HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1992-08-17SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 8/17/92
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IN CONFERENCE ROOM 201 OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1992, AT 7:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF LITIGATION AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS - File 1.4.1.a
No. 92-14(a) - #1 - Robert Copple, Robert Biggs, David Rosenberg & 157 Woodland
Partners vs. City of San Rafael and San Rafael City Council
No. 92-14(b) - #2
No. 92-14(c) - #7
No reportable action was taken.
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1992 AT 8:00 PM
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Michael A. Shippey, Councilmember
Joan Thayer, Councilmember
Absent: Dorothy L. Breiner, Councilmember
Also Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
Mayor Boro pointed out, for the benefit of
taking pictures of the proceedings is Carol
Community Resource Group.
CONSENT CALENDAR
the audience, that a photographer who may be
Pratt, who is a photographer with the Marin
Councilmember Thayer moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to approve the recommended
action on the following Consent Calendar items:
ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION
2. Approval of Minutes of Special Joint Meeting of Approved as submitted.
March 31, 1992, Special Meeting of May 27, 1992,
and Regular Meeting of July 20, 1992 (CC)
3. Appointment of Dr. Stephen G. Mizroch as Member Approved staff recommendation, to
of the Fire Commission to Fill Vacancy (CC) - fill unexpired term to the end of
File 9-2-5 x 9-3-31 March, 1994, due to death of Fire
Commissioner Roger O'Donnell, who
passed away on July 29, 1992.
4. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Service ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8722 -
Agreement with Chemical Waste Management, Inc., AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SERVICE
for Disposal of Oil and Grease Laden Materials AGREEMENT WITH CHEMICAL WASTE
MANAGE -
(PW) - File 4-10-267 x 13-2 x 9-3-40 MENT, INC. (CWM) FOR DISPOSAL OF
OIL AND GREASE LADEN MATERIALS
5. Resolution Authorizing Applications for Various
Grants to Support On -Going Falkirk Programs and
Exhibitions (Cult.Affs.) - File 9-3-84 x 202
6. Resolution Approving 3 -Year Lease Agreements
with San Rafael School District Re Child Care
CONTRACT,
Centers for: (Rec)
a. Short School - File 4-7-16
CENTERS
Page 1
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8723 -
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO APPLY TO THE
FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS DURING AUGUST
AND SEPTEMBER, 1992 TO SUPPORT THE
ON-GOING EDUCATIONAL AND EXHIBITION
PROGRAMS OF FALKIRK CULTURAL
CENTER: METROPOLITAN LIFE, BERNARD
OSHER FOUNDATION, FIREMAN'S FUND,
LANNON FOUNDATION, THE GEORGE GUND
FOUNDATION, MARIN CHARITABLE
ASSOCIATION, ELKS CLUB, AND
WESTAMERICA BANK
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8724 -
AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A
LEASE OR AGREEMENT WITH SAN RAFAEL
SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR CHILD CARE
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 8/17/92
Page 2
SAN
7.
8.
b. Gallinas School - File 4-7-20
C. San Pedro School - File 4-7-25
Authorization to Call for Bids for Oleander Park
Improvements (Rec) - File 12-5 x 9-3-66
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 8/17/92
SHORT SCHOOL, GALLINAS SCHOOL AND
PEDRO SCHOOL (7/1/92 - 6/30/95)
Approved staff recommendation.
