REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

July 9, 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.
July 9, 2001



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

2. ROLL CALL

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

Council Members Absent: Ira and Jordan

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Schricker, City Clerk Howe; Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Financial Services Director Ponty, Police Sergeant Blanc, Public Works Director Ingram, Senior Planner Passanisi, City Engineer Lynch

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Diane Howard, Council Member

4. INVOCATION - Pastor Richard Barraza, Four Square Gospel Church

5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Douglas Ledingham spoke about the traffic and parking issues due to the Peninsula Swim School located at the corner of Stafford and C Street. He stated that 2 weeks prior a fatality had occurred and that the 3-way intersection is very dangerous.

Mayor Ruskin asked that Police Chief Bolanos look into the problem.

Rudy Luca spoke of a two-fold situation, one being the need for a street light between Hudson and Iris. He stated the second issue is a serious traffic issue at the intersection of Hudson and Vera, when going south and north to get on Hudson, making a turn going either south or north. He further stated there has been one fatality and several accidents. He stated he received a letter from Engineering Manager Patterson and that there really is nothing that can be done in this area.

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.

MOTION: 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. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with Council Members Ira and Jordan absent and Vice Mayor Claire abstaining on Item 7.1A - minutes of June 11, 2001.

7.1   Motions

A. Motion to Approve the Minutes of the Meeting of June 11, 2001 and of the last Meeting of June 25, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01-99

7.2   Section - Agreements/Resolutions

A. RESOLUTION 1426514265 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 30 TO AGREEMENT RELATING TO SEWAGE TRANSMISSION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL; AND CONSENTING TO ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE EMERALD LAKE HEIGHTS SEWER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT;

B. RESOLUTION 14266 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE EMERGENCY POWER FOR ESSENTIAL FACILITIES PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

C. RESOLUTION 14267 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE REDWOOD SHORES LEVEE SEGMENT III IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CCS Planning and Engineering, Inc.);

D. RESOLUTION 14268 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE 2000-2001 WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (P & J Utility Company);

E. RESOLUTION 14269 ACCEPTING 2001-2002 EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL REPAIRS SERVICE; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (S.G. Barber);

F. RESOLUTION 14270ACCEPTING BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC SIGN SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS AND AUTHORIZNG EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR (Western Highway Products of Stanton);

G. RESOLUTION 14271 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE 2001-2002 UTILITY TRENCH REPAIR SERVICE AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

H. RESOLUTION 14272 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF STREET LIGHT AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL PARTS AND MATERIALS AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR (Consolidated Electrical Distributors);

I. RESOLUTION 14273 REJECTING BIDS FOR THE MADDUX PARK PLAY AREA RENOVATION PROJECT (REVISED), DIRECTING RETURN OF BID SECURITIES; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING READVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

J. RESOLUTION 14274 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE STULSAFT PARK RESTROOM FACILITY; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

K. RESOLUTION 14275 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE 2001-2002 TRAFFIC SIGNAL LOOP REPLACEMENT PROGRAM; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK (Republic Electric of Novato);

7.3   Claims and Warrants

A. Reject the claims of Joseph Rust claim #1864 as submitted;(

MINUTE ORDER 01-100

B. Approve warrants dated through July 9, 2001 and usual and necessary payments through July 23, 2001;

MINUTE ORDER 01-101

7.4   Ordinances (2nd Reading)

A. ORDINANCE No. 2211 OF THE COUNCIL OF REDWOOD CITY APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT NO. 2 (first reading on 6/25/01);

A. ORDINANCE No. 2212 APPROPRIATING SPECIFIED AMOUNTS FROM DESIGNATED UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCES TO SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS, CANCELLING CERTAIN APPROPRIATIONS, AND TRANSFERRING SPECIFIED AMOUNTS FROM DESIGNATED APPROPRIATIONS TO OTHER SPECIFIED APPROPRIATIONS (first reading on 6/25/01);

8. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

9. PUBLIC HEARING - None

  1. PUBLIC HEARING on Amendment of Sewer Service Charges;

    Public Works Services Director Ingram gave the background on this item. Due to the unknown financial impact on the sewer fund and because residential and business rate payers are already experiencing rate increases, it was staff's recommendation that the current budget not change and that the cost increases be carefully monitored. If there is some financial action to be taken at the end of the year, staff will make that request at that time, but the assumption is it will not be substantial and that the fund balance will simply cover the difference. The sewer utility bill will increase by $1.20 or 3.1%, from $37.94 to $39.14. He further stated that the Council Utilities Committee recommended that the implementation of the new charge be delayed until January 1, 2002.

    Mayor Ruskin opened the public hearing.

    Rudy Luca asked if (1)the sewer fund has a reserve account, (2)what the comparison of the rate increase is to last time, and (3)if there is anything that will impact the senior community.

