REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

June 11, 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.
June 11, 2001



The City Council Meeting and Redevelopment Agency Meeting were called to order simultaneously. The Redevelopment Agency Meeting began immediately following the Matters of Council Interest Section (8).



1. CALL TO ORDER - Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

Council Members Present: Mayor Ruskin, Vice-Mayor Claire, Council Member Hartnett, Council Member Howard, Council Member Ira, Council Member Pierce;

Council Members Absent: Vice-Mayor Claire, Council Member Jordan

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, Senior Deputy Clerk Ponte, Chief of Police Bolanos, Council Volunteer Balsamo, Community Development Director Liedstrand, Public Works Director Ingram, Planning Director Church, Human Resources Director Rivera, Building Manager La Torra, Engineering Manager Patterson, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Senior Planner Riordan, Economic Development Coordinator Webb, Administrative Sergeant Cesena, and Police Sergeant Uyeda

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Barbara Pierce, Council Member

4. INVOCATION - Steve Converse, Pastor (Grace Bible Church)

5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Mayor Ruskin recognized guests present at the meeting:
Michelle Lew, from the office of Assemblyman Joe Simitian;
Donald Fescenmayer, Planning Commission City of Spring Valley, Illinois;
Speakers:
Jack Stephens, resident in Redwood City since 1994 and representing the organization City Trees. By the end of next year this organization plans to plant as much as 1,000 shade trees in the City. This organization acknowledges and thanks City Staff, City Council, local merchants, corporate citizens, and other volunteer organizations that provide much needed help. All residents and Council Members are invited to help plant 87 additional trees on Saturday June 30th at 9:00 a.m. For additional information go to www.citytrees.org or call 556-9380.

Paul Gilbert, representing the ACLU referred to several communications sent to Council Members in regards to the Invocation that takes place at the beginning of the meeting. Paul Gilbert opposes the fact that during a public meeting the public has to stand and bow heads. It was also stated that the public is being asked to participate in a religious exercise of the Council's choosing. Paul Gilbert clarified that the purpose of his message was not to express hostility towards religion, but to emphasize that municipal government is meddling in religion. He further stated that providing religious leadership to the community is not the purpose of Council. A request was made to agendize this item for some future meeting.

Susan Keely, resident of Redwood City stated that she agreed with the previous speaker. Expressed frustration with Pac Bell, and while the City Staff has been working with her; the efforts have been in vain. The issue is that there is a Pac Bell employee (relocation specialist) who sprays paint private property without consideration. This Pac Bell employee misrepresents herself by saying that she works for the City, and uses up to seven colors painting designs that are similar to graffiti. Additionally, she does not use water-soluble paints, and the colors are very bright and used in excess. The damages include painting a Redwood tree in the property, and infringing on private property.

Mayor Ruskin, provided a brief overview of what has been happening with this issue, since he has received communications from staff on the issue.

Ed Everett, stated that the City is aware of the problem and has asked Pac Bell not to paint, and apparently they are still doing it. Pac Bell has submitted plans, but none of them has been approved yet. City Manager Everett asked if a Pac Bell representative was present to apologize for their over zealous approach; no one came forth.

Public Works Services Director Ingram stated that the paint is supposed to be water-soluble and there is a very defined color code that should be followed.

Council Members stated that if indeed this requirement is enforceable they would like to see staff pursue recovery of property damage to the owners. A follow-up on this item was requested.

Randall Kuersten from Pacific Bell stated that the company does not have any intention of harassing residents while doing their business. Pac Bell is trying to locate another area where the vault can be located, instead of the Keely's area. The paint that is being used should be water paint as prescribed by USA, and if damage has been done Pac Bell will clean it up. Randall Kuersten, apologized on behalf of Pac Bell.

Council clarified that the issue at hand was that PacBell should not be painting prior to being granted permission from City staff to do so. The staff has not given permission for PacBell to use any site, therefore PacBell should not be painting these areas.

Council requested that PacBell should develop a policy to inform residents prior to marking. This way the residents will be aware, and possibly be able to assist PacBell.

