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.
June 26, 2000The reception for the Pride and Beautification Committee Postcards Contest Winners was held in the City Hall foyer between 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The City Council Meeting and Redevelopment Agency Meeting were called to order simultaneously. The Redevelopment Agency Meeting commenced immediately following the Regular Council Meeting (See Separate Minutes).
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Hartnett, Howard, Ira, Jordan, Pierce, Vice Mayor Claire and Mayor Ruskin
Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Boland, City Clerk Howe; Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Financial Services Director Ponty, Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church, Housing Coordinator Jones-Thomas, Fire Chief Montez, Parks and Recreation Manager Centeno, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Parks and Recreation Manager Hannon, Police Sergeant Cesena, Library Director Chen, Volunteer Balsamo
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Council Member Barbara Pierce
4. INVOCATION - Vern Jones, Episcopal Priest, Diocese of Northern California
5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Presentation of Pride and Beautification Committee Postcards Contest Winners;
Mayor Ruskin explained the role of the Pride and Beautification Committee and the Postcard Contest being acknowledged. The Committee invited artists to submit entries that would present images of Redwood City to the world. A committee was formed to oversee the contest consisting of Joe Rice, Jeanne Roehm, Gary Lepori and G.J. Scove. Artists were encouraged to submit their work and many photographs, paintings and drawings were received. Bay Area Bank made a generous donation toward the printing costs and the following Downtown businesses donated gift certificates to the winners: City Pub, Give Pizza Chance, Joy Meadow, Mulligan's, Southwest Grill and Old Navy/Gap. A committee of judges was appointed consisting of Chairperson and Council Member Diane Howard, Planning Commissioner Tamara Piulle, Susan Sommers and Code Enforcement Officer Gary Lepori. City staff person Speer McClelland prepared the display of the postcards.
He then asked Council Member Howard to join him in giving out the awards. Awards for Honorable Mention were as follows: Carol Bevins, Patricia Dixon, Stuart Givot, Kathie Lou Eldridge, Marty Kaiser and Marsh Rightmeier. The six winners were as follows: Brian O'Neill (Nature), Johanna Kar (Humor), Horst Wolf (Business), Ernest King (Architecture), Brian O'Neill (Civic/Cultural) and Beth Mostovoy (Judge's Choice).
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Joseph Coddington of Docktown had two concerns based on one incident. There was a large 50-ft. boat that drifted out into the water. He stated he is concerned that the boat is still left against the bank at the end of Redwood Creek after he called 911. He expressed concern with the nonresponse to his 911call. Mayor Ruskin requested City Manager Everett report on the situation.
Elizabeth Travers read a letter with photographs pertaining to problems, which have developed on her street and the streets surrounding Stafford Park. She further questioned whether the City Attorney has investigated the liability of the City in permitting inflatable play equipment in the park. Mayor Ruskin requested a report on the nature of the contracts from City Manager Everett.
Ralph Frazia spoke about the crosswalk near the post office on Jefferson Avenue. He stated that after the underpass completion, heavy traffic and liability exist. He stated the crosswalk should be closed as soon as possible due to the danger to seniors and children.
Al Diaz spoke about Stafford Park and his concerns regarding the usage of large groups and jumping containers. He asked that the Council look into supporting any necessary ordinances and suggested group activities may be better accommodated at Red Morton Community Center.
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 Jordan removed Items D, H and I from the Consent Calendar.
M/S Ira/Hartnett to 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.
