City Council Minutes
July 12, 1999

REDWOOD CITY CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR  DIANE HOWARD
VICE MAYOR  IRA RUSKIN

COUNCILMEMBER RICHARD S. CLAIRE
COUNCILMEMBER JIM HARTNETT
COUNCILMEMBER JEFF IRA
COUNCILMEMBER COLLEEN M. JORDAN
COUNCILMEMBER MATT LEIPZIG

SPECIAL MEETING
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE ROOM 2B
7:00 P.M.
JULY 12, 1999

CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

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

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Sorba

1. PUBLIC COMMENT - None

2. SUBJECT

A. Conference with Legal Counsel. Anticipated Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code - One (1) case

B. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Section 54954.5 of the Government Code;
Designated Representative: Ed Everett
Unrepresented Employees: Executive Management

3. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION

4. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION, IF ANY

Mayor Howard announced that a settlement had been reached in the matter of Angel v. City of Redwood City for the sum of $18,000.

5. ADJOURNMENT - 7:25 p.m.

REGULAR MEETING
7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER - 7:32 p.m.

ROLL CALL

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

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Clerk Howe, City Attorney Sorba, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Public Works Services Director Ingram, Public Works Superintendent Rosas, Parks and Recreation Manager Centeno, Fire Chief Montez, Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church, Assistant Planner Ekas

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INVOCATION: Tom Fletcher, Former Bishop, Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints

1. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY

A. Proclamation proclaiming "July as Parks and Recreation Month".

Mayor Howard introduced members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and Parks and Recreation Manager Centeno. Commission Members gave a summary of various new programs being offered.

2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None

3. CONSENT CALENDAR

M/S Ira/Hartnett to approve Consent Calendar, the title of ordinances and waive reading the titles of all resolutions; adopt the resolutions and the ordinances and approve other items:

A. Approve the Minutes of the special Closed session of June 28, 1999, the regular Council meeting of June 28, 1999, the Budget Study Session of June 29, 1999 and the Budget Study Session of July 6, 1999 as submitted; (301)

MOTION ORDER 99-102

B. Approve the appointment of Karen Ransohoff to the position of Administrative Clerk III in the City Manager's Department at Step 3 in the salary range, effective June 21, 1999; (905)

MOTION ORDER 99-103

C. Approve the appointment of Dave Larsen to the position of Public Works Supervisor at a salary above the bottom of the salary range; (905)

MOTION ORDER 99-104

D. D. Approve resolution adopting Amendment No. 2 to the Joint Powers Agreement establishing the San Mateo Pre-Hospital Emergency Services Providers Group and incorporating Exhibit A thereto; and authorizing the Mayor to sign the appropriate documents and forward them to the Joint Powers Authority; (304)

MOTION ORDER 99-105

E. RESOLUTION 13667 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL MODIFICATIONS FOR THE MAIN LIBRARY; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)

F. RESOLUTION 13668 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE VETERANS MEMORIAL SENIOR CENTER HVAC PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)

G. RESOLUTION 13669 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE HOOVER POOL AND BATH HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)

H. RESOLUTION 13670 APPROVING FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF HOPE COURT SUBDIVISION, REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS; APPROVING AND ADOPTING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT THEREOF; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR SAID SUBDIVISION; AND ACCEPTING OFFER TO DEDICATE EASEMENTS; (304)

I. ORDINANCE 2164 APPROPRIATING SPECIFIED AMOUNTS FROM DESIGNATED UAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCES TO SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS, CANCELING CERTAIN APPROPRIATIONS, AND TRANSFERRING SPECIFIED AMOUNT FROM DESIGNATED APPROPRIATIONS TO OTHER SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS (lst reading June 14, 1999); (301)

J. Approve warrants dated through July 26, 1999;

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None

5. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

6. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - None

8:00 p.m. - Council Member Ira returned to the dais.

7. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. PUBLIC HEARING on Amendment of Sewer Charges (continued from 6/28/99)

Public Works Services Director Ingram explained the various components to balance the costs with the revenues for the next year and the amended staff report reflects the effective sewer charge will be August 12, 1999.

Council comments included questions about difference in costs and how the PERS savings affects the salaries costs, proposal that the utilities committee answer questions about costs, asked whether the sewer and water enterprises may be combined.