Randal Kuersten, stated that he will be taking Council's opinions and requests back to his organization, and will cooperate to make this a more positive process.

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.

Items removed from the Consent Calendar for Individual Consideration:

7.2 D removed by Council Member Pierce;
7.1 D removed by Council Member Howard;

M/S- Ira/Howard to Approve the Items on the Consent Calendar except items 7.2 D and 7.1 D; Four in favor, three absent votes (Vice-Mayor Clair, Council Member Hartnett and Council Member Jordan). Motion carried.

7.1   Motions

A. Motion to Approve the Minutes of the Council meetings of May 14 and 21, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01-81

B. Motion to Authorize Execution of a Letter Permit for the Peninsula Habitat for Humanity's Dedication and Celebration Party;

MINUTE ORDER 01-82

C. Motion to Approve the Conceptual Design of the new S.H.A.P.E. Program (New City-wide Safety, Health and Accident Prevention for Everyone Program);

MINUTE ORDER 01-83

E. Motion to Approve Final Acceptance for the Shearwater/Seacrest Access Path Improvements Project, and Authorize the release of bonds and retention (Interstate Grading and Paving);

MINUTE ORDER 01-84

7.2   Section - Agreements/Resolutions

A. RESOLUTION 14235 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES RELATING TO THE PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED PERMIT SYSTEM (PSOMAS);

B. RESOLUTION 14236 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 2001-2002 COMPREHENSIVE STREET TREE MAINTENANCE PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

C. RESOLUTION 14237 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR REDWOOD SHORES PARKWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

E. RESOLUTION 14238 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 2001-2002 TRUCKING AND HAULING SERVICES; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

F. RESOLUTION 14239 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES-WATER RECYCLING FEASIBILITY STUDY (Kennedy/Jenks Consultants);

G. RESOLUTION 14240 APPROVING PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF (5) FIVE SENTRY GATE SECURITY CONTROL UNITS AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH;

H. RESOLUTION 14241 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF ONE (1) VEHICLE HOIST; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR;

I. Job Descriptions and remuneration for the positions of City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, Paralegal, Legal Secretary;

  1. RESOLUTION 14242 AMENDING EXHIBIT A OF RESOLUTION NO. 13877, ESTABLISHING AND ADOPTING SALARY AND RELATED COMPENSATION PLANS FOR POSITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY OF REDWOOD CITY INCLUDED IN THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, TO ADD THE SALARY SCHEDULES FOR THE POSITIONS OF CITY ATTORNEY AND ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY;
  2. RESOLUTION 14243 AMENDING SECTION 1 AND EXHIBIT B-3 OF RESOLUTION NO. 13875, RELATING TO THE SALARY AND WAGE PLAN FOR EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED BY THE REDWOOD CITY MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, BY ADDING THE POSITIONS OF PARALEGAL AND LEGAL SECRETARY AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALARY FOR SAID POSITIONS;
  3. RESOLUTION 14244 APPROVING JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF CITY ATTORNEY;
  4. RESOLUTION 14245 APPROVING JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY;
  5. RESOLUTION 14246 APPROVING JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF PARALEGAL;
  6. RESOLUTION 14247 APPROVING JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF LEGAL SECRETARY;

J. RESOLUTION 14248 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY FOR THE INFORMATION AND REFERRAL PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001 (Fair Oaks Community Center);

K. RESOLUTION 14249 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT WITH SEQUOIA UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR PURCHASING MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES;

L. Program Agreement and Revocable Permit for Family Service Agency's Operation of the Fair Oaks Senior Center Program;

  1. RESOLUTION 14250 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR OPERATION OF THE FAIR OAKS SENIOR CENTER (FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY OF SAN MATEO);
  2. RESOLUTION 14251 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF REVOCABLE PERMIT FOR THE USE OF A PORTION OF THE PREMISES LOCATED AT THE FAIR OAKS COMMUNITY CENTER (FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY OF SAN MATEO);

M. RESOLUTION 14252 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE EL CAMINO REALMEDIANS LANDSCAPING PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