Sun Valley Park Renovation (Rec) - File 12-5 x 9-3-66
a. Resolution Authorizing Contract with Moore, ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8725 -
Iacofano & Goltsman (MIG) AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A
CONTRACT, LEASE OR AGREEMENT
(W/Moore, Iacofano & Goltsman [MIG]
for Design Services for Sun Valley
Park Renovation, $5,825)
b. Authorization to call for bids for
Construction
9. Resolution Adopting a Police Vehicle Pursuit
Policy in Accordance with California Vehicle
Code Section 17004.7 (PD) - File 9-3-30
10. Adoption of Resolutions: (CM)
a. Amending Resolution No. 8504 Pertaining to
Compensation and Working Conditions for
Management and Mid -Management Employees
(Excluding Police Mid -Management Classifi-
cations) - File 7-3
b. Amending Resolution No. 8505 Pertaining to
Salary of City Manager - File 9-3-11
Approved staff recommendation.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8726 -
ADOPTING A POLICE VEHICLE PURSUIT
POLICY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE SECTION
17004.7 (SRPD General Order #80-21)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8727 -
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 8504
PERTAINING TO THE COMPENSATION AND
WORKING CONDITIONS FOR MANAGEMENT
AND MID -MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
(EXCLUDING POLICE MID -MANAGEMENT
CLASSIFICATIONS (7/1/92 - 6/30/93 -
- No increase in salaries)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8728 -
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 8505
PERTAINING TO THE SALARY OF THE
CITY MANAGER (7/1/92 - 6/30/93 --
No increase in salary)
11. Resolution of Appreciation to Susan Shepley, ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8729 -
Secretary to Assistant City Manager, for Over RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO
Thirteen Years of Service to the City of San SUSIE SHEPLEY, SECRETARY TO
Rafael (CM) - File 102 x 9-3-11 ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, FOR OVER THIRTEEN
YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY OF SAN
RAFAEL
12. Claims for Damages:
a. Barbara Koch (PW)
Claim No. 3-1-1639
b. Michelle Olivarez (PW)
Claim No. 3-1-1640
Approved City Attorney's
recommendation for denial of
Claims a & b.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner
13. DISCUSSION OF TRAFFIC ISSUES - GERSTLE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (PW) - File 11-1 x 163
Lloyd Strom, Assistant Director of Public Works, briefed the Council, stating that in
June, 1992 the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association (GPNA) had presented a series of
requests to the City Council regarding traffic control in the Gerstle Park area. The
Council had decided that a small study group would be put together, consisting of
Councilmembers Breiner and Cohen, as well as Public Works Director Bernardi. A meeting
was held with representatives of the neighborhood to discuss a number of issues. It
was agreed at the meeting that staff would study the intersections of "D" and Bayview
Streets, First and "C" Streets, and "C" and Bayview Streets. The other areas of
concern would be studied at a subsequent time, given the availability of staff and
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direction from the Council. He stated that as a result of their second meeting, staff
is bringing back to the Council four recommendations. He stated he did not personally
attend the meetings and is presenting the recommendations as explained to him by
Director Bernardi, as outlined in the report.
He explained that the first recommendation is to authorize staff to install an all -way
stop at Bayview and "C" Streets. He noted that currently there are stop signs on
Bayview Street only.
Mr. Strom stated that the second recommendation was for the Council to review the
question of signal installation at "D" and Bayview Streets at its first meeting in
October, 1992. He noted that at the present time this intersection does not meet
specific warrants for traffic signals. He explained that "traffic signal warrants" is
the methodology developed by the State and the Federal Government for analyzing an
intersection, where you go out and collect data pertaining to a series of criteria by
which an evaluation is made. He added it includes such things as traffic volumes, the
distribution of these volumes in the intersection, number of pedestrians, the number of
gaps in the traffic, the delays, and the accidents in relationship to other signals.
He stated it is a relatively complex process, but it is primarily statistical
information. He stated that, having gone through the evaluation at "D" and Bayview, it
is very close to meeting traffic signal warrants, but it does not quite meet those
warrants at this time. He added that staff feels that if they go back once school
opens there will probably be a significant increase in pedestrian traffic and possibly
some additional vehicle traffic which would put it over the threshold for the limits to
make the signals warranted. That is the reason staff is recommending the issue be
considered at the first Council meeting in October when staff will have an additional
analysis. Mr. Strom noted that staff does not recommend the installation of a "Stop"
sign on "D" Street as an interim measure before traffic signals would be installed.
Staff feels there would be a significant number of negative impacts, not only to the
traffic operations on "D" Street, but also could very well cause traffic diversion from
"D" Street throughout the neighborhood. Another issue regarding the signal is the
question of funding. It is estimated that a semi -actuated signal system at this
location would cost between $80,000 and $100,000. He noted this is not a budgeted
item, and recommended three possible sources: a) City unencumbered reserves; b) Gas
Tax Funds; and, c) A Neighborhood -wide Assessment District. He added that there is a
possibility that the County of Marin may participate to some degree.
Mr. Strom indicated there was agreement at their meeting to investigate traffic issues
on Clorinda and Marin Streets. He stated that staff will be doing additional analysis
on that issue and will bring the information back at the same time as the traffic
analysis on "D" and Bayview Streets.
Mr. Strom stated that the fourth recommendation is to proceed with the process of
engaging a consultant to prepare a Downtown Traffic model. He noted there are funds
currently budgeted in the Downtown Plan and, additionally, funds in the Redevelopment
budget, to do an Integrated Downtown San Rafael Traffic Model which will be current and
up-to-date and will be highly effective in allowing staff to look at different
transportation alternatives in the Downtown area. He stated staff feels this would be
essential, before they move forward with any considered changes in street patterns in
the Downtown area. He noted that changing patterns in the Downtown area could
conceivably have a detrimental effect on the Levels of Service at the intersections and
bring us into conflict with the General Plan. For that reason, it is essential that
staff has this sophisticated modeling tool before any of these types of changes are
considered, and he noted staff is asking authorization to engage a consultant to
prepare the Downtown Traffic Model, since time is of the essence. He added that staff
is in the process of preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP).
