City Council Minutes
December 13 , 1999

REDWOOD CITY CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR  IRA RUSKIN
VICE MAYOR  RICHARD S. CLAIRE

 
COUNCILMEMBER JIM HARTNETT
COUNCILMEMBER DIANE HOWARD
COUNCILMEMBER JEFF IRA
COUNCILMEMBER COLLEEN M. JORDAN
COUNCILMEMBER BARBARA PIERCE

SPECIAL MEETING
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE ROOM 2B
6:30 P.M.
DECEMBER 13, 1999

CALL TO ORDER - 6:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Council Members Present: Hartnett, Howard, Jordan, Pierce Vice Mayor Claire and Mayor Ruskin
Council Members Absent: Ira

1. PUBLIC COMMENT - None

2. CLOSED SESSION - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation. Name of case unspecified, disclosure would jeopardize existing settlement negotiations, Government Code § 54956.9 (a).

3. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION

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

5. ADJOURNMENT - 7:20 p.m.

REGULAR MEETING
7:30 P.M.
DECEMBER 13, 1999

The City Council Meeting and Redevelopment Agency Meeting were called to order simultaneously. The Redevelopment Agency Meeting began immediately following the Council Meeting.

CALL TO ORDER - 7:32 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Council Members Present: Hartnett, Howard, Jordan, Pierce, Vice Mayor Claire and Mayor Ruskin
Council Members Absent: Ira

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, Attorney Schricker, Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church, Supervisor Civil Engineer Lynch, Parks and Recreation Director Griffiths, Recreation and Community Services Manager Hover, Planning Technician Stephen Kowalski, Financial Services Manager Somers, Community Development Services Manager La Torra, Principal Planner Jany, Building Inspector Schwarz, Public Works Services Director Ingram, Volunteer Balsamo.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Council Member Jordan

INVOCATION: One Minute of Silence to Consider our Conduct in the Next Millennium.

1. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

Mayor Ruskin welcomed the youth present, who are part of "Frontiers in Leadership" a Redwood City 2000 mentoring program to provide young people of different ethnic groups with an opportunity to be coached by people from the City, County, School District, non-profit organizations, and Kaiser Permanente. Rosalina Calderon, the head of the program, was also at the Council Meeting.

2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Paula Dresden introduced the program Bethlehem A.D. and encouraged the Council Members and community in general to attend. She introduced the project that is now in its 8th year. Dresden also thanked the City of Redwood City for all their support and help in making this event a safe one. This event is organized by business people and neighborhoods, as well as circa 20 churches, and last year's attendance reached 17,000 people. The dates of the event are December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd 1999 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Scott Plumley spoke about opposing the installation of a bus stop on the corner of Hudson and Brewster Avenues. Because the streets are too narrow and too busy, this is not a viable solution. Additionally, he stated that the buses that presently do the route are mostly empty. He presented the Council with two letters: one was a copy of SamTrans notification to residents in the Hudson/Brewster areas, and the second was a copy of a response sent by Plumley opposing the addition. His research with local residents also demonstrates that they oppose the project.

Bernard A. Ausprung addressed the issue of the additional bus stop on Brewster/Hudson. Due to the fact that the streets are too narrow he stressed that the situation is unsafe. Ausprung has contacted SamTrans sharing his concerns with the bus going in a dual direction. The overburden of Hudson in general is very troubling. According to Ausprung, this is the easy way out (dropping the solution on Hudson) and it is unsafe. Ideally, other routes should be developed to remedy the problem.

Brian Casey shared concerns with the new bus proposal by SamTrans because in his opinion the need is not justified. Since Casey was an officer with the Redwood City police department for 4 years, and because he patrolled this street, he feels pretty sure about the traffic patterns in this area. He believes there is no need for a Southbound bus stop. Casey strongly recommends that SamTrans conduct a survey to better assess the need for this additional bus stop. Council Member Pierce offered to work with residents to discuss the issue.

Ralph Nobles addressed the issue of the eminent closure of Redwood Shores Levees. In his opinion, while nobody wants to see the levees closed, there is a high probability of it happening. Similarly, there is a great opportunity to avoid it. After talking with scientists he understood the need for a habitat for the clapper rail. Nobles proposes a mitigation plan which includes submitting a proposal consisting in the City acquiring ownership of the 113 acre (area H in Redwood Shores), and restoring it to muted title action (becoming habitat for the clapper rail). In his opinion, this might be enough of an inducement to get the environmental community, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Services to negotiate. He offered his assistance to proceed with negotiations between the City, and these other interest groups.

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.

Mayor Ruskin pointed out that while the resolution for item 3F was correct, however the staff report lists the contractor incorrectly, it should simply state Signal Maintenance.