N. RESOLUTION 14253 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE 2000-2001 ASPHALT RUBBER CHIP SEAL PROJECT; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS;

O. RESOLUTION 14254 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE FRIENDLY ACRES STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT - PHASE II; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS;

P. Approval of Amendment to the Contract Between the Council of the City of Redwood City and the Board of Administraton of the California Public Employees' Retirement system relating to certain miscellaneous group members;

  1. RESOLUTION 14255 OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY;
  2. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 20042 (ONE-YEAR FINAL COMPENSATION) FOR LOCAL MISCELLANEOUS MEMBERS;

7.3   Claims and Warrants

A. Reject the claim of no. 1902 by Carolyn Strehlow; claim no. 1904 by U.S.A.A./Dale Switzer; claim no. 1905 by Chung Nam Kim; and claim no. 1906 by C.N.A. Insurance/Doris Firpo as submitted;

MINUTE ORDER 01-87

B. Approve warrants dated through June 11, 2001 and usual and necessary payments through June 25, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01-88

7.4   Ordinances (2nd Reading)

A. ORDINANCE No. 1130-313 ADDING SECTION 60.23.13 TO ORDINANCE NO. 1130, THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE, REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1601 BAYSHORE ROAD IN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY FROM THE "TP" (TIDAL PLAIN) T0 THE "IR" (INDUSTRIAL RESTRICTED) ZONING DISTRICTS (1st reading on May 21, 2001);



Discussion of item 7.2 D (removed by Council Member Pierce):

Council Members asked Sgt. Uyeda if residents have complained that "All Cities Crossing Guard Management" has not been providing guards as agreed. Sgt. Uyeda clarified that the only way for the police to find out if the guards don't show up, is if residents call the Police Department. Up until now he only got two complaints.

Additional questions were about the implications of not approving the contract at this meeting. Sgt. Uyeda stated that the current contract expires on June 30th, 2001 and three round schools would be affected, as well as other schools that are offering Summer Session.

It was requested that as a recourse for citizens who have complaints, Sgt. Uyeda serve as a liaison between the residents, the schools and "All Cities Crossing Guard Management" to address problems. Sgt. Uyeda agreed that this was a viable option, and he would communicate with the schools and "All Cities Crossing Guard Management".

MO 01-85

M/S Pierce/Ira to Adopt the Resolution Approving and Authorizing Execution of Agreement with "All Cities Crossing Guard Management"; Four affirmative votes, three Council Members absent. Motion carried.

D. RESOLUTION No. 14256 APPROVING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND ALL CITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. FOR CROSSING GUARD SERVICES (All City Management Services);

Discussion of item 7.1 D (removed by Council Member Howard):

Council Members shared concerns about medical personnel stating that they were being treated differently than in other cities, when it comes to parking. A Council Member requested that parking for medical use in Redwood City versus other cities be looked at prior to this item coming back to Council. Staff could provide comparative data, in order to assess if indeed our City is more restrictive than other cities.

Senior Planner Riordan clarified that the City is in the process of reviewing this issue, and the City of Redwood City does have more restrictive regulations than other comparable cities. City Staff will be looking at this issue, and will try to find requirements that are more appropriate.

M/S Howard/Ira to Adopt by Motion item 7.1 D; Four affirmative votes, three Council Members absent. Motion carried.

D. Motion directing the Zoning Administrator to hold a public hearing on the potential revocation of Kaiser Foundations Hospital's Use Permits at 805 Veterans, all in accordance with Article 42 of the Zoning Ordinance.

MO 01-86

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST -

Council Member Pierce, mentioned the fact that Hawes School playground was burned down after being built by volunteers. While the Police and Fire Departments are investigating the fire, residents are encouraged to provide any assistance or information to help resolve this issue. Citizens can call 780-7400 (Fire Department) to assist the City in their efforts of resolving this situation.