Mayor Boro mentioned a point of clarification for the members of the audience who do
not have a staff report, explaining that the points discussed by staff were the issues
agreed to by the Committee, on a priority basis to start with, and that the other
issues brought up by the neighborhood will be looked at in subsequent meetings and
brought back to the Council.
Councilmember Cohen stated that Mr. Strom had done a commendable job in presenting the
staff report, since he had not been present at the meeting. He explained that he had
asked Mr. Bernardi to give some potential funding sources as part of this report, and
he appreciates staff acting on his request. Mr. Cohen noted that the possibility of an
Assessment District was not discussed or recommended by the Committee, and he is not
particularly in favor of the Assessment District approach. He stated he does not feel
that should be the focal point of this discussion, but that the justification for the
signals should be discussed, as well as how it could be accomplished.
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With regard to First and "C" Streets, Mr. Cohen stated that the Committee had agreed
that it made the most sense to discuss First and "C" Streets once they had some sense
of what will happen on "D" Street with regard to one-way or two-way traffic. He added
that the Committee had decided not to debate the point of an interim "Stop" sign at "D"
and Bayview Streets, until the decision has been made on "D" Street so it could be
discussed in a much clearer fashion after reviewing the information on the traffic
volume and related issues.
Councilmember Thayer stated she had understood that an automated traffic signal at "D"
and Bayview Streets was not necessarily the preference of the Committee. Mr. Cohen
explained that the recommendation from the neighborhood, from their own traffic study,
was for a pedestrian -activated signal on Bayview so a pedestrian could cross "D"
Street. He stated he feels it would make sense, as long as the signal was being
installed, to also include activation to enable a car to cross "D" Street at Bayview.
Councilmember Thayer stated she agrees that it would be preferable to not discuss the
funding until after the decision is made, and also that additional alternative sources
of funding should be explored before considering an Assessment District.
Mayor Boro opened the meeting for public input.
Sandy Lollini, President of GPNA and a member of the Traffic Advisory Committee,
clarified an error in the Independent Journal article the previous day, and stated that
the Traffic Advisory Committee has not recommended a traffic signal at "D" and Bayview
Street, nor have they recommended an Assessment District. She stated that since May,
1992, the issue of the traffic problems in the neighborhood have been brought to the
Council's attention and there has been considerable publicity in the newspapers. They
have held many open meetings in the neighborhood for public input. She presented a
petition signed by residents of the neighborhood, as well as by downtown merchants,
with the following recommendations:
1) Installation of "Stop" signs at intersections that are unsafe for pedestrians;
2) Reinstitute the two-way traffic on "B", "C" and "D" Streets;
3) Establish load limits to reduce pass-through commercial traffic; and
4) Install a flashing crossing light at "D" and Bayview Streets.
She stated the primary reason for these changes is for the safety of our residents and
all pedestrians, as well as motorists.
Mrs. Lollini stated that at a minimum, pedestrians should have equal rights to
automobiles in a residential neighborhood and that "pedestrian -oriented" and "safe" are
words that are echoed throughout their community planning documents. She stated that
pedestrian rights for neighborhoods and downtown are also emphasized by the Downtown
Community Plan Committee. She noted the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association Board of
Directors unanimously endorses these reports and the (GPNA) Traffic Advisory Committee
continues to stand by all these recommendations, which must be taken as a whole and not
be done piecemeal. She stated if the Council attempts to do any part of one the
problems will not be solved.
Upon being questioned by Mayor Boro, Mrs. Lollini stated she would like to see "Stop"
signs installed. Mayor Boro stated what the Council had before them was a report from
the Public Works Director as a result of a meeting Mrs. Lollini attended, along with
two Councilmembers, where four issues were recommended, which is what they were
discussing tonight. He stated the issue tonight was to address these four
recommendations and find out if the GPNA supports them or not.
Mrs. Lollini stated that the traffic signal on "D" Street was not in their report. She
stated as for the Downtown Traffic Model which was mentioned in the staff report, this
should be moved to September, as recommended in the staff report. She also recommended
that this be done within three months, not six to nine months. She noted that in the
interim, the two-way streets can be taken care of with that report after receiving the
traffic model; also, in the interim, she stated they needed "Stop" signs elsewhere
throughout the community and wanted to make sure that this would not stop at this
point, but would continue forward, not just looking at the traffic signal on "D"
Street. She stated they highly recommended the all -way "Stop" sign at Bayview and "C"
Streets, and hoped they would get more through this process.
