City of Redwood City

City Council Minutes July 27, 1998

REDWOOD CITY CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR  DIANE HOWARD
VICE MAYOR  IRA RUSKIN

COUNCILMEMBER IAN BAIN
COUNCILMEMBER RICHARD S. CLAIRE
COUNCILMEMBER JIM HARTNETT
COUNCILMEMBER JEFF IRA
COUNCILMEMBER MATT LEIPZIG

REGULAR MEETING

JULY 27, 1998

CALL TO ORDER - 7:35 P.M., Mayor Howard presiding

Council Members Present: Bain, Claire, Hartnett, Ira, Leipzig, Vice Mayor Ruskin, Mayor Howard

Council Members Absent: None

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, Human Resources Director Rivera-Peña, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Engineering and Construction Manager Patterson, Traffic Engineer Haygood, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Redevelopment and Planning Manager Church, Public Works Services Director Ingram, Building and Inspections Division Manager La Torra, Financial Director Ponty, Financial Services Manager Somers, Deputy City Clerk Bein, Associate Planner Riordan, Acting Deputy City Clerk Cornelius, and Council Volunteer Balsamo

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Ira

INVOCATION: A moment of silence was observed.

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1. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (207)

A. Proclamation Honoring Charles Upp, recently retired Redwood City Senior Building Inspector, after 18+ years of remarkable accomplishments and outstanding service to the people of Redwood City and his profession.

John La Torra, Building Division Manager, introduced Mr. Upp, who was presented with the Proclamation by Mayor Howard.

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2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (203)

A. John Murphy, 421 Luff Lane, Redwood City, addressed Council regarding Agenda Item 3K, an ordinance pertaining to General Improvement District No. 1-64. In particular, he addressed page 2 of the Staff Report dated July 27 asking how one could deduct the interest earnings from the total expenses and have an amount to be levied (the total) higher than the amount prior to the deduction. Judy Somers, Financial Services Manager, clarified that the deduction is a negative figure, therefore the final figure is more than that with which one would start. The City is loaning money to the General Improvement District before the money is actually collected. Also, the amount mentioned in Section 1A of the proposed ordinance refers to principal, interest, and other charges, which include assessment and administrative costs. This is a small percentage of the total amount. Upon being asked if the ordinance should be changed, the City Attorney stated that it will be modified to reflect where other charges go.

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3. CONSENT CALENDAR

The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar:

Council Member Hartnett removed Items B and J.

Council Member Ruskin removed Item C.

Council Member Bain removed Item G.

Mayor Howard removed Item K.

Oral Communications continued at this time. (203)

B. David Stuart, 927 Blandford Boulevard, Redwood City, thanked Council for their support and the Mayor for her letter regarding AYSO. Redwood City had three teams at the World Games in Ontario. A total of 192 teams took part in the event. The girls Under 19 Team from Redwood City came in first and had the highest overall number of points. The boys Under 19 Team came in third. The girls team will present their trophy for display in City Hall at the Council Meeting of August 17th.

C. Nita Spangler, 970 Edgewood Road, commended Council for the $15 million reserve in the budget. She expressed disappointment regarding the proposed cut in the City's utility tax. She felt it was a poor process, citizens were not informed, there was inadequate discussion with the community, Council overrode staff advice, and possibly the action was illegal. She felt that the way the matter was handled was not good team work. She said the City's Web site was a good idea, but is not available to everyone. She suggested a City publication that would include information regarding such things as building permits issued, amount of retail sales, etc., with an update every two months. Vice Mayor Ruskin clarified that the utility tax has not been cut at this time. Ms. Spangler asked why it had been brought up and stated that action should not be taken on the same night an item is presented. This caught the community by surprise. Council Member Claire concurred with Mrs. Spangler. The subject had been brought up at 10:55 PM out of the blue under the Budget discussion. A motion and second had been made, so it was necessary for a vote to be taken. He said that, in future, the issue will probably be looked at and the community will be brought into the process. Council Member Bain agreed with Mrs. Spangler also. The utility tax subject was not expected and no documents had been reviewed.

