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.
May 14, 2001
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:05 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Howard, Ira, Jordan, Pierce, Vice Mayor Claire, Mayor Ruskin
Council Members Absent: Hartnett (arrived at 8:40 p.m.)
Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe; Assistant to City Manager Gonzalez, Redwood City 2020 Director Ross, Community Development Services Manager Passanisi, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Centeno, Senior Civil Engineer Vorametsanti, Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Volunteer Balsamo
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Dick Claire, Vice-Mayor
4. INVOCATION - Dennis Logie, Pastor (Sequoia Christian Church)
5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
John Baker personally thanked the City Council and staff in supporting the Almanac over the past 22 years for the paper and for himself over the last 3 years. He also thanked the residents for making the experience worthwhile. Mr. Baker shared an old file photograph of City staff from a Halloween party several years ago. He also stated that former Mayor and Almanac columnist Judy Buchan is seriously ill and in the hospital.
Paul Pfluger asked that the Peninsula Marina situation be reviewed again. He stated that a small opinion survey had been conducted at the Safeway Store and what was found is that public opinion is mostly not in favor of what is happening to the occupants.
Tracy Watkins stated he had previously spoken as not a tenant/client dispute but as an issue that involves the entire community. He further stated that Mayor Ruskin had addressed two of the four points he had mentioned earlier. He asked that Mayor Ruskin get involved, talk with the developers, and do everything in his power to bring this issue back to the bargaining table between the tenants and the property owner before it ends up as a legal issue.
Mayor Ruskin stated that he had responded to previous points made by Mr. Watkins, one being the item regarding the new marina being built out at Pacific Shores. He stated that the staff analysis was that given the permits required, the Federal agencies involved and the development status, the estimate is that the new marina would open in two years. Another request that there be more meetings is difficult in that any meetings between the tenants and the property owner are voluntary in this case.
Vice Mayor Claire stated that at Mayor Ruskin's request, he met with the principle involved and that there were a number of legal issues involved that prevented extension of the deadline.
James Webb stated that the real estate interests have created a situation on the Peninsula where there is no affordable housing left and eliminating Pete's Harbor and the Peninsula Marina will be taking away some of the last available affordable housing.
City Manager Everett stated for the record that neither the Planning Commission nor the City Council has received a formal proposal for a project.
Ernest Minelli speaking on behalf of the Redwood City School District Playground Committee advertised to the public a need for volunteers. He stated that playgrounds are being built at various schools using volunteer assistance from parents, teachers and community members. For more information, prospective volunteers may call the various elementary schools.
Rudy Luca stated that he had not received response to his previous complaints regarding a tree situation, a streetlight installation or replacement needed and a stop sign needed at Hudson and Vera.
Douglas MacGowan spoke of the fundraising event to occur on May 19 and 20, Relay For Life. He named various local groups participating in the event such as Sequoia Hospital, Sequoia High School, City of Redwood City employees, Recreation and Fire Departments. He also stated many Redwood City businesses were donating to the event. He thanked the City Council and encouraged all residents and their friends and family to participate at Sequoia High School.
Bruce Codding, President of the Redwood City Education Foundation, stated that several weeks ago the Starbucks Corporation solicited notices of intent to local nonprofits about grants in four geographical locations. Of the 1,200 responses that came in from San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and the Mid-Peninsula, 20 organizations were asked to submit grant proposals. He stated that the Education Foundation is one of two organizations vying for a grant of $100,000.00. He further stated that a broadcast of interviews would occur on May 19 at 6:00 a.m. on Channel 2 and on May 21 at 12:30 a.m. on Channel 36.
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.
M/S Howard/Ira 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 unanimous roll call vote by those present with Council Member Hartnett absent.