M/S Hartnett/Howard with the removal of item A, and correction on staff report for item 3F. Waive reading of the Consent Calendar except the ordinances by title, adopt the resolutions and the ordinances, and approve other items.

B. Motion to accept the Goodwin Sewer Main Replacement Project, and authorize release of bonds; (Hydro Tech) (304)

MINUTE ORDER 99-161

C. Motion to accept Friendly Acres Neighborhood Speed Hump Signing and Striping Installation, and authorize release of bonds; (Weatherly Striping) (304)

MINUTE ORDER 99-162

D. Motion to approve Change Order No. 1 with A & A Construction, Inc. for additional plastering services for the Hoover Pool and Bath House Renovation Project; (A & A Construction) (304)

MINUTE ORDER 99-163

E. RESOLUTION 13805 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT SERVICES FOR GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1-64 (REDWOOD SHORES); (Charles B. Warren, ASA) (304)

F. RESOLUTION 13806 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE 1999-2000 EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL REPAIRS SERVICE; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS; (Signal Maintenance, Inc.) (304)

G. Reject claim No. 1787 by Philip Martin; (303)

MINUTE ORDER 99-164

H. Approve warrants dated through December 13, 1999 and usual and necessary payments through January 10, 2000;

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with Council Member Ira absent.

A. Accept the Stafford Park Play Area Renovation Project, and authorize the release of bonds; (AV&C Construction). This item was removed from the Consent Calendar because Vice-Mayor Claire requested a short written report from staff on the issue of the water feature, and whether it is flawed or not. Staff was instructed to do so by the Mayor Ruskin, a report to come back to Council at the next Meeting of January 10th, 2000.

MEMO 1/4/00

4. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST

Council Member Pierce announced a new program that represents a collaborative effort of Redwood City and the School District for after school activities. Such program features after school tutoring and academic enrichment, and also contains a recreation component. The feedback from teachers on this program has been extremely positive, and the State of California allocated an additional $86,000 to startup an additional program at another school. John Baker (School District) and Julie Hannon (Redwood City, Parks & Recreation) joined forces to make this project come to fruition by writing a grant to the State of California to set up after school programs at two local schools.

Council Member Howard shared concerns about the Revision to the General Plan and a possible proposal for the development of Downtown. She is concerned because there is a proposal of a project for office buildings. She would like to request that staff research this matter and would like to see a study on different housing possibilities. Council Member Hartnett agreed that it would be helpful if staff presented information to Council about what the current zoning allows for, and what is being proposed, or if they could suggest areas where the housing could be located. Council Member Pierce concurred. City Manager Everett responded that staff would prepare such a report to be provided at the next meeting. Such report would also include some alternatives for Council to consider, as far as how to tackle this issue.

MEMO 1/4/00

5. STAFF REPORTS

1. Amendment of Certain Parks and Recreation Area Ordinances;
   
   Recreation Services Manager Hover presented the report on the ordinance that was now before the Council. Three amendments are proposed to the Ordinance of Section 25 of the City Code, namely: hours of operation of the park, exception to the prohibition of dogs, and regulation and consumption of alcohol. Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission suggest reducing the hours from sunrise to sunset to reduce vandalism (with two exceptions: sport field and tennis areas). Secondly, dogs on leashes are to be allowed in parks. Calls were made by staff and commissioners to neighboring cities and a lot of cities allow dogs in parks. The last item had to do with alcohol consumption, and the proposal is to include Sandpiper Center as a Community Center that can be rented out allowing alcoholic beverages to be served at such events. This facility would now be added to the current list of facilities, which now includes: Community Activities Building Fair Oaks Community Center Red Morton Center and the Veterans Senior Center. Additionally, staff proposes allowing for the consumption of alcohol with the authority of the director in connection with City sponsored events.
   
   Parks and Recreation Director Griffiths clarified that in the past there was a rampant problem with alcohol consumption and a number of violent crimes occurred. Prior to the implementation of the current ordinance, groups were allowed to receive alcoholic beverage commission permits along with certificates of insurance permitting for alcoholic beverages to be served in parties at the park (normally these were issued to a private vendor or large corporation, a picnic or something of that nature). The distinction here is that the current considerations involve cultural activities, or events that the City co-sponsors, where alcoholic beverages would be allowed for consumption within the park area adjacent to a building. Currently, the only consumption allowed is in buildings and no hard liquor is permitted.
   