D. Don Saye, 2021 Broadway, representing the Carrington Hall Restoration Committee, read a letter from Steve Penna, the CHARO Chairman, and expressed disappointment with the Redevelopment Agency's lack of communication with the City Council regarding the restoration project. The project has received support from other groups, but still needs the financial support of the Council. He urged them to evaluate the potential for a $1 million pledge toward the project to make Carrington Hall a performing arts center. Mayor Howard informed Mr. Saye that the Redevelopment Agency Meeting would be much later in the evening. City Manager Everett stated that, in regard to the redevelopment budget, requests will probably come sometime in October. Michael Church, Redevelopment Director, said that was correct, that the matter would be raised in the budget context. The Way-To-Go property purchase leaves almost no discretionary funds in the Fourth Amendment. The issue is best considered when the loan discussion occurs. Mayor Howard said she had received four more speaker cards regarding the Fourth Amendment. These citizens could talk at the Redevelopment Agency Meeting or could have two minutes each at this time, but no action could be taken.

E. Ted Hannig, 2991 El Camino Real, apologized to City Manage Everett saying that he had misunderstood and believed that Mr. Everett had said there would be no more public hearings. As a representative of business owners in Areas 1 and 2 of the Fourth Amendment, he requested a public hearing be held if 1 and 2 are kept in the Fourth Amendment.

F. Victor Thomas, 19 Seaport, yielded his time to Ted Hannig, as did Teresa Lyngso, 19 Seaport Boulevard, and Alice and Frank Parcell, 1590 Tacoma Way.

Consent Calendar continued.

Council Member Ira removed Item I.

Council Member Leipzig noted for the record that he had removed no items from the Consent Calendar.

M/S: IRA/RUSKIN TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR, ADOPT THE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES AND APPROVE OTHER ITEMS

A. Approve the Minutes of the July 13, 1998 Interview Session and Regular Council Meeting as submitted.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-190

D. Westport Office Park. (100)

1) Accept the grant of public service easement offered by Westport Joint Venture and record deed in the Office of the County Recorder of San Mateo County;

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-191

2) Accept sanitary sewer Pump Station No. 25, the sewer force main, and the water main for Westport Office Park Phase I, and provide the maintenance bonds in accordance with Section 7 of the Pump Station Agreement, and Section 8 of the Other Construction Agreements;

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-192

E. RESOLUTION NO. 13388 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF FURNISHINGS FOR THE SANDPIPER COMMUNITY CENTER; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR (Space Designs, Inc.); (304)

F. RESOLUTION NO. 13389 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) COMPACT PICKUP TRUCKS; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR (Burlingame Ford); (304)

H. RESOLUTION NO. 13391 APPROVING PURCHASE OF WATER METERS AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (Sensus Technologies, Inc.); (304)

L. ORDINANCE NO. 2147 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND FLATIRONS FUNDING, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS WITH RESPECT THERETO (FLATIRONS FUNDING) (First reading on July 13, 1998);

M. ORDINANCE NO. 2148 AMENDING SECTIONS 20.44, 20.45 AND 20.45.1 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY TO REVISE THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT ON A PORTION OF FERNSIDE STREET AND TO REFLECT THE STREET NAME CHANGE TO MARINE PARKWAY, RESPECTIVELY (First reading on July 13, 1998);

N. Approve warrants dated through July 27, 1998 and usual and necessary payments through August 17, 1998;

APPROVED

O. Reject claim 1653, Paul Kaemper; 1671, Daisy Tindall; 1672, Chris Mattocks; 1673, Yuri Duran; 1675 P.G. Corcoran; (303)

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-193

The motion was adopted unanimously with Council Member Claire abstaining on Item A. Council Member Hartnett abstaining on Item N (warrants) 14382.

B. Appointment of Ruth Swanson to the position of Senior Deputy City Clerk at the middle of the pay scale. (905)

Council Member Hartnett suggested this item be continued to the meeting of August 17, 1998. Because of the communication received from the City Clerk that she is likely to be unavailable for an indeterminate amount of time, it is necessary to know the context in which this appointment would be made.

By consensus, Council removed this item from the agenda and directed staff to reschedule it when ready, presumably August 17.

MEMO 7/28/98

C. Task Order No. 1—Additional Professional Services under auditing Services Agreement (304)

Vice-Mayor Ruskin expressed concern regarding the cost of filling temporary vacancies for a prolonged period of time, suggested staff negotiate less than $60/hour for the 11 weeks necessary. He suggested a project cost or a "not to exceed" amount.

Director of Finance Ponty told Council that the first rate quoted was $65/hour and it was negotiated down.

Council Member Ira agreed this was a long period of time and recommended that in the future staff plan in advance and foresee situations such as this. Look at other alternatives for long periods. Also, the firm could have been more cooperative.

M/S: HARTNETT/RUSKIN to approve Task Order No. 1, with Maze and Associates to fill temporary vacancies caused by the extended absence of two key employees.

Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-194

G. Purchase of Three Used Passenger Vehicles for Undercover Law Enforcement.

Council Member Bain asked why staff was recommending Hertz in Millbrae and an amount up to $70,000, when the top three vehicles on the list do not total $70,000.

Public Works Services Director Ingram informed him that Hertz was selected because of availability of vehicles with low mileage, warranties, and reasonable cost. There is a $78,400 budget for purchasing the equipping of cars. Staff is asking for the authorization of "moving around" room. The list of vehicles attached to the report are available now, but may not be when we go to buy. This will set a maximum amount; what is not spent will go back into the fund.

M/S: Bain, Ira, passed unanimously, to approve resolution approving purchase of three used vehicles for the police department and authorizing execution of purchase documents and to waive the bidding requirements of Chapter 2, Article 7, Section 2.76 of the City of Redwood City Code as the requirement would not serve the public interest.

RESOLUTION NO. 13390 APPROVING PURCHASE OF 3 USED PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (Hertz Car Sales of Millbrae);

J. Resolution Approving Documents for Redwood Shores Dog Park and Authorizing and Directing Advertisement for Bids Therefor (Engineering File No. 806-11).

Council Member Ira inquired as to whether or not this project would be exceeding its budget.

City Manager Everett stated there are two change orders, but no plan to exceed budget.

Chu Chang, Senior Civil Engineer, affirmed that this was just a request to go to bid; this will be brought back with a dollar amount. Also, the City will not be maintaining the lawn area; the dog owners’ association will do this. The City will pay for watering

M/S: IRA/BAIN passed unanimously, to adopt the resolution approving "Contract Documents for Redwood Shores Dog Park" and authorize advertisements for bids.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-195

RESOLUTION NO. 13392 APPROVING CONTACT DOCUMENTS FOR REDWOOD SHORES DOG PARK; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR

J. Resolution Establishing and Declaring Designated Entrances to Certain Herein Specified Intersections to be Stop Entrances (Warwick Street and Finger Avenue, southbound).

Council Member Hartnett removed this item from the Consent Calendar because of the party affected. Stop signs are usually on a corner and this would be in the middle of a block.

Robert Anderson, 303 Warwick Street, received written notice of the planned stop sign on July 16. It will be directly in front of his house and he is concerned regarding any impact on his wife’s health as she has respiratory problems. Traffic will be backed up. He has not seen other stop signs in Redwood City in the middle of the block. Accidents do not seem to be a problem there.

Traffic Engineer Haygood said the position of this sign would be similar to the one at Emerald Hill and Farmhill Boulevard. It is a safety concern. Northbound drivers have a stop sign and it could be unsafe when they make a left turn because they expect southbound drivers to have one also. This is not a response to an accident pattern, but to an unusual, unbalanced traffic control situation.

Council, by consensus, continued this item to August 17. However, as some affected residents will be out of town, it will be agendized for August 31. Residents previously sent notice will be informed of this date.

K. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE FIXING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION UPON THE TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1-64 TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1-64, AND FIXING AND LEVYING THE TAX RATE THEREFOR;

M/S: RUSKIN/LEIPZIG to approve the ordinance as amended to reflect "other charges." The motion was adopted unanimously.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-196

Mayor Howard introduced Deputy City Clerk Bein and Pro-Tem Deputy City Clerk Cornelius.

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4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

Georgi LaBerge resigning from Mosquito Abatement Board and Mayor accepting resignation and appointing Bob Bury. (211)

Mayor Howard introduced former Mayor Bob Bury as her appointee to the Board and presented him with some "tools of the trade," i.e., face mask, mosquito coils, swatter.

MEMO 7/28/98

Council Member Claire reviewed his time on Council with Mr. Bury and led those present in singing "Happy Birthday" in honor of Mr. Bury's 80th birthday. He was then presented with a birthday cake.

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5. BOARDS, COMMISIONS, COMMITTEES, REPORTS AND APPOINTMENTS (209)

Mayor Howard stated that interviews had been held June 10, 17, and July 9. All staff members had been helpful, as had the Almanac, especially for getting the message out.

On August 13, a reception will be held, which will be an orientation, as well as a party.

A) Architectural Advisory Committee—three terms.

