REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

February 26, 2001

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
7:00 P.M.
February 26, 2001



1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:01 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

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

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe; Senior Civil Engineer Lynch; Community Development Services Director Nelson, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church, Community Development Services Manager Passanisi, Associate Planner Ekas; Fire Chief Montez; Volunteer Balsamo

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Council Member Ira

4. INVOCATION - Dennis Logie, Pastor (Sequoia Christian Church)

5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - Proclamation - Peace Corps Day

Mayor Ruskin read the proclamation.

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Gino Gasparini, representing the Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, announced that on February 28 at the Chamber a small business workshop will take place entitled, "Saving Money and Time in Resolving Business and Real Estate Disputes". The workshop is free and presented by the law firm of Smith, Bentley and Hartnett. The second event, new to the Chamber, occurs on March 29 called, "Good Morning Redwood City". The event will occur every other month and some of the subjects will be about current events that influence the Chamber and the City of Redwood City such as the Marina Shores and Pete's Harbor project, Downtown Retail/Cinema project and the Pacific Shores Center. Mayor Ruskin will give a state of the City address and Supervisor Rose Jacobs-Gibson will be in attendance that day. The event is a $20.00 breakfast held at the Sequoia Club, 1695 Broadway. The Chamber telephone number is 364-1722.

Don Davis commented that the same type of paperwork is not required for a remodel vs. building a new structure. He suggested the City reconsider the requirements for each.

Greg Neimeyer of Stanford University representing the Digital Arts Center stated the Center has been pursuing public art projects with digital media and is currently seeking the Council's support for a public art project in Redwood City. He further stated the Civic Cultural Commission forwarded the request to the Police Administrative Sergeant for an outdoor projection of digital media content on the back wall of the Fox Theatre on March 21. He noted that it would be an opportunity for Redwood City to underscore its commitment to culture and arts accessible to all at no cost to the City.

Manuel C. Sotomayor thanked the City Council and staff for the completion of the refurbishment of the Redwood Shores levees.

7. CONSENT CALENDAR - None

Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine by the City Council and are enacted by one motion and one vote. There is no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member or Citizen so requests, in which event the item is removed from the consent calendar and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

Council Member Jordan requested Item 7.3A be discussed and Mayor Ruskin removed it from the Consent Calendar.

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

7.1   Minutes Approval

A. Motion to Approve the Minutes of the Joint Meeting of February 5, 2001 Ranking Workshop of February 10, 2001 and Regular Meeting of February 12, 2001 as submitted; (301)

MINUTE ORDER 01-25

7.2   Motions

A. Motion to conceptually approve a budget amendment in the amount of $15,000 for the Demolition of the former Fire Station No. 11 (909 Second Ave.); (501)

MINUTE ORDER 01-26

7.3   Section - Agreements/Resolutions

B. RESOLUTION 14146 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 2000-2001 TREE PRESERVATION AND SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)

C. RESOLUTION 14147 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 2001-2002 COST SHARED SIDEWALK REPAIR PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)

D. RESOLUTION 14148 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH SAN MATEO COUNTY TO PROVIDE CDBG FUNDING TO ASSIST WITH CONSTRUCTION OF AS NORTH COUNTY EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTER (North County Winter Shelter); (304)

E. RESOLUTION 14149 ACCEPTING BID FOR PAVEMENT REPAIR SERVICES AT CARSON RESERVOIR; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK (Bay Area Paving); (304)

F. RESOLUTION 14150 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE BAY TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AT THE TERMINUS OF WHIPPLE AVENUE (The Beals Group, Inc.); (304)

G. RESOLUTION 14151 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 29 TO AGREEMENT RELATING TO SEWAGE TRANSMISSION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL; AND CONSENTING TO ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE EMERALD LAKE HEIGHTS SEWER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT; (607)

H. RESOLUTION 14152 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS 1100-2100 SEAPORT BOULEVARD (LOTS A-H); APPROVING AND ADOPTING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT THEREOF; AND AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT THEREOF; (304)

I. RESOLUTION 14153 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001 CIVIC FACILITIES PAINTING PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)

J. RESOLUTION 14154 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 2000-2001 BIKE PATH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR; (304)

K. RESOLUTION 14155 WAIVING PUBLIC BIDDING SOLICITATION AND ADVERTISEMENT; ACCEPTING BID FOR THE LAGOON DISCHARGE FACILITY III OUTFALL REPAIR PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK (McGuire & Hester); (304)

7.4   Warrants

A. Approve warrants dated through February 26, 2001 and usual and necessary payments through March 12, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01- 01-27

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with Vice Mayor Claire abstaining on approval of the minutes of February 12, 2001 due to his absence.

