City Council Minutes

February 28, 2000

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
5:00 p.m.
FEBRUARY 28, 2000

CALL TO ORDER - 5:05 p.m.

ROLL CALL

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

Staff Present: City Manager Everett and City Attorney Schricker

Facilitator: Cecil Reeves

1. PUBLIC COMMENT - None

2. SUBJECT

1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code § 54957).
   
   1. Title: City Manager. (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
   
   
   
2. Conference with Legal Counsel on Existing Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(a))
   
   1. Case Name unspecified - disclosure would jeopardize existing settlement negotiations. (7:00 - 7:15 p.m.)

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.
February 28, 2000

CALL TO ORDER - 7:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Council Members Present: Hartnett, Howard, Ira, Jordan, Pierce, Mayor Ruskin

Council Members Absent: Vice Mayor Claire (arrived at 9:10 p.m.)

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe; Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Financial Services Manager Somers, Senior Accountant Lennon, Senior Civil Engineer Lynch, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Community Development Services Manager LaTorra, Community Development Services Manager Passanisi, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Associate Engineer Du, Public Works Services Director Ingram, Special Projects Coordinator Harang ,Volunteer Balsamo

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Council Member Jordan

INVOCATION: Pastor Dennis Logie, Sequoia Christian Church

1. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

1. Arbor Day 2000

   Mayor Ruskin called upon Pauline Truscelli, Parks and Recreation Commission Member, instrumental in Arbor Day celebrations and a member of Native Daughters of the Golden West. Public Works Services Director Peter Ingram joined them at the podium and Mayor Ruskin read the proclamation honoring March 4, Arbor Day 2000 in Redwood City.
   
   Pauline Truscelli explained her organization plants trees for prominent people and Saturday, March 4 a tree will be planted for Will Richardson. The event will occur at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center at 2:00 p.m. with a short program and refreshments. The Native Daughters compete to make the best cookies for this event. In 1993, the International Society of Arborculture presented Ms. Truscelli with the Gold Leaf Award for the Outstanding Arbor Day Activities and this award is given to very few cities, Redwood City being one out of the entire Western States and Hawaii.

2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Nita Spangler requested an explanation of Item D on the Consent Calendar and an opportunity to comment.

Michael Sposito, owner of property on Main Street, spoke about a mixed use building renovated 10 years ago, dating back to 1940 with his family doing business on Main Street since 1915. His issue is with tenants relocating from his property and looking for the most attractive tenant but being told by the Planning Department that only retail use is appropriate for that area. He requested reconsideration of a different use for Main Street by the Crosby Group and mentioned that 20 years ago he was a member of an action committee with the Chamber of Commerce that promoted the growth of Main Street.

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.

Council Member Pierce asked that Item H be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.

M/S to waive reading of the Consent Calendar except the ordinances by title, adopt the resolutions and the ordinances, and approve other items.

A. Approve the Minutes of the last Closed Session on February 14th, 2000 and the Minutes of the last Regular Council Meeting of February 14th, 2000;

MINUTE ORDER 00-189

B. Approve new long term disability (LTD) policy with Lincoln National Reassurance Company for Redwood City Management Association (RCMEA) and Executive Summary Plan Employees and terminate existing policy with Unum Provident Corporation;

MINUTE ORDER 00-190

C. Job description and salary range for Customer Support Services Specialist classification:

RESOLUTION 13838 AMENDING SECTION 1 AND EXHIBIT B OF RESOLUTION NO. 13298 ESTABLISHING A SALARY PLAN FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS (SEIU UNIT), TO ADD THE POSITION OF, AND SALARY FOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES SPECIALIST AND DELETE THE POSITION OF METER MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST

D. Initiation of legal proceedings to establish special financing district for public infrastructure improvements incidental to the Pacific Shores Center Project

RESOLUTION 13839 APPOINTING CONSULTANTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FORMATION OF A COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT AND THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS THEREBY, AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ACCEPT DEPOSITS, AND APPROVING A DEPOSIT/REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT;

E. RESOLUTION 13840 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION SERVICES FOR THE PENINSULA NO. 1 WATER TANK REHABILITATION PROJECT (Harco/CPS Waterworks);

F. RESOLUTION 13841 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE BLOOMQUIST STREET EXTENSION WETLANDS MITIGATION PLAN; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (Bellicitti & Pellicciotti Construction Co., Inc.)