Gilman, and John Jeffrey Gee, C. Thomas, Alan Spotorno were appointed to the Architectural Advisory Committee.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-197

B) Board of Building Review—As J. Gee was appointed to the Architectural Advisory Committee and Don Guglielmone is ineligible, these openings will be readvertised.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-198

C) Civic Cultural Commission—four terms (three full, 1 partial)

Warren Dale, Danielle Del Carlo, Barbara Apffel Pierce and Rebecca Schenone were appointed to the Civic Cultural Commission.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-199

D) Fair Oaks Community Center Advisory Board (five terms)

Katherina Inez Salinas Alexandre and Zulema Radziminski were appointed to the Fair Oaks Community Center Advisory Board

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-200

Mayor Howard announced that these openings may be readvertised. It will be discussed.

E) Housing and Human Concerns Committee (six terms—five full and one partial).

Susan Keely, Bonnie Miller, Hilary Paulson, Eugene Tavernier, Peggy Tweedie, and Nick Watry were appointed to the Housing and Human Concerns Committee.

F) Library Board (one term)

Wayne Kingsford-Smith was appointed unanimously to the Library Board.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-202

G) Parks and Recreation Commission (four terms).

Jeri Joseph, Peter La Berge, Victor Morton, and Susan Swope were appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-203

H) Planning Commission—two terms.

Roland Gianinni and Elizabeth Moore were appointed to the Planning Commission.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-204

I) Port Commission—one term.

Lewis Miller was unanimously appointed to the Port Commission.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-205

J) Senior Affairs Commission (four terms—three full, one partial)

Janet Borgens, Honey Carpe, and Marie Walsh were appointed to full terms on the Senior Affairs Commission, Carolyn Nobles to a partial term.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-206

Council clarified that Rebecca Schenone (Civic Cultural Commission) and Hilary Paulson (Housing and Human Concerns Committee) were appointed to partial terms.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-207

All applicants were invited to attend the August 13 reception by Mayor Howard.

Those appointed were congratulated and all others were urged not to be discouraged.

Council Member Claire and Vice-Mayor Ruskin will be unable to attend the August 13 reception.

RECESS—9:15 to 9:35 PM.

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6. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST

This item limited to fifteen minutes. Announcements by Council Members

A. Report on City/County/Schools partnerships for renovations and new playing fields, Council Member Hartnett. (205)

Council Member Hartnett reviewed the conceptual proposal for Redwood City Recreation Issues. There is community support for the partnership pertaining to recreation operations. Supervisor Richard Gordon is requesting that Council consider the proposal. The County will seek Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for two gyms. They will also fund fields at Taft and Fair Oaks and will work with the City on the fields project at Garfield. The City will schedule use of the fields and maintain them (paid for by the school district and County at Garfield and Fair Oaks).

It is believed that the $1 million set aside by the City for field renovation will not be adequate for this plan; therefore, the City will look into CDBG funds. If a project is built, expenditures cannot be reimbursed by CDBG monies. The CDBG funds will not be available until July 1, 1999.

M/S: IRA/BAIN, passed unanimously, to approve the concepts for partnerships as presented in the chart attached to the June 27, 1998 Fax to Jim Hartnett from Richard Gordon.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-208

B. Utility User’s Tax—Bain.

Council Member Bain requested this as a subject on a future agenda. Various scenarios should be presented with time for public input. Consider: Can we cut the budget? How much? When?

MEMO 7/28/98

Council Member Claire agreed. The City is going through a good period financially, but that could change and, because of Propositions 13 and 218, it would be virtually impossible to raise funds. Staff should show clearly how many times the state has taken money from cities.

Vice-Mayor Ruskin agreed and suggested it be reviewed by the Finance Committee. Evaluate what will happen in three to five years if the tax is lowered.

MEMO 7/28/98

Council Member Claire requested a review of the policy regarding level of reserve funds at that time, also.

Council Member Leipzig agreed that a lengthy discussion regarding the utility user’s tax would be good and looks forward to it. He did not feel it would be irresponsible to lower taxes.

Council Member Claire felt it would be irresponsible to remove $2 million from the budget with no discussion.

Council Member Hartnett stated this is an important issue and it should come back with significant data and a well reasoned report. The information should be available well before the Council meeting.

By consensus, Council directed staff to bring back this item at a future meeting.

C. Shopping Carts—Ira.

Council Member Ira requested this subject be placed on a future agenda.

City Manager Everett stated that Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, Peter Griffiths has done a study on this and an ordinance has been drafted. He will schedule a study session as soon as possible; hopefully, September. He would like Council to set up a task force to address the fields at Cañada College; he would like the City to spend its $1 million on fields.

Mayor Howard stated that there is a school/city task force.