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING (CONCURRENTLY)

9. PUBLIC HEARING -

  1. PUBLIC HEARING on the Fifth Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Project No. 2; 
    Recommendation:
    1. Hold a joint public hearing of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency and receive testimony on this issue;
    2. Close the public hearing and continue Fifth Amendment deliberations to June 25, 2001;
    3. On June 25, 2001 after consideration of the testimony and response to written objections received at or prior to close of the hearing, move to waive reading and introduce the proposed Fifth Amendment by Ordinance;

      Minute Order 89-01
      RD MO 01-07

    Chairperson Ruskin provided a synopsis of the proceedings that were to take place as well as a brief overview of inception and purpose of the Redevelopment Agency. This was done in order to comply with strict State Laws. He also stated that two separate mailings (3,500 letters each) were sent out to all people possibly affected by this item, informing them of when the item was heard at a Planning Commission meeting, and the second communication referring to tonight's public hearing on the extension of eminent domain.

    Chairperson Ruskin declared the Public Hearing Opened

    Executive Director Church providing the staff report began by handing out a Memo to Agency Members with a corrected attachment #2. He also clarified that there is no attachment #4. The attachments' order is: #1, #2, #3, and #5, since there is no attachment #4.

    Redwood City only has one Redevelopment Agency Project, and that is called Project No. 2. The Agency, established in 1982, tries to engage in cooperative endeavors with different partners to pursue private, public and joint public/private endeavors to improve the quality of life in certain defined areas. Some of the areas of action include better housing, commercial activities, public facilities, and employment. The previous amendments involved:

    Amendment #1 - 1985 added territory in El Camino Real
    Amendment #2 - 1990 major addition of approx. 700 acres which includes most of the Downtown area (also established the time limit for Eminent Domain);
    Amendment #3 - Forced by new Statues;
    Amendment #4 - 1997 purchase of more territory along 101 corridor;
    Amendment #5 - Extension of Eminent Domain

    Executive Director Church also shared a list of projects accomplished since 1982, not an exhaustive list, but some highlights:

    • Sequoia Station;
    • Mezes Plaza;
    • Office Building (corner of Broadway);
    • Store Front Improvement Program;
    • Irvine Apartment Project on Maple St.;
    • Main Street Improvement Sidewalk and Tree Installation Program;
    • Hamilton Street Improvement;
    • Signage Downtown;
    • City Center Plaza (housing and retail);
    • Marshall Street Parking Structure;
    • Extension to Seaport Boulevard to Seaport Center;
    • Windham Place (15 condominium units);
    • Two Habitat Projects (Rolison Road and Hope Court);
    • Sidewalk Repair Replacement Project Downtown;

    A definition of Eminent Domain was provided: "It is the authority for the Agency to acquire property for a purpose that is in a public interest, the agency is required to hold a public hearing on the action, to pay the owner a fair market value after a professional appraisal is done, and to provide relocation systems if in fact the property is acquired and the people needed to move." Clarification: City Staff does not do the professional appraisal.

    In the past, Eminent Domain has only been used when there is a clear public purpose, when the area will be improved by the project, and when the private market acting alone is not able to provide the type of project proposed.

    Summarizing his presentation, Executive Director Church stated that the purpose of the Fifth Amendment is to extend the date to commence Eminent Domain actions for a period of 12 years, from the current 2002 to 2014. Exempt from Eminent Domain are residences that are zoned residential and with a residence use. However, two classes of situations that are not exempt are:

    1. Residential use house in a commercial/industrial zone;
    2. Vacant lot in a residential zone but without a residential use;

    All these situations are reviewed by the City Council on a project by project basis, and prior to any action being taken.

    The recommendation of a 12-year extension was reiterated because projects take so long to implement. Additionally, the plan amendment is lengthy and costly (approx. $30,000).

    Agency's Fiscal Consultant Don Fraser stated that he has worked with the Agency for the last 10 years. Don Fraser guided the City Council through the report especially in regards to the findings. He specifically mentioned that blighting is the primary reason why the Agency exists, and secondly to create affordable housing. From a fiscal perspective the Agency Plan is feasible and will continue to be so for the period of the amendment. According to Don Fraser blight still exists, and by extending eminent domain the City will have the tools to positively impact the conditions that persist.

