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
REGULAR MEETING
7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 23, 1999
CALL TO ORDER - 7:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Claire, Hartnett, Leipzig, Vice Mayor Ruskin, Mayor Howard
Council Members Absent: Jordan (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), Ira (arrived at 7:40 p.m.)
Staff Present: City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe, Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, City Manager Everett, Financial Services Manager Ponty, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Senior Planner Jany, Fire Chief Montez, Parks and Recreation Manager Centeno, Parks and Recreation Director Griffiths, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Manager Hover, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Volunteer Balsamo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Garrett Brown, Shorelife Evangelical Free Church
1. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Mayor Howard and Vice Mayor Ruskin thanked all the board, committee and commission members and called the two newly appointed board and commission members to the podium for the oath and swearing in by City Clerk Howe. The reappointed members Francis Ludwig, Ursula Ferguson and Ralph Garcia were introduced and all other members and liaisons present were called to the podium to receive City pins from Vice Mayor Ruskin.
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Pauline Truscelli invited the Council Members to the ribbon cutting at the new gift shop Senior Center at 1455 Madison Avenue, on Wednesday, September 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Clem Molony spoke about traffic, transportation challenges and Port subvention.
Pete Hughes, Casa de Redwood, asked for assistance with the Samtrans bus stop having been moved 1-1/2 blocks down the street and across Veteran's Boulevard. Mr. Hughes also mentioned a levee clean up at Mariner Park scheduled for August 28 and that it is open to everybody with bagels and coffee at 8:30, 9:00 clean up and noon will be serving lunch.
Lynn Simms commented on recreational vehicles and boats report from previous meeting. She expressed the percentage of complaints is miniscule.
Peter Petrouski representing another party in a proposal to purchase property at 303, 309 Heller and 418 Cassia where scheduled demolition is pending, requested a delay in demolition to determine economic feasibility of rehabilitating the buildings.
Consensus by Council to receive a report by September 13 indicating plan or proceed as planned.
Ralph Frazia spoke about his apartment complex that is lacking appropriate parking spaces. He also spoke about being threatened by some people smoking at bars.
Lisa Positeri talked about RV parking and posed scenario if parking restrictions are implemented.
Carlo Montisano expressed concern about issues of the agenda items.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member or Citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
Staff removed Item M from the Consent Calendar for discussion prior to action.
A. Approve the Minutes of the Special Closed Session and the Regular Council Meeting of August 9, 1999 as submitted; (301)
MINUTE ORDER 99-114
B. Approve Proposed Changes to Investment Policy; (502)
MINUTE ORDER 99-115
C. Approve the Appointment of one Position for Fire Fighter at Step 2 of the Salary Range effective August 30, 1999; (905)
MINUTE ORDER 99-116
D. Approve Change Order No. 2 in the Amount of $17,021.00, Accept the Cost Shared Sidewalk Repair Project Improvements, and Release the Retention to J.W. Riley & Son, Inc.; (304)
MINUTE ORDER 99-117
E. Approve Task Order No. 2 with Mark Thomas and Co., Inc., for Additional Engineering Services for the Woodside Road Project, in the Amount of $43,300; (100)
MINUTE ORDER 99-118
F. RESOLUTION NO. 13697 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT OF REVOCABLE PERMIT FOR INSTALLATION OF FENCE (Philip Martin, 1339 Recreation Way); (604)
G. RESOLUTION NO. 13698 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION; (304)
H. RESOLUTION 13699 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 1999-2000 TREE PRESERVATION AND SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)
I. RESOLUTION 13700 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 1999-2000 SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)
K. RESOLUTION NO. 13701 CONDITIONALLY CONSENTING TO ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY TO OAK KNOLL SEWER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ANNEXATION AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; (607)
L. RESOLUTION 13702 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CABLE TELEVISION CONSULTING SERVICES (TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT CORP.); (304)
N. RESOLUTION NO. 13703 AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF LETTER PERMIT AND REGULATING USE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ("THE CLIMATE BEST FEST"); (604)
O. RESOLUTION 13704 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR TRAFFIC STUDY/ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF 2300 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD (DKS ASSOCIATES); (304)
P. Human Services Financial Assistance Program (HSFA) 1999/2000; (304)
- RESOLUTION 13705 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE PENINSULA;
- RESOLUTION 13706 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH CASA de REDWOOD - BETTER LIVING FOR SENIORS;
- RESOLUTION 137O7 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH CENTER FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION;
- RESOLUTION 13708 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH CENTER FOR THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE DISABLED;
