REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

September 24, 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
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2001

The City Council Meeting and Redevelopment Agency Meeting were called to order simultaneously. The Redevelopment Agency Meeting began immediately following Section 11.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

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

Council Members Absent: Council Member Jordan

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Attorney Yamamoto, City Clerk Howe; Senior Deputy City Clerk Ponte, Interim Community Development Services Director Liedstrand, Planning and Redevelopment Manager Church, Fire Chief Montez, Fire Marshall Vella, Public Works Services Superintendent Harang, Community Development Services Manager Passanisi, Associate Planner Riordan, Supervising Civil Engineer Lynch, Economic Development Coordinator Webb, Financial Services Manager Freeman, Recreation and Community Services Superintendent Hover, Volunteer Balsamo

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Jim Hartnett, Council Member AND HONOR GUARD PRESENTATION OF COLORS BY POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS

4. INVOCATIONS -

Reverend Linda McLain - Christian Faith
Imam Murtada - Recitation of Koran in Arabic language - Muslim Faith
Osama Elkady - Translation of Recitation - Muslim Faith
Rabbi Ezray - Jewish Faith

5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Rudy Luca continued with his discussion on the subject of the November 6, 2001 Municipal Election. Mr. Luca referred to the Cinema and skatepark projected costs and asked about possible discrimination if allowing only Redwood City residents to use the skatepark. He stated he thought the Council did not act correctly by denying the election and allowing for freedom, democracy, process and representing the citizens of Redwood City.

Vice Mayor Claire stated his reasons for voting to not have the election were not financial but because the City has gone through three very contentious elections in the past. He further stated that other cities in the County that have faced the same situation have in two cases, one due to other issues on the ballot, went forward with the election. He stated that the process by which the sufficient amount of qualified signatures was not obtained on the nomination papers is a very important process and that the democratic process has not been thwarted at all.

Bob O'Brien expressed admiration and respect to the City Council for the achievements over the last several years and complimented City Clerk Howe on her performance. Mr. O'Brien recognized Council Member Howard with the first certificate for a Champion of the Urban Forest on behalf of "City Trees".

Council Member Howard thanked "City Trees", a non-profit group whose sole goal is to plant trees and make Redwood City even more beautiful.

7. CONSENT CALENDAR

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 will be removed from the consent calendar and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

Council Member Howard removed Item 7.2E and Mayor Ruskin removed Item, 7.1A from the Consent Calendar.

M/S Claire/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 by those present with Council Member Jordan absent.

7.1   Section - Motions

7.2   Section - Agreements/Resolutions

A. RESOLUTION 14379 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) WASTEWATER PUMP UNDER THE COOPERATIVE PURCHASE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH'S PURCHASE ORDER NO. 890; (304)

B. RESOLUTION 14380 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE MITA KM5230 COPIER AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THEREFOR; (304)

C. RESOLUTION 14381 ACCEPTING BID FOR THE 2001-2002 UTILITY TRENCH REPAIR SERVICE; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR SAID WORK; AND DIRECTING RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSITS (S.G. Barber); (304)

D. RESOLUTION 14382 APPROVING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE FAIR OAKS COMMUNITY CENTER HVAC PROJECT; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THEREFOR;

F. RESOLUTION 14383 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF MEMORANDUM OF COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF SAN MATEO COUNTY, INC. CONTRACTOR'S AGREEMENT WITH THE FAIR OAKS COMMUNITY CENTER TO ACT AS AN OUTREACH REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP); (404)

G. RESOLUTION 14384 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SEWER CONNECTION PERMIT TO 1340 EDGEWOOD ROAD;

7.3   Section - Claims and Warrants

A. Reject the claims of Robert Todd, claim no. 1926 and claim of Jeremy Curd, claim no. 1929 as submitted; (303)

MINUTE ORDER 01-130

B. Approve warrants dated through September 24, 2001 and usual and necessary payments through October 1, 2001; (301)

MINUTE ORDER 01-131

The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar and voted separately:

7.1 Section - Motions

A. M/S Howard/Ira to Approve the Minutes of the last meeting of September 10, 2001;

Mayor Ruskin advised that BCDC is not a corporation, but a commission.