Mayor Howard opened the public hearing. There being no public participation, M/S Ruskin/Hartnett to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

M/S Hartnett/Leipzig to introduce an ORDINANCE 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 (301)

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote

B. PUBLIC HEARING on Amendment of Water "Lifeline" Use Rate (continued from 6/28/99)

Public Works Services Director Ingram explained that this year reflects a 35% increase in the cost of wholesale water. Staff is recommending that Council increase the "Lifeline" rate from $.79 to $.82 and translates to a $.48 per month increase. This rate is directly related to the wholesale cost to the City. The water changes are by resolution and the effective date would be July 13, 1999 with implementation in customers' regular billing cycles. Public Works Services Director Ingram showed the water usage trends and directly related conservation behaviors. The need exists to demonstrate to San Francisco that a process exists to keep water usage within reasonable bounds. There will be a special workshop on July 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Sandpiper Community Center hosted by the Public Works Services Department and South Bayside System Authority. This will be informative as it relates to establishing a water-recycling program. Staff is recommending any additional money created be set aside in a recycled water account. Staff is also recommending that with estimated excess due to more water sales of approximately $112,000. or more residual dollars, money be set aside in an account for seed money to explore meaningful incentives or rebate programs for customers such as low flush toilets, rebates on efficient washing machines or dishwashers.

Comments by Council included questioning differences between agencies' increases, asked if benchmarked agencies had begun pilot recycling programs, asked about rates in service areas listed on ordinance, expressed interest in refunding to residents the surplus, suggested a water appeals provision be studied by Utilities Committee.

M/S Jordan/Leipzig to not adopt the resolution that raises the lifeline rate, establish a policy that surplus be rebated to customers and rates go down further if a surplus exists.

The motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members Jordan and Leipzig. Noes: Council Members Claire, Hartnett, Ira, Vice Mayor Ruskin and Mayor Howard.

M/S Claire/Hartnett to adopt RESOLUTION 13671 AMENDING SECTION 3 OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE REDWOOD CITY WATER DEPARTMENT (PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT) RELATING TO WATER RATES; AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 12797. (802)

The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Council Members Claire, Hartnett, Ira, Vice Mayor Ruskin, Mayor Howard. Noes: Council Members Jordan and Leipzig.

C. PUBLIC HEARING on General Plan Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment for the northern portion of the property at 305 Walnut Street

Assistant Planner Ekas explained the rezoning proposal.

Mayor Howard opened the public hearing. There being no public participation, M/S Jordan/Ruskin to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

Council discussion included asking whether the developer has considered housing on this property instead of commercial development. Encouraged staff and the Planning Commission be proactive in looking for areas in the City suitable for housing. Interest expressed for a committee to explore the feasibility of rezoning particular areas to residential.

M/S Claire/Ira to introduce an ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 60.1.16 TO ORDINANCE NO. 1130, THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE, REZONING PROPERTY IN THE VICINITY OF 305 WALNUT STREET IN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY FROM THE "IP" (INDUSTRIAL PARK) TO THE "CG" (COMMERCIAL GENERAL) ZONING DISTRICTS (301)

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

D. PUBLIC HEARING on Building Codes Adoption

Staff presented a report on the Building Codes Adoption.

Mayor Howard opened and closed the public hearing with no public participation.

M/S Ira/Ruskin to adopt RESOLUTION 13673 FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT, BECAUSE OF LOCAL CONDITIONS, THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE, AND NECESSITY, REQUIRE CHANGES OR MODIFICATION TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, AND ARTICLE IX OF CHAPTER 9 AND OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BUILDING AND STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE FOLLOWING CODES: "THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE BUILDING SECURITY CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1996 EDITION," AND THE "UNIFORM CODE FOR BUILDING CONSERVATION, 1997 EDITION," AS MODIFIED AND MADE APPLICABLE TO THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY (301)

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

M/S Claire/Hartnett to adopt ORDINANCE 2165 REPEALING ARTICLES IV, V, VI, VII, VIII AND ARTICLE IX, DIVISIONS 1 AND 2 OF CHAPTER 9 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY; ADDING ARTICLES IV, V, VI, VII, VIII AND ARTICLE IX, DIVISIONS 1 AND 2 OF CHAPTER 9 TO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE FOLLOWING CODES: "THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE 1997 EDITION"; "THE UNIFORM BUILDING SECURITY CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, 1997 EDITION"; "THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1996 EDITION"; AND "THE UNIFORM CODE FOR BUILDING CONSERVATION, 1997 EDITION" (301)

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

E. PUBLIC HEARING on the Adoption of the 1997 Uniform Fire Code.

Fire Chief Montez made a presentation referring to introduction of the ordinance on June 7, 1999.