    Public Works Services Director Ingram stated the sewer enterprise fund, by Council policy, retains a $1M emergency reserve. The water fund retains a $2M emergency fund. The sewer charge increase two years ago was 6% and the last time was 3.5%, which reflected the Utilities Committee preference for fairly similar well justified cost of living increases as opposed to more radical up and down shifts. In regards to senior citizens, customer classifications are by the type of housing, business or residential. The policy is consistent with the water guiding principle where the policy was set that no customer class will subsidize another customer class. He further stated that typically, seniors are some of the most water conserving customers and have practices in their homes around using as little water as possible.

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

    M/S Claire/Howard to introduce AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 27.100 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO SANITARY SEWERAGE SERVICE CHARGES;

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present, with Council Members Ira and Jordan absent.

  2. PUBLIC HEARING on Amendment of Water Rates and Basic Service Charge;

    Public Works Services Director Ingram gave the background and

    Mayor Ruskin opened the public hearing.

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

    M/S Howard/Claire to INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 38.5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY RELATING TO WATER SERVICE CHARGES AND FEES; and

    ADOPT RESOLUTION 14276 AMENDING SECTION 3 OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE REDWOOD CITY WATER DEPARTMENT (PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT) RELATING TO WATER RATES; AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 13980;

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present, with Council Members Ira and Jordan absent.

  3. PUBLIC HEARING on 2001/2002 Budget;

    Financial Services Director Ponty explained the formal legislative action to adopt the budget is before the Council. The budget has been reviewed at the June 25, 2001 study session and the document will serve as the financial plan for fiscal year 2001/2002.

    Mayor Ruskin opened the public hearing.

    Rudy Luca asked for an explanation of emergency expenditures. He also stated his concern about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center appropriating enough money toward the purchase of a new van.

    City Attorney Schricker stated that the Charter gives Council authority to approve expenditures that are not budgeted for to address matters of great calamity such as earthquake, fire, flood, etc.

    Financial Services Director Ponty responded that there are funds included for the purchase of a new adaptive van for the seniors.

    Douglas Ledingham, of the Civic Cultural Commission, asked about a $20,000.00 budget increase request for this budget. He stated that the Commission is disciplined to work within their budget and state a good and solid vision of directing cultural funding in Redwood City. He further stated the focus of the requests to the Commission for funding is toward youth programs and downtown venues such as the Peninsula Ballet Theatre and the Redwood Symphony.

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

    Vice Mayor Claire stated that if Council was considering an increase for the Cultural Commission that it would be beneficial to discuss Item 11A simultaneously. Council consensus was for Council Member Pierce to make the presentation at this time.

11. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST -

  1. A. Discussion on Possible Criteria Regarding Request for Additional Funding for Civic Cultural Commission and Housing and Human Concerns Committee;

    Council Member Pierce stated her support for both the Civic Cultural Commission (CCC) and Housing and Human Concerns Committee (HHCC). She further stated that the HHCC works with many people needing housing or legal assistance in order to enable people to stay in the community and much of the funding comes from Federal sources. She stated the CCC has for many years supported the development of cultural activities in the community, both through "'Tis the Season", funding school music programs and drama programs. She cited examples of various programs that have contributed to the cultural infrastructure through support of the arts, symphonies and various other areas. She asked that Council validate the efforts and then confirm that in working with the two groups on long-term increased funding requests that it be phrased within the context of a strategic plan of what they want to do with the money, what the change will be within the community and how it fits within the overall plans and strategic direction of the Council.

    Council questions and discussion ensued regarding budget consideration and the request for presentations by both the Civic Cultural Commission and Housing and Human Concerns Committee prior to January and the Council priority setting session. Consensus from Council was to not appropriate $20,000.00 at this time.

    M/S Claire/Hartnett 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, 2001 - JUNE 30, 2002; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE OF ALL SUMS SET FORTH IN SAID 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, 2001 - JUNE 30, 2002; MAKING PROVISION FOR INTERIM EXPENDITURES AS OF JULY 1, 2001; AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2195, AND ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH;

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present, with Council Members Ira and Jordan absent.

9. PUBLIC HEARING -

  1. PUBLIC HEARING Photo Red Light Enforcement Program;

    Police Sergeant Blanc explained the background stating that in August 2000, Council directed the Police Department to proceed with implementation of the program at five locations within the City. Three vendors were researched with Lockheed-Martin recognized as the leader with more clients and locations than all other vendors combined. Additionally, the vendor is experienced in working with the courts to implement the citation process.

    Mayor Ruskin opened the public hearing.

    Rudy Luca asked about the cost for the first year and whether the costs rise thereafter during the three-year contract. He also asked what type of identification the photo captures.

    Sergeant Blanc responded that the costs for implementation are fixed at $25,000.00 per month per camera or $150,000.00. Additionally, there are fixed costs of $150,000.00 for the vendor to manage the system. There are variable costs of $50.00 per citation. The initial figure of $1.4M is based on a minimum of 30 citations per location per day. The second and third years of the contract would involve the fixed costs of $150,000.00 per year for management, $50.00 per citation, but the installation costs would not apply.

