to you about before… and this is the Utilities Users Tax." Mr. Britschgi said this year the Utility Users Tax would bring in about $4.5 million and $4.7 million next year. He said the Council adopted the Utility Users Tax in 1983 to build a new Fire Station and a new Library. He said, "We were not smart enough at that time to cap that Utility Users Tax to cover the cost of the Bonds." He said the revenues are upwards of $4.5 million and the cost of the Bonds is about $2.3 million, and the rest of it goes into the Capital Improvement Projects Budget. Mr. Britschgi said it was arguable whether the intention originally was to use excess revenues to pay for smaller C.I.P. projects or only major projects like the Library and Fire Station. He said this 5% tax on the citizens of Redwood City, half of which was a needless tax. He offered the Council "an opportunity" to cut the Utility Users Tax in the amount sufficient to cover the amount needed to pay for the Bonds, about 1% or 25 of the Tax. Mr. Britschgi said there were enough funds in the Reserves to do this, and "you’d be returning some money to the citizens of Redwood City. I urge you to give consideration to this as you go forward in your Budget plans. I’d be happy to answer any questions that you have, and I expect to see you take action on this tonight."Council Member Claire said that former Mayor Britschgi was correct about the vote in 1983, but there were probably not more than fifteen people that contacted him and objected to the Utility Users Tax. He said that he had tried to get Council approval for those funds to be used in the General Fund for police and fire, but it was not approved. Council Member Claire said the people of Redwood City had asked for more police personnel and the Council had just last winter authorized 14 new positions. He said that the City’s overall financial position is good, but it could change very quickly. Council Member Claire pointed out that former Mayor Britschgi’s former company, Pacific Bell, is currently being hit with a major rollback in its fees which will have a negative impact on the Utilities Users Tax. He said although he would not now support any cut in the Utilities Users Tax, he said he would be willing to look at it as part of an overall review of the City’s revenues and expenditures, as those figures must be justified in the eyes of the people of Redwood City.
Council Member Hartnett said the principle described is an important one, he couldn’t support any change at this point until the Financial Committee comes back to the Council with a Report on the Budget Details Format and issues related to the appropriate levels of Reserves, and Finance Director Ponty provides more information on the economic forecast. He said that when the Council had recently taken a look five years into the future, based upon revenue projections, the City would not be adding to its Reserve, and in fact the City would be drawing them down in some of the out years. He said it was worth looking at, at another time.
5) Walter Hoge, 1933 East Bayshore, Lamar Trailer Park, thanked Mrs. Miller for her support of East Bayshore Road, and thanked the City for its help after the last flood. He expressed concern about the levee in the Bayfront Canal and said it was weak. Mr. Hoge said that during the last flood, the pumps in his Park worked very well, but it could not handle the water coming from Atherton, Woodside, and Portola Valley. He asked that staff get those cities involved in maintaining that canal and funding a solution.
Mayor Howard said that when Friendly Acres is mentioned, East Bayshore is included because they are considered as forming one area and now they are combined into one Neighborhood Association. Council Member Claire said that
from Day One the flooding problems on both sides of 101 were considered one problem and acknowledged you can’t solve one area without the other. He described the Council’s commitment in getting other jurisdictions involved.
Vice Mayor Ruskin said that the Council Utilities Committee made a recommendation to begin to fix the flooding problem and it of course included East Bayshore. He said it also included having a Coordinator to work with all adjacent agencies and governmental entities.
E. BUDGET ISSUES CONTINUED FROM THE JUNE 29TH BUDGET STUDY SESSION, AND THE TWO ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF THE DOG PARK AND FENCING THE CORPORATION YARD ADDED EARLIER THIS EVENING:
- M/S: HARTNETT/RUSKIN
TO SET ASIDE $10,000 TOWARDS THE ADDITIONAL DOG PARKAfter discussion, the maker and seconder of the motion agreed to raise the amount to $20,000.
MOTION AS AMENDED:
M/S: HARTNETT/RUSKIN TO SET ASIDE $20,000 TOWARDS THE ADDITIONAL DOG PARK
Mayor Howard said approval of this Motion was with the understanding that the Park and Recreation Commission would be heavily involved, the community and staff would be involved, and this project would not be rushed. Council members agreed.
