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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1998-04-20SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1998 AT 8:25 PM Regular Meeting: Present: San Rafael City Council Absent: Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager CLOSED SESSION: Albert J. Boro, Mayor Barbara Heller, Councilmember Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk Mayor Boro announced Closed Session would commence following the City Council meeting. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: PM 8:25 PARK STREET DRAINAGE PROBLEMS - File 12-9 X 9-3-48 (Verbal) Dan Thompson, 156 Park Street, referred to the Jewell Street Water Diversion Project, which was started approximately three years ago, reporting during this project the City installed storm sewers and concrete collection abutments, and the water was diverted down Jewell Street and the hillside, and then Park Street. He stated the project was stopped on the downhill grade, in front of 157 Park Street, and at that time the City authorized the Public Works Department to use a pipe to reverse the drainage on Park Street from the northwest side to the southeast side, and pick up an existing underground drainage creek in front of 156 Park Street. He stated the problem at this point is the consequential erosion under the properties, noting water enters private property at 156 Park Street and goes under the driveway, then goes downhill to 150 Park Street, and under the front bedroom and the garage. As the water travels south and crosses the fenceline, it goes into a large concrete collection box, and when it rains, the water boils over, there is surface flooding, and everyone downstream from that is subject to surface water. Mr. Thompson stated they have noticed that at 156 Park Street there are two major cracks and separations on one side of the house, approximately ten feet apart, directly over where the stream ran. Mr. Thompson stated they have a geological report from private Engineers which states the ground has settled, noting the front end of the bedroom is out two inches, and agreed the house is definitely settling. Mr. Thompson stated the residents are concerned because it is their understanding the City wants to abandon the implied right-of-way, which was the City's, to the property owner. Mr. Thompson stated they are concerned about stabilizing their property, making sure it is restored to its original state, and getting a clean bill of health from the City. Karen Hansen, 150 Park Street, stated the neighbors had gotten together to address some serious issues, noting they wanted to open up for discussion with the City Council the awareness of some of the potential problems the Department of Public Works has created on their street. She stated the residents of Jewell Street had previously threatened a law- suit against the City, and consequently the City moved the water from that area onto the front of Park Street. She noted the idea behind that was to have the water go down the center of the street and not affect the homes, but somehow the project was stopped, which forced water underneath their properties, and now the properties are eroding. She stated they wanted to know how the City was going to find the money for the completion of the project, when the project would be completed, how the pipes can be restored, and how the flooding and underground erosion can be stopped. She stated a lot of this began in 1994 to avoid lawsuits, but now they are suffering problems underneath their houses. Ms. Hansen stated the residents are concerned that because they live in an older neighborhood, this is not a main priority for the City, and as there are a lot of single-family houses and apartments, they are concerned about their property values. She believed if she were to sell her house now, she would be forced with a disclosure, and it would not sell for the same value it would if the project were completed. Ms. Hansen stated that because of an inadequately finished project, the property she owns has a possible massive sinkhole, which was discovered by Ghilotti Brothers. She noted she has large trees on her property, and is afraid that if there is a sinkhole, it will cost thousands of dollars to have it fixed. She reported there was also flooding in other neighbors' homes, and some of the foundations and cement driveways are cracking. She stated that because the City has used these fifty year old pipes to transfer water from other neighborhoods, it has caused erosion and the pipes SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 1 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 2 have been abused, and now with the abandonment of the easement, which the City wants to turn back over to the homeowners, they feel the City is not acting in good faith. Ms. Hansen stated the residents would like to sit down with the City to discuss what can be done about this problem, noting their homes are at stake. Ms. Waltrud Vega, owner of apartments at 134 and 136 Park Street, thanked the City for fixing the pipes and drainage on the street, but noted there was still one problem. She reported in 1996 and 1997 the Public Works Department cut the top of her pipe to make the water flow easier, but after that, her property was flooded worse than ever before, which caused her to have vacancies and lose appliances. Ms. Vega