Council Member Hartnett and Vice Mayor abstained due to not being present at the meeting of September 10 and Council Member Jordan absent. The motion passed by a majority roll call vote.

MINUTE ORDER 01-132

7.2 Section - Agreements/Resolutions

E. M/S Howard/Hartnett to adopt RESOLUTION 14385 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A COMMERCIAL LEASE BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AND THE PENINSULA CORRIDOR JOINT POWERS BOARD OF A PIECE OF PROPERTY NEAR JAMES AVENUE; (304)

Council Member Howard stated that the site is on the north side of James Avenue, across from Sequoia Station directly behind Yumi Yogurt on El Camino Real. She stated the Joint Powers Board has granted the City a lease, the Pride and Beautification Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department have been maintaining the property for some time. She thanked Farris Hicks of the Public Works Services Department whose vision it was to turn the property into a park. She further stated there will be a park dedication on November 3 at 12:30 immediately following the "fall cleanup". There will be a barbecue at the park site that will be known as "Little River Park".

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present.

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST -

1. Discussion Regarding Process to Generate Ideas and Recommendations (designing a process to expend unspent election funds); (203)

   Council Member Pierce stated that her report included suggestions for involving community members in developing a process for expending the approximately $35,000.00 saved by not holding an election. She asked for input on the following suggestions:

   1. Ask for suggestions from the boards and commissions for special projects that they feel have community appeal.
   2. Accept suggestions from the general community through emails or letters.
   3. Establish a task force to host a public meeting(s) about community needs and how the funds might be used.
   4. At the forum that the recently appointed council members will hold, accept ideas and have a discussion of uses for the funding.
   5. Ask the neighborhood associations for ideas.
   6. Host a wish list on the website for input.
   7. Establish a fund that community members can access through small grants to make improvements in their neighborhoods, schools or community.

   Public Comment:

   Patricia Dixon asked that the $35,000.00 be placed in a trust so that the people who did not get the opportunity to vote and those who could have been write-in candidates have an opportunity to have a voice in the process. She also requested that Redwood Shores Owners Association and Redwood Shores Homeowners Association receive a letter requesting input.

   Vice Mayor Claire and Council Member Howard suggested the topic be a subject at the Campaign Forum on Saturday, October 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at McKinley School and possibly a staffed table to facilitate obtaining input. The concept of obtaining input from the City's boards and commissions was expressed as an important element and Mayor Ruskin suggested a letter could be sent to the Chairs of the boards, committees and commissions as well as the neighborhood associations asking for recommendations for expending the money. Council consensus was to pursue both suggestions with a letter to go out immediately and Mayor Ruskin to meet with Council Member Pierce to evaluate the response and next steps.

   Mayor Ruskin announced the Redwood City 2020 Community Forum - Community Perspectives on Children and Youth will be held on October 9, 2001 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, 1017 Middlefield Road.

   MINUTE ORDER 01-133

2. Regulatory Water Governance Options - Request for direction for panel discussion on September 25, 2001; (802)

   Mayor Ruskin explained the background and state of distress that the Hetch Hetchy water system is in a state of distress in that the governing body, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has not over a period of many years, satisfactorily, invested and reinvested in the capital infrastructure. The Hetch Hetchy system is in a state of serious disrepair. He stated that over the last several months, the Bay Area Water Users Association (BAWUA) has utilized various methods to educate the public as to the state of the Hetch Hetchy system. Various media have been contacted so that the editorial boards are aware of the situation. Recently, several Mayors and Council Members met with Mayor Willie Brown in San Francisco because while 70% of the water users live outside of San Francisco, the power for controlling the system, politically, resides totally with the people living in San Francisco. A result of the meeting was that Mayor Ruskin along with Mayors and Council Members from Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties are to address Mayor Brown's neighborhood task force that deals with the Hetch Hetchy system in order to convince them that the system effects the people of San Francisco as well as the water supply and water quality throughout the Bay Area. The desire would be to decouple what effects San Francisco and what effects the other areas.