- RESOLUTION 13709 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER;
- RESOLUTION 13710 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH EL CENTRO de LIBERTAD - THE FREEDOM CENTER;
- RESOLUTION 13711 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH ELLIPSE PENINSULA AIDS SERVICE;
- RESOLUTION 13712 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH FRIENDS FOR YOUTH, INC.;
- RESOLUTION 13713 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH HUMAN INVESTMENT PROJECT (Self Sufficiency for Single Parents Program);
- RESOLUTION 13714 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE;
- RESOLUTION 13715 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH KAINOS HOME AND TRAINING CENTER FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED;
- RESOLUTION 13716 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF SAN MATEO COUNTY;
- RESOLUTION 13717 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH MILLS-PENINSULA SENIOR FOCUS - RSVP;
- RESOLUTION 13718 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH PARCA (Peninsula Association for Retarded Children and Adults);
- RESOLUTION 13719 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH SERVICE LEAGUE OF SAN MATEO COUNTY - EMERGENCY MATERIAL ASSISTANCE;
- RESOLUTION 13720 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH SERVICE LEAGUE OF SAN MATEO COUNTY - HOPE HOUSE;
- RESOLUTION 13721 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH SOR JUANA INES;
- RESOLUTION 13722 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH TEEN PREGNANCY COALITION OF SAN MATEO COUNTY;
- RESOLUTION 13723 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH YOUTH AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE - CRISIS INTERVENTION;
- RESOLUTION 13724 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH YOUTH AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE - YOUR HOUSE SOUTH;
Q. RESOLUTION NO. 13725 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE VETERANS MEMORIAL SENIOR CENTER HVAC PROJECT; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS; (304)
R. RESOLUTION 13726 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE HOOVER POOL AND BATH HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS; (304)
S. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE REDWOOD CITY POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION; (905)
- RESOLUTION 13727 AMENDING THE SALARY AND WAGE PLAN FOR CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED BY THE REDWOOD CITY POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION;
T. ORDINANCE NO. 2180 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF A SPECIAL TAX WITHIN REDWOOD SHORES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 99-1 (SHORES TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT) OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY; (1st reading on August 9, 1999) (301)
U. Approve warrants dated through August 16, 1999 and usual and necessary payments through August 23, 1999;
M/S Ira/Hartnett to waive reading of the Consent Calendar except the ordinances, adopt the resolutions and the ordinances, and approve other items.
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with the following exceptions: Council Member Ira: Item P-10 - no; Council Member Jordan: Item P-10 and P-18 - no; Council Member Leipzig: Item P-10 and P-18 - no.
M. Financial Services Director Ponty explained there could be a possible conflict of interest with the disclosure counsel representing Electronic Arts located within the Mello-Roos district as well as the City.
M/S Hartnett/Leipzig to adopt RESOLUTION 13728 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY, ACTING AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF REDWOOD SHORES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 99-1 (SHORES TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT) OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY, APPOINTING AN UNDERWRITER IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS; (301)
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PUBLIC HEARING on Adopting an Ordinance Relating to Public Dance Permit Fees
Community Development Director Nelson gave the background on the public dance permit proposal.
Mayor Howard opened the public hearing.
M/S Leipzig/Ira to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
M/S Leipzig/Ruskin to adopt ORDINANCE 2181 AMENDING SECTION 4.17 OF CHAPTER 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO PUBLIC DANCE PERMIT FEES; (INTRODUCTION ON JUNE 28, 1999) (postponed from 8/9/99) (301)
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
6. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST - Council Member Ira mentioned dissatisfaction with the maintenance of Sequoia Station dating back to approximately 8 months ago and requested Council action in this regard in order for the situation to be remedied immediately. Vice Mayor shared the same concern as Council Member Ira. Council consensus was to discuss with the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Assistant City Manager/Police Chief Bolanos and the management of Sequoia Station solutions to the existing problems. Mayor Howard to revise draft letter as appropriate.
Council Member Ira brought up the parking issue regarding the proposed Cinema and proposed hiring a consultant to explore the need of setting up a parking assessment district. Staff to bring back to Council a report after exploring the possibility.
7. STAFF REPORTS
A. Abatement of Abandoned Shopping Carts
Parks and Recreation Director Griffiths gave the report referring back to previous report in August 1998; March of 1999 a draft ordinance was brought before the Council and on April 7 a meeting was held with retailers. The RFP for the retrieval service is yet to be written.