stated it was her understanding the City was going to abandon the easement, but before it is abandoned, she wants the pipe restored to its original state. She noted there was still drainage from the houses at 150, 156, and 142 Park Street, and there was also water coming from a pipe on Valencia Avenue, which is draining into her pipe and causes flooding when it rains heavily, and also causes erosion to her driveway and under her garage. She was concerned it could go under her house, if the erosion grows larger. Ms. Vega noted she, too, would like a clean bill of health from the City, something that states the work the City did was permanent, and that the water will not go through her property again, because if she should ever need to sell or lease her property, she needs a clean bill of health in order to get the full value for her building. Public Works Director Bernardi reported these individuals had filed claims against the City through the normal process with the City Clerk's Office, noting the Risk Management Team and City Attorney's Office were investigating these claims at the present time. He stated he did not have any comment regarding the statements they have made, noting the City is still in the process of investigating the claims. He reported that depending upon the results of their review, staff would be bringing the claims before Council in Closed Session. Mayor Boro asked about the issue of abandoning the easement? Mr. Bernardi stated the City did not technically have an easement, per se, noting the City Attorney's Office was looking at the issue of abandoning any rights the City may or may not have because it has used a waterway that ran through private property as an integral part of the City's storm drain system. Now that the system has been bypassed, no City water is going into it, but the fact that the City used it in the past may create some rights the City does not need anymore; therefore, the City Attorney's Office is looking into abandoning that potential easement. Mayor Boro acknowledged the City Attorney's Office would be bringing this issue before Council in Closed Session, but asked when the residents could expect a response from the City? Mr. Bernardi reported some of his Engineering staff had worked with the Risk Manager in compiling reports, and these cases were scheduled to be discussed at a Risk Management Meeting this week, noting he would have more information after that meeting. Mayor Boro asked if it was reasonable to expect that sometime near the end of May the residents might expect a response? Mr. Bernardi stated it was. REQUEST FOR EARLIER TIMELINE FOR PUBLICATION OF CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS - File 1-4- 2 X 9-1-2 Jay Morse, speaking on behalf of the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods and the North San Rafael Coalition of Residents, addressed the issue of notification of Agenda items, and the ability of the Associations to meaningfully participate in the proceedings of the City Council. Mr. Morse stated they understood staff worked very hard in putting together the Agendas and staff reports, and to mail them out in advance of the Monday night City Council meetings; however, they are put out the Thursday or Friday before the Council meetings. He felt that was a burden on the Councilmembers, in terms of the time they have to look into some of the issues, but stated it was an even bigger burden on the Association members, because they receive agendas on a Saturday, without staff reports. He stated they have very little time to call the members of the Associations to find out who is interested in specific issues, to do research into each subject, and to contact the Council with any questions they may have. He stated they certainly do not have an opportunity to meet, as the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods or the North San Rafael Coalition of Neighborhoods, to formulate coherent positions on these issues; therefore, they find themselves "flying blind". He stated the result, very often, is that they find out about issues coming before the Council too late to able to take a good look at them, and in some cases, they find out about them after Council has already acted. Mr. Morse stated there have even been cases where some of the neighborhood Associations have received notification of Council actions or Planning Commission Agenda items after those meetings have taken place. Mr. Morse acknowledged there were monthly briefings that occur with the officers of the Federation and Coalition; however, these briefings were not related to specific City Council Agenda items, they were of a broad, general nature, and when they ask when a particular item is going to come before the Council, the SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 2 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 3 dates usually have not yet been chosen. He stated there are also a number of items not covered in the briefings, that are likely to turn up on the Agenda. He referred to the Priority Projects Procedure as an example, noting that had been voted on at the last Council meeting, but they did not find out about it until after the vote had taken place. He stated they would have liked to have had an opportunity to research the matter more fully, ask questions, and more fully understand what was going on, so they could