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.
SEPTEMBER 27, 1999
CALL TO ORDER – 7:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Council Members Claire, Hartnett, Ira, Leipzig, Vice Mayor Ruskin, Mayor Howard
Council Members Absent: Council Member Jordan arrived at 7:32 p.m.
Staff Present: Police Chief/Assistant City Manager Bolanos, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe, Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Administrative Clerk Noble, Building Inspector Lepori, Code Enforcement Officer Schwarz, Police Sergeant Cesena, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Associate Engineer Du, Consultant Alexander
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Dennis Logie First Christian Church
1. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY – None
Council Member Leipzig requested the meeting be adjourned in the memory of recently deceased John T. Crevelt.
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Barbara Pierce, Redwood City 2000, invited the community and Council Members to a call to action on October 15 and 16 at City Hall to participate in planning of the future on such topics as housing and education.
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.
A. Approve the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 13, 1999 as submitted;
MINUTE ORDER 99-124
B. Task Order/Additional Services No. 1 – Landscape Architectural Services for the El Camino Real Median Landscaping Project (John Cahalan);
MINUTE ORDER 99-125
C. RESOLUTION 13743 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH REDWOOD CITY’S PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (Nichols Vallerga & Assoc.);
D. RESOLUTION 13744 APPROVING STIP APPLICATION FOR THE ROOSEVELT AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT – PHASE II (Metropolitan Transportation Commission);
E. RESOLUTION 13745 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT ON CERTAIN CITY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY (RADIO ROAD AND REDWOOD SHORES PARKWAY) (Pacific Bell Wireless);
F. RESOLUTION 13746 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE 1999-2000 SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (Saliba Corporation);
G.
Reject claims of Robert Poole, Claim No. 1765; David Burrows, Claim No. 1767;MINUTE ORDER 99-126
H. Approve renewal of Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy;
MINUTE ORDER 99-127
I. Approve warrants dated through September 14, 1999 and usual and necessary payments through September 27, 1999;
M/S Leipzig/Ruskin 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.
4. STAFF REPORTS
- Recommendations of the City Council Subcommittee on Codes Regarding On-Street Parking; (Continued from August 9, 1999)
Deborah Nelson gave background on the proposal utilizing a PowerPoint presentation. She explained that the proposal tonight would only pertain to on street parking and showed pictures of permitted vehicles as well as those not permitted. She explained the subcommittee decided to wait until results from on street parking regulation prior to pursuing any additional parking regulations.
Council comments included concern for prohibition on commercial trucks that are pick ups and questioned the concern with tow trucks.
Mayor Howard outlined the process and ground rules for public comment regarding street parking.
Nick Carboni, speaking for Paulette Carboni and Leonard Baux, gave his past experience regarding perception and changes made. Felt the community perception was that of not involving the community. Suggested solving at lowest possible level with mediation or neighborhood involvement.
Louis Bamberger, speaking for Carol Porter, criticized Council and staff for lack of representation and lack of preparation.
Joan Patterson, speaking for Ward Patterson, felt removal of R.V.’s will impact blue collar residents, challenged statements in local newspapers, and referred to neighborhood survey lacking questions regarding on street parking,
Jerry Brick expressed concern about intrusion by political influences and ignorance of State rules in favor of more restrictive rules, fearful of driveway and backyard intrusion, requested statistics of safety concerns and thought signage would be more intrusive.
Patricia O’Brien spoke regarding parking ordinances on books for years and attempted to understand any restrictions based on a 20-foot vehicle and believed it discriminatory to disallow vehicles based on esthetics.
Michael Brady referred to bus stops being placed between cars at Henry Ford School being a safety issue deserving of attention and something being wrong with what the City is doing.
Lisa Positeri cannot get her vehicle into her driveway due to neighbors’ vehicles obstructing access, but urged Council to take all issues into consideration.
Peggy Cordero understands problem of lack of parking available and questioned why, felt revenue could be generated for City if storage were available.
Al Caesar criticized reference to Palo Alto and supported the highway going south.
John M. Anderson, never politically active, purchased a 20-foot sailboat and moved to California because of State’s pride in the environment. Urged if it’s not broke don’t fix it, don’t legislate.
Michael O’Brien was disappointed with local newspaper articles and thanked the subcommittee for spurring his interest.
Deborah Sweeney disagreed with the proposal and sees nothing wrong with her tow truck operator neighbor.