A. Approve by Motion the Minutes of the Study Session of June 5th, 2000;
MINUTE ORDER 00-248
B. Approve by Motion Hiring of Lateral Police Officers Above Entry Level;
MINUTE ORDER 00-249
C. Approve by Motion Change Order No. 1 and Change Order No. 2 for the Purchase and Installation of Light Emitting Diode Traffic Signal Equipment (Noresco);
MINUTE ORDER 00-243
E. Approve by Motion Task Order Amendment for Rolison Road Remediation for Contract with Controlled Environmental Services;
MINUTE ORDER 00-251
F. Approve by Motion Final Acceptance - Rubberized Railroad Crossings in the Cities of Burlingame and San Mateo and authorize the release of bonds (Stacy Witbeck);
MINUTE ORDER 00-252
G. Approve by Motion Final Acceptance - Reimbursement Agreement for Relocating WorldCom Network Services, Inc. for the Jefferson Avenue Underpass Project;
MINUTE ORDER 00-253
J. RESOLUTION 13924 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 1999-2000 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;
K. RESOLUTION 13925 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE STULSAFT PARK PLAY AREA RENOVATIONS; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (Cleary Bros. Landscape);
L. RESOLUTION 13926 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR FACILITY RENOVATION (Poplar ReCare);
M. RESOLUTION 13927 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REDWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE SAN CARLOS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE MENLO PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT;
N. RESOLUTION 13928 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) KONICA 7065 COPIER FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT (Konica Business Technologies, Inc.);
O. RESOLUTION 13929 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE STREET TREE MAINTENANCE PROJECT - 2000 - 2001; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;
P. RESOLUTION 13930 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES - DOWNTOWN AREA PLAN (Edaw Inc.);
Q. RESOLUTION 13931 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE THERMOPLASTIC STREET MARKINGS AND STREET SIGNS SERVICE PROJECT 2000-2001; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;
R. RESOLUTION 13932 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE 1999-2000 WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (Fermin Sierra Construction);
S. RESOLUTION 13933 APPROVING FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARTNERSHIP COURTYARD SUBDIVISION, REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS; APPROVING AND ADOPTING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT THEREOF; AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR SAID SUBDIVISION;
T. RESOLUTION 13934 REMOVING RESTRICTION FROM TITLE; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF QUIT CLAIM DEED; AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE SAID QUIT CLAIM DEED FOR RECORDATION;
U. Reject claims from Ellen Cole, claim no. 1821; Mary Lay, claim no. 1827;
MINUTE ORDER 00-254
V. Approve warrants dated through June 26, 2000 and all usual and necessary payments through July 10th, 2000;
MINUTE ORDER 00-255
Council Member Jordan questioned the timing of signal synchronization.
D. M/S Hartnett/Ira to Approve by Motion Final Acceptance - Regional Traffic Signalization/Operation Program and Authorize Release of Bonds and Retention. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Council Member Jordan discussed a contract payment progress worksheet on the project that appears to show economies of scale not given to the prices of the pipes and other items paid for by the City. Senior Civil Engineer Chang explained the unit price includes labor costs, which vary according to location and accessibility
H. M/S Ira/Howard to Approve by Motion Final Acceptance - 1998-1999 Watermain Replacement Project and authorize the release of bonds and retention (West Valley Construction). The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
MINUTE ORDER 00-257
Council Member Jordan asked questions regarding the paving schedule in Redwood Shores. Community Development Services Manager Patterson explained some work would be done as part of the intersection improvements, other parts will be done during the widening of Redwood Shores Parkway and other parts are not suitable for simple overlay.
I. RESOLUTION 13935 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 1999-2000 STREET OVERLAY PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
8. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES REPORTS - None
9. STAFF REPORTS
- Proposed Child Care Facility in Redwood Shores;
Mayor Ruskin explained the item deals with a proposed child care facility in Redwood Shores near the Pacific Athletic Club by a private developer. Parks and Recreation Manager Hannon provided information on the land parcel, site issues and economic factors of building a child care facility, history of the Redwood Shores Task Force and this specific project as well as options on developing the site and creative financing solutions. She further explained the site challenges involved are access, utilities, site preparation, environmental mitigation, and BCDC permit and easement requirements.
Childcare Coordinator Kristen Anderson gave a summary of the history of the Redwood Shores Task Force composed in response to the concerns due to the severe shortage of childcare for all ages. She introduced members in the audience: Rosanne Foust, a parent and businessperson in the community and Chamber of Commerce member; Fran Durakis, President of Children's' Creative Learning Centers that operates before and after school child care in the Sandpiper Community Center on a lease basis. She explained that since the lack of child care is due to the lack of affordable facilities, the Child Care Task Force worked toward identifying potential City owned land for potential development and to outreach to the community to gain support for collaborative efforts to meet the child care need.