Vice-Mayor Ruskin stated there is interest in the Cañada fields and the college has been approached. An efficient way to deal with this needs to be considered.

Council Member Ira attended the League of California leadership classes and found them useful. He encouraged others to attend.

He was frustrated regarding who to call with complaints about street lighting on Woodside Road. Three calls to City Hall were not answered. Also, he requested that care be given not to send more than one copy of material. He appreciates the new Routing Slip.

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7. A. Status Report—Stulsaft and Stafford Parks Renovations. (100)

Mr. Gary Cheu expressed appreciation for the help of residents in the renovation design.

Stafford Park

Mr. Cheu said that on August 17 he will ask Council to authorize going out to bid for a new restroom. Work on the park should start in Spring, after the restroom is complete and the rainy season is over. Design on the park should be finished around November or December. The majority of the park can be used during the restroom construction. He reviewed a conceptual design of the play area.

The park has a circular design, which helps to eliminate obstructed sight lines.

Stulsaft Park

Mr. Chu reviewed the conceptual design of the play area renovation.

Susan Payton, 3691 Brandyrock Way, liked giving input regarding the playground equipment. She spoke on behalf of herself, Enid Brock, and Hilary Paulson and expressed pleasure with the way the project is proceeding.

Al Diaz, 50 King Street, spoke in support of the plan. Changes requested by residents have been incorporated. He urged Council to proceed.

The Vice-Mayor thanked the residents for getting involved.

Pauline Trucelli, chair, Parks & Recreation Commission, said Gary and Gee had done a great job.

M/S: Claire, Ruskin, passed unanimously, to accept the report.

B. Status of Blomquist Extension and Bair Island Road Projects Traffic Mitigation Agreement with Kaufman & Broad (K&B) (701)

Maureen Riordan, Associate Planner, reviewed the staff report dated July 27, 1998 entitled "Status of Blomquist Roadway Extension and Bair Island Road Projects.’

Ms. Riordan reported that the City had received the permit to allow construction of a bridge over Redwood Creek from the Corps of Engineers.

Council Member Bain addressed the emergency road and asked if there were a two-lane option. He was informed staff is looking at that.

At Mayor Howard's request, Ms. Riordan said she would look into deadlines to start/finish the projects in relationship to grant eligibility.

Vice-Mayor Ruskin emphasized the need for this roadway to be a high priority, whether one or two lanes, and asked staff to come back to Council with ideas of how to move this forward.

Mayor Howard said that the Planning Commission had offered its assistance.

PUBLIC COMMENT—None.

Associate Planner Riordan reviewed the staff report dated July 27, 1998; Subject: Traffic Mitigation Agreement with Kaufman & Broad (K&B). After the review, Ms. Riordan informed Council that the cost of widening the road has not been separated out as of this time.

Staff will be working on that.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Kimberly Wirtz, 2201 Walnut Avenue, Suite 150, Fremont, K&B, thanked staff and told Council she was available for any questions they may have.

RESOLUTION NO. 13393 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR THE FUNDING OF OFF-SITE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE BLOMQUIST STREET-EAST BAYSHORE ROAD ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS (KAUFMAN AND BROAD BAIR ISLAND ROAD CONDOMINIUMS)

M/S: Leipzig, Ira to adopt the resolution; approved unanimously.

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8. PUBLIC HEARING AND INTRODUCTION OF BUDGET ORDINANCE

A. PUBLIC HEARING - RECOMMENDED ANNUAL BUDGET FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1998 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1999 (501)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1998-JUNE 30, 1999; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE OF ALL SUMS SET FORTH IN said budget; providing for emergency expenditures, transfers, additional appropriations, cancellations, and reappropriations of existing appropriations; adopting the budget for General Improvement District No. 1-64 for the fiscal year July 1, 1998 to June 30, 1999; making provisions for interim expenditures as of July 1, 1998; and repealing Ordinance No. 2130, and all ordinances and resolutions in conflict herewith.

City Manager Everett reviewed the staff reports dated July 27, 1998; Subject: 1998-99 and 1999-00 Fiscal Plan San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Management Plan and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Waste Discharge Permit CA 0029921 and proposed Summary of Changes, Attachments A and B. Mr. Everett requested Council members to choose which attachment they wanted incorporated into the budget ordinance.

Discussion followed regarding sources of funds for payment of the NPDES fees. Possible sources include the general fund or the sewer fund; Council has decided previously not to impose a local fee.