G.   i) ORDINANCE 2186 REPEALING ARTICLE VI OF, AND ADDING ARTICLE VIII TO, CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO ABATEMENT OF ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS; (second reading/adoption)

ii) RESOLUTION 13842 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 13747 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION SCHEDULE OF FINES TO PROVIDE SUCH SCHEDULE FOR VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE VIII, CHAPTER 14 (ABATEMENT OF ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS) OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY

iii) RESOLUTION 13843 APPROVING FORM OF AGREEMENT PERTAINING TO PARTICIPATION IN THE REDWOOD CITY ABANDONED SHOPPING CART RETRIEVAL PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH PARTICIPATING OWNERS

I. Reject the claims of Ricardo Soto, claim no. 1793; Leticia Rojas, claim no. 1798; Jeani Johns, claim no. 1800

MINUTE ORDER 00-191

J. Approve warrants dated through February 28th, 2000 and usual and necessary payments through March 6th, 2000;

MINUTE ORDER 00-192

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present.

H. Council Member Pierce expressed concern about Section 1(2)g of the ordinance and requested a change in the wording due to unrealistic expectations that may be construed from Section 1(2)h. Council discussion ensued and recollection of the direction at the hearing that the letter to be used would contain explicit and a realistic understanding of the options. Community Development Services Manager Passanisi responded that a draft of the letter would be reviewed by Council prior to its implementation.

Council consensus was for staff to report back after approximately 4 months with feedback from the large daycare home providers as to how the process is working.

M/S Ira/Jordan to adopt ORDINANCE 2187 AMENDING SECTION 2.21.1 (c) OF ORDINANCE NO. 1130, THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES (second reading/adoption).

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present.

4. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Traffic Calming Subcommittee Recommendations

Council Member Pierce recognized that staff has been proactive in working with neighborhoods to create traffic calming methods that include the quality of life in the neighborhoods and acknowledged that it is an area that is not pure science. She further stated that there are engineering guidelines for implementing traffic mitigation, speed humps, signage and stop lights, but that there is also an element that can be improved upon. The impact upon specific neighbors and how our speed humps and stop signs are put into place are of concern. Council Member Pierce then outlined the recommendations.

M/S Hartnett/Howard to approve the following recommendations:

1. Remove the hump on the 3400 block of Hoover.
2. Ask that the Police Department monitor the areas with speed humps in the Edgewood Road area to make sure that people are following the traffic laws.
3. Ask that the legislative committee pursue photo-ticketing concept with the League of California Cities and the Legislature.
4. The committee will be evaluating the problem hump in the Redwood Oaks Neighborhood.
   
   

The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote with Vice Mayor Claire absent.

MINUTE ORDER 00-193

5. STAFF REPORTS

A. Strategy to Address Flooding Problems in Friendly Acres/East Bayshore and Centennial Neighborhoods

Public Works Services Director Ingram explained that the utilities committee requested the report be presented before the entire City Council so any questions could be addressed on the content and recommendations.

Special Projects Coordinator Harang explained the purpose of the Strategy report as identifying flooding issues and conditions along the Cordilleras Creek and the Bayfront/Fifth Avenue Canal area (Friendly Acres/East Bayshore Neighborhood. The Strategy also recommends project and program solutions and identifies potential funding sources. Major facts learned are that flooding has occurred in 29 of the last 50 years in these neighborhoods, and that improvement can be attained in both areas, but the entire problem cannot be resolved. The general conclusion for the Cordilleras area is that in order to improve the conditions, greater cooperation is necessary from private property owners. The Strategy identifies solutions that fall in two major categories: capital projects or operating programs categories. She further identified policy questions.

Senior Civil Engineer Chang provided information with slides to assist in decision making.

Council discussion included exploration of funding mechanisms and collaborating with surrounding jurisdictions to better position the City for grant submittals.

Public Comment:

Walter Hogue thanked staff for their work on the report. He stated that on East Bayshore Road there are well over 500 units impacted by the flooding and explained his assessment of the flooding situation on January 20.

Janet Borgens thanked staff for the report and for working with the neighborhoods. She also commended the street sweeping efforts and the cooperation of the residents but stressed the need to work together on the issue.

Lloyd Greeley suggested boxing in the culvert.

Bonnie Miller, speaking for Bob Diaz, representing the Friendly Acres/East Bayshore Neighborhood Association, thanked the utilities committee, City Council and staff members. She expressed excitement about the plan and confidence in its implementation. Ms. Miller asked those in the audience to stand up to show their interest in the resolution of the flooding problems.

Al Engel stated his concern about increasing the pipes going to the Fifth Avenue pump station and raising the wall along the bayfront canal. He suggested increasing the pipe system or other alternatives.