Some of the accomplishments were increase in the enrollment capacity of the before and after school program at Sandpiper from 60 to 70 spaces. Community meetings were held for input on needs and feedback on the task force work, a child care needs survey was conducted, presentations were made to many community organizations gaining letters of support from the RSHOA and RSOA, business owners and the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee. Informative articles were published articles in the community newsletters and contact and meetings occurred with many employers and developers. Potential sites identified were Mariner and Marlin park sites where some open space might be used for a small facility and the empty lot behind the Fire Station, but all sites were met with resistance from the residents around those sites concerned with parking and noise issues. The fourth potential site was the large lot at Marine and Bridge Parkways. Max Keech approached the Task Force approximately two months ago with an initial proposal. The Task Force felt that if the land were dedicated for childcare use it should remain that.
Parks and Recreation Manager Hannon spoke of four options: land lease with a private developer, land sale with a private developer, City acting as a developer, or do nothing at this time. She went through the pros and cons of each option and stated that although four traditional alternatives had been presented it would be extremely difficult for any developer to qualify for traditional financing. In order to more fully explore childcare on this site, meeting the community's needs and the Council priority of youth, some creative financing options were presented. The alternative financing strategies proposed were to use funds from City reserves to finance the construction of the child care facility or for the City to secure exempt financing on those certificates of participation to construct the child care facility. The pros and cons of those options were explained.
Parks and Recreation Manager Hannon stated staff is seeking direction on proceeding with childcare development on this site or do nothing at this time. If going forward, the question is whether to work with a private developer or for the City to act as the developer. A funding alternative would need to be decided upon in either scenario. The recommendation would be to enter into a lease rather than a sale and the property would go out to bid.
Financial Services Director Ponty discussed the reserves and the types of reserves the funding might come from. He stated the City could be the lender and loan money to a private developer coming from General Fund reserves or use tax exempt bonds. One additional alternative determined since the report was published was that the City could issue taxable bonds freeing the need to work with a nonprofit, but still may have issues of whether that interest rate would work or not. The most likely source for funding would be the General Fund and the anticipated pay back period on the loan is a 20-year amortization schedule.
Max Keech thanked City Manager Everett and staff members Julie Hannon, Kristen Anderson and Brian Ponty. He stated one of the key issues is whether it is financeable. The site currently takes access as the hotel site does, through Pico Boulevard, which has no utility service. Better access was proposed to be by building an access and future extension from Twin Dolphins Drive by taking a bridge across the slough in the back together with sewer, water, storm drain, gas, electric, etc. provided. Mr. Keech explained in detail his proposal utilizing overhead maps. A maximum 10,000 square foot building with 15,000 square foot fenced outdoor space, 20,000 square feet of improved public access for BCDC and parking. The facility would legally service up to 180 children and a minimum of 150-160 children. The key elements of the proposal are a land lease of 49 years with a renewal option, a reuse restriction to guarantee a 160-child facility.
Council questions included maximum amount of childcare slots possible on any of prior sites.
Public Comment
Pat Dixon stated the issue of traffic has not been mentioned. Unless through Pico Boulevard there will be a substantial traffic impact.
Rosanne Foust stated she has been involved in the Task Force for last 13 months. She stated she appreciates the involvement of staff and Council and stressed the strong need in the County. She stated 4% of infant care is currently being met, 57% of the preschool and below age 5 is being met and recognizes the economics of the project. She is interested in hearing comments, questions and concerns.
Vice Mayor Claire mentioned other sites are available and asked where the Task Force stands on the proposed project. Ms. Foust stated there were three representatives of the HOA directly adjacent to the fire station, two of which were board members of the HOA who strongly oppose that location for the project. She further stated that both positive and negative comments toward the fire station site have been made and that the HOA is open to a community meeting between the Task Force and the residents of the Sandpiper Lagoon development.