Council Member Ira stated that by fiscal year 1999/2000 the money definitely should be coming through the sewer fund. The City Attorney stated that would be legally supportable.

M/S: Hartnett, Claire to adopt the Summary of Changes, Attachment B, and that funds for NPDES, previously unfunded, come from the sewer fund reserves (approximately $75,000). City Attorney Stricker pointed out that the City Council did not approve a resolution requesting that the San Mateo County Flood Control District impose charges, plus funding the countywide NPDES General Program in the City of Redwood City. Because of Proposition 218, reinstatement of the charges following a suspension cannot be accomplished at a later date.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-209

Public Comment

None.

M/S: Ruskin, Bain to close the Public Hearing at 10:55 PM. The motion was adopted unanimously by voice vote.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-210

M/S: Ruskin, Hartnett to extend the meeting to 11:30 PM. The motion was adopted unanimously by voice vote at 11:00 PM

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-211

Discussion followed regarding any computer problems the City might anticipate because of the year 2000. Finance Director Ponty said the City staff is still examining that issue, but has been assured that their major systems are in 2000 compliance. The City Manager did state there may be problems with some chips, such as those that run the elevator, etc.

Budget-related items reviewed by Council Member Ira included concerns regarding overtime, the possible initiation of an incentive program pertaining to PG&E costs, "Time Sharing" with other cities regarding the need for consultants, and the implementation of performance measurements to help provide better, cheaper, faster service. Council Member Bair has suggested a review of the budget format. He and Council Member Ira want to come up with measurement techniques for City staff. The system used by Palo Alto could be used as a benchmark. It will be brought to the Finance Committee. Council Member Hartnett inquired as to the status of performance studies currently being undertaken by the City with ICMA. The City Manager said that staff is finishing the first year. About four months after the second year the data will be received from ICMA. In about one year and four months, that much should be completed. Council Member Ira did not think that the study currently underway will provide the detail he is requesting. He will work with Council Member Claire and would like the standards in the 1999/2000 budget. Perhaps consultants could be hired to assist with this project. The City Manager pointed out that staff will still have to collect the data. This particular project is of interest to him and he would like the staff to buy into it.

Mayor Howard suggested that Council Members Ira and Claire discuss the issue with the City Manager and present reports at the January workshop. A proposed schedule may be presented at that time.

MEMO 7/28/98

Council Member Bain requested that consideration of hiring staff rather than consultants also be examined.

MEMO 7/28/98

Council Member Leipzig said he will vote NO on the budget because he feels that staff failed to look at both sides of the ledger—revenues and expenses. It appears that there is an overall 3% increase and things will just go on. He expressed concerns regarding the overtime issue and the fact that the City is not participating in a project to purchase energy. He stated that the state and federal governments are also having prosperous times with large surpluses. The City has a $10 to $15 million surplus and is not reducing taxes, nor has the City looked at reducing expenses.

MEMO 7/28/98

Council Member Hartnett stated that the City always needs to look at expenditures, as that can be controlled more than revenues. He does not believe that the City automatically increased the budget 3% across the board.

Council has discussed pooling and buying power and continues to look at this option in regard to timing. In regard to performance standards, the Finance Committee will help.

M/S: RUSKIN/BAIN to extend the meeting to 11:45 PM. The motion was adopted, with Council Member Leipzig dissenting.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-212

Vice Mayor Ruskin stated that there seems to be a City Council consensus that the funds for the NPDES should come through the sewer fund. He expressed concern regarding low income seniors on fixed incomes and would like the City to look at ways that they can be aided.

Council Member Ira stated that he will also vote NO on the budget ordinance, as he believes the money for NPDES should come from the General Fund. He stated he will work with Council Member Claire on the issues previously discussed.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 98-213

To clarify the City's reserve fund status, City Manager Everett stated that there is an audited $8.9 million of unrestricted funds in the reserve. The 97/98 figure will be available when the books are closed at the end of August.

Previous motion to adopt the Summary of Changes, Attachment B, and approve fund for NPDES previously unfunded to come from the sewer fund reserves was amended to include introduction of the ordinance. Following the reading of the ordinance title, the motion was approved with Council Members Ira, Leipzig, and Vice Mayor Ruskin dissenting.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT

M/S: Leipzig, Ira to cancel the Regular Council Meetings of August 3 and 10, 1998. The motion was adopted unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Dorothy M. Cornelius

Acting Secretary

City Council

M/S: IRA /BAIN to approve the Minutes of June 22, 1998 as submitted. The motion was adopted unanimously.