City Council Minutes

May 8, 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



REGULAR MEETING
7:30 P.M.
May 8, 2000

The City Council Meeting and Redevelopment Agency Meeting were called to order simultaneously. The Redevelopment Agency Meeting was recessed to reconvene immediately following the Regular City Council Meeting.


1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:35 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

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

Council Members Absent: Jordan

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, Assistant to the City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe; Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Financial Services Director Ponty, Senior Civil Engineer Lynch, Community Development Services Director Nelson, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church, Community Development Services Manager Passanisi, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Housing Coordinator Jones-Thomas, Parks and Recreation Director Griffiths, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Manager Hover, Police Captain Warner, Public Works Services Director Ingram, Library Director Chen, Volunteer Balsamo

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Council Member Diane Howard

4. INVOCATION: Pastor Dennis Logie, Sequoia Christian Church

5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

  1. Proclamation Celebrating Bike Commute Week (organized by RIDES for Bay Area Commuters).

    Mayor Ruskin called Custodial Services Manager Aguilar to the podium and read the proclamation , thanking all participating in the effort. Custodial Services Manager Aguilar encouraged all to bike to work on Tuesday, May 16 and visit the energizer station behind Sequoia Station next to Caltrain where many free items will be distributed to those with a bike.

  2. Proclamation - Veterans Appreciation Month.,

    Mayor Ruskin called Captain Jim Blank, a retired US Airforce Captain up to the podium to accept the proclamation. Captain Blank explained his charge is to find jobs for veterans and announced an upcoming job fair in October. Over 1,700 veterans have received honors throughout San Mateo County through the first California U.S. Volunteers program to provide burial services for veterans. Anyone wishing to volunteer or with possible employment for veterans may contact Captain Blank at 650-737-2667.

  3. National Preservation Week Proclamation:

    Chairman of the Historic Resources Advisory Committee Ken Rolandelli proclaimed May 14-20 as Historic Preservation Week. On May 17 and 18, approximately 300 students from the Redwood City Elementary School District will be touring three of the National Registered Properties, the Lathrop House, the San Mateo County Courthouse and the Fox Theatre. On May 20, the Lathrop House will be open at 9:30 for a tour and a display of artifacts from the archeological digs at Main and Broadway and Middlefield and Main will be held. At 10:30 an historic walking tour will begin at the Lathrop House and at 1:30 the Union Cemetery will be open for tours as well. Mayor Ruskin thanked Chairman Rolandelli and the entire committee for all they do.

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Robin Smith, President of Sequoia Audubon Society, invited all to come out to Bair Island on Saturday morning, May 13 at 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. for a celebration of International Migratory Bird Day. A field trip begins at 9:00, docents will talk about the issues at Bair Island. The San Francisco Bird Observatory will co-sponsor the event and will discuss the scientific work being done at Bair Island.

Cliff Keely expressed thanks to the City's shopping cart program and the pick-up of the garbage at the same time.

7. 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 a revision be made to the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 24, 2000.

Council Member Howard asked to remove Item 7D from the Consent Calendar.

B. Motion to Approve Change Order for the 1999-00 Cost Shared Sidewalk Repair Project, for P & P Construction, Inc.;

MOTION ORDER 00-220

C. RESOLUTION 13894 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 2000-2001 COST SHARED SIDEWALK REPAIR PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

E. Reject the claim of Hamilton Woods, claim No. 1814;

MOTION ORDER 00-221

F. Approve all warrants dated through May 8th, 2000 and all usual and necessary payments dated through May 22nd, 2000;

MOTION ORDER 00-222

M/S Hartnett/Howard waive reading of the Consent Calendar except the ordinances by title, adopt the resolutions and the ordinances, and approve other items. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present.

A. Approve the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 24th, 2000;

Council Member Pierce requested a revision to page 2 of the minutes.

M/S Hartnett/Howard to approve the minutes as revised. The motion passed by a majority voice vote with Council Member Ira abstaining due to absence at that meeting.

MINUTE ORDER 00-223

D. M/S Howard/Pierce to ADOPT RESOLUTION 13895 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR STULSAFT PARK PLAY AREA RENOVATIONS; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THERFOR. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present.

Council Member Howard stated that from the beginning there has been a community effort that has worked with the City to bring the project forward. The community has raised $52,000.00 in order to supply additional play equipment in the park.

M/S Howard/Ira to adjourn to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote by those present.

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING (SEE SEPARATE AGENDA)

8. BOARDS, COMMITTEE, AND COMMISSION REPORTS -

  1. Adoption of Consolidated Plan for 2000-2005:

    Housing Coordinator Jones-Thomas explained the proposal, a requirement by the Federal Government for the City to have develop a unified planning vision for spending funds received over the next five 5 years. The consolidated plan is a document built into three pieces. The first is a market analysis of what exists and the needs in the community. The second is a strategic plan about what the City plans to do over the 5-year period to meet some of the needs. The third is the annual action plan that approves money for specific projects to be carried out next year. The statutory requirement for statistical data used is based on census data. Due to the current census data not having been released as yet, Redwood City's plan with regard to the market analysis will be a duplicate of the 1995 submittal updated with information on current market trends with regard to housing costs, population data from the State Department of Finance and some projections on other issues provided by HUD. The plan presented is with the caveat that in 2002, after the 2000 census data is available, the City should review the plan based on the new information.