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-173
2) M/S: RUSKIN/IRA TO ALLOCATE $30,000 FOR FENCING AT THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES CENTER CORPORATION YARD, FUNDED BY 1/3 FROM SEWER FUNDS, 1/3 FROM WATER FUNDS, AND 1/3 FROM THE EXISTING MEDIAN AND ENTRYWAYS CONSTRUCTION BUDGET
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-174
3) Request for additional funding from the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE;
City Manager Everett said the Chamber had submitted a request for an increase after the Budget had been prepared. He said the Chamber had requested $37,500 this year and $38,250 fiscal year 1999/2000.
M/S: CLAIRE/HARTNETT TO APPROVE A TOTAL OF $37,500 FOR CONTRACT SERVICES WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FY 1998/99
Mayor Howard said the Chamber had not had an increase for over nine years, and considering their work for the City and their willingness to join partnerships in the community, she said the increase was well deserved.
CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS BAIN, CLAIRE, HARTNETT, IRA, RUSKIN AND MAYOR HOWARD
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER LEIPZIG
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-175
4) Request for additional funding from the SAN MATEO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU;
Council Member Hartnett advised that the Convention Bureau was a client of his Office and he left the dais.
MEMO 7/7/98
City Manager Everett said the Bureau had called and requested an increase after the Budget had been prepared. He said they had requested an increase of up to 4%, and the Bureau was currently funded at $30,000 per year.
M/S: LEIPZIG/IRA TO INCREASE THE FUNDING BY TEN PERCENT TO A TOTAL OF $33,000
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT (6)
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-176
Council Member Ira recommended that the City Manager contact the Chamber and the Convention Bureau and request that they submit formal and more timely requests in the future.
MEMO 7/7/98
5) Request for funding and partnership from JOINT VENTURE SILICON VALLEY;
M/S: RUSKIN/LEIPZIG TO FUND REDWOOD CITY’S MEMBERSHIP IN JOINT VENTURE SILICON VALLEY AT $7,500
Vice Mayor Ruskin said that City staff was already working with JVSV, and he suggested that they report back to the Council during the year, "making us aware of the value of this membership to our city and how we might increase the value of its participation."
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-177
Mayor Howard thanked JVSV representative Karen Cain for attending the meeting.
Council Member Bain said the City had benefited from the work done by JVSV and it was "a sign that Redwood City is finally embracing the fact that we are a part of Silicon Valley."
Council Member Leipzig said that Don Warren has said that Redwood City was the software capital of the world, and everyone agreed.
6) Discussion of Council Priority, COMMUNICATIONS, including $45,000 in the proposed Budget currently earmarked for "The Connection";
City Manager Everett said the recommendation was to leave the $45,000 as a place holder in the Budget, and staff would come back to Council in September with two recommendations: specific communications recommendations and televising Council Meetings.
Council Members agreed to leave this money in place.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-178
7) Request for funding from HEALTHY START;
City Manager Everett explained that $100,000 had been set aside by the County, $50,000 by the Redwood City Elementary School District and $50,000 in the City’s Budget, $30,000 from HSFA and $20,000 in the General Fund Budget.
Council Members agreed to leave this money in place.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-179
8) Council discussion of increasing the MAYOR'S FUND;
City Manager Everett said the increase recommended was from $1,200 to $5,000 to establish a contingency fund for the Council.
Council discussion ensued.
City Attorney Schricker advised that the Charter allowed only $1,200 in the Mayor’s fund.
M/S: HARTNETT/RUSKIN TO LEAVE $1,200 IN THE MAYOR’S FUND AND PROVIDE $3,800 FOR COMMUNITY PROMOTION ALLOCATION BY THE COUNCIL
CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS BAIN, CLAIRE, HARTNETT, IRA, RUSKIN AND MAYOR HOWARD
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER LEIPZIG
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-180
- M/S: LEIPZIG/______ REDUCE THE UTILITIES USERS TAX BY 50%, AND THE 2.5% THAT IS COLLECTED IN THE REMAINING YEARS BE USED TO PAY THE OUTSTANDING BONDS.
Council Member Ira said he would conditionally provide a Second, but he wanted to change the motion to the amount needed.
City Attorney Schricker said, "There is a Constitutional issue involved. The contract clause of the U.S. Constitution would prevent any reduction below the amounts obligated under Bond obligations. I understand that to be the intent of the Motion. The figures aren’t really known, so that would have to be the limitation on any reduction."