  1. A. M/S Jordan/Howard to adopt RESOLUTION 14156 AWARDING BID FOR RODENT AND COCKROACH CONTROL PROGRAM (SANITARY SEWERS - CREEKS - MARINA - PORT - CORP YARD) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000/01; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING THE RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (Dewey Pest Control); (304)

    Council Member Jordan asked if the agreement includes rats along the levees in Redwood Shores and that they are predators of Clapper Rail eggs.

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST

  1. Budget Review Dates - Dates for Budget Consideration; (501)

    M/S Hartnett/Ira RESOLUTION 14157 ESTABLISHING SUBMITTAL DATE FOR PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002, SETTING TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING THEREON, AND ESTABLISHING DATE OF ADOPTION OF THE FINAL BUDGET FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR;

    The calendar is as follows:

    May 24, 2001Budget Sent to Council
    June 25, 2001City Council Budget Study Session
    July 9, 2001Budget Introduction to Council and Budget Study Session
    July 23, 2001Budget Ordinance Adoption

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

  2. Council Member Ira stated that the contract for the Citizens Survey will be on the agenda of March 26 with the Library being included and Redwood Shores targeted regarding Capital projects in the Redwood Shores are. He asked that Council provide any other input.

9. STAFF REPORTS

  1. M/S Claire/Howard to Approve Final Acceptance and Conceptual Approval of Budget Amendment - Fire Station 11; Accept the Fire Station No. 11 Project, Approve the Final Cost of the Fire Station at $2,343,678.00 and Conceptually Approve a Budget Amendment for $43,678.00; (501)

    City Engineer Lynch explained the budget amendment necessary. He continued with explaining the unique Design-Build (DB) procurement process approved by Council in 1999. A team was selected consisting of the contractor, W.L. Butler, and the architect, RMW Architects, to build the Fire Station.

The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

MINUTE ORDER 01-28

10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

11. PUBLIC HEARING -

  1. Amendments to the General Plan Text, General Plan Land Use Map, and Zoning Ordinance; (601)

    Community Development Services Director Nelson explained in June of 2000, staff brought forward interim urgency ordinance recommendations and for the last several months an ad hoc committee has been studying the issues. The committee's work has focused on four major principles: Create housing incentives and opportunities, preserve industrial zoning districts, to preserve commercial and centers and to provide adequate off-street parking. She stated the recommendations provide for incentives of land uses and a balanced economic base and are cutting edge with other cities inquiring and monitoring these studies as it relates to their own communities.

    Housing and Human Committee Member Nick Watry reported that the work is not over. Interim term and long term goals in the issue of housing will be discussed; a live/work ordinance and SOR standards will be studied. Included in medium term goals is to have more residential overlays with combining districts. He also stated long term goals included higher density opportunities and looking at encouraging transit oriented development.

    Planning Commissioner Ken McCoy stated they tried to restrict some of the uses that were formally permitted in the light industrial area. Language has been crafted that does not allow building of offices to maximum of lot coverage permitted unless there is industry associated with it. He stated the City of San Jose had just received results of a contracted study that essentially made the same findings that you cannot just build high tech, laboratories, or offices. You must have a balance of the older more traditional infrastructure and support type industrial uses.

    Planning Commissioner Rosanne Foust addressed the issue of preserving the commercial centers in the City. She stated discussion was around not changing the existing uses but how to protect it and move forward. The focus is to have retail in the downtown and create housing to be a part of the outskirts. The neighborhood commercial centers such as Canyon Road, Marsh Manor, Bridgepoint Plaza and how they would be impacted was studied and how those areas might be developed in the future to include a housing element.

    Planning Commissioner Tamara Piulle stated that parking is a balancing act where on the one hand enough off-street parking reserves must be provided and on the other hand uncontrolled parking must be restricted. Employers must be encouraged to develop alternate transportation modes. The two tier parking system being recommended will better address the often-different parking needs of businesses due to the number of employees, trips generated and location in the community.

    Associate Planner Ekas gave an overview of the public review process and described various terms such as Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and grandfathering. She explained the various housing incentives that include mixed use commercial corridors to have FAR bonus for the provision of housing; neighborhood shopping centers redevelopment incentive for residential units on the second story; the Downtown would allow housing on the first floor of the CB and Central Administrative (CA) zones and Single Room Occupancy (SROs) within 1,500 feet of CalTrain Depot and within the entire CBR zone.

    Ms. Ekas explained the second principle to be preserving industry. She stated that General Industrial) GI is the heaviest industrial zone and the proposal would allow a FAR of 10% for office uses and the office would be accessory to the industrial use. No FAR would be implemented for the industrial use itself. The medium industrial (IR) proposals include a total FAR of 70% for industrial uses as well as other permitted and conditional uses, and a 35% FAR for commercial uses. Office uses would be allowed in conjunction with any permitted or conditional use and would be allowed to occupy up to one third of the FAR or a maximum of 35% FAR in conjunction with the other use. The light industrial (IP) calls for a 40% FAR.

