REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

August 12, 2002


REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL AND
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
AUGUST 12, 2002
7:00 P.M.

The Mayor called the City Council meeting and the General Improvement District Board meeting to order concurrently. The General Improvement District Board meeting began immediately following Oral Communications (Section 6).

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:02 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

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

Council Members Absent: Jordan (arrived at 7:50 p.m.) and Mayor Claire

Staff Present: City Manager Everett, City Clerk Howe, City Attorney Yamamoto, Assistant City Attorney Brower, Public Works Services Director Ingram, Senior Civil Engineer Vorametsanti, , Community Development Services Manager Patterson, Senior Civil Engineer Chang, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Centeno, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor Beth,Volunteer Balsamo

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Jim Hartnett, Council Member

4. INVOCATION - Bishop Etherington, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None

6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS –

Pete Hughes, representing the Redwood Shores Homeowners Association, invited the community to the annual levee clean-up day in Redwood Shores, on August 24, 2002. The location is Mariner Park at 8:30 a.m. beginning with coffee, bagels and donuts. The clean-up will include walking the levees and waterways and finish with a free barbecue.

Andrew Ellsmore spoke about Falun Gong, a meditation practice. He stated that the practice has been outlawed in China by the President and that people have been tortured. He cited his experience of holding a banner at Tiananmen Square where he was detained and interrogated in a jail cell. He further stated that in the United States, the Chinese Communist Party is getting the Consulate to interfere with practioners in the Bay Area and Washington area.

Chun Lee spoke of Falun Gong and cited the benefits she has experienced from practicing. She described her experience in Beijing of physical abuse and eventual deportation from her promotion Falun Gong.

Council Member Ruskin stated that the Council had signed a resolution supporting Falun Gong principles and that although he had been urged to rescind the resolution, he did not respond to the request.

CONVENE TO THE JOINT MEETING OF THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD AND CITY COUNCIL

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 Calendar and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

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 by those present with Council Member Jordan and Mayor Claire absent.

7.1 Section - Motions

A.

Motion to accept the Gossamer Hollow Subdivision Improvements, following submission of a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $256,500.00, in accordance with Paragraph No. 9 of the Subdivision Agreement, and authorize the release of the bonds;
MINUTE ORDER 02-230

B. Motion to approve the purchase of six emergency Police Department vehicles in the amount of $160,361.55 from the State of California, Office of Procurement under the cooperative purchasing agreement contract #1-01-23-14;
MINUTE ORDER 02-231

C. Motion to approve the hiring of a Police Officer Daniel Schillaci at Step 5 rather than entry level;
MINUTE ORDER 02-232

D. Motion to have the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department accept the lowest responsible proposal to purchase the RecWare Safari class registration software and licensing (and included training) from RecWare by Active.com for the amount of $19, 247.00 (Active.com);
MINUTE ORDER 02-233

7.2 Section - Resolutions

A.

RESOLUTION 14461 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL ARBORICULTURAL INSPECTION SERVICES WITH THE RAY MORNEAU ARBORIST;

B. RESOLUTION 14462 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL ARBORICULTURAL INSPECTION SERVICES WITH THE PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE COMPANY;

Council Member Ruskin stated that he agrees with the recommendation to approve the amendment to the agreement that extends the contract rather than going out to bid, but would not want to continue on that basis indefinitely.

7.3 Section - Claims and Warrants

A.

Denial of the application of Ashlyn Sigala and Misty Sigala to present a late claim for alleged injuries or damages caused by the City of Redwood City of employees thereof;
MINUTE ORDER 02-234

B. Approve warrants dated through August 12, 2002 and usual and necessary payments through August 26, 2002;
MINUTE ORDER 02-235

7.4 Section - Ordinances (2nd Reading)

A.

ORDINANCE 2230 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF FIFTH AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH REDWOOD SHORES PROPERTIES [GID 1-64] (first reading on August 5, 2002);

Senior Civil Engineer Chang stated that the agreement contains a minor revision in the agreement that has been approved by the City Attorney.


B.

ORDINANCE 2231 AMENDING SECTIONS 20.44, 20.45 AND 20.45.1 OF CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE IV OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY TO UPDATE THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT ON VARIOUS DESIGNATED STREETS (first reading on August 5, 2002);

ADJOURN THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

RECONVENE THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

 

8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST - New Business

A.

Presentation - Clyde Morris, Manager of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge; Update on Planning Activities and Public Access - Bair Island;

Mr. Morris outlined the goal is to restore Bair Island to salt water marsh to provide habitat for engendered species and other native wildlife a well as to enhance the public’s appreciation and awareness of the unique resources at Bair Island. He continued with the objectives and challenges with restoring Bair Island. He completed his report with a restoration and management plan draft schedule.

Mr. Morris stated that before development came, the resulting marshland flooding would usually be equally divided between Steinberger Slough and Redwood Creek. He continued that because Steinberger Slough has become a relatively shallow channel with little tidal flow, its original rate of flow will be restored and will assist with sediment build-up at the Pete’s Harbor section. Dredging material will be used to help build up areas to be restored in inner Bair Island. He further stated that the current three and one-half mile trail around inner Bair Island will become two trails, one in each direction. The northern levee trail will be widened to protect the City’s sewer force main and will loop near the Bair Island property owned by San Carlos Airport. A southern trail may be developed in the current trail running behind the auto dealership which could mean Caltrans could close that entrance to the refuge, directing visitors to the parking lot near the site of the proposed Marina Shores Village.