    Agency's Attorney Arnold Kessler, read into the record the following information:

    "Agency Members received the following documents that have been available for public review at the office of the City Clerk: a) staff report on the Fifth Amendment outlining the procedural steps taking in developing it and offers an analysis of the policy considerations regarding the options of extending Eminent Domain up to a period of 12 years b) presents the City Council with several alternatives c) there are several attachments to the staff report which include the Fifth Amendment itself, and as drafted it would extend the Eminent Domain for 12 years, but it would not change the plan; the second attachment is the ordinance by which the Council will adopt the Fifth Amendment, it also mentions specific clauses in regards to written objections received d) report to the City Council dated June 2001 presented by Don Fraser e) letter dated May 25th, 2001 from Donald A. Wilson objecting to the adoption of the Fifth amendment.

    In compliance with Redevelopment Law, and in regards to notice procedure, the following exhibits have been entered into the record and provided to the City Clerk: 1) certificates of publication from the Redwood City Almanac and Tribune, certifying that notice of the joint hearing was published once a week for four consecutive weeks; 2) contains several declarations signed by Executive Director documenting that notices were sent (by first class mail) to property owners, tenants, occupants, and residents on May 10th, 2001 which is at least 30 days prior to this meeting, the notice included a statement about acquisition of property; 3) is a similar declaration by Executive Director documenting that 16 public taxing agencies (identified in the declaration) were served a legal notice of the joint public hearing by certified mail. Additionally, and pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Agency sent out 3542 notices on March 29th, 2001 to property owners, commercial tenants, occupants and community organizations located within the boundary of the Redevelopment Area providing notice of the Planning Commission's hearing on the Fifth Amendment and on the Negative Declaration. Notice of such hearing was also published on the Almanac. A list of all people receiving these notices is available at the City Clerk's office".

    Attorney Kessler provided some more direction about the proceedings that were to follow.

    Executive Director Church summarized the only written objection received. The letter originated from the firm "Wilson & Wilson", and the assertion is that the extension of the Eminent Domain issue must be done in conjunction with an Amendment to the Plan altering the boundary of the Redevelopment Agency area.

    Public Comment:

    Don Jensen, property owner in the Redevelopment area, stated displeasure with the process and does not want the City to be able to take his property. Don Jensen does not believe that property owners receive a fair price on their property when the issue is under Eminent Domain. Furthermore, he stated that this extension is unnecessary.

    Robert Baldwin mentioned that to some degree having a Redevelopment Zone perpetuates blight because people are fearful of losing the property to larger projects. He stated that the projects originated by the Redevelopment Agency are usually large scale cutting the view and speeding the growth rate in the community. Robert Baldwin stated that the Redevelopment Agency discourages smaller developers because it deals mostly with big developers. Requested that City not support large projects and instead help small business in the area.

    Susana West spoke on behalf of her mother who is a resident of Redwood City. Shared concerns about market value prices offered by the city not being sufficient to relocate long time residents. Would like an answer to how the City is planning to address relocation issues for those who fall under Eminent Domain.

    Council Members, requested that staff explain why the Planning Commission recommended extending the Eminent Domain issue for 6 years instead of 12 years (staff recommendation).

    Executive Director Church will provide Council Member Howard with the Minutes for the meeting when that issue was addressed and voted on.

    Council Members requested that full clarification be provided (at the next meeting) in regards to Eminent Domain proceedings.

    City Manager Everett invited all those who have questions and want to know if their property is in the Redevelopment area to contact the City Clerk Department at 780-7220, and staff will assist them.

    Council also inquired about how many homes have been affected by Eminent Domain in the past. The answer provided was that the Redevelopment Agency has never touched an owner occupied property. Council clarified that it has not been a Council priority to use Eminent Domain lightly.

    M/S Ira/Howard to close the Public Hearing and to Continue the Fifth Amendment Deliberations to June 25, 2001. Three Council Members Absent: Vice-Mayor Claire, Council Member Hartnett, Council Member Jordan. Motion carried.