Malcolm Upfield was told initially he could park on the street, now this proposal would pose a restriction for him.
Helen Meyer expressed confusion regarding safety and oversized vehicles and asked for solution for parking or a no vote on the ordinance.
Jane Bentley has owned trailers and other vehicles and felt the cost will be a burden.
Victor Moore gave an historical background regarding happiness and freedom.
Ramon Quezada was sad because an interpreter could not be provided, but proud to be a gardener. Ask Council to not vote yet and give a chance for a dialogue.
Donald Inouye said his family moved here in 1910, loves the diversity, owns the ugliest van in the City and it is tall, therefore, would be in violation.
Warren Weinstock spoke of being a long time resident and felt any suggestions should come from the people. He suggested a 72-hour time frame for loading and unloading.
George Petrakis was concerned that parking restrictions on streets would lead to private property and other restrictions.
Loretta Knight outlined her interpretation and asked for enforcement of the current ordinance.
Alfredo Chorro migrated because it was the most beautiful city. He stated he needs large vehicles to do the work he does and asked not to divide the city.
Tim Fanelli felt the ordinance was too premature to be voted on at this time, requested it not prohibit parking on private property and urged more input be allowed.
Juan Carlos Prado spoke on behalf of over 200 gardeners and landscapers mostly from Redwood City. He asked to not go after working class, felt a compromise could be worked out and enforced by the Police Department rather than Building Inspectors while representing the interests of the majority of residents.
Paul Sanfilipo agreed with 99 percent of previous speakers and urged rejection of the ordinance.
Jerry Fitzgerald, speaking for Ardra Fitzgerald, asked Council to drop the discussion and give back to the community for writing of proposal.
Chuck Blair, speaking for Karen Turner, asked if fairness exists and asked for consideration.
Anne Frost, speaking for Mr. Chris Bonson, teaches in Redwood City and is proud. She expressed concern that the blue-collar community subject keeps coming up. She felt that if truly about parking, she wants statistics on accidents both fatal and nonfatal involving underage, senior age, drunk and non drunk driving, then make decision.
Miguel Barron, Board of Directors, Bay Area Gardeners, spoke about the need for an interpreter and gardeners and landscapers needed their trucks. Many people have made many sacrifices and bought a house with enough land to park a truck. The ordinance will not allow him to park in his yard or backyard and asked what to do? Where can he go and buy the property he needs to store his vehicles? Asked for help and hopes the City will allow him to keep his vehicles on the street. If complaints exist, he will be best to address the issue himself. Council Member Jordan informed Mr. Barron that most of the landscape vehicles would be allowed under the current ordinance.
Claudine Garrigues stores vehicle in Morgan Hill, agreed with schoolteacher, felt much to be discussed before decisions are made. She said her neighbors know when the motorhome will be there and she is willing to abide by any regulation passed.
Mr. Marsili, speaking for Robert Marsili, felt it unfair to take revenue from taxpayers and then make rules that do not consider the mass. He encouraged looking at all of the issues.
John Glissman, speaking for Richard Jansen-Olliges, felt an ordinance proposal must be well thought out, clearly written with support from majority of residents it will affect.
Kathy Strupmontis owns many vehicles and trailer that locks for her business.
If the people who provide services will have no place to go. Please do not pass any more rules.Tim Garretson commended Deborah Nelson for presentation. A hardship would exist if this ordinance is passed. Does not want to move. Upton Street is street bombarded with large trucks. Please vote no.
Marco Valetti interprets a violation if stopping for a meal with his boat attached. Felt ordinance goes against poor people having fun.
Francisco Deleon, a gardener, sought to correct assumptions that they would not be affected. Most would be and questioned sincerity of safety issue. Sounds more like a real estate issue, but requested correct data be collected. Felt since nobody has spoken in favor, it probably means something.
Lynn Simms, speaking for Larry Knight, Peter Foitzik, Bob Porter and Steve Palmer, addressed the intent of the ordinance. Felt it appears to be an issue of esthetics, does little for the City, and does nothing to protect the small business owner. Enforcement of codes already on the books could achieve the intent.
Judy Hanson felt the ordinance was oppressive, felt like about money, not safety. Suggested going forward, not backward. Safety is issue but not through R.V.’s. Asked Council leadership in other areas where truly needed such as school funding. Focus where needed on issues of substance.
