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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 1996-06-20 - 5:40SRCC MINUTES (Special) 6/20/96 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1996, AT 5:40 PM Special Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember Barbara Heller, Councilmember Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember Absent: None Others Present: Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk 1.INTERVIEWS OF APPLICANTS FOR CITY COUNCILMEMBER TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM TO NOVEMBER, 1997 (CC) - File 9-1 x 9.4-1 Mayor Boro explained the procedure for the meeting, stating each candidate would be allotted fifteen minutes to respond to questions asked by the Councilmembers, who would refer to the list of twenty-one questions which was provided to the candidates at the end of the first interview session, and noting the Councilmembers may also ask questions not on this list. Once the interviews are concluded, the Councilmembers will each vote for two candidates, with their first choice receiving two points, and their second choice receiving one point. He stated City Clerk Jeanne Leoncini will receive those ballots in writing and she will then post the results, after which the Councilmembers will have some discussion. Mayor Boro noted a candidate must have at least three points to be considered in the next round of discussion, and three votes of the City Councilmembers will be required to appoint the new member of the City Council. Mayor Boro noted the total points in the ballot will not determine who is selected. City Clerk Leoncini had the candidates draw numbers to determine the order in which they would be interviewed; Richard O'Brien, Cyr Miller, Ann Song -Hill, and Marilyn Williams. The candidates were then interviewed by the Councilmembers. The predetermined questions were: 1.As a member of the City Council you set policy for a city with a budget in excess of $30, 000, 000. What qualifications and/or experience do you possess to carry out this responsibility? 2.Are you familiar with the St. Vincent's/Silveira Committee Report, and what are your feelings on the Report? 3.What do you feel the role of the City is in addressing the problem of homelessness? 4. Immigration has become a State and Federal issue over the last five years and has specifically been a hot issue in San Rafael. What do you think the role of cities is in addressing immigration? 5.COSTCO is proposing to move into the Fairchild site. What are your feelings about this proposal? 6.What is your view of the Council's role in labor negotiations? 7.Describe examples of your experience in or your approach to conflict resolution. 8.What is your opinion concerning the privatization of City services? 9.Describe any thoughts you have on the development of new revenue sources and/or cuts in City services you would support to develop a balanced budget. 10.Are you planning to run for this position in November, 1997, and are you aware of what is involved in that process? ll . Describe what San Rafael has done to date and/or what you think could be done in the future to achieve affordable housing. 12.Are you aware of the Fair Political Practices Commission Conflict of Interest Code and the reporting requirements that affect Councilmembers? 13.What potential do you see for future partnering between the City, merchants, residents SRCC MINUTES (Special) 6/20/96 Page 1 2 SRCC MINUTES (Special) 6/20/96 Page and property owners with respect to the Downtown Vision implementation? 14.What should the City Council do to increase the level of public participation? 15.What is local government's role in the economy? Do you believe economic development should be one of the City's goals? 16.What do you think should be the City's next step in dealing with the issues that confront the Canal neighborhood? 17.What program/budget areas would you advocate be increased, and how would you fund these increases? 18.Name ways the City and/or City Council can bring together its diverse population. 19.Cite three goals for the Council and your reasons for considering them important to the City. 20. What is your opinion concerning the CalTrans High -Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Gap Closure Project through San Rafael? 21.What is the role of the City Council in running the City? Upon completion of the interviews, the Councilmembers voted for the following candidates: Councilmember Cohen: Cyr Miller, 2 points; Ann Song -Hill, 1 point Councilmember Heller: Ann Song -Hill, 2 points; Cyr Miller, 1 point Councilmember Phillips: Ann Song -Hill, 2 points; Cyr Miller, 1 point Mayor Boro: Cyr Miller, 2 points; Marilyn Williams, 1 point City Clerk Leoncini posted the voting results, with the following point values: Cyr Miller 6 points Ann Song -Hill 5 points Marilyn Williams 1 point Councilmember Phillips clarified that only those candidates who received at least three points were eligible for further consideration. Councilmember Heller stated this had been an extremely difficult decision, as all of the four final candidates were excellent. She noted she was excited to see the caliber and quality of the people who are interested in being on the Council, stating it speaks well for our community. Councilmember Phillips stated all of the candidates have contributed significantly to the community, and are truly fine people with a great deal to offer the City. Mr. Phillips stated he felt comfortable with either of the two final candidates, and was extremely pleased the Council had to decide between two such strong individuals, noting he hoped the candidates not selected would stay actively involved in the City. Councilmember Cohen pointed out the process allowed the Councilmembers to ask follow-up questions of the remaining candidates, and he requested the opportunity to ask a final question of Ms. Song -Hill. Mr. Cohen noted Ms. Song -Hill was elected as a member of the Dixie School Board, serving one term. He asked why she came to the decision not to seek re-election to the School Board after one term? Ms. Song -Hill stated she had served four fairly intense years, noting she felt as though she had made her contribution. She stated she felt it was important for the School Board to get "new blood", noting she knew there were a lot of very competent people who were considering the School Board, and who would serve the School District well. Mayor Boro noted the one thing both of the finalist have in common is their experience in government. He agreed that all four of the candidates were excellent, and that this was a difficult decision. He noted two of the candidates are not currently involved at the City level at this point, and stated that if they are not involved after tonight, he urged them to get involved, as they certainly have the knowledge and desire, and bring a great perspective. SRCC MINUTES (Special) 6/20/96 Page 2 SRCC MINUTES (Special) 6/20/96 Page 3 Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to nominate Cyr Miller to fill the position of City Councilmember. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None Councilmember Cohen stated this had been an incredibly wrenching decision, and all four of the candidates deserve the highest compliment, stating the level of people involved in our community fills him with hope for the future, and he thanked all of the candidates. Mayor Boro congratulated Cyr Miller on his appointment as City Councilmember, and stated he would be sworn in next Monday night, June 24, 1996. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF , 1996 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SRCC MINUTES (Special) 6/20/96 Page 3