    Council Member Hartnett arrives.

10. STAFF REPORTS -

  1. Approval of Contract with Bottomley Associates, Urban Design & City Planning;

    1. RESOLUTION NO. 14257 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECTS LOCATED WITHIN THE VICINITY OF BAIR ISLAND ROAD/EAST BAYSHORE AREA (Bottomley Associates, Urban Design & City Planning);
    2. RESOLUTION NO. RD 01-65 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND BOTTOMLEY ASSOCIATES, URBAN DESIGN & CITY PLANNING FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES (Bottomley Associates, Urban Design & City Planning);

    Executive Director Church provided the brief report explaining that these contracts are mostly to address urban design issues in order to make the downtown a functional area.

    City Manager Everett also explained that the contracts are mostly to provide conceptual guidance and will be brought to Council for final determination. Ed Everett suggested that consultant initiate phone interviews with Council so that he understands the "direction" and thought process of the current Council.

    Council envisions that Mr. Bottomley will bring urban design concepts but will be guided by the vision and mission of the Council and the Community.

    M/S Pierce/Ira to adopt the two Resolutions, and include the Council's views early on the process. Two Council Members absent: Vice-Mayor Claire, and Council Member Jordan. Five Council Members in favor. Motion carried.

    RDA-MO 01-08

  2. Elements of a Successful Downtown - Slideshow by Bruce Liedstrand;

    Community Development Director Liedstrand invited the Council Members to watch the presentation from the front row of the public seating. Liedstrand stated that he has been working for cities for about 30 years in different capacities, and is looking to share some of what he has learned over the last 3 decades.

    In his opinion three elements are necessary to build a good city: 1) Planning and Zoning (development standards etc.) 2) Good architecture is also very important 3) City design (how do different pieces of the city fit together to create a cohesive whole). The presentation focused mainly on city design. One of the concepts mentioned was the importance of creating a "comfortable outdoor room" with good things to see, good things to eat and good things to do. Another concept mentioned is imagining oneself in the place that is being designed. It is important to envision the environment that is being created.

    According to Bruce Liedstrand, building a good Downtown demands the right ingredients in the right amounts. Examples of successful cases were shown. Another good element of a good Downtown is a civic gathering place that can be surrounded by buildings but people can mingle and feel comfortable around it. The walls and buildings help create a "comfortable outside room". The other main issue is people; it is important to plan for them (visible storefronts, pedestrian oriented signs, transportation, etc.). Bruce Liedstrand's final remarks emphasized consideration for people and community, not only by taking the above mentioned concepts in perspective but also by stimulating festivals, and Downtown events that attract the community. He stated "Downtown should be the heart of a City."

    Mayor Ruskin thanked Bruce Liedstrand for the wonderful presentation, stating that he really appreciated the tools provided to develop a vision.

    Council Members recognized a member of the Downtown Task Force present in the audience, and thanked this member for the commitment and great work. It was suggested by Council to take this issue to a Study Session to continue the consideration of these principles. A walk through downtown was also mentioned, since it would help integrate the concepts shared tonight with the physical reality of Redwood City.

    .

    Bruce Liedstrand suggested that after the Downtown Task Force presents its report this could be easily achieved.

11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

12. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - None

Council adjourned from the Regular Meeting to the Closed Session.

13. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - Conference with Labor Negotiator according to Government Code Section 54957.6 (f); Negotiator: Lee Finney, IEDA; Employee Organizations - IAFF local 2400;

14. ADJOURNMENT - The Meeting was adjourned in honor of Barbara Nicholas, who passed away on June 9, 2001 at the age of 81. Barbara Nicholas was a former resident of Redwood City, most recently resided in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was the mother-in law of Patricia Howe, City Clerk of Redwood City.

M/S Pierce/Ira Adjourn Until the Next Meeting of June 25, 2001; Motion carried.

(10:00 p.m.)



Respectfully submitted,

Silvia M. Ponte

Senior Deputy City Clerk

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