Council Member Leipzig amended his motion:
M/S: LEIPZIG/IRA TO REDUCE THE UTILITY USERS TAX TO THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO PAY OFF THE EXISTING DEBT ONLY
Council Member Claire said at the time the Utilities Users Tax was passed by a very conservative Council in 1993, the City was indeed short of funding for essential programs. He said that Council Member Leipzig had earlier stated he wanted to get pot holes fixed, and he found it unfortunate that considering the current capital improvement needs, Council Member Leipzig, "would start cutting one of your major sources of funding for capital improvements. I hope that this Council understands that if you do go forward with this motion, that you can write off $2.5 million in your C.I.P. and if you don’t want to do that you can write off twenty cops or fire fighters. I think it is a very irresponsible motion…. I want to live in a City where I can enjoy the kind of quality of life that I enjoyed growing up in this City, and a reduction in the Capital Improvement Program will diminish my quality of life."
Council Member Hartnett said he agreed with Council Member Claire in all respects, and added, "I find it interesting that such a Motion would be made without great community input, without consulting the citizens about whether or not we should in fact rescind our Police Department increase in personnel…. closing the new fire station we just built in Redwood Shores." Council Member Hartnett said that instead of adding new fields the City might consider selling some off. He said, "I think the community might want to address this question, and to have a Motion made at Nine Minutes to Eleven at the end of a Budget session is one that is at best, I find curious." Council Member Hartnett said he would vote "no" on the Motion and in casting that vote, "I am casting a vote for the citizens of the community who have elected us to represent community values." Council Member Hartnett said that the Council needed to exercise positive leadership and invest in the quality of life for the community. He said that if he heard from a lot of responsible citizens saying they did not want that Police increase, and they did not want Parks and playing fields, roads to be paved in a timely manner, "Then I might reconsider my vote."
Council Member Bain said it was an interesting idea and expressed support for further Council discussion. He said he could not vote on this issue until he had lots of data about the fiscal impact, and said he would like to hear from the public. Council Member Bain said it would be irresponsible to vote on such a vague Motion.
Vice Mayor Ruskin said that such a serious and sweeping Motion should have been discussed at the beginning of the Budget process as it has an effect on almost every vote that has been cast. He said this issue should be discussed with public input, but "looking at the things we need to do, staffing of the Police, putting Paramedics on all the fire engines, things that will improve the quality of life, improvement of streets, renovation and creation of Parks, we’ve been moving in those directions… for hours, for days, for months, this Motion would be contrary to all of that investment for the people." Vice Mayor Ruskin said any discussion of this issue should take place at a future meeting.
Mayor Howard said she agreed with Vice Mayor Ruskin, "The people in the community like the direction we are going…. I haven’t heard otherwise from the community, and I would not support a Motion thrown out at five Minutes to Eleven without any thought or preparation."
ITERATION OF THE MOTION:
M/S: LEIPZIG/IRA TO REDUCE THE UTILITY USERS TAX TO THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO PAY OFF THE EXISTING DEBT ONLY
MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS IRA AND LEIPZIG
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS BAIN, CLAIRE, HARTNETT, RUSKIN AND MAYOR HOWARD
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-181
At 10:57 p.m., M/S: CLAIRE/IRA TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO 11:05 P.M.
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-182
Council Member Claire described a letter containing a separate draft letter to be released July 9, 1998 that he received right before the meeting from the Redwood Shores Homeowners Association requesting $4,050 for 27 trash receptacles to be placed around Redwood Shores. Council Member Claire said that although the manner in which the request was presented was upsetting, he believed it was a reasonable one.
M/S: CLAIRE/IRA TO ALLOCATE $4,050 TO PURCHASE 27 NEW RECEPTACLES FOR THE REDWOOD SHORES AREA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PARK, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
Mayor Howard said she received the letter on July 3, immediately called Mr. Anderlini, and has played phone tag ever since. She said she also felt the letter was unnecessary as the Council had already committed to placing a high priority on cleaning-up Redwood City and improving Aesthetics in the community. Mayor Howard said the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department had been working with Mr. Anderlini on this project, and not all the requested sites were suitable. She said some sites were on private property, some on levees, and others did not have adequate access for BFI trucks. Mayor Howard said everyone agreed that trash receptacles should be placed where needed.
City Manager Everett said that Parks, Recreation and Community Services Superintendent Hover had been in contact with Mr. Anderlini on this issue, and the City agrees on 14 or 15 of the sites. He said they all agreed more receptacles were needed in Redwood Shores and the City's Parks. He said they agreed with the motion.