Mayor Boro commented that he believed that is what was meant when the report states the
other areas of concern would be studied at a subsequent time and brought back to the
Council. Mrs. Lollini agreed with this and stated they were not just considering the
traffic flow and traffic counts. She stated their main concern was for the pedestrians
who are afraid to cross these streets, as well as the motorists. She stated she would
like to see this accomplished before there is a fatal accident because of this
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situation.
Mayor Boro asked Mrs. Lollini if she was recommending that in the interim a four-way
"Stop" sign be installed at "D" and Bayview Streets? Mrs. Lollini answered negatively.
He explained the Committee and neighbors were moving as quickly as possible to adopt
these recommendations, and they understand the need to review the rest of the problems,
including the other "Stop" signs she has requested, and they are trying to come back as
quickly as possible to put in a signal which will either be activated by cars or
pedestrians. She answered that this will send a signal out to travelers on "D" Street
that this is a thoroughfare and drivers will assume that they can speed on "D" Street,
especially to get through a green light which will still encumber pedestrians. Mayor
Boro asked Mrs. Lollini to clarify whether she was asking for a signal activated by a
pedestrian in order to cross. She stated what they wanted was a flashing yellow light
which could be activated to a red light by pedestrians, which is different from the
recommendation from the Committee which would become activated by a pedestrian, as well
as a vehicle when it enters the intersection on Bayview Street and would, therefore,
remain green on "D" Street. Mayor Boro stated it could also be designed to blink
yellow, since the design has not been finalized. He asked Mrs. Lollini to clarify that
this was what the Committee would be studying after the discussion tonight. She stated
there were residents of that neighborhood present at this meeting who would like to
speak on this issue. Mayor Boro stated anyone may speak.
Councilmember Shippey stated to Mrs. Lollini that the Council was not necessarily
disagreeing with her at all. He stated they were on her side.
Councilmember Cohen, as a point of clarification, stated that his recollection of both
of those meetings was that the Committee agreed that the Council is committed to act as
quickly as possible on the report submitted by the Traffic Advisory Committee. He
stated the Committee also agreed to prioritize the intersections to be considered, and
that the Council take one step at a time, rather than consider the whole project. He
stated that it was his recollection that at both meetings they discussed this point and
agreed on it, and that the issues taken up tonight were the first priority and that the
next would be Clorinda and Marin Streets. He stated that Antoinette and "D" Street has
not been made a priority, and if the Committee wishes to discuss it at their next
meeting, they could make it the next priority after Clorinda and Marin Streets.
Mr. Cohen stated that he thought the Committee had agreed to the traffic activated
signal recommended by Mr. Bernardi, which Mrs. Lollini said is not so. He stated he
feels this should be discussed at the next Committee meeting. Mrs. Lollini stated she
felt they should install the "Stop" signs at "C" and Bayview Streets. Mr. Cohen then
asked if she was saying they were not supporting the traffic signal at Bayview Street.
Mrs. Lollini stated she would rather have a pedestrian light installed at this
location and, in the interim, install a "Stop" sign, which she recognized was a
Committee decision.
Mayor Boro stated that the recommendation was for signalization at "D" and Bayview
Streets and to come back in October with this, along with Mrs. Lollini's suggestion of
variations to this. He stated this was considered an open item.
Mr. Cohen stated the Committee needed to meet again to review the data on Marin and
Clorinda Streets in September, and to bring back to the Council recommendations for
this in October, as well as further discussion of "D" and Bayview Streets. Mrs.
Lollini stated that there was a consensus within the neighborhood to put the "Stop"
signs in sooner.
Ken Birkie, property owner in the Gerstle Park neighborhood, stated there appeared to
be a difference of opinion between the residents of this area and the City government.
He observed that the Council's priority appeared to be traffic flow and the
neighborhood had different priorities. He stated they needed a residential
neighborhood without the fast through traffic. Mayor Boro explained that "D" Street is
used as a crossway from one part of Marin to another, and it is a concern by City staff
that if you back up traffic on "D" Street with too many "Stop" signs the traffic will
divert to the other streets in the area. Mr. Birkie stated there is too much traffic
on "D" Street, and there could be a serious accident, and that all he is asking for is
a happy medium.
Carol Nass clarified that if "Stop" signs would be put on "D" Street, they would also
be put on "C" Street, making drivers stop all over the neighborhood. She stated she
felt the Council appeared to not want change within that neighborhood and all the
neighbors were asking for was a residential neighborhood.
Bill McCluskey, a resident of 15 Los Robles, urged expeditious action by the Council on
their issues, and expressed serious concerns about the safety of the residents of the
neighborhood because of the heavy traffic.
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Terry DeMartini, resident at the southwest corner of "C" and Bayview Streets,
complained about the cars speeding on "C" Street, and the need for traffic control at
the intersection. She stated she does not know that a large number of "Stop" signs
will be the answer, and she is concerned about a signal at "D" and Bayview Streets
causing cars to divert to "C" Street.
