REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

March 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.
March 26, 2001



The City Council Meeting and Redevelopment Agency Meeting were called to order simultaneously. See separate Redevelopment Agency Meeting minutes.


1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:02 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

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

Council Members Absent: Council Members Hartnett, Jordan and Vice Mayor Claire

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe; Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Financial Services Director Ponty, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church, Community Development Services Manager Passanisi, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Associate Planner Ekas, Fire Chief Montez, Public Works Services Director Ingram, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Centeno, Recreation and Community Services Haqq-Smith, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Manager Beth

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Jim Hartnett (Council Member)

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

5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

Child Abuse Prevention Week Proclamation - Mayor Ruskin read the proclamation and introduced two representatives, Pat Black and Bernadette Plotnikoff, who explained the purpose behind Child Abuse Prevention Week.

John Enea Proclamation - Mayor Ruskin read the proclamation honoring Batallion Chief Enea for 35 years of service. Fire Chief Montez thanked Batallion Chief Enea for his service and contributions. Batallion Chief Enea thanked the City and the community for the opportunity and the environment to serve in a career he truly enjoyed.

Oracle Recognition - Fire Chief Montez awarded and thanked Oracle, represented by Randy Smith for their second donation to the City of a thermal imaging device camera for rescue purposes. Randy Smith expressed gratitude for the partnership that exists with the Fire Department regarding employee training and the focus on emergency preparedness.

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Ted E. Prokos of South San Francisco spoke of rent control that does not exist in San Mateo County. He stated that the citizens and Councils of San Mateo County should pursue the issue of rising rents.

Vice Mayor Claire stated he is planning to contact the Tri-City County Apartment Association to discuss the rent increases in hopes of encouraging the landlord members to carefully consider those increases and the implications.

Mayor Ruskin concurred with Vice Mayor Claire's idea.

Karen Sparks Burgess commented on the continuous problem at the Peninsula Marina. She stated PCRC is in violation of the Fair Housing Law.

Reginald Burgess stated that when the City intervened it caused the present situation.

Bruce Codding, President of the Redwood City Education Foundation, advertised the Annual Jukebox Friday night at Forester's Hall from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30.

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 Howard requested Item 7.1E be removed for discussion. Council Member Jordan requested removal of Item 7.3A for discussion and City Manager Everett pulled Item 7.2D from consideration.

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

7.1   Motions

A. Motion to Approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 26, 2001 and of the last meeting of March 12, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01-37

B. Motion to Approve Hiring of an IT Analyst (Victor Fong) at $5,472.00 per month;

MINUTE ORDER 01-38

C. Motion to Approve Hiring of a Senior Building Inspector (Dennis Corbett) at the third step of the salary range which is $5,044.00 monthly, effective April 9, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01-39

D. Motion for Final Acceptance - 2000/2001 Street Light Improvement Project (Upgrading) and Authorize the Release of Bonds and Retention;

MINUTE ORDER 01-40

E. Motion for Final Acceptance - Red Morton/Valota Road Restroom Replacement Project, and Authorize the Release of Bonds and Retention;

MINUTE ORDER 01-41

7.2   Section - Agreements/Resolutions

A. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with the Service Employees' International Union Local 715:

  1. Motion to Approve the MOU for the local SEIU 715;

    MINUTE ORDER 01-42

  2. RESOLUTION 14168 ESTABLISHING A SALARY AND WAGE PLAN FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS (SEIU UNIT); AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 13298 AND ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS PERTAINING THERETO;

B. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 14169 OF THE COUNCIL OF REDWOOD CITY AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNING AND REDEVELOPMENT CONSULTING SERVICES (Bruce W. Liedstrand/Liedstrand Associates);

C. RESOLUTION 14170 14170 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH CREATE A SMILE FOUNDATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (Create a Smile Foundation);

D. RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR TRAFFIC STUDY/ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF 709 WOODSIDE ROAD (Parsons Transportation Group);

This item was removed from consideration by staff.