Council questions included who would pay for program and various other issues about the ordinance. Council comments included that program would be best run utilizing one company and concern that ordinance cannot be enforced.
John Handley, Northern California Grocers Association, requested postponement of the adoption of the ordinance until the RFP is complete otherwise the businesses would be required to implement a program until the City's program is in place.
M/S Hartnett/Claire to introduce with adoption to occur within 90 days an ORDINANCE REPEALING ARTICLE VI OF, AND ADDING ARTICLE VI TO, CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO ABATEMENT OF ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS; (postponed from 8/9/99)
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.Recess - 9:40-9:50 p.m.
B. Award of Contract for Purchase of the Computerized Maintenance Management System Software and Training
Parks, Recreation and Community Development Manager Hover explained the justification for the CMMS as needed for tracking the City's facility maintenance costs and managing a preventive maintenance program.
M/S Hartnett/Claire to adopt RESOLUTION 13727 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE COMPUTERIZED MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE, INSTALLATION AND TRAINING FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR; (304)C. Architectural Review Committee Membership
Community Development Services Charles Jany gave background on the proposal indicating that the ARC had voted unanimously on July 2, 1999 to supplement the current committee with three (3) alternates, composed as follows: Two architects or landscape architects working or living in Redwood City and, one (1) interested resident of Redwood City. The alternates would be on call.
M/S Ira/Hartnett to adopt RESOLUTION 13728 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 13622 REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY (209)
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
8. CLOSED SESSION - None
9. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Motion to Approve Utility Users Tax Amendments
Financial Services Director Ponty referred back to the budget session where Council directed the Finance Committee meet and report back to the Council a recommendation regarding the utility users tax. He explained the committee met in July and is recommending reduction of the tax from 5% to 4-1/2%, which represents a 10% reduction in the rate. The 10% reduction should translate into approximately $500,000 reduction in revenues.
Council Members questions included whether the rate reduction would necessitate reducing budget allocations, what if anything had been done about rewarding employees for cost saving ideas without cutting services, how other cities function without a utility users tax. Council comments included making a policy of City departments reducing their budget by 1.25% and provide a share of those savings to the employees and not look for projects to cut. Other cities do have other revenue sources and taxes other than a utility users tax, and Redwood City is unique in being both an old and new city.
Finance Committee comments included concern for more discussion among the Council and Council need to determine how to best reduce $2.8 million from the current capital improvement program. If the capital improvement program is not reduced, any reduction would come from the General Fund. If the Utility Users Tax is reduced, the Committee would then expect the entire Council to decide where the impact should occur in the budget.
Dr. Steven Howard strongly suggested the Council not make any permanent cuts in the tax and if money was to be returned that it be in the form of a rebate. Referred to the process of taking small amounts of money and putting it together and finding opportunities because of a larger amount. Laws have changed which make it extremely difficult for cities to raise funds and we should not diminish that capability.
John Anagnostou expressed the things that are going right as the new City Hall, Fair Oaks branch library, Red Morton Center, Redwood Shores Community Center, Redwood Shores Fire Station, Redwood Shores Maintenance Center, downtown entry features, Police and Fire Station #11. He listed various projects that could be jeopardized with a tax cut and strongly recommended not cutting the utility users tax.
Nick Watry encouraged Council to not amend the utility users tax and mentioned the 1999 neighborhood survey as the will of the people to retain the tax. Referred to the State previously taking part of the property taxes from the City and that it most likely will happen again. Felt the community is judged by its amenities and people invest in it because of various projects completed and projected for the future.
Pete Hughes objected to the cost of the previously mentioned structures. Strongly recommended the Council accept the recommendation of the Committee and reduce the tax of approximately $500,000.
Council comments continued with suggested strategies to cut costs and asking departments to find ways to cut costs. Comments also included opposition to adopting recommendation due to lack of full public process and need to deal with a $3 million reduction over 4 to 5 years in the Capital Improvement Project. Clarification that the City has not taken the community's money, but rather invested it.
M/S Jordan/Leipzig to accept the Finance Committee's recommendation to decrease the tax rate from 5.0% to 4.5% and implement a policy to be established and where employees of departments that cut costs receive a share of that savings as a bonus and review on an annual basis.
Vote on the motion: Ayes: Council Members Ira, Jordan and Leipzig. Noes: Council Members Claire, Hartnett, Vice Mayor Ruskin and Mayor Howard. Motion failed.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned in the memory of William Byrd and the meeting of September 6, 1999 was cancelled.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia S. Howe, CMC
City Clerk
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