Bruce Shurtz, a resident of Bayview Street between "D" and "C" Streets, stated he hopes
the Council will be aware of how the Bayview Street residents will be affected by the
proposed changes, since they already have heavy traffic on Bayview Street. He stated a
great deal of study is warranted, not only for "D" Street, but for the effect on
Bayview Street.
Linda Bellatorre, resident at 239 Bayview Street, member of the GPNA Board and a
Planning Commissioner for the City of San Rafael, inquired about making suggestions as
the plans go forward. Mayor Boro explained that the issues before the Council tonight
are the recommendations in front of them, and the Council recognizes the need to go
forward, noting if Ms. Bellatorre has something to add she may certainly do so.
Ms. Bellatorre stated she wanted to clarify that she did not say she was in favor of a
traffic light at "D" Street, because there are a lot of questions which have to be
answered. She stressed the importance of looking at the big picture, and how the
impacts will be identified. She also mentioned that when the Downtown Traffic Model is
being compiled, there are a couple of issues which need to be considered, including the
Andersen Drive project and how the traffic patterns will figure into this.
Ms. Bellatorre stated their neighborhood is an old neighborhood and some of these
intersections are just bad intersections and there are some things which were not
mentioned in the Traffic Study, such as the completion of the "Vehicle over Six Feet"
sign program. She noted that when former Traffic Engineer John Rumsey was working on
this study, they gave him a list of intersections which possibly should be completed.
Also, many sections need to have the red zones extended to increase the line of sight.
She stated enforcement was very important because in crossing "D" Street tonight there
was a car parked in the red zone which cuts down on the visibility. She suggested
using "D" Street as a speed trap and then there would possibly be some improvement in
that area. She also stated she does not believe four-way "Stop" signs would help at
this time, and would only add to the confusion.
She also stated she realized that some of the residents were concerned about how long
it was taking to do this, but she understood the situation and appreciated the
Council's concern and their working with the neighborhood on these issues, and also
thanked Mr. Bernardi for getting things done.
Amanda Euton, a resident of "C" Street, recommended speed bumps as a way to slow
traffic. Mayor Boro explained that the City is not allowed to do that on a public
street; however, he noted the Committee could explore having the Highway Patrol post
their speed indicator equipment in this area to see how fast cars are going, and this
also acts as a warning for motorists.
Mayor Boro commented that the Council is being as responsive as they can and with the
Committee in place as a start, they will consider all recommendations as soon as the
Council receives them.
City Manager Nicolai stated that the City is concerned about pedestrian safety, but
when a neighborhood has an arterial in it, as do other neighborhoods, it has to be
dealt with accordingly. She stated the Council is not only concerned about vehicles,
but also about pedestrian and vehicle safety, not just traffic flow. She pointed out
that some solutions can actually create a more hazardous pedestrian situation, and the
City is worried about that issue.
Councilmember Thayer inquired about the Traffic Model, noting there is a six to nine
month time span, and could it possibly be done in a shorter period of time?
Ms. Nicolai responded that she does not know at this time, since there are various
scenarios involved with the Downtown Plan, and it will be evaluated. She stated the
Scope of Work could spell it out. Ms. Thayer stated it should be done as economically
as possible, incorporating all of the facets. Ms. Nicolai stated there are many inter-
related impacts in the Scope. Mayor Boro recommended staff proceed with preparing the
contract for the Traffic Model.
Councilmember Cohen stated he recognizes the concerns of the immediate neighborhood
about the impact at Bayview and "C" Streets, but he does not believe that the signs
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would comprise a dangerous condition, and would recommend the four-way "Stop" signs at
Bayview and "C" Streets. He stated he would like to amend the staff recommendation
with regard to the signal installation. He stated he would like to have it referred
back to the Committee with recommendations from staff on the types of signals which
could be installed, including pedestrian activated versus blinking yellow or
green/yellow/red, and have the issue discussed at the October Council meeting. He
urged that the traffic study be expedited as much as possible, including the
recommendation for two-way traffic in the Downtown area.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to approve staff
recommendations, as amended, to: 1) Authorize staff to install all -way "Stop" signs at
Bayview and "C" Streets (no change); 2) Review the question of signal installation at
"D" and Bayview Streets at its first meeting in October - type of signals to be used to
be referred back to the Traffic Committee; 3) Proceed to investigate traffic issues on
Clorinda and Marin Streets - staff to do study on this issue for the October meeting;
and, 4) To proceed with the process of engaging a consultant to prepare the Downtown
Traffic Model, to include an analysis of reconverting "B", "C" and "D" Streets to two-
way, installation of all -way "Stop" signs at First and "C" Streets, and other impacts
as they relate to the implementation of the Downtown Plan. Traffic study to be
expedited. Request for Proposal for consultant authorized.