E. RESOLUTION 14171 ACCEPTING BID AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS FOR THE REPAIR AND INSTALLATION OF THE OUTFIELD FENCE AT HAWES SOFTBALL FIELD;

F. RESOLUTION 14172 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO AND THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY;

G. RESOLUTION 14173 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR COST SHARING WITH THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO FOR RESURFACING UPLAND ROAD AND THE ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS ;

H. RESOLUTION 14174 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL PROJECT FOR 2001 PLANNING GRANT IN CONNECTION WITH THE BLOMQUIST STREET EXTENSION PROJECT;

I. RESOLUTION 14175 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY SERVICES, WOODSIDE ROAD WIDENING PROJECT;

J. RESOLUTION 14176 APPROVING PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SMED OFFICE FURNITURE AT CITY HALL AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (Smed Office Furniture);

K. RESOLUTION 14177 APPROVING THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE SPORT FIELD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT GARFIELD CHARTER SCHOOL; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

L. RESOLUTION 14178 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SPORTS FIELD IMPROVEMENTS AT HOOVER SCHOOL (The Beals Sports Collaborative);

M. RESOLUTION 14179 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR JOINT TRAINING OFFICER TRAINING SERVICES;

N. RESOLUTION 14180 ACCEPTING BID OF THE REDWOOD CITY ALMANAC FOR OFFICIAL ADVERTISING AND DESIGNATING SAID NEWSPAPER AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY;

7.3   Claims and Warrants

B. Approve warrants dated through March 26, 2001 and usual and necessary payments through April 9, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01-43

7.4   Ordinances (2nd Reading)

A. ORDINANCE 2207 AMENDING SECTION 18.242 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES; (first reading on 03/12/01);

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with Council Member Jordan and Vice Mayor Claire abstaining on approval of March 12, 2001 minutes in Item 7.1A due to not being in attendance at that meeting.

7.3   Claims and Warrants

A. M/S Hartnett/Claire to Reject the claims of Gina Woodside, claim no. 1874, and the claim of Beatrice Corona, claim no. 1881, and Gossamer Isle Homeowners Association, claim no. 1882 as submitted:

Council Member Jordan stated her understanding of the process for claims and that no information was provided in the packet for the Gossamer Isle Homeowners Association claim. She further proposed that the item be postponed until further documentation and information could be provided.

City Attorney Schricker explained the background to the claim and that it relates to the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) permit.

The motion passed by a majority voice vote with Council Member Jordan and Mayor Ruskin voting no.

7.1   Motions

E. M/S Howard/Hartnett to adopt Motion for Final Acceptance - Friendly Acres Area Storm Drain Improvements - Phase I, reject a claim by the Contractor, Casey Construction without prejudice, and reserve the right to collect 39 Days of liquidated damages;

Council Member Howard inquired about the bid process and whether the practice of investigating the background of the low bidder occurs. Staff explained that in some cases a prequalification is required or the specifications required are delineated in the bid documents.

The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

MINUTE ORDER 01-45

8. STAFF REPORTS

  1. Skate Board Park Presentation and Award of Contract;

    Parks, Recreation and Community Services Manager Beth explained the report would be updating the Council on status of the skatepark process, the needs, research of other cities, site selection, projected costs and fundraising effort, and next steps.

    Youth Advisory Board Chairperson Ariana Young stated that the increasing popularity of skateboarding and rollerblading has come a demand for a skatepark in the local area. In September of 1997, the Advisory Board, expressed an interest in developing a skatepark in the community. The Advisory Board members and PR&CS staff visited local skateparks and reviewed the impacts on the city and residents. After realizing the beneficial aspects of the parks, the Advisory Board determined a skatepark would be an important project to bring into the city. Funding for the park was added to the 1998/99 CIP in the amount of $150,000.00.

    Parks, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor Haqq-Smith explained that in 1998 the team began meeting with other cities to discuss the elements, features and concerns they had with their skatepark. Four main criteria surfaced in these discussions: Accessibility (need to be centrally located), community input and support, safety and accommodation of size (at least 10,000-15,000 square feet).

    Parks and Recreation Commissioner Don Davis stated the group looked at various sites such as schools, County property, Spinas Park, property near the Police Department, focusing on Red Morton Park as the most suitable. He stated the task force is committed to a fundraising effort and that there is potential for both cash contributions by corporate and fundraising within the community, by the skaters, as well as inkind donations of materials and other items.

    Various task force members spoke:

    Anne Palu, as a mother of three boys, stated her request for a skatepark. She stated Red Morton is a perfect site for the park with access, visibility, phones, water, supervision and restroom facilities.

    Chad Keith, skater, requested a park be built on a legal site for skating. He stated a legal site to skate would reduce damage to public property, risk of liability and improve relationships between skaters and the Police Department.