7.1 Motions
A. Motion to Approve Final Acceptance and Accept the Improvements and Release the Bonds for the Lido Neighborhood Unit No. 2 Subdivision, following the submission of a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $455,000.00;
MINUTE ORDER 01-68
B. Motion to Approve Final Acceptance for the Improvements for the Project Read Office Expansion Project and authorize the release of bonds;
MINUTE ORDER 01-69
C. Motion to extend the purchase agreement with Granite Rock Company approved pursuant to Resolution 13955 on July 24, 2000, for the purchase of asphalt-concrete materials for Fiscal Year 2000-2001; and authorizing execution of extension of purchase documents therefore;
MINUTE ORDER 01-70
7.2 Section - Agreements/Resolutions
A. RESOLUTION 14218 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) USED PASSENGER VEHICLES; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR (Hertz Car Sales);
B. RESOLUTION 14219 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE SPORT FIELD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT GARFIELD CHARTER SCHOOL; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (Robert A. Bothman, Inc.);
C. Approval of State Local Agency Master Agreement and Program Supplement No. 561 for State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Augmentation Funds for the Roosevelt Avenue Reconstruction Project- Phase II;
- RESOLUTION 14220 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF MASTER AGREEMENT FOR STATE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (STIP)FUNDING PLAN;
- RESOLUTION 14221 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. 561 UNDER MASTER AGREEMENT FOR STATE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (STIP) FOR ROOSEVELT AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION;
D. RESOLUTION 14222 APPROVING JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER I, II;
E. RESOLUTION 14223 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES RELATING TO THE WATER SURVEY PROJECT (KorTech Consulting, Inc.);
F. RESOLUTION 14224 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES (The Sandul Company, Inc.);
G. Interim Water Shortage Allocation Plan;
- RESOLUTION 14225 APPROVING INTERIM WATER SHORTAGE ALLOCATION PLAN PURSUANT TO SECTION 7.03(a) OF THE MASTER CONTRACT WITH SAN FRANCISCO;
- ii) By motion, direct the Public Works Services Director to initiate negotiations with some Bay Area Water Users Association member agencies for first refusal rights to dry year water transfers, pursuant to "Tier Two" of the Interim Water Supply Allocation Plan (initial contacts will be made as soon as all 29 agencies have approved the plan)
MINUTE ORDER 01-71
H. RESOLUTION 14226 DECLARING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST OR NECESSITY DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC MONEY PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 68 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND SECTION 20168 OF THE PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WITHOUT ADVERTISING FOR BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN REPLACEMENT PUBLIC ACCESS FACILITIES HEREIN DESCRIBED, APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, AND RATIFYING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR SUCH WORK (Redwood Shores levee project - replacement public access);
7.3 Claims and Warrants
A. Reject the claims of Lois Borgardt, claim no. 1896; claim from Louis Viani, claim no. 1898 and claim from Stuart Liroff, claim no. 1900 as submitted;
MINUTE ORDER 01-72
B. Approve warrants dated through May 14, 2001 and usual and necessary payments through May 21, 2001;
MINUTE ORDER 01-73
8. STAFF REPORTS -
- Redwood City 2020 Progress toward Youth Development and Education Goals: Redwood City Healthy Start Network, Youth Mapping and Children in our Community Report;
Redwood City 2020 Executive Director Ross stated that one year ago, Redwood City 2020 created the Coordinating Council chaired by Council Member Pierce. The Coordinating Council embarked on a youth development and education initiative which includes three goals: Provision and expansion of preschool services, provision and expansion of school based health and human services, provision and expansion of nonschool hour activities. She stated that selected activities would be highlighted in the presentation.
Karin Kelley Torregroza, Director, gave an overview of the Redwood City Healthy Start Network goals and outcomes.
Maria Fernandez, Director of Youth Mapping for the John Gardner for Youth and their Communities, introduced a group of young people which had researched, collected and analyzed data as part of the community assessment at Healthy Start at Kennedy Middle School. The following students presented findings and recommendations: Anahi Aguilar, Janson Buenrostro, Andres Garcia, Paula Garcia, Yarelly Hernandez, Marcella Padilla, Aldo Sepulveda, Rafael Urbina and J.J. Venable.