Councilmember Shippey, under discussion, stated he wanted to respond to remarks that
the City is not acting quickly enough. He stated they must think of the whole
neighborhood and he does not want to take action which would have an undesirable ripple
affect in another part of the same neighborhood. He stated they are making every
effort to solve the problems, and that is the reason the Committee was formed.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner
14. REPORT ON 101 CORRIDOR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (Pl) - File 170 x 10-2 x 11-1
Principal Planner Hasser reported that in June, 1989, after several years of study, the
101 Action Committee adopted a 101 Corridor Plan which identified highway and transit
improvements to handle increased North Bay travel over the next 20 years. She noted
that those improvements are identified in the staff report.
Ms. Hasser noted that after the failure of the November, 1990, tax measure to implement
the Plan, the Committee was divided into a Marin and Sonoma delegation, which have met
over the past year to discuss further steps. The delegation includes members from each
city and the County, as well as representatives from environmental and business groups.
Ms. Hasser pointed out that the Marin delegation has come up with several
recommendations for 101 Corridor improvements, and they are also listed in the staff
report. She noted the recommendations are consistent with transportation improvements
called for in the City's General Plan, although it should be noted that the City's
General Plan is not specific regarding the mode of transit to be developed on the
transitway. It calls for an active transitway, but does not specify bus or rail. She
stated that the City was relying on the 101 Corridor Committee to identify the transit
mode, which the Committee has since done.
Ms. Hasser called attention to correspondence attached to the staff report, from the
Marin Conservation League (MCL) and the North San Rafael Coalition of Residents
(NSRCR), which identify certain issues which are responded to in the staff report. One
of those issues is that MCL supports preservation only, of the Northwestern Pacific
right-of-way, rather than reserving it for and incorporating rail transit service. Ms.
Hasser noted that both MCL and NSRCR support and recommend that increased bicycle
routes be included as part of the 101 Corridor recommendation.
Ms. Hasser noted that commuter bicycle routes are included in parts of San Rafael which
could be considered as 101 Corridor improvements; also, they are included in the
Andersen Drive Extension arterial plan as a bicycle route not just for amusement
purposes, but for commuting.
Ms. Hasser pointed out that after the staff report had been completed a letter was
received from Advocates for Transit, opposing the HOV lanes between Lucky Drive and
North San Pedro Road. She noted the letter is included in the packets. She stated
they oppose widening, in part because highway widening might adversely affect future
rail or other transit ridership. She explained that the 101 Corridor study has
previously concluded that both rail and other transit are needed to provide adequate
transportation capacity.
In closing, Ms. Hasser requested that the Council take action on the 101 Corridor
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Committee recommendations.
Mayor Boro stated that he has reviewed the report carefully, to make certain that the
recommendations of the 101 Corridor Committee were consistent with what the Council had
adopted in the San Rafael General Plan process.
Carol Williams, Assistant Director, County Planning, stated that the staff report and
attachments give a comprehensive review of the process and findings of the 101 Corridor
Study. She noted that when these recommendations were voted on, there were 11 "Yes"
votes, 2 "No" votes and 2 abstentions. She noted that the City of Mill Valley had
since voted to approve the recommendations, although that city was one of the
abstentions.
Councilmember Thayer expressed concern regarding the failure of the plan to specify
specific bicycle commute routes, since it involves people commuting by bicycle from the
various jurisdictions and asked if the Committee was going to do anything in this
regard. Ms. Williams stated she does not think the recommendations of the Committee
are incompatible with bicycle transportation. She noted that was never really studied
in any depth during the 101 Corridor process, which was more oriented toward the big
picture of transportation between Marin and Sonoma Counties, and San Francisco - the
more long range and long distance commuting. She noted there would be no harm in
putting in some language saying that this is important. She noted that the Marin
County Open Space District has applied for funds from the ISTEA (Intermodal Surface
Efficiency
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Transportation Act) money, which will be coming to the County, to do a study and
identify the feasibility and possible routes of North/South bicycle commuting. She
stated they will identify carefully where and how it can work.
Councilmember Thayer then stated that the Council has not really revisited this issue
since the defeat of the Transportation Tax in November, 1990. She stated she has been
in support of the tax, and wonders how the Council feels about a like measure.
Mayor Boro stated that one of the difficulties in the previous measure was that the
train, as proposed, did not go beyond Novato. However, this Committee is looking at
the long term and they have not yet discussed how and when they would go back to the
voters, and who would be the sponsoring agency. However, the intent is to acquire the
right-of-way and then plan on doing something with it. Mayor Boro added that the issue
would come back before this Council before it would go on the ballot, but the issue
before the Council tonight is whether to reaffirm support for the concept, and confer
with our counterparts in Sonoma to see if we can do a better job for the long term.