    Ms. Ekas continued with the third principle of preserving commercial centers for pedestrian oriented uses on the first floor. Neighborhood shopping centers to be neighborhood serving and office size limitation on the first floor would allow a maximum of 25% for office use, resulting in 75% of the first floor area in retail and service types of retail to preserve the orientation of those centers.

    The last principle of providing adequate off-street parking discussed was for sites within 1,500 feet of the CalTrain Station to have 3.3 stalls per 1,000 square feet. Sites outside 1,500 feet to have 4 stalls per 1,000 square feet for smaller offices and 3.3 stalls per 1,000 square feet for larger offices.

    Other recommendations included the creation of a new Commercial Office (CO) zoning district, Electronic Equipment Facilities and -V Combining District FARs for auto dealers.

    Mayor Ruskin opened the Public Hearing.

    George A. Arce, Jr. stated his concerns and distributed written copies as well. The concerns included whether a parcel with split zoning of CN and IR can be converted to IR; concern with the "grandfathering"; current office use in the CN and the "neighborhood serving" implications when the leases expire; and the "mixed use" component impact needing to be discussed further.

    Georgette Guerra, a 32-year resident of San Mateo, stated her interest is the continued reconfiguration of the entire Peninsula. She further stated that in the Bay Area traffic gridlock and affordable housing are the main concerns. She encouraged Council to consider preserving open space while implementing the zoning amendment.

    Linda Lau spoke on behalf of Abbott Laboratories and the acquisition of the Cargill Salt property. She stated that prior to the land purchase much due diligence was undertaken and discussion with City staff regarding the G-I zoning of the property and the urgency ordinance. She stated Abbott was told the G-I zoning was excluded from the ordinance, that there were no FAR limitations, that there was not a cap on the office space and that parking was 3.3 per thousand. She further stated that plans moved forward based on that information and only recently they found that the parcel is not exempt from the ordinance and that there are changes to the G-I zoning. She requested that the ad hoc committee review the definition of research laboratories.

    Sean Murphy, representing Perclose that is part of Abbott Laboratories. He stated the company employs a diverse number of individuals that are attracted from the Peninsula. The company invents and manufactures medical devices to solve cardiovascular disease. He further stated the company hopes to extend the facility behind its present site.

    Eric Minden stated some issues with the proposed ordinance such as the I-R district change to office use as a prohibited use. He further stated that it is more conventional when changes such as those proposed do not apply to planning applications currently under review.

    Ten Hannig requested a packet be provided to him and expressed concern with applications currently in the process. He stated he wants office space preserved and allowance for office development in the I-R zone that will eliminate blight.

    Cristina Wooley stated both Seaport Plaza and Seaport Centre would be affected by the proposed nonconforming use provision. She requested clarification on rebuilding and the regulations regarding the nonconforming status.

    Arron Pellarin stated he did not get his project in under the wire. He detailed the chronology of his submittal and stated it is unfair that at this point that his permit may not be approved.

    Sandy Goldstein asked why a mix could not be allowed. He stated the hope that when office construction is prohibited that it will ensure that industry in Redwood City will be able to resist the market forces working against it.

    Don Davis stated that retaining open space should be considered.

    Paul Shepherd stated the message being sent is important and the message would be that high tech companies are not welcome.

    William L. Butler stated his properties are I-R zoned and asked that all options not be shut out, to be cautious and not apply so many restrictions.

    Al Habeeb stated he owns property near the small parking lot near the Redwood City Plaza and asked how the new zoning will effect his property values.

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

    Community Development Director Nelson responded to questions from the speakers.

    Council questions included whether shared parking works.

    M/S Claire/Hartnett to extend the meeting to 11:15 p.m. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

    M/S Hartnett/Claire to:
    1. Find that the recommended amendments to the General Plan text and General Plan Land Use Map are in the public interest and make findings (Attachment 1);
    2. Adopt by resolution an amendment to the General Plan text and General Plan Land Use Map (Attachments 2, 3, and 4);
    3. Waive reading of the ordinance and title and Introduce an ordinance by reference to a short title, to amend the Zoning Ordinance (Attachment 5);
    4. Amendments not to include the Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) element and housing in Neighborhood Commercial, but these elements to be brought back for consideration at a later date.