Council Member Hartnett said he agreed with Council Member Claire's comments on the letter, and said the request needed to be viewed in the broader context of Council's desire to place more trash receptacles around the City. Council Member Hartnett said the timely removal of trash and maintenance of the receptacles was a concern. He said he supported the Motion for the amount of trash receptacles up the number requested, but conditioned on BFI's participation at no cost, as represented in the letter.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Griffiths said he had an appointment with Mr. Anderlini this Thursday to discuss appropriate and legal sites for trash receptacles. He said the cost is higher than Mr. Anderlini's quote, and said 14 receptacles would be about $3,700, and 27 receptacles would be around $7,000 to $8,000. In response to the Mayor's questions regarding the use of surplus receptacles, Director Griffiths said these recycled cans wouldn't be appropriate in every location, including the Redwood Shores Neighborhood.
Mayor Howard thanked Director Griffiths and Superintendent Hover for working with Mr. Anderlini on this issue.
ITERATION OF THE MOTION:
M/S: CLAIRE/IRA TO ALLOCATE $4,050 TO PURCHASE 27 NEW RECEPTACLES FOR THE REDWOOD SHORES AREA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PARK, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-183
In response to Council Member Ira's question whether the Council was intending to cap the amount at $4,050 no matter how many receptacles were needed, City Manager Everett said if more receptacles were needed and the cost exceeded $4,050, he would find that money somewhere in the Budget.
MEMO 7/7/98
F. SUMMARY AND RECAP BY ED EVERETT, CITY MANAGER;
City Manager Everett said that all the budget presentations from staff were concluded, and asked if the Council wanted to consider other issues on July 9 which had been reserved for just such a necessity. He advised that the revised Budget Ordinance would be presented to Council on July 27, 1998 for first reading.
Vice Mayor Ruskin said he agreed with Council Member Hartnett and others that the Council wanted to have additional money for play fields in the FY 1999/2000 Budget. He said that the Council would want to consider the impacts of providing funds for play fields by reducing available funds from other projects, and would want to review it before introduction of the Budget Ordinance.
City Manager Everett said Council would approve only the FY 1998/99 Budget on July 27. He said that he understood the direction from the Council for the additional money in FY 1999/2000 to be incorporated in next year's proposed Budget for FY 1999/2000. City Manager Everett said, "We'll know better where the money is by then." Council Member Hartnett agreed, and requested that the issue be brought to the Council before the formal Budget process begins next year, "so that we can give direction" to staff.
MEMO 7/7/98
Mayor Howard thanked City staff members for their hard work and great presentations.
Council Member Claire advised he would not be able to attend the July 9, 1998 Interview as he has a conflict with his teaching schedule.
MEMO 7/7/98
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5. ADJOURNMENT
M/S:: LEIPZIG/IRA TO ADJOURN TO 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1998 FOR A COUNCIL INTERVIEW SESSION, WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A BUDGET SESSION (IF NEEDED) IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING ADJOURNMENT OF THE INTERVIEW SESSION, IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER, 1017 MIDDLEFIELD, REDWOOD CITY.
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE AND MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:05 P.M.
Arlyn C. Jorgenson
City Clerk
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
BUDGET STUDY SESSION
July 9, 1998
AT 8:08 P.M., THE CITY CLERK ADJOURNED THE MEETING DUE TO A LACK OF A QUORUM. THERE WERE NO ITEMS CARRIED OVER FOR DISCUSSION, AND THIS SCHEDULED MEETING WAS NOT NEEDED. THERE WERE NO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENT.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
4. BUDGET STUDY SESSION
5. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:08 p.m., City Clerk Jorgenson adjourned the Meeting due to a lack of a quorum.
Arlyn C. Jorgenson
City Cerk
INTERVIEW SESSION
REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING
JULY 9, 1998
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m., Mayor Howard presiding
2. ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Bain, Hartnett, Ira, Ruskin and Mayor Howard
Council Members Absent: Claire and Leipzig
Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Clerk Jorgenson, Redevelopment and Planning Manager Church, Planning Commissioner Verdone
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Civic Cultural Commissioner Saye observed the Interviews.
4. INTERVIEWS
A. INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW for membership, Fair Oaks Community Center
Advisory Board, four terms expiring May 31, 2002 and one term expiring
May 31, 2000, (First round of Interviews were held June 10, 1998);
Francisco Lopez was unable to attend.
B. INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS for membership, Planning Commission,
two terms, expiring June 30, 2001;
Raymond Lami (Requested his Interview be moved up due to his presence being required at a Homeowners Meeting at 7:30 p.m.)
Patricia Dixon
Roland Giannini
Elizabeth Moore
Steven Salazar
5. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Howard adjourned the Meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Arlyn C. Jorgenson, City Clerk
City of Redwood City
| City CouncilCopyright © 1998. The City of Redwood City. All rights reserved.