Mr. Morris gave the following draft schedule for the Bair Island Restoration and Management Plan:

January 10, 2003 Distribute Draft EIS/EIR
February 12, 2003 Public Meeting in Redwood City of Redwood City
February 26, 2003 Close Comment Period
June 2, 2003 Distribute Final EIS/EIR
August, 2003 Submission of Permit Applications
Early 2004? Restore Outer Bair Island to Tidal Action Dependent on Port of Redwood City Dredging Restore Middle & Inner Bair Island

7:50 p.m. - Council Member Jordan arrived

Council Members and consultant Terry Huffman asked various questions about the plan.

Public Comment:
Jim Bewley, Manager of SBSA, stated his pleasure in hearing the status of the planning; recognition of the importance of protecting the pipeline from erosion or flooding the island pipeline; and providing the opportunity for continued public access while developing the habitat. He stated his concern that the levees of Bair Island are continuing to settle. He further stated the prior owner, Redwood Shores Properties, often had activities that maintained the levees and kept the Island from flooding. There may be a need to continue maintenance to the levees to prevent high tide from inadvertently flooding and creating erosion and damage to the pipelines.

Ralph Nobles expressed his appreciation to Mr. Morris for his presentation and stated his concern about open public access to Inner Bair Island. He stated that his concern is not as great as some. He further stated that there are 30 miles of trails open at the Wildlife Refuge, some for bike riding. He stated that a prime wetland marsh and Clapper Rail habitat in the LaRiviere Marsh has trails through it, which only a few short years ago was a salt crystallizer.

Nita Spangler thanked Mr. Morris for the clear presentation and stated she was impressed with the generosity with the public access. She stated that there is a water shed enjoyed every day and lots of walking areas along
Harbor Way. She stated that we should be thankful to have well managed properties and that there are those who support a pristine, natural and well kept facility with a few limitations.

Pete Hughes stated that some of the ideas proposed for protecting the sewer line are a good idea. He further stated that he has seen wooden access throughout areas that are much more pristine than the south shores and that it seems that the loop could be kept open if there were enough interest. He stated his expectation that all would work toward keeping the loop open.

William de Wit stated that the area is Bair Island, not Redwood Shores and that during the controversy over Bair Island, the name of south shores evolved.

8:50-9:00 p.m. - Recess

9. STAFF REPORTS -

A.

Skate Park Facility Ordinance and Rules and Regulations;

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Superintendent Beth explained the various steps that the youth task force has taken and the rules and regulations to be associated with the Skate Park. The ordinance proposed for introduction is required under AB1296 which identifies skateboarding as a hazardous activity. Under this requirement, the City being identified a local public agency must require a person riding a skateboard must wear a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. A sign must be posted at the facility giving notice that riders are subject to citation.

M/S Ruskin/Hartnett to INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE RENUMBERING CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 25.1.17 OF THE REDWOOD CITY MUNICIPAL CODE; AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 25.1.17 SKATEBOARD FACILITIES OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE CITY;

The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present.
MINUTE ORDER 02-236



B.

Recycled Water Project - information only, oral report - no City Council Action required;

Public Works Services Director Ingram stated that the expanded feasibility study is now complete and the Utilities Committee has been actively looking at the alternatives and understanding how to define party customers. This study will come before Council for review and acceptance on August 26. The recommended project from the consultant team could offset almost 2,000 acre feet of water per year of Hetch Hetchy drinking water which is an expanded project from the project in Redwood Shores presented in January. The project price has increased and estimated to cost $36.8M, if working on schedule, it could be fully operational in 2009, the end of the current supply contract with San Francisco. The project as proposed would stay on the east side of 101 and expand across the freeway into central Redwood City or as demand and circumstances allowed. PWS Director Ingram continued with the presentation and outlined the milestones.

Council questions ensued regarding the connection ordinance

Public Comment
Jim Bewley, Manager of SBSA, stated he had recently attended a meeting of the California Association Sanitation Agencies and gave an example of a residential recycling project for potable water planned in southern California. He further stated that this project at 3-6M gallons per day and using landscape only in today’s standard is starting to be a routine recycling program. He stated that SBSA is well into the preliminary design work on the project in order to meet the City’s aggressive schedule of delivering water in 2004.

Recommendation:

No action required



10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None

11. PUBLIC HEARING - None

12. BOARD, COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS - None

13. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST - Regular

13.A.

Legislation (information only) - This sub-section involves possible discussion of City Position on Proposed Legislation Described in the League of California Cities Priority Focus Bulletin No. 29-2002. Council may direct staff to act on positions taken by Council. (Copies of League of California Cities Priority Focus available in City Clerk’s Department).



13.B.

Response to the Grand Jury Report (Port of Redwood City);

Vice Mayor explained that Mayor Claire had prepared various letters as a response to the Grand Jury and Council Member Hartnett stated he felt the original letter contained in the Council packet was appropriate and by authorizing the letter be sent, the requirement would be met and responded to on time.

M/S Ruskin/Hartnett to approve the letter enclosed in the Council packet with the deletion of the last sentence in the paragraph under “City Response to Recommendation #1”, and direct the City Manager to sign the letter in the absence of Mayor Claire.

The motion passed by a majority roll call vote with Council Member Jordan voting no and Mayor Claire absent.
MINUTE ORDER 02-237

14. CLOSED SESSION - No action to report.

15. ADJOURNMENT

M/S to adjourn until the next meeting of August 26, 2002. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia S. Howe, CMC
City Clerk

 

 

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