    Sergeant Blanc stated that the system works when the limit line (crosswalk) loops are placed in the pavement and the vehicle crosses that line. The camera takes two pictures, one of the front license plate of the vehicle and one of the driver. The film is picked up by the vendor, developed, reviewed and the owner identified by the DMV registration records. The citation is printed, reviewed by a Police officer, and mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The vendor answers questions, handles payments, court trials, along with analysis of citations issued and revenue generated each month.

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

    M/S Claire/Pierce to enter into a three-year contract with Lockheed Martin IMS Corporation for the purpose of implementing and maintaining a photo red light enforcement program at five locations throughout the City of Redwood City; and

    Adopt RESOLUTION 14277 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS (Lockheed Martin IMS Corporation);

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present, with Council Members Ira and Jordan absent.

Recess: 8:40 - 8:55 p.m.

  1. PUBLIC HEARING General Plan and Zoning Map Amendments for Redwood Shores Childcare;

    Senior Planner Passinisi explained that the City entered into a ground lease agreement for constructing a 12,000 square foot childcare facility for 160 children and a 5,000 square foot office building space. He stated that staff's request is to amend the General Plan from Open Space to Commercial Office to allow the use. The rezoning request is to rezone from Tidal Plain to Commercial Park. The Planning Commission recommends both requests

    .

    Mayor Ruskin opened the public hearing.

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

    M/S Hartnett/Pierce to adopt RESOLUTION 14278 ADOPTING AND APPROVING AMENDMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY CHANGING THE DESIGNATION FROM THE OPEN SPACE TO COMMERCIAL/OFFICE AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 101 TWIN DOLPHIN DRIVE; and

    Introduce an ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 60.20A.6 TO ORDINANCE NO. 1130, THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE, REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 101 TWIN DOLPHIN DRIVE IN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY FROM THE "TP" (TIDAL PLAIN) TO THE "CP" (COMMERCIAL PARK) ZONING DISTRICTS;

    The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote with Council Members Ira and Jordan absent.

10. STAFF REPORTS -

  1. Motion to Approve in Concept (only) the design for Blomquist Street Bridge over Redwood Creek;

    Engineering and Construction Manager Patterson stated that the consultant and staff have worked on a project that is very much outside the box. He further stated that it is only a concept at this point and that he has books that exhibit similar concepts available.

    City Engineer Lynch introduced the design team and showed an aerial view of the Blomquist Street proposed extension. He stated Manna Consultants, Inc. has agreed to look at other options such as a double arch bridge, a cable stay bridge and a single arch steel bridge. He stated that considering the span and other constrictions, the single arch steel bridge seems to be very competitive with the other conventional types. He described the various constraints involved and introduced the various consultants involved in the design and plan.

    Bill Julius of the Beals Group stated that various meetings occurred with the Architectural Review Committee. Costs involved were environmental as well as money. Time was a consideration as well. The opportunity is to create either a gateway or a significant landform that would make people identify both the City of Redwood City and the fact that the move goes across the waterways. The environmental impact of the current conventional type bridge that is going across the creek today would make it much more difficult to build due to earthquake standards and the costs involved with exporting what is considered toxic soil on the site. He stated the proposed type of bridge gives additional tie-in to both the trail system and the bridge element into downtown. The other element found throughout the bridge area is the catalyst that it provides to the visionary design of that area. One concept is an area in which a waterfront park could be developed.

    The following questions were asked by Council to be addressed by design consultants, staff or the Architectural Review Committee:

    1. To what extent piling is involved with the arch and whether pilings would include the creek area.
    2. What the distance between the water and the base of the bridge would be at the bottom of the bridge.
    3. What is needed to provide for a pedestrian/bicycle path link up underneath the Caltrans bridge.
    4. How long the U-shaped channel would be.
    5. How would a park function with the specific proximity to the freeway.
    6. More specificity in terms of the arch concept, does it work and why next to a concrete freeway.
    7. Staff is preparing thoughts in regard to the community in the Bair Island and Glenborough Pauls housing concept area, how would this fixture fit in with that concept.
    8. Describe the architectural integration of the bridge as a feature in Redwood City,
    9. In realigning the bridge, what would be entailed, such as special permits.
    10. What the bridge does to the skyline when standing looking west of the freeway

    Council comments included appreciation for staff's creativity and a system that is welcoming to the community. Positive remarks were made toward the waterfront park and roundabout concept and the feel of people being able to walk to the area via a pathway. Great potential with a nice look about it. The Architectural Review Committee should meet with Council and where there are questions involved a written response should be provided. Where there are conjectures an opinion should be given. The potential of a presentation on a computer-generated screen was brought up as a useful tool.

12. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - None

13. CLOSED SESSION - No reported action

14. ADJOURNMENT - 9:50 p.m.

MOTION:M/S Hartnett/Ira to adjourn until the meeting next meeting of July 9, 2001.


Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC

City Clerk

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