Mayor Howard opened the public hearing.

Ed Bailey thanked staff for their work.

M/S Hartnett/Ruskin to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

M/S Hartnett/Ruskin to adopt RESOLUTION 13674 FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT, BECAUSE OF LOCAL CONDITIONS, THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE AND NECESSITY, REQUIRING CHANGES OR MODIFICATION TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 12 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ADOPTION OF THE "UNIFORM FIRE CODE, 1997 EDITION," BY REFERENCE AS PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE INSTITUTE (301)

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote

M/S Hartnett/Ruskin to adopt an ORDINANCE 2166 REPEALING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 12 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY; ADDING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 12 TO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO FIRE PREVENTION; AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE "UNIFORM FIRE CODE, 1997 EDITION", AS PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE INSTITUTE (301)

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote

8. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS

Mayor Howard indicated she had received a letter from the Planning Commission requesting the City Council do a study of highest and best use of the Port prior to the General Plan Review. Mayor Howard indicated she would be responding with confirmation that the study is a part of the General Plan Review.

Council Member Ira and Vice Mayor Ruskin requested examination and opposition to raising sales tax to fund the BART project. Council Member Ira expressed dissatisfaction and encouraged continued opposition to the compulsory and binding arbitration bill that has been approved by the Senate, asked that additional letters of opposition be sent to the Governor and Assembly.

9. STAFF REPORTS

A. City Council to evaluate and provide direction regarding adopting a resolution supporting a curfew to reduce airport noise at the San Carlos Airport. (211)

Assistant to the City Manager Moore gave a background on the report and indicated she had contacted representatives from both Neighbors Against San Carlos Airport Noise (NASCAN) and San Carlos Airport and received information from them about their proposals. She indicated at this time the report to the Board of Supervisors was not available but information provided was that the entire spectrum of options regarding curfew for the San Carlos Airport would be presented.

Michael Welton, NASCAN, requested Council pass a resolution or write a letter asking San Carlos to manage the San Carlos Airport. Proposed a solution with a compromise centered on pattern flying and the NASCAN plan patterned after Pompano Beach.

Frank Deighan explained Pompano Beach proposal.

David Valkenaar had a proposal, but would support the NASCAN position.

LaVerne Atherly read a letter into the record requesting Council include in their advisory recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, a request for a comprehensive land-use study of the San Carlos Airport.

Frank Deighan explained Pompano Beach proposal.

Mayor Howard read into the record a letter from Carol Ford, President, San Carlos Airport Pilot's Association. The letter suggested Council urge adoption of the enhanced and improved noise abatement procedures.

M/S Ira/Ruskin to adopt RESOLUTION 13672 REQUESTING THAT THE SAN MATEO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ADOPT AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE OPERATING HOURS FOR ALL PRACTICE, PATTERN AND PROFICIENCY FLIGHTS AT THE SAN CARLOS AIRPORT, adding a request that the San Mateo Board of Supervisors conduct a comprehensive land use study of the San Carlos Airport.

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

M/S Ruskin/Jordan to extend the meeting to 11:05 p.m. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

B. Regional Transportation Subcommittee report on High Speed Rail (702)

Community Development Manager Patterson gave a report and background.

Council remarks included informing the State commission that Redwood City does not want a raised track.

C. Agreement with Westport Investments Concerning Citywide Traffic Impact Fees in Redwood Shores Traffic Improvement District (99-01)

M/S Leipzig/Hartnett to adopt RESOLUTION 13675 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT REGARDING THE FUNDING OF OFF-SITE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS (WESTPORT INVESTMENTS) (100)

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

M/S Ruskin/Hartnett to direct staff to exempt all STID properties from any additional traffic assessment provisions over the next 10 years.

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

M/S Leipzig/Ira to direct staff to inform other property owners that they too will be exempt from citywide traffic mitigation responsibility.

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

9. CLOSED SESSION - None

10. ADJOURNMENT - 11:05 p.m.

M/S Claire/Ruskin in the memory of William Bird from Redwood City, a major contributor and avid 49er fan and cancel the meeting of July 19, 1999.

The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC
City Clerk

Copyright © 1999. The City of Redwood City. All rights reserved.