   Assembly Member Papan who represents the district to the north of us, took a position of leadership and asked the legislature to do a study regarding the governance of the Hetch Hetchy water system. The study was completed and recommended a change of governance be looked at such as either a Joint Powers Authority comprising all of the water users in the Bay Area or a new water district. A panel was set to take place on Tuesday, September 25, organized by Assembly Member Papan and he asked Mayor Ruskin to participate along with Mayors and Council Members from Santa Clara and San Mateo County. Mayor Ruskin requested direction as to the position he should articulate as a representative of the Redwood City Council. His suggestion as to the position was that the strategy should be two tracked. A strategic approach should be toward creating a new method of governance and simultaneously, in good faith, continue to meet and negotiate with Mayor Brown to see if a solution can be attained through negotiation.

   Council consensus was to use the strategic approach as outlined by Mayor Ruskin. Updates regarding the water issues to appear on the City's website was determined to be a topic to pursue as well.

   MINUTE ORDER 01-139

9. BOARDS, COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - Appointments to the Planning Commission (Two three-year terms, expiring June 30, 2004) (209)

The tally of the roll call vote by City Clerk Howe was as follows:

	Hartnett	Howard	Ira	Pierce	Claire	Ruskin
Patricia A. Dixon
Peter Joseph Joshua
Gabriella E. Judd			X		X	X
Clay Lewis						X
Nancy Radcliffe	X	X		X	X
Brian Joseph Scholl
John D. Seybert	X	X	X	X
Elizabeth Louise Travers

The successful candidates for appointment to the Planning Commission were Nancy Ratcliffe and John D. Seybert.

MINUTE ORDER 01-140

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING (SEE SEPARATE MINUTES )

BREAK 8:15-8:35 p.m.

10. STUDY SESSION -

1. Bay Front Study Session.

   Community Development Director Liedstrand stated that although zoning for the Bay Front area exists, that it did not seem to be a plan that had credibility with the development community. The outcome was that the City was reacting to individual development proposals and not allowing for the relationships between the developments. He further stated that staff recommended and Council approved that there be a brief Bayfront Study to view this piece of the City as an integrated piece and develop some possible scenarios for coordinated development of vacant and underutilized properties. The area is on the east of Highway 101 from about Whipple Road through the Woodside interchange.

   C.D. Director Liedstrand stated that this is the information gathering stage. Staff has met with representatives from both the Syufy Theatre and the Glenborough-Pauls Company because they both have property in this area. The presentation is being made because staff stated that the opportunity would be presented for Council to provide early input before staff draws any conclusions.

   Terry Bottomley, an urban designer, stated they are starting with questions, no decisions or recommendations will be discussed. He defined a large area where there is a significant potential for change. He proceeded to discuss the entire study area and stated that one issue of the study is to get out in front of change so that the City can help shapen a vision of its choosing.

   Council Questions/Comments:
   1. Public access and good connections to the water's edge creating a network should be included as part of the concept of any new development proposals.
   2. A Redwood Creek connection should be included.
   3. To not have only a specific use in the area, but keep some of the industry, keep the area diverse and as it evolves incorporate the public infrastructure needed reserving land for such needs as schools, parks, etc.
   4. Development/support of policy that provides no "back door" to water, public streets and parks.
   5. Master plan to react to changes that occur such as in medium term where some land uses are likely to change as land changes hands.
   6. A buffer to be located between Highway 101 and any housing so that commercial use occurs along 101 with gradual residential extending outward.
   7. Transportation link and dissimilar uses to work together toward continuity.
   8. Consideration of regional transportation plans.

   Public Comment:

   Patricia Dixon requested a three-dimensional model be prepared and stated that boat storage is a necessity and open space areas are needed.