   Public Comment
   
   Robert Slusser, member of the Redwood City Park and Recreation Commission, brought to the Council's attention the fact that the changes proposed (via the ordinance) were suggested by members of the community. While there were many divergent views, this advisory body has tried to find a balance. While the process took nearly two years, he believes they have recommended the best possible solution for the safety of the community. Additionally, the current recommendations also consider the preferences of the users of the park (whether it be people or dogs).
   
   Don Davis, member of the Redwood City Park and Recreation Commission, would like to add that primarily with regards to the alcohol consumption issue one of the concerns shared was the feasibility of monitoring consumption. The present changes to the Ordinance are the best job the Commission could do, due to all the concerns expressed.
   
   Ian Bain would like to thank the Council for extending the contract with the MPAC for continued televising of meetings. Bain is glad that the Council understands the service provided to the community. While it is unfortunate that the dogs and alcohol were lumped together in the ordinance, Bain would like to thank the Commission for all their hard work. He believes they have come to a good compromise. Bain thanked the Commission and the City for their work with this ordinance.
   
   Council comments included addressing the citations that would be implemented when infractions occur, and concerns about educating park users in regards to the new amendments. Staff was asked to embark on a campaign to promote education and information. It was also proposed that in addition to a press release, and putting up signage regarding the changes, the information be placed into the residents' utility bills. Based on Council consensus, Mayor Ruskin directed staff to begin a public education campaign, including the placing of information in utility bills, and that staff begin devising an administration citation method.
   
   M/S Pierce/Hartnett to move introduction of Ordinance.
   
   
   1. Introduction of Ordinance:
      
      ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 25.1.9, 25.1.14 AND 25.1.16 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO HOURS OF OPERATION OF PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS, EXCEPTIONS TO PROHIBITION OF DOGS IN PARKS, AND REGULATION OF CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN CITY PARKS, PARK BUILDINGS, OR RECREATIONAL AREAS, RESPECTIVELY;

      MINUTE ORDER-99-165

   The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with Council Member Ira absent.
   
   
2. Sign Ordinance Revisions;
   
   Nelson, Director of Community Development addressed specific amendments to the sign ordinance. Two areas are being amended: a geometric table that was not published with the sign ordinance and therefore it needs to be readopted, and secondly section 3.114 in unauthorized location. In this second element there are two basic amendments, one was due to an editing error and the second came out of parking strip, so some language needed to be corrected in the ordinance. In this later issue the language regarding a visibility triangle has been strengthened.
   
   Council brought forth concerns about vehicles having for sale signs. The concern was that these vehicles might be forbidden even on private property. Attorney Schricker clarified that this is not the case; the ordinance only applies to vehicles for which the primary purpose is advertisement with signs, and not for regular vehicles that might have signs on the weekend.
   
   Public Comment
   
   George Mozingo, Governmental Affairs Director for the San Mateo County Association of Realtors expressed concerns to staff about certain issues on the Ordinance. However, with the clarification with the public right of way is on the shores, he endorses the amendment. Additionally, he informed the Council and public in general that they are forming a policing group to make sure the association follows the letter of the law. In his words, Redwood City has been very helpful in working with their organization in developing this ordinance, and it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Jany for a number of years.
   
   M/S Howard/Hartnett to move introduction of Ordinance.
   
   
   1. Introduction of Ordinance:
      
      ORDINANCE ADDING TABLE 1 TO ARTICLE II, CHAPTER 3, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY, AND AMENDING SECTION 3.114 OF SAID CODE, RELATING TO COMBINED AREA OF WALL SIGNS AND UNAUTHORIZED LOCATIONS OF SIGNS, RESPECTIVELY;
      
      

      MINUTE ORDER 99-166

   The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with Council Member Ira absent.
   
   
3. Information report on the Sign Inventory:
   
   Principal Planner Jany, informed Council that his presentation was composed of three parts: first some background information on the sign ordinance, secondly a report on sign inventory and lastly discussion on the next steps and direction from Council. With the adoption in June 1999 of a new sign ordinance by the City Council, the purpose was to streamline the sign ordinance. Such ordinance was needed because the old ordinance did not take into account proportion of buildings (where allowable sign area should reflect façade area). The previous ordinance also allowed for no exceptions. The current ordinance offers three types of exceptions: minor (which can be granted by staff), master sign programs, and variances, which can be granted following certain legal findings. This type of flexibility is both business friendly, and it also helps solve problems in the long run. The new ordinance also has amortization periods, (which is the amount of time a non-conforming sign can remain before it has to be removed) these vary from 30 days to 7 years.
   
   Principal Planner Jany, requested Council to provide him with guidance on the following issues: 1) How should the City approach enforcement? (Phased approach or comprehensive approach); 2) What should the time lines be and assess staffing needs? 3) Does council which to set a date for a public hearing? 4) How are we going to staff up for the increased need in enforcement and follow-up?
   