have made an intelligent decision about whether or not to participate in the discussion. Mr. Morse stated they understood it was possible for members of their Associations to request the City Council pull particular Agenda items if they have not had a chance to take a look at them. He noted this would be an interesting predicament to be in, because if they have not received the Agendas with enough time to look at them and formulate positions, they could wind up requesting that anything they do not understand be pulled, and that would not be the optimal situation. Mr. Morse stated they were proposing that instead of the Agendas being mailed out the Friday before a Council meeting, they go out the Tuesday or Wednesday prior to the Council meeting, or a week in advance. He explained the way this would work would be to have a one meeting reset of the Council's Agenda, noting there would be one Council meeting that might have a thinner than usual Agenda, and the items that are in the pipeline would wind up coming in, from that point on, seven working days after the Agendas had been mailed. Mayor Boro asked City Manager Gould to look into this, and also the possibility of using a FAX machine and the Internet, rather than just relying on the mail, for these two particular homeowner groups. He asked Mr. Gould to report back to Council, as well as the Homeowner Associations. City Clerk Leoncini noted the Agendas are put on the Internet on the Friday before the City Council meetings. Mr. Gould stated they would discuss Mr. Morse's suggestion Wednesday at the Management Meeting, and he would report back to Council with the views of the Department Heads. He noted it would be desirable to give the public additional notice time on the Agenda items, pointing out we would lose some flexibility and adaptability in the process, but he believed it would be a reasonable trade-off. Mayor Boro stated one of the issues to keep in mind was that the law already offers certain provisions for notification, and that was there for a reason; therefore, the matter now was accommodating people's need to know, and he did not know if we needed to go back seven days to do that. He asked Mr. Gould to look at all the options, so the City can preserve its options, as well, with respect to the amount of time we have to notice something, if we choose to do it, under the law. City Attorney Ragghianti pointed out the Brown Act requires the City to post the Agenda 72 hours prior to the City Council meeting. Councilmember Heller stated she believed it was not just getting a copy of the Agenda, so much as getting the back-up information in the staff reports, noting that would be a much greater burden to try to get out, especially as some of the reports are quite large. She believed that was actually the crux of the problem, rather than seeing an Agenda. Mr. Gould stated it had always been the City's practice that we do not release staff reports to the public until they have been released to the Councilmembers, so we would have to change the delivery schedule for their weekly mail and reports to accommodate a new schedule. He stated he would examine this and present Council with options. CONSENT CALENDAR: Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to approve the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Monday, March 16, 1998, and Special Joint Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Monday, April 6, 1998 (CC) 2. Call for Applications to Fill Three Positions on the Park and Recreation Commission Due to One Vacancy (Commissioner Carlene McCart Appointed Recreation Director) and Expiration Approved as submitted. Approved staff recommendation: a) Called applications to fill three year terms on the San Park and for (3) four - Rafael SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 3 3. N 7 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 4 of Terms of Commissioners Ralph G. Mihan, and Fred Warneke (CC) - File 9-2-4 Summary of Legislation Affecting recommendation: - File 9-1 Recreation Commission, to expire the end of May, 2002; b) Set deadline for receipt of applications Tuesday, May 12, 1998 at 12:00 Noon in the City Clerk's Office, Room 209, City Hall; c) Set date for interviews of applicants at a Special City Council meeting to be held on Monday, May 18, 1998, commencing at 6:30 PM. San Rafael (CM) Approved staff Monthly Investment Report (Admin. Svcs.) - File 8-18 x 8-9 Resolution Approving Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, Lugano Imports, 1233 Fourth Street (PD) - File 9-3-30 AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: AB 2586 (Ortiz), Emergency Medical Services: Fire Districts, SUPPORT; AB 1614 (Lempert), California Internet Tax Freedom Act, OPPOSE; AB 2488 (Cardoza), Developer Fees and Exactions "Rough Proportionality", OPPOSE; AB 2354 (Olberg), Development Agreement Accounting Fees, OPPOSE; AB 2081 (Villaraigosa), Sales Tax Exemption: Newspapers, Periodicals, OPPOSE. Accepted report. RESOLUTION NO. 10169 - Inc.,RESOLUTION APPROVING CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE OR NECESSITY IN ISSUANCE OF OFF -SALE LIQUOR LICENSE AT 1233 FOURTH STREET, LUGANO IMPORTS, INC. Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro None Cohen Heller (from minutes of April 6, 1998 only, due to absence from meetings). The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion: 4. JOINT SERVICES COORDINATOR PROGRAM (CM) - File 244 x 113 x 4-4-6b Councilmember Heller noted they would be looking at this issue Wednesday night at the Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers (MCCMC) meeting. She pointed out the Coordinator would be a County employee, housed at the County, and working for the County, and asked if the County was going to subsidize and pick up expenses for this position? City Manager Gould stated an agreement would have to be structured with the County for the employment or contracting of this position. He noted it was anticipated that it made the most sense, since the Coordinator would be overseeing several dozen Joint Powers Authorities that affect, more or less, every city and town in Marin, that this position be in the County organization, rather than one of the city organizations, but that the Coordinator take direction from the City and County Issues Committee, as described in the proposal. This person would work out of the County Administrator's Office, and there would likely be some overhead charge for that service, which would be expected wherever that person were to work, be it for one of the special districts, or one of the cities or towns. Mr. Gould stated he did not expect it would be a heavy charge, and hoped we would be able to contract for the service, because he was not certain it would be a full-time job. Ms. Heller noted Councilmember Phillips sits on the Marin Community SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 4 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 5 Foundation Liaison Committee, and asked if any questions had come from that group? Councilmember Phillips stated they would be meeting on Thursday afternoon. Councilmember Heller suggested the charges be watched as much as possible, to ensure that this is a feasible position. City Manager Gould noted a current example of where this is working is the Countywide Solid Waste Management Agency, where the agencies contract with the County for the services of Jeff Rawles, of the County Public Works Department. He explained that we pay for Jeff's salary and benefits, and a smaller portion for overhead, noting that seems to be working very well, and he felt the JPA was well served under that arrangement. Mayor Boro noted the report states the cost for this position, up to $110,000, would be funded from the Street Light Acquisition Joint Powers Authority Metrocom Wireless Revenues, and asked Ms. Heller if her concern was how that would be spent, or if her concern went beyond the $110,000? Ms. Heller stated she was concerned with how it was spent, pointing out this was just for the first year, and in the following year the Coordinator was to find his or her own salary out of the rest of the JPAs. Therefore, she was concerned the County would be taking such a hugh overhead that it would be a burden on the Coordinator to try to find enough money to fund the position on an ongoing basis. Mayor Boro stated the County would have to pay upwards of 20% to 25% of this for their share, and Mr. Gould confirmed that was correct. Ms. Heller noted she believed San Rafael would likely be sitting on the Oversight Committee, and suggested we be careful in looking at the contracts signed with the County. Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to approve the proposal and Implementation Plan to coordinate the Marin County Joint Powers Authorities, and request that the MCCMC establish a permanent, seven member City/County Issues Committee (C/CIC) to serve as the Oversight Committee for this program. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen 5. SELECTION OF ALTERNATE(S) FOR MARIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AGENCY (CM) - File 4-13-101 x 9-3-30 x 9-3-31 x 9-3-40 Mayor Boro asked the Council to ratify Councilmember Miller's position as Council's prime delegate, and Councilmember Heller as alternate. Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to ratify Councilmember Miller as the Council's prime delegate for the Marin Telecommunications Agency, and appoint Councilmember Heller as alternate. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen PUBLIC HEARING: 8. PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF USE PERMIT 98-4 FROM PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION OF MARCH 10, 1998 RE: MERIDIAN SPORTS CLUB, A PROPOSED HEALTH CLUB AT 1299 FOURTH STREET; APN 011-255-25; DIVERSIFIED EQUITY HOLDINGS/JACK CRYSTAL, OWNER; CHUCK GRIEVE, REPRESENTATIVE (CD) - File 10-5 x 10-2 Mayor Boro opened the Public Hearing and announced the appellant had requested this item be continued to the meeting of 5/18/98. Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to continue the Public Hearing to the Council meeting of 5/18/98, at request of the appellant. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen OLD BUSINESS: 9. 