    Housing and Human Concerns Committee Chairperson Tweedie pointed out the committee members present in the audience: Sue Keely, Kathleen Mahany, John Dempsey, Bonnie Miller, Nick Watry and Vice Chairperson Hillary Paulson. Ms. Tweedie explained the committee was seeking approval of the consolidated plan for 2000-2005 with the understanding that the needs analysis and strategic plan will be in need of updated resources and numbers. The strategy, as in the past, revolves around the housing services, public facilities and economic development and training. The plan recommends funding of 31 activities from the CDBG funding which also includes additional funding for the recommended fountain for the City Center Plaza. Another item mentioned was for the Redwood Family House to allocate from General Funds the $80,000.00 discussed prior.

    City Manager Everett asked various questions on behalf of Council Member Jordan. Questions included what policies are required as referred to on page 8A-16; on Priority 2, 8A-21, Item 4, which programs would be targeted to address this concern; on Priority 3, 8A-23, financial assistance to for profit entities providing jobs, the question was which entities are currently being funded; under Priority 1, affordable housing on 8A-25, the question is the source of the approximately $900,000.00. and what the current status of the funding is. A final question asked for rationale for funding the north county winter shelter ($53,000.).

    8:20 p.m. - Opened the Public Hearing

    Barbara Leidtke thanked Council for support of the self sufficiency program and homesharing program. She further explained those programs and requested an increase to last year's funding level in order to help address the housing crisis affecting Redwood City residents and businesses.

    Bernadette Mellott thanked Council for the past and continued support of the Peninsula Volunteers and the Rosenor House project. The frail, elderly and underprivileged seniors are provided therapeutic care that keeps them from entering into convalescent care.

    Jody Campbell, Neighborhood Network Administrator for Heron Court Cooperative, Inc., thanked Council for the funding consideration in the 1999/00 CDBG. The program assists children in the assistance needed to achieve educational goals.

    Nancy Knific, Catholic Charities Adult Day Support Center, thanked Council for ongoing support that assists seniors.

    Peter Reid, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society, thanked Council and HHCC for many years of support and partnership. The program assists in homelessness prevention and assistance in business start up. Mr. Reid stated the office is moving to San Mateo due to challenges of office and housing space availability.

    Rebecca Schenone, Civic Cultural Commission, strongly supports the fountain and read from a water design book that pertains to water and fountains in urban landscape.

    Eric Olson, Mid-Peninsula Housing, expressed support for the fountain as an excellent contribution that ties together Civic Center Plaza, City Hall and the City Library.

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

    8:36 p.m. - Closed the Public Hearing

    M/S Howard/Ira to adopt the following recommendations:

    1. Approve the Consolidated Plan Strategy for 2000-2005; and
    2. Approve the Housing and Human Concerns Committee's Funding Recommendations for 2000/2001 - Annual Action Plan;
    3. Adopt Resolution:

      RESOLUTION 13896 APPROVING CONSOLIDATED PLAN (2000-2005) AND APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP FUNDS); CERTIFYING THAT THE CITY HAS FOLLOWED ITS ADOPTED CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND FILING OF ALL DOCUMENTS PERTAINING THERETO (FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001);

    Council Member Hartnett explained that this action provides the ability to route Federal funds to local programs within policies and guidelines that Council and the Federal Government have set to support those in the community who otherwise may not live a great quality in Redwood City. The Housing and Human Concerns Committee solicits proposals from throughout the community from organizations, non-profit and for profit groups that serve the broader community. The process is conducted annually and those interested may attend the HHCC meetings and submit applications in the future for those unmet needs in the community. The amount available this year is 1.3 million dollars and is likely to be matched or exceeded next year.

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present with Vice Mayor Claire abstaining on the allocation to Canada College ($102,300.).

  2. Housing and Human Concerns Committee Report on 2000/20001 Funding Recommendations for the Human Services Financial Assistance (HSFA) Program:

    Housing and Human Concerns Committee Chairperson Tweedie made the presentation and noted that due to funding sources the Salvation Army and WAGES program which originally had been submitted under CDBG now appear in the HFSA funding program. Also, funding was not recommended for Sustainable San Mateo County because it did not fall under any of the services provided and did not actually fit the criteria for serving the community through the HFSA Program.

    City Manager Everett explained the $239,000.00 is General Fund money allocated by Council for which HHCC provides recommendations for funding programs.

    Public Comment:

    Andy Frisch thanked Council for consideration of Kainos and HOME funding. Mr. Frisch also thanked HHCC for the tremendous amount of work involved and also streamlining the application process.

    M/S Claire/Pierce to Approve the Housing and Human Concerns Committee 2000/2001 Human Services Financial Assistance Program Funding Recommendations. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present.

    Council Members thanked staff and the HHCC for their work and those who work in these programs caring for the needs of the community.