Councilmember Shippey stated he does not quite see what is being proposed by the 101
Corridor Committee with regard to the rail versus a right-of-way system.
Supervisor Robert Roumiguiere, Member of the Marin County Board of Supervisors and
Chairman of the 101 Corridor Committee, responded that the 101 Corridor Plan provides
for a number of improvements through the 101 Corridor and the job given to the
Committee was to develop a plan that would maintain Service Level D through the
Corridor for the following 20 years at 45 miles per hour. He stated the Committee's
charge was to develop a list of improvements which would be technically and
environmentally sound, and politically acceptable and capable of being financed, and
the basic problem was using the formally adopted General Plans of the cities involved
and ABAG's projections. He stated that, in terms of the right-of-way, the 101 Corridor
Plan is not the plan that went to the voters; it was a plan developed by the
Transportation Authority that went to the voters. He noted the 101 Corridor Plan
provides for rail transit from Santa Rosa or Healdsburg, which is the northern part of
the 72 -mile corridor, coming from there down to Larkspur. He noted that the primary
objective at the moment is to acquire the right-of-way.
Bob Cooper, of the Jericho Coalition, noted the lack of mention of any sound walls in
the recommendations. He stated that CalTrans has failed to recognize that parallel
walls result in multiple reflections which increase the noise on the hillsides of San
Rafael. He stated that is an issue which should be mitigated, including the present
walls, as well as future walls.
Wendy Kallins, 22 -year resident of Marin County, stated she was representing both
herself and Urban Ecology (a new National organization). She spoke in favor of light
rail from Larkspur to Healdsburg, as being an important asset in reducing the cars on
Highway 101, for ecological reasons, and hoped it would take less than 20 years,
although the projections are not good at this point. She then stated her concern about
what the 101 Corridor Committee has done in trying to serve many different interests
may cancel out the opportunity for light rail in two ways: 1) By widening the freeway
and offering more viability for the private automobile, you are discouraging people
from using the future train system; and, 2) The way CalTrans is proposing this now,
there is a possibility of paving over that right-of-way as part of the freeway widening
which would make the introduction of the rail line very expensive and potentially
politically unfeasible. She questioned how many people were actually using the HOV
lanes and whether it was worth the cost for the two to three hours a day that it is
actually being used. She stated because of this, it might be prudent to look at the
rail transit and the HOV widening separately, not together.
Mayor Boro stated his understanding is that CalTrans will make the decision as to
whether the widening will go to the East or the West, and he is concerned about what
the effect on the transitway will be if they go to the West.
Hannah Creighton, of the Marin Advocates for Transit, referred to her letter to the
Council on August 12, 1992. She noted that of all the plans coming forward by
CalTrans, the first is the HOV lanes. She urged that San Rafael, as a key city most
effected by the HOV lanes, recommend that CalTrans slow down in the preparation of the
EIR (Environmental Impact Report), and look at all of the options. She urged that this
action be slowed down until all issues have been studied.
Vera Dahlgren, conservationist, expressed concern about the number of people riding on
the rail transit. She stated that single occupancy vehicles are not the problem; it is
actually congestion and air pollution. She stated if you have a rail system you have
not done anything for either problem. She added she does not believe that the rail
service would be any more effective than the existing bus service, and might result in
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deterioration of the bus service. It would also be more expensive.
Susan Stompe, representing the Marin Sierra Club, stated her group does not support the
101 Corridor Plan as presented to the Council. She stated their concern is regarding
transit. They support transit to get people out of their cars, but the better way to
do it is to improve the existing transit facilities, which is the bus service, and
helping to facilitate the movement of the buses so that people will have the
willingness to take a bus. She stated the Sierra Club does support the preservation of
the railway right-of-way, but until the Countywide General Plan finalizes its land use
policies, we should retain the option to go in that direction if we can get the
(Countywide) General Plan secured so it will not include a necessity of putting
populations along the railroad right-of-way to justify the utilization of the right-of-
way.
Mayor Boro clarified the question of support of the HOV lanes. Ms. Stompe stated they
have, and they support any bolstering of the bus service, which is another issue.
Tom Lollini, representing the American Institute of Architects (AIA), submitted a
letter for the record, and summarized its highlights. He stated that they have been
following the development of the Marin 101 Corridor Plan with serious concern regarding
its emphasis and priorities. He added that they have also advocated for coordination
of transportation and land use planning in the North Bay through participation in the
Countywide Planning process. Mr. Lollini noted that San Rafael, in particular, will be
significantly impacted by this proposed plan to increase 101's capacity through the
heart of the City.