1998/99 COUNCIL PRIORITIES (CM) - File 9-1 X 9-1-2 X 9-3-11 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 5 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 6 City Manager Gould pointed out City departments were beginning to fill out their budget schedules, and provide information to the Administrative Services Department to begin compiling the 1998/99 Budget. He stated that in beginning this budget process, it was important for Council, as the City's Policymakers, to set forth explicit statements of where they would like to see additional emphasis placed in the coming year, and also help staff craft budget options for consideration as we move through the process. He reported staff met with Council on March 30th in a Study Session to discuss priorities for the coming fiscal year, noting he had done his best to capture the essence of their comments in a set of proposed 1998/99 City Council priorities. Mr. Gould stated Council had asked that he incorporate into next year's prioritites those items which, in the current set of priorities, were not yet complete, noting he has tried to meld the two. Reviewing those items for Council's approval, he began with the implementation of Community Oriented Public Service, one of Council's top priorities for the coming year. He reported training has begun, Council has approved the concept plan, and the Police Department has already gone to steady beats; more emphasis on problem solving in the neighborhoods; collaboration with other agencies, both internal and external to the City; new crime prevention programs, noting Council has already stated they would like to see some of the programs focus on young people; working with each neighborhood and Neighborhood Association to determine community problems, whether they are law enforcement related or not, and having the Police Department collaborate with the residents and other staff members to resolve those problems. Mr. Gould stated there was a great deal of interest and excitement within the Police Department and focus groups, indicating the community is ready for this approach, as well. Mr. Gould stated staff knows Traffic Enforcement is also going to be a big issue, now and in the future, and they are looking at ways of stepping up enforcement at key intersections. Mr. Gould stated one issue is Prudent Response to Social Problems, and heading the list is completing the process recently begun to relocate the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room in a way that its operations are conducive to positive neighborhood relations. He noted staff has also heard, loud and clear, that Council wishes them to step up their efforts with the County and a non-profit to re-establish some type of detoxification service in Marin County. He stated this was very lacking in the array of services now available, and we lose valuable Police Officer time when we pick up people who are inebriated and there is no place to take them, other than the Hospital or the County Jail. Therefore, he believed that having a detox center was very important. Mr. Gould stated Council had also made clear that they believe it is important we expand our Child Care programs, especially in ways that make it affordable to families who are struggling. He reported new legislation, both at the Federal and State level, makes new money available, and he hoped the City would capitalize on those opportunities. He reported Council also stated, given the Welfare to Work legislation now on the books at the Federal and State levels, they hoped the City would find a way to support job matching, to help people move off Welfare and into paying jobs. He stated he was not yet certain how the City was going to do that, but noted staff would develop ideas for Council's consideration. Mr. Gould stated Council also asked that the City continue its collaboration with the Canal neighborhood, and their direction to staff, now that we have the City departments working cohesively as a team, was to affect positive changes in the neighborhood, as shown through the Canal Voice process. Council would like the City to branch out and bring in new partners and representatives of the community to increase that leverage and do more. He stated Council wants the City to serve as the lead agency in conjunction with the County to make sure services are provided, but not necessarily to provide them ourselves, rather to serve as a catalyst. He stated Council believed leadership development and the provision and maintenance of affordable housing were absolutely key in the Canal neighborhood, pointing out efforts were underway to do just that. Council also wants the City to advocate for community economic development in the Canal neighborhood, in conjunction with the Marin Community Foundation, and he noted a major report along those lines would be coming to the Community Foundation Board shortly, and would be made public. Mr. Gould stated Council also asked that staff look at targeted redevelopment, both commercial and residential, in the Canal neighborhoods. Regarding critical infrastructure, Mr. Gould stated Council has long recognized that we have millions and millions of dollars of unfunded capital needs in our critical infrastructure, such as our sidewalks, storm SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 6 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 7 drains, parks, and facilities. He reported next month staff would bring to Council the draft of a five year financial forecast, look at where the City's needs and revenues are going, and begin to quantify where the gaps are and set forth possible strategies for Council's consideration to begin to meet those needs. Mr. Gould noted this was something Councilmember Phillips had long advocated, and staff was pleased they would be able to present something shortly, in conjunction with the Budget Oversight Committee, for