David Menche, speaking for Rheba McKinley and Jacquelyn Palmer, spoke about issues such as safety, character and damage. Suggested looking at the problem differently. Felt Council was not looking out for their interests. Concerned about misinformation, intolerance, and requested Council work with citizens on case by case basis.
Carlo Montisano, speaking for Joyce Dionne, Richard Dionne, Sr., Dolores Bamberger and Jeff Frost and Redwood City Neighbors for Reasonable Action, collected 1,483 signatures. Supports 72 hour parking regulation and commercial owners. Does not see purpose of ordinance. Asked Consultant Alexander several questions emanating from August 9 meeting and cited those answers. He questioned the safety of commercial vans compared to large SUV’s and asked Council to consider the facts.
Steven Powers does not support fees and permit. He asked for protection of children and that the Police Department be proactive.
Alan Carson owns a vehicle just larger than the proposed allowed size. He stated he has no problem with enforcement from Police Department, but he cannot shrink his truck size.
Peter Matuz expressed hardship under the proposal and asked to fix roads in another way.
Joe Graycar was surprised and urged Council drop consideration of ordinance.
Robert Kahn of Redwood Shores felt offended. With the purpose being safety, he felt moving Winnebagos would not cover it. He felt tow trucks provide a valuable service and questioned the ambiguities in the written ordinance.
Judy Hanson, speaking for Rosalie Dolce, referred to Giannini relocating to Redwood City after 1906 earthquake. She opposed the proposal and felt the majority should rule.
Peter Foitzik first to circumvent the State law and discriminate against blue-collar people, small business people by proposing the ordinance. He questioned various parts of the proposed regulations.
Mayor Howard introduced, for the record, a letter from PG & E asking for consideration of one employee with a need to park an oversized company vehicle. Mayor Howard also asked that the numerous e-mails, telephone calls and letters submitted in favor of some sort of ordinance, along with the submitted petition be entered into the record.
Recess – 10:45 – 11:00 p.m.
M/S Claire/Hartnett to extend meeting to 11:30 p.m. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Council comments included requesting a pulse of the Council rather than comments, question of reasonableness of the truck regulation, feeling in the community of clarification of sincerity of intent, need for openness of intentions, recommendation that the subcommittee meet with a formal group and other interested citizens. Suggested rejecting the draft proposed ordinance and that an overall vehicle-parking problem does exist, citing the fact some citizens are afraid to speak up and complain anonymously.
Council Member expressed concerns and confusion with the ordinance and recommended going back to the subcommittee and working with the individuals represented at the meeting. Point of clarification was made that he had answered and responded to many inquiries around the issue.
M/S Hartnett/Ruskin to reject the ordinance as currently proposed and establish a process yet to be defined to look at the issues more closely and involve the community in review of those issues. The motion to include disbanding the subcommittee. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 99-128
Council Member Ira expressed a desire to table instead of reject the proposal. Felt the best option is to take away from the Council and subcommittee and allow Redwood City 2000 to take over. He stated he knows there is a group of people that wants the ordinance, but the community should meet and discover common ground and consensus.
Council Member Hartnett agreed with Council Member Ira’s comments. Stated the committee had no intention to hide from the public and has acted as always without a discriminatory purpose involved.
Vice Mayor Ruskin reiterated the process that occurred was normal for Council and that some people out there do have problems.
Council Member Jordan asked about subcommittee meetings being public and how notification occurred. She suggested utility bills method be used for notification.
Mayor Howard concurred with her colleagues. She stated there is a different point of view in Redwood City and would like to look closer at the issue. She suggested establishing a better process or possibly Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center. She supported the open process and thanked those who came and spoke on the issue.
M/S Hartnett/Claire to extend to 11:55 p.m. Council Members Leipzig and Jordan voting no.
5. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. PUBLIC HEARING on Administrative Citation Schedule of Fines:
Deborah Nelson made a presentation about the Administration Citation process.
M/S Claire/Hartnett to extend until 12:00 p.m. Jordan and Leipzig voting no.
11:55 p.m. - Opened Public Hearing
David Menche questioned the need for the process and the right to a jury. Consider too much power without recourse.
M/S Ruskin/Ira to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Council Member Claire expressed that a flawed appeal process exists.
The motion passed by a majority roll call vote with Council Member Claire voting no.
7. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST – None
8. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
9. CLOSED SESSION - None
10. ADJOURNMENT – 12:00 a.m.
M/S Hartnett/Ira to adjourn the meeting in the memory of John T. Crevelt.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia S. Howe, CMC
City Clerk
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