Nita Spangler expressed concern about the diversion canal discussed by San Carlos. Ms. Spangler stated there should be community cooperation on several levels including city to city, neighborhood and staff levels.

M/S Ira/Howard acceptance and approval of the plan and authorization for Mayor to begin a campaign involving other agencies including financial seed money, joint grant funding and cooperative effort to work on the flooding project. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

Recess - 10:10-10:20 p.m.

B. Solid Waste Collections Rate Increase

Senior Accountant Lennon began the report explaining that two action items were being requested. 1.) Approval in concept of an amendment to the solid waste collection ordinance to provide for a statutory three year limit for refunds on solid waste collection accounts. If approved, an ordinance would come before Council at a future date. 2.) The second item was approval of an 8.9% rate increase for solid waste collection. Ms. Lennon further explained that in October 1999, staff informed Council that the rate increase would be between 14-19%, but it is only necessary to raise the rate by 8.9%. She pointed out that there is a revised Exhibit C and that the lifeline rate for the 20-gallon container will remain at $5.87 per month.

Council comments included concern regarding holding the lifeline at $5.87 since 1996 and desire to explore curbside pick-up and blue cans for all citizens. Desire was expressed to encourage local businesses to implement recycling programs.

Gino Gasparini, Operations Manager of BFI, responded that those decisions regarding curbside pick-up and blue cans are to be made by individual City Councils. He explained the difference in rates between surrounding cities.

M/S Claire/Howard approve the increase of $1.21 per month and adopt RESOLUTION 13844 ESTABLISHING RATES OF CHARGES FOR SANITARY INSPECTIONS, COLLECTIONS, RECYCLING AND AND REMOVAL OF REFUSE IN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY;

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

6. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST

1. Landscaping of El Camino Real and Discussion of Resolution Pertaining to El Camino Real and Possible Action.
   
   Mayor Ruskin explained Council has set aside a budget for upgrading El Camino Real and the plan has been completed. One issue has arisen in that the plan to plant approximately 210-215 trees when submitted to Cal Trans came back with a response that only about 105 trees could be planted. He explained he has been working with Council Members from Menlo Park and Palo Alto to create an alliance since those two cities have also met obstacles in their planting plans. Additionally, he is working with two citizens' groups, Trees for Menlo, Inc. and Trees for El Camino and Palo Alto. He is also working in tandem with Senator Byron Sher who is interested in these concerns. Mayor Ruskin presented a resolution for consideration that memorializes the City's commitment to the beautification of El Camino Real and the alliance created.
   
   M/S Hartnett/Ira to adopt RESOLUTION 13845 FOR LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION OF EL CAMINO REAL. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
   
   
2. San Mateo County Historical Museum Time Capsule
   
   Mayor Ruskin stated he had been informed by the museum that a time capsule is being created and items of importance from the various cities in the county are requested. The item should be a maximum of 10 inches high, 10 inches wide, 6 inches long by May 1.
   
   Consensus by Council was to request the Civic Cultural Commission and the archives and historical resource group assist in this request.
   
   
3. Downtown Area Plan Process and Design
   
   Mayor Ruskin presented a Downtown Task Force proposal and requested Council feedback. He requested Council give the go ahead to begin composing the downtown area plan task force. The recommendation included simultaneously creating the steering committee for the entire General Plan review.
   
   Council ensued regarding whether to simultaneously establish the steering committee. Council expressed desire to be updated regularly on the progress. Desire to have a member of the Architectural Review Board on the downtown task force and the issue of the overlay district adding residential in the downtown area was expressed. Council stated the desire to have developers and other experts serve on the task force.
   
   Consensus by Council was for Mayor Ruskin to work with the Vice Mayor on a process and establish the task force.
   
   

M/S Hartnett/Howard to extend the meeting by five minutes. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

7. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

8. PUBLIC HEARING

1. PUBLIC HEARING ON Changes to Accessory Dwelling Unit
   
   

   ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 37.2 OF, AND ADDING SECTION 37.3 TO, ORDINANCE NO. 1130, THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLINGS

   M/S Hartnett/Ira to continue the public hearing to March 27, 2000. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
   
   
2. Nonconforming and Illegal Second Units, Garage Conversions, Code Enforcement Approach and Administrative Citations (No Legal Advertisement Required for this item, but incorporated as a part of the Changes to Accessory Dwelling Unit report);
   
   M/S Hartnett/Ira to continue to March 27, 2000. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

9. CLOSED SESSION - None

10. ADJOURNMENT - 11:07 p.m.

M/S Ira/Howard to adjourn until the next meeting of March 6th, 2000. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC

City Clerk

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