Council questions included what the total cost would be, how access issues would be addressed and how many childcare spaces are currently available.
Council comments included the need to look at where we want our community to be, at the community wants and what we want the community to be. A desire to see the City not as the developer or operator was expressed with a long-term land lease while maintaining control and ownership.
M/S Howard/Ira to approve Alternative 1) long term land lease to a private developer who would construct a child care facility and operate it or lease it to a child care operator and Finance Option A) the City could use funds from its reserves to finance the construction of the facility and be repaid, by the developer, over a 20 year term. Staff to work in conjunction with the Finance Committee to work out the details and return to Council. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.MINUTE ORDER 00-258
Recess - 9:35-9:50 p.m.- Agreement with the County of San Mateo for the provision of animal control services for the period of July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2003;
Police Sergeant Cesena explained the recommendation is that the City enters into an agreement with San Mateo County for animal control services. He further explained the services provided through the Peninsula Humane Society. The Countywide Animal Control Task Force consisting of representatives of all cities entered into negotiations with the County and Peninsula Humane Society. The costs increased dramatically and the reasons included the costs of new regulations involving the holding and treatment of animals in the shelter. Other costs effecting the increase were the addition of previously omitted costs of the Peninsula Society administrative and overhead costs, addition of capital costs relating to equipment and vehicle maintenance. DMG Maximus conducted an audit of the Peninsula Humane Society. The audit revealed that the past reimbursement level stipulated in the old contract was insufficient to cover the actual costs to provide the services requested by the County and its Cities. DMG Maximus determined the costs to provide the services for FY 2000/01 to be approximately $4.2 million, however the cost was negotiated down to be approximately $3.9 million. The contract also includes reimbursement to the Peninsula Humane Society for costs related to new regulations. To continue to use the services, the City will experience an increase of approximately $170,000.00 due largely to State mandates.
Council comments included that large numbers of possum, raccoon and skunk reside in the City and that the issue must be considered through documentation of numbers and ways to address the problem.
Public Comment:
Nita Spangler brought up the issue of wild animals and stated domestic pet owners should pay their fair share. She stated the Police Department should be educated to advise and refer properly.
M/S Ira/Claire to adopt RESOLUTION 13936 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES AND SHELTER FACILITIES WITH THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO (County of San Mateo) and send a letter to the County and the Peninsula Humane Society requesting education in order to provide intelligent responses from City personnel to various questions and situations. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.MEMO
- Solid Waste Collection and Recycling Service Changes;
Financial Services Director Ponty explained the revisions and BFI General Manager Gino Gasparini explained the residential garbage pick-up would continue to be on a weekly basis, recycling collected on a bi-weekly basis.
M/S Claire/Ira to direct the City's South Bayside Waste Management Authority Board Representative to vote in the affirmative requesting Browning Ferris Industries to provide changes in solid waste and recycling collection to same day residential recycling and solid waste collection in conjunction with changing Spring and Fall cleanups to two on-call cleanups annually, effective February 2001. BFI to provide public educational outreach regarding the revisions. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.MINUTE ORDER 00-259
- Fiscal Year 1999/2000 Appropriations Revisions;
Financial Services Director Ponty explained the ordinance formally allocates and designates appropriations from the current accounts as a result of changes due to Council policy and other decisions made that require moving funds from one account to another.
M/S Howard/Claire to introduce an ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING SPECIFIED AMOUNTS FROM DESIGNATED UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCES TO SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS, CANCELING CERTAIN APPROPRIATIONS, AND TRANSFERING SPECIFIED AMOUNTS FROM DESIGNATED APPROPRIATIONS TO OTHER SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.10. PUBLIC HEARING
- Adoption of Annual Budget 2000/2001;
Financial Services Director Ponty explained that the action is taken to formally adopt the budget. He summarized the three changes to the budget that were recommended since the Study Session on June 5, 2000.
The Capital Projects Grants and Assessments reflect the contribution of approximately $1.2 million to the Parks and Playfields Renovation project e from San Mateo County. Adding this amount to the budget does not change the scope of the budget but allows us to establish the entire project appropriation within the City system in order to provide the project managers a clearer picture of the entire amount of funds available on the project.