   Steve Howard asked who sets and guides the master plan whether it be Planning, some combination of committees or some group of that nature.

   Duncan Moyer, Bair Island Aquatic Center, stated that the waterways are a significant asset to the City and the desire to provide the opportunity for the community to participate in activities associated with the waterways.

   Peter Brandon, project developer of Pacific Shores Center, stated he was heartened to hear the discussion.

   Chris Megia stated the need to look at our own area's specific considerations such as getting across El Camino Real to access the area and looking at communities such as Mountain View.

   Greg Greenway, manager of Seaport Industrial Association, stated the process is encouraging and stated there is a notion that there is a necessary evolution to a higher value set of land uses. He stated the type of evolution is entirely in the hands of the planners addressing the question and a whole set of values must be considered aside from the market valuation of a piece of land. In regards to orientation of uses toward the waterfront, he further stated much of the industrial use along is maritime industrial and the use of the waterways is integral to those economic functions. He stated the need for balance of jobs and trips generated and the balance of office use in conjunction with industrial uses in the area.

   John Spotorno stated the value of the Port and a possible ferry service could dovetail into use in the area.

   Dave Stuart applauded the Council and staff for the process in bringing an identity to Redwood City. He asked that thought be given to thinking west of El Camino Real and bringing the other entities into coordination of better uses.

2. Update on Glenborough Project. The issue was for information only. The Council was not asked to make any decisions at this meeting.

   City Attorney Yamamoto stated the Glenborough Project is a proposed concept, before the Council to share ideas and thoughts, but the project is in the preliminary stages. The public will have the right to continue to participate in the process as the proposal develops and it goes through the environmental review process and planning stages. There will be opportunities for the public to participate and eventually, should the project come before Council that the public can rely upon any statements or comments made at that time. At this point in time, this is merely an opportunity for Council to share their general thoughts.

   Community Development Services Manager Passanisi explained provided background for understanding of the land use and context of the proposal. He also discussed some of the planning issues and process of approvals required, and any meetings and hearings required to occur before a project can be approved.

   Paul Powers presented a multi-media presentation to capture the staff process and thanked the Council for the opportunity.

   Council comments included the need for more housing units than the office would need to provide a net increase in housing not just housing balanced by a new office development. The park concept and public access were noted as important features. Interest in hearing more about the shuttle concept was expressed. Questions regarding U.S. Fish and Wildlife interests were asked. Buffer of offices between residential and Highway 101 was cited as important. An overlay of the Blomquist Bridge and how it looks against the proposed concept was stated as an interest. The question of whether liveaboards or floating homes would be considered at Westpoint was posed and if this area should then be incorporated as well.

   Public Comment:

   Robin Smith, President of Sequoia Audubon Society stated that the organization is involved with a large project at Bair Island with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and it is a sensitive area. She asked that the area be included in the EIR. She asked how the water and sewage needs will be met.

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

   Patricia Dixon asked about power needs and stated her dislike for the density we well as questioning how many liveaboards have been eliminated at Pete's Harbor and Peninsula Marina.

   Chris Megia asked how many people would be involved in the proposal and pointed to traffic impacts.

   An unidentified speaker asked if the expectation of visiting boats was planned for.

   Steve Howard emphasized looking at the entire area more together in a global fashion.

   Pete Uccelli stated that the development would keep people off the highway by providing housing along with jobs.

   Miles Hopkins questioned whether it is responsible to build high-rise building on the waterfront at all in light of earthquake safety.

   All questions would be addressed in the Environmental Impact Report.

   Mr. Batinovich stated the original premise to be to create affordable housing for teachers, sheriffs, City employees and all others who work in the County to be able to live. He stated the purpose of the project was to acquire density, which requires height to design an elegant place where local employees can live.

11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None

12. PUBLIC HEARING - None

13. CLOSED SESSION - None

14. ADJOURNMENT - 11:15 p.m.

M/S Ira/Howard to adjourn to the regular meeting of October 1, 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.