    Chris Probasco, organizer of skateboard activities at Peninsula Covenant Church, stated the program running since early December on average attracts between 70-80 skaters per weekend. He further stated that no major injuries have occurred and that parents and volunteers continue to offer appreciation toward the program. He affirmed the need for a skatepark.

    Council comments included questions related to costs and whether park features become obsolete. Staff responded that the design is more like a ski run with features of varying complexities where skaters evolve and become much proficient and more adept in their moves and maneuvers. An inventory of publicly run skateparks and costs incurred was requested.

    Public Comment:

    Ramon Quezada spoke on behalf of his two sons for Council support of a skatepark.

    Vance Smith supported stated his support for the skatepark with some concerns about the process. He questioned who the members of the task force are and his interest in serving as well as the issue of parking.

    Pastor Dennis Logie supported the park and was initially concerned with parking. He asked that the issue of transportation to and from the park be explored.

    Council comments included questioning expenditures so far, expected construction completion date and fundraising goals. A request was made for square footage, amount of construction costs per square foot and the size of the various local skateparks recently constructed.

    M/S Hartnett/Howard to adopt RESOLUTION 14181 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN SERVICES (Wormhoudt Landscape Architecture, Inc.);

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote

Recess: 8:52 - 9:06 p.m.

10. PUBLIC HEARING -

  1. Projects Impacted by the Recent General Plan and Zoning Amendments;

    Associate Planner Ekas explained the proposed ordinance and that it concerns the projects impacted by the recently adopted general plan and zoning amendments. She gave the background and chronology of the ordinance previous to the interim urgency ordinance up to the recently passed zoning ordinance passed on February 26, 2001.

    The public hearing was opened:

    Ted Hannig applauded the efforts of staff and Council toward fairness.

    M/S Claire/Hartnett to introduce the following ordinance to include the omission of Section 6:

    ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1130-310 REGARDING THE APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE 1130-310 TO DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH CERTAIN PLANNING APPROVALS

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

8. STAFF REPORTS

  1. Appropriations Revisions for Fiscal Year 2000/2001;

    Financial Services Director Ponty explained the appropriations request. He explained an omission of $250,000.00 pertaining to fees for the Redwood City School District from page 8A-3 to be rectified at a later date.

    M/S Ira/Howard to introduce:

    ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING SPECIFIED AMOUNTS FROM DESIGNATED UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCES TO SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS, CANCELING CERTAIN APPROPRIATIONS, AND TRANSFERRING SPECIFIED AMOUNTS FROM DESIGNATED APPROPRIATIONS TO OTHER SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS;

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

  1. Fifth Amendment to the Redevelopment Project No. 2 -

    Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church explained that this begins the process of extending the Agency's power to use eminent domain.

    M/S Howard/Pierce to adopt RESOLUTION 14182 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RECEIVING THE REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND CONSENTING TO AND SETTING A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT #2;

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (See Separate Minutes)

10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

11. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST -

  1. Council Member Barbara Pierce - Verbal Update on Historic Courthouse Restoration;

    Council Member Pierce gave the update on the Courthouse restoration. She stated interviews of consultants for the feasibility study have occurred and a selection will be made soon. A subgroup of the committee is working to expand so that there is broader countywide representation. DES Architects has volunteered to perform a sizable amount of work, up to approximately $57,000.00 for preliminary architect drawings for the front of the Courthouse restoration and some areas of the plaza area.

  2. Council Member Hartnett brought up the topic of the Utility Users Tax and discussion by some cities of a temporary reduction in the taxes of utilities. He suggested exploring ways to possibly reduce the tax either temporarily or otherwise and asked that the topic be placed on an upcoming Council agenda for consideration. He also inquired as to any feasible or reasonable options on temporary or other power generation facilities in the our own city.

  3. Council Member Hartnett suggested as a future agenda item the South Bay Crossing, initiated by Senator Feinstein, that links the East Bay to the South Bay. The concept of the matter would be discussed with the Council.

  4. Mayor Ruskin announced that the newly refurbished Stulsaft Park will be reopening on Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m.

12. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES REPORTS - None

13. CLOSED SESSION - None

13. ADJOURNMENT - 10:14 p.m.

M/S Hartnett/Pierce to adjourn in the memory of Agatha Bold, wife of former Redwood City Fire Chief George Bold to the regular session of April 9, 2001. A longtime Redwood City resident, Mrs. Bold passed away at the age of 72 on March 21, 2001. 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.