    Adopt a resolution:

    RESOLUTION 14158 AMENDING THE STRATEGIC GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL, TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR MIXED USE; AND AMENDING THE LAND USE PLAN OF THE STRATEGIC GENERAL PLAN TO ADD THE CG-R, CBR AND CN ZONES TO THE MIXED USE LAND USE CATEGORY; AMEND THE COLOR OF THE SYMBOL FOR THE MIXED USE LAND USE CATEGORY TO RE-DEFINE "MIXED USE;" TO AMEND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOL ON THE LEGEND FOR COMMERCIAL OFFICE SINGLE-STORY STRUCTURES ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS; TO CHANGE THE LAND USE DESIGNATION ON CERTAIN AREAS DESIGNATED COMMERCIAL/OFFICE SINGLE-STORY STRUCTURES ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS TO MIXED USE (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL); TO CHANGE THE LAND USE DESIGNATION ON CERTAIN AREAS CURRENTLY DESIGNATED OFFICE PARK ORIENTED USES AND MULTI-STORY STRUCTURES FOR OFFICES AND RETAIL USES (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) TO MIXED USE (OFFICE PARK ORIENTED USES/RESIDENTIAL) AND MIXED USE (MULTI-STORY STRUCTURES FOR OFFICES AND RETAIL USES (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT)/RESIDENTIAL;

    Introduce an Ordinance:

    ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.7, ADDING SECTIONS 2.16.5, 2.35.1, 2.39, AMENDING SECTION 2.41, ADDING SECTIONS 2.42, 2.48.3, 2.48.5, 2.49, 2.53.5, 2.53.6, 2.58.5, 2.63.5, 2.68, AMENDING SECTION 2.79, AND ADDING SECTIONS 2.92.1, 2.107, 2.107.5, REGARDING DEFINITIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AND SERVICE FACILITY, BUSINESS OFFICE, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT FACILITY, FINANCIAL SERVICE, FLOOR AREA, FLOOR AREA RATIO, GRANDFATHERED USES OR STRUCTURES, GROUND FLOOR, GROUND FLOOR DEPENDENT OFFICES, LOT, LOT AREA, LOT SIZE, MEDICAL OFFICE, NEIGHBORHOOD, PROFESSIONAL OFFICE, SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY FACILITY, CHANGE OF USE, NEIGHBORHOOD SERVING; AMENDING SECTIONS 3.1, 3.2, REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT AND DESIGNATION OF DISTRICTS; AMENDING SECTION 11.2, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN PO (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 12.2, 12.4, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN CA (CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 13.2, 13.4, 13.5, 13.10, AND ADDING SECTION 13.12, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN CN (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 14.2, 14.4, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN CB (CENTRAL BUSINESS) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 15.2, 15.4, 15.10 AND ADDING SECTION 15.12, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN CG (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 16.2, 16.10, AND ADDING SECTION 16.11, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN CP (COMMERCIAL PARK) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.8, 17.9, 17.10, AND ADDING SECTIONS 17.12, 17.13, 17.14, 17.15, 17.16, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN IR (INDUSTRIAL - RESTRICTED) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 18.2, 18.4, 18.8, 18.11, AND ADDING SECTIONS 18.17, 18.18, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN IP (INDUSTRIAL PARK) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, AND ADDING SECTIONS 19.10, 19.11, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN GI (GENERAL INDUSTRIAL) DISTRICT; ADDING SECTIONS 25.8, 25.8.1, 25.8.2, 25.8.3, 25.8.4, REGARDING THE COMBINATION OF DISTRICTS; AMENDING SECTIONS 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 26.10, 26.11, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN CBR (CENTRAL BUSINESS RETAIL) DISTRICT; AMENDING SECTIONS 30.2.2, 30.2.3, REGARDING REGULATION OF OFF STREET PARKING AND LOADING; AND ADDING ARTICLE 29, REGARDING PERMITTED USES WITHIN CO (COMMERCIAL OFFICE) DISTRICT, REGARDING THE CREATION OF A NEW DISTRICT FOR LARGER SCALE OFFICE CENTERS ON ARTERIAL STREETS AND AREAS VISIBLE FROM U.S. HIGHWAY 101, TO ORDINANCE NO. 1130, THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE.

    The motion passed by a majority roll call vote with Council Members Ira and Jordan voting no.

    M/S Claire/Howard to extend the meeting to 11:25 p.m. the motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

    M/S Claire/Howard to extend the meeting to 11:40 p.m. the motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

    M/S Claire/Hartnett to extend the meeting to 12:00 a.m. the motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

12. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES REPORTS - None

13. CLOSED SESSION - None

13. ADJOURNMENT - 11:50 p.m.

M/S Howard/Jordan in memory of William T. Griffiths, father of Peter Griffiths, Capital Projects Manager and former Parks and Recreation Department Director. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.



Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC

City Clerk

Copyright © 2001. The City of Redwood City. All rights reserved.