   Planning Technician Kowalski, reported that since June staff has been busy trying to develop an inventory of over 1300 sites, and each site has several signs. The City is required by State Law to take inventory of all signs in place, and once this is done, and only then can the City begin enforcement on the business that have violations. The intent is to keep this database updated so that our staff will know exactly what signs are out there. Each item in the database will include: name of business, physical address, digital picture, sign dimensions, façade measurements, maximum allotment for each business, and if they are in violation or not of the ordinance. The results of the study show that of 1300 business perused, at least 531 had one violation or more. Citywide, there was a total of 906 violations, consequently a few of those businesses have more than one violation. The most common violation is excessive signage in the entire parcel, and the second most common violation is prohibited signage, and the third most common type of violation is excessive window signage.
   
   A discussion took place comparing and contrasting the old ordinance versus the new one, and the reasoning behind all the current violations. Council and staff engaged in dialogue, which addressed amortization periods, implementation of new ordinance, inventory and sign types. Before any enforcement action, staff suggests a positive public education campaign to explain to the residents and business world process occur to explain the goals and components of the sign improvement process. Staff clarified that the incremental steps are as follows: after public hearing, and council approving continuation of project, site inspection has to occur, confirmation of the calculation, confirmation of the status of the signs, written notice has to be given, staff-up for enforcement and follow ups.
   
   Council discussed issues related to costs, type of enforcement, and public involvement in the process. Council Member Pierce thanked staff for all the time and effort placed in this project. Council Member Howard thanked the presenters for a great job, and requested staff to provide Council with more options for viable course of action. Council Member Jordan requested that staff review what the County has been doing in regards to signage in the main thoroughfares. Furthermore, Council Member Jordan supports the hiring of an additional code enforcement officer if that shows commitment to enforcement of rules, which will benefit Redwood City's aesthetics.

   MEMO 1/4/00

   Mayor Ruskin clarified that a working relationship has been established with the County (Nelson, of Community Development has also been involved). Contact has been established with them and a willingness has been expressed in regards to several areas: landscaping, codes pertaining to business façade, sexually oriented business, etc. Mayor Ruskin agreed with Council Member Jordan's position that since we've made this a priority we need to move forward with upgrading the appearance of the City.

   MEMO 1/4/00

   Mayor Ruskin summation of the discussion is as follows: public hearing to be called (notification to be given to all businesses before such public hearing), city wide enforcement and for staff to bring back to council numbers for the various types of enforcement (phasing in by areas, phasing in by types of signs) Council desires to know the numbers and be given the opportunity to chose options based on those figures, there was a consensus that staff not be removed from other important functions, that staff bring in options for additional staff needs, its cost and length of the need. Council Hartnett requested that staff report on where the funding would be coming from. Mayor Ruskin concurred and closed the discussion.

   MEMO 1/4/00

9:50 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Break

6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None

8. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Recommendation from the Personnel Committee on City Manager's Compensation;

Council Member Hartnett, recommended that the salary of the City Manager be increased by 5% effective retroactive May 1, 1999. The City Manager last adjustment compensation occurred 19 months ago. The 5% is consistent with the compensation adjustment provided to the bargaining units over the same period of time. The salary survey that the committee is undertaking will provide further data for subsequent recommendations from the Personnel Committee. But the preliminary indication is that the current compensation is almost 8.5% below the compensation median of the cities that we typically compare for the bargaining units. However, the City Manager is not part of a bargaining unit and his compensation need not be compared; his adjustment is not based upon a scale but based upon the Council's discretion and determination. Council Member Hartnett informed the Council that the Personnel Committee instructed the City Clerk to conduct a formal salary survey of comparable cities that we normally use, in addition to some of the neighboring cities that may not normally be used in the comparison. Once that data is available and presented back to the Committee, that body may make any other recommendations as they see fit.

Council Member Jordan, observed that it is the City's policy to keep a difference of 10% between the manager and the next highest paid employee, consequently, and even though some positions are not in bargaining units, they are pushed up along as the bargaining units get their increases.

M/S Hartnett/Howard to accept the recommendation. Unanimously.

MINUTE ORDER NO. 99-167

9. CLOSED SESSION - None

M/S Howard /Hartnett to adjourn the meeting and open the Redevelopment Agency meeting and cancel the December 20th , and 27th 1999 and January 3rd, 2000 meeting.

10. ADJOURNMENT - 10:20 p.m.

M/S Howard/Hartnett to adjourn to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC

City Clerk

Copyright © 1999, 2000. The City of Redwood City. All rights reserved.