  3. Aircraft Noise Impacts and Mitigations.
    (Originating from Council Member Barbara Pierce, a representative to the Airport Roundtable)

    Council Member Pierce explained Redwood City is a member of the Airport Roundtable and various runway options are being explored with many members of the Roundtable are adopting resolutions confirming that noise is a significant impact. Council Member Pierce presented the resolution and recommended approval.

    Jim Monroe referred to an article about Atherton and Menlo Park proposing a plan for planes to fly 1,000 feet higher.

    M/S Hartnett/Ira to Adopt RESOLUTION 13897 DECLARING THAT AIRCRAFT NOISE IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS ARE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED IN ALL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OF ANY RUNWAY RECONFIGURATION PLAN AT SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT;

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

9. STAFF REPORTS

A. Capital Improvement Program (CIP):

Community Development Director Nelson began the report explaining this to be the third meeting and dilineated the changes since the last meeting in March. Third quarter projections and the process used to address Council Priorities throughout the projects was also explained. Public Works Services Director Ingram explained the flooding mitigation program and Financial Services Director Ponty explained the bond proposal.

Public Comment:

Sue Keeley works at Day Care Center at Roy Cloud School and requested a funding match by Council.

Steve Penna, thanked Council for funding Carrington Hall consideration, but requested additional monies. The Alumni Association will not be the primary source of funding/grants but will come from the Board of Directors.

John Edmonds, representing the Historic Union Cemetery Association, expressed concern that no money was budgeted for the cemetery. Francisco Espinoza is an experienced mason and request for $2,500. To be matched for one year, and hopes it to be a budgeted item in the future.

Bonnie Miller asked for consideration of sale of bonds for years 3-5.

Ernest Menilli, on behalf of Hawes Elementary School, dreams of a playground. Hawes has raised approximately $4,000.00 to date but needs a total of approximately $40,000.00 to complete the project and is asking for matching funds.

Doug Finlay, President of School Board, explained the playground funding match proposal would add up to $1.5 million dollars and thanked all involved.

Hillary Paulson on behalf of Roy Cloud Playground Committee, thanked all parents from the various schools and stated that the budget needed is approximately $150,000.00 of which $25,000.00 has been raised, $10,000.00 is expected to be raised next year and an application for a State grant is being pursued requiring a matching fund and 50% recycled materials in the playground.

Katie Finlay as a parent and volunteer at two schools explained that the contribution to playgrounds applies to learning as well. Ms Finlay expressed appreciation for all the detail and unglamorous work that benefits the City.

Elizabeth Yapp, representing the North Star Playground Committee, thanked Council for considering the proposal for school playgrounds.

Council consensus occurred on the following:

10. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST

  1. Consideration of action regarding potential downtown location of methadone clinic. (Mayor Ruskin)

    Mayor Ruskin explained that due to office development the methadone clinic must relocate and suggested that it be to a medical environment. Mayor Ruskin asked for a motion of consensus of support for relocating the clinic to a location that affords the benefit of a medical setting.

    M/S Hartnett/Howard to extend the meeting to 11:10 p.m. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

    Lee Clark, attorney for Professional Treatment, Inc. stated that the clinic is not a County agency, but a private company that is a model program with a high success rate attempting to find a new location.

    Bill Edelman , president of Professional Treatment, Inc., thanked the Council and the Police Department for their professionalism throughout the 28 years in the city. He stated there have not been major problems associated with the medical program that is fully licensed by the appropriate agencies. The business has been a part of the County health program and is requesting support in Redwood City.

    M/S Claire/Howard to extend the meeting to 11:20 p.m. The motion passed by a majority voice vote with Council Member Hartnett voting no.

    Consensus by Council was that consideration of the facility should not be to the courthouse annex building that Council supports being torn down.

  2. Mayor Ruskin announced an agreement between the Bay Area Coalition of Animal Protection Organizations in the matter concerning the animals out in Bair Island. The agreement humanely traps the animals considered predators of the endangered species. The Department of Agriculture has agreed that the raccoons, skunks and both feral and non-feral cats will be trapped humanely in box traps at least until it is known that the box traps are insufficient in eliminating predators of the endangered species. The only animal for which no compromise has been made is the red fox.

  3. San Francisco Public Utilities Commission decided to endorse the Bay Area Water Users Association Master Plan for the preservation of the Hetch Hetchy System. The Master Plan calls for a proper capital improvement program to repair and preserve the Hetch Hetchy System, proper conservation tactics and adequate water supplies for the people in the entire region, not just those on the San Francisco peninsula.

11. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE

12. CLOSED SESSION - NONE

M/S Howard/Hartnett to adjourn until the next meeting of May 22, 2000 in memory of Dr. William Jordan, a San Carlos family physician and educator. Dr. Jordan passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2000 at Sequoia Hospital at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Marcella and their six children. Dr. Jordan has been a strong member of the community and is the only individual who has served on not only the San Carlos Elementary School Board, the Sequoia Union High School District Board and the San Mateo Community College District Board with a total of 30 years dedicated to children's education in San Mateo County.


Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC

City Clerk

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