Stewart Oppenheim, Director of Children and Family Services of San Mateo County and JoAnna Caywood, Children's Report Initiative Manager, gave a background of the Children's final report.
Council Members questions included explanation of the need for a ramp over Highway 101and what surprises came of the survey. Council Members thanked the students and asked about next steps that might include youth inclusion on the Pride and Beautification Committee and expressed continued support for the focus on youth development and education.
8:40 p.m. - Council Member Hartnett arrived at the dais
8:45-9:00 p.m. - recess
9. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Progress Report on the Downtown Area Plan;
Bruce Codding, Chairperson of the Downtown Area Plan Task Force Steering Committee, recognized members of the committee in the audience: Gabriella Judd, Walter Moore, Inez Jackson, Audrey Lennan and Kevin Armstrong. Chairperson Codding stated that the visions, goals and strategies are contained in the staff report and Ms. Judd gave the status update.
Council Member Jordan complimented the Task Force and offered some ideas/comments that may or may not have been included. She stated two basic points that deserve more specificity in either the vision statement, goals or strategies are exploiting "Climate Best" to the greatest extent possible and connecting to the Bay Trail.
Council comments included consideration of other possible anchor points to create a bookend effect and engender more retail or entertainment and a plaza effect. Safe pedestrian crosswalks over El Camino Real and other streets into the downtown was stated as necessary and the strong emphasis on the historic character and preservation of the architecture in downtown was pointed to as an important element. Council comments also emphasized the waterways needing to be highlighted and a people pedestrian family friendly downtown as part of the high-density concept. Council Members expressed thanks and acknowledged the commitment of the task force and staff.
10. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST
- A. Discussion of Bay Area Alliance for sustainable development; Presentation by Former San Mateo County Board of Supervisor Mary Griffin of the Bay Area Alliance;
Former Supervisor Griffin explained she is a member of the Government liaison team for the Bay Area Council and Bay Area Alliance and presented a brief summary of the draft compact to engage in a dialogue with Council. She mentioned various points such as a sustainable, competitive economy, sufficient affordable housing, transportation investment, preserving and restoring the region's natural assets. Supervisor Griffin supplied sample resolutions to support interest and engage in dialogue.
Consensus by Council was to adopt a resolution at a future meeting.
- Redwood City 2020 Frontiers in Leadership Program;
Council Member Pierce explained that the program is an exchange learning program for young adults and that there were concerns expressed as to whether the program description was discriminatory. She stated a committee of Redwood City 2020 met and crafted a more inclusive description to address this issue. She further stated that the main difference is that the age was raised slightly to 21-35 and that the individuals to be involved would be those with leadership potential who live in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks. The members would be those with limited access to the resources and/or support systems needed to fulfill their leadership goals.
- Mayor Ruskin stated that the issue of fluoridation was brought up at a previous Council meeting and a statement was made that it would be considered at a future time. He explained that he is concerned about placing the item on the agenda. He stated he did additional research and that in regard to the health aspects of fluoridation, a discussion by Council is not a good use of valuable time. He stated the issue of fluoridation is State mandated. Secondly, in the case of Mountain View, a Superior Court just upheld the local court decision, which stated that the State does not need any further environmental studies to mandate fluoridation of the water. Because the State mandate is in force, it is only a question of when the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) implements the fluoridation. He stated that people who oppose the fluoridation should write to the State Legislature and if one were interested in discussion in terms of financial resources and implementation by the SFPUC the time is not now. The SFPUC has already approved $500,000.00 for a study of the engineering implementation of fluoridation. Mayor Ruskin stated that after completion of the study, exact costs and implementation impacts will be known so that a review in relationship to the needs of the entire Hetch Hetchy system in terms of capital improvement can be made.
Council consensus was to not schedule the topic at this time.11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
12. PUBLIC HEARING - None
13. CLOSED SESSION - No reported action
14. ADJOURNMENT - 10:20 p.m.
M/S Ira/Howard to adjourn until the next adjourned meeting of the City Council of Redwood City on May 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.