Mr. Lollini stressed the need to establish investment priorities in the funding of
transportation infrastructure, and widening Highway 101 without a comparative analysis
of the benefits of investing the same funds in transit -cased solutions would be
irresponsible. He noted that the $85 to $120 million for widening through San Rafael
alone could fund 30% to 40% of the cost of light rail from Larkspur to Novato, and 100%
of the cost of diesel commuter rail from Larkspur to the Sonoma County Line. He added
that either of these lines could link north to Healdsburg and east to Richmond.
Mr. Lollini stated that the AIA recommends that San Rafael consider: 1) Require that
any 101 Corridor transportation plan to be endorsed by this City be integrated with a
mutually supportive and environmentally sustainable land use; 2) Require that a rail -
based transit alternative be evaluated for its long term benefits to regional
circulation, air quality and local urban design; and, 3) Require that a Countywide,
inter -community network of commuter bike lanes be included as an integral component of
any plan.
Frank Scott, resident of San Rafael, stated he supports the comments of Tom Lollini,
Wendy Kallins and Hannah Creighton regarding transit. He stated that the American
neighborhoods, for the past 50 years, have been totally dominated by motor vehicle
movement and the creation of hundreds of acres of parking spaces, and he realizes the
problem the Council is faced with. He added he felt the Council's priorities were
toward motor vehicles and not people, and asked that they keep in mind that people come
first.
Mayor Boro recapped the information received at the meeting, stating the Council is
looking at a multitude of options and should look for a direction to go forward.
Councilmember Thayer noted that Supervisor Roumiguiere brought up a good point, and
that is with regard to transit and the HOV lanes. She stated there has been much
debate, which is still going on in that you cannot take transit and land use and deal
with them separately. She added under the current scenario, it does not make sense to
eliminate the HOV lanes and rapid transit. She stated the problem with some of the
arguments given tonight against rail service does not take into account Marin County's
unique geographic location. She also stated that in 20 years it is really conceivable
that the people in Marin are going to be belabored by a tremendous amount of traffic
from the North. She stated that this has been a debate that has been raging for a
number of years. She again stated that she believed they would have to deal with land
use, along with transit, which she did not feel had been addressed adequately.
Councilmember Cohen stated he supports the HOV lanes, and the Council should support
the rail, and keep all of the options open. He noted that the CalTrans EIR will be
very informative, and may include the rail transit as an alternative. He stated he is
concerned about the possible impact of the HOV extension project on the right-of-way,
and this should be looked at carefully. He stated he also supports the recommendation
of the NSRCR about the integration of the bicycle lanes.
Councilmember Shippey stated he would hate to see this plan go forward without the new
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technologies which might offer the solution. He stated he feels we should try to
preserve our options and would like to move forward.
Mayor Boro asked for a motion, and noted that Councilmember Cohen had recommended
adding to the recommendations the subject of bicycle commuting to the EIR as it starts
forward.
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Councilmember Cohen stated he would prefer that the commuter bicycle issue come back
before the 101 Corridor Committee and have them monitor the EIR.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to accept the staff
report, with the amendments as recommended and the addition of the integrated bicycle
commute system as part of the Plan.
Mayor Boro clarified that the motion before the Council is to accept the staff report,
with the added comments regarding the issue of commuter bicycle routes and urging the
101 Corridor Committee, as well as the City of San Rafael itself, to pay close
attention to the EIR as it proceeds forward on the Highway 101 widening, with respect
to the right-of-way acquisition and the issue of rail as an alternative.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen,
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner
15. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
None.
ADD ITEM:
Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
Mayor Boro noted there is an add item on the agenda, related to an item which had been
before the Redevelopment Agency earlier in the evening. City Manager Nicolai explained it
is basically the same item which was on the Redevelopment Agency agenda for the Planning
portion, and it is now before the City Council for approval of the contract amendment. She
noted it will require a vote to add it to tonight's agenda.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to add an item on the Agenda
as an urgency item, after the Agenda was posted.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner
I. RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH CH2M HILL TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT FOR THE SHORELINE BUSINESS PARK (HOME DEPOT) PROJECT - File 4-10-257 x 9-
3-66 x (SRRA) R-103 x R-140 No. 7
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to adopt the Resolution
as recommended.
RESOLUTION NO. 8730 - APPROVING A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH CH2M HILL TO PREPARE AN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE SHORELINE BUSINESS PARK
(HOME DEPOT) PROJECT ($5,410.00, to be paid by Redevelopment
Agency)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner
There being no further business, Mayor Boro adjourned the meeting in memory of former Chief
of Police Henry (Hank) Ingwersen, who passed away on Sunday, August 9, 1992.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
1992
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