The Capital Projects Sewer Fund - the recommendation is to appropriate $500,000.00 in 2001/02 for the El Camino Groundwater project. Sufficient funds are available in 2000/01 to enable this project to be brought forward one year.
Operations Sewer Fund - South Bayside System Authority has provided final member contribution figures. The City's contribution for 2000/01 is $4,436,816.00 and for 2001/02 is $4,658,660.00. The increases over the projected figures will be financed in the sewer charges.
Public Hearing opened
M/S Howard/Ira to close the public hearing. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
- Introduce an Ordinance:
M/S Claire/Howard to introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2000- JUNE 30, 2001; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE OF ALL SUMS SET FORTH IN SET BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR EMERGENCY EXPENDITURES, TRANSFERS, ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS, CANCELLATIONS AND REAPPROPRIATIONS OF EXISTING APPROPRIATIONS; ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1-64 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1-2000 JUNE 30, 2001; MAKING PROVISION FOR INTERIM EXPENDITURES AS OF JULY 1, 2000; AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2176, AND ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; and- Approve in Concept the 2001/2002 Budget;
11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
12. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST
- Governor's Transportation Plan;
Mayor Ruskin explained the letter and resolution presented and requested adoption of the resolution and authorization to send a cover letter to Governor Gray Davis.
M/S Howard/Claire to authorize Mayor Ruskin to send a letter to Governor Davis in support of the items. The motion passed by a majority voice vote with Council Member Jordan voting no.MEMO
- Edgewood Traffic Calming Ad Hoc Group Report:
Council Member Pierce gave the background information and asked that the City partner with the Redwood Oaks Neighborhood Association to find a location for one or two additional humps on Orchard. When a site is found, installation of a new hump and removal of the hump in front of 102 Orchard would occur.
Public Comment:
Nita Spangler stated the humps on Edgewood Road are somewhat helpful in slowing traffic and that there is a request for a 4-way stop sign at King Street and Hopkins.
M/S Jordan/Howard approved the recommendation as stated above by Council Member Pierce. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
- School Traffic Group;
Mayor Ruskin explained that the School Traffic Group was formed due to the growth of the schools in and around the City and Council Member Pierce was asked to take part in the discussion and facilitate communication between the Group and the Council.
Council Member Pierce gave the background leading up to the realization of a shared difficulty involving the schools, the City streets, the parents and the general community as it relates to traffic around the schools. The two meetings so far have involved Superintendent Ron Crates, Norm Smith from Administration, the Director of Transportation, Police Department representatives, City Traffic Engineer, Traffic Consultant, two Principals, and three parents from different school sites to discuss what the problem is. The Group is working toward identifying the shared interests and concerns to be dealt with at the individual schools.
Council consensus was for Council Member Pierce to continue with the effort as liaison.
- Proposed Closure of County Health Clinics at Taft and Garfield;
Mayor Ruskin explained the County's financial situation and potential closure of the health clinics. He stated that the closure of these clinics would pose a real hardship in the community. He further requested authorization to send a letter on behalf of the Council to the Board of Supervisors expressing hope that they will find other ways to trim the budget rather than close the clinics.
Public Comment:
Bob Diaz explained the transportation constraints that would arise should Taft be closed. He urged Council to encourage the County to keep the Taft clinic open.
M/S Jordan/Howard to send a letter including appreciation for the County's collaboration in providing health services at the schools and encourage them to reconsider and do what they can. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
- Council Member Jordan proposed citizens' advisory committee to review the budget and stated she and Council Member Ira would provide parameters of such a committee for Council consideration at a future date.
M/S Ira/Claire to extend the meeting to 11:15 p.m. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Council Member Ira stated extension of the budget review process to a committee would enhance the credibility of the budget product.
13. CLOSED SESSION - None
14. ADJOURNMENT
M/S Howard/Ira to adjourn until the meeting of July 10th, 2000.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia S. Howe, CMC
City Clerk
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