Council's consideration. Mr. Gould stated that to the extent staff can develop new revenue sources, they will bring those options before Council, certainly advocating for Federal, State, and local monies to augment what we have. In the areas of Technology, Communications, and Information Systems, Mr. Gould noted the City has a leadership position to procure a Countywide Radio System for Marin agencies, and Council has set aside money to replace the aging City Police Radio system; however, we have not yet developed the financing or means of funding the replacement of Fire and Public Works systems at the same time, so that is a major issue that needs to be addressed this year. He stated staff is also aware that although our new Information Systems Division is making great strides improving personal computer use, linking up the various facilities in the City, and improving training, we are still heavily dependent on 1970's vintage proprietary software systems for Police, Fire, Finance, and Administration, and until we move off of those systems, we are going to be very much hampered in our Information Systems use. Therefore, Council has asked staff to look for ways to get off those BRC -based systems as soon as possible, and also look for opportunities for consolidation wherever we can. Regarding Collaborative Neighborhood Improvements, Mr. Gould stated Council has made very clear that we need to work closely with the new Guardians Committee to implement the North San Rafael Vision, and also to adopt a new Park Renovation Master Plan, which he noted Carlene McCart, the City's new Recreation Director, is already working on. He noted we also need to complete the design and begin construction of the Freitas Park improvements, the improvements at Boyd Park, and the Hoffman Field improvements, noting Council was clear they would like those improvements to be underway or completed during the next fiscal year. He stated Council would also like to analyze the park needs in the Montecito/Happy Valley and Rafael Meadows neighborhoods, and continue to collaborate with Neighborhood Associations, schools, and the business community, particularly with regard to traffic problems. Addressing Community Development, Mr. Gould stated this was a year to begin the revision of the General Plan, and incorporate the North San Rafael Vision, the Canal Voice, and the Economic Vision, and also to begin construction on some of the major projects, such as Fair, Isaac, Macy's, Marin Community Foundation, Dominican Expansion, Kaiser Clinic, Shamrock Center, Sonnen BMW, and the Rafael Theater Renovation, all in this next fiscal year. He noted Council also wished to see the City adopt Development Agreements and get underway, if possible, with a Downtown Cineplex, and the redevelopment of "B" Street, while implementing the East San Rafael Traffic Improvements, which Council approved, in concept, a month ago. Regarding Financial Viability and Stability, Mr. Gould reported extending the life span of the Redevelopment Agency was absolutely key, noting it was imperative the City work with the County and School Districts to get an extension on the life span of the Redevelopment Agency, so we can continue with its important work in San Rafael. Mr. Gould noted staff also believed it was time to implement the City's first two-year budget, which is a technique that has been successful in other communities, and which they believed would work out well in San Rafael, while acting on the recommendations of the five-year financial plan. Mr. Gould reported that next year the City's three-year labor agreements with the major bargaining units will expire, so new agreements must be negotiated, preferably multi- year agreements that are within the City's financial means to achieve, in order to continue the strength and labor harmony we have been experiencing in recent years, by paying competitively, and recognizing our employees. Mr. Gould stated we also need to update the Business Cost Study, which Council approved last year, noting staff would do that this Fall, and also increase the use of competitive bidding for contracts, goods, and services, because staff believed there were savings to be had in this area. He reported staff would continue to carefully monitor expenditures in every department, review trends, and advocate for the return of local revenues from the State government, at all opportunities. Addressing Organizational Development, Mr. Gould reported Council had directed that we step up training in Information Systems, Customer Service, SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 7 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 8 and Leadership Development for supervisors, and to complete the reorganizations begun to form the Community Development, Recreation, and Management Services Departments. He noted the operating goals for each department would also be revised and monitored. Mr. Gould stated these recommendations were his draft of Council's conversation and previous priorities. He reported Councilmember Miller had additional language he wished to put forth, which would strengthen and enhance the Canal Neighborhood Capacity Building. Councilmember Miller stated they have been working for a year and a half with a consultant to the Marin Community Foundation, in terms of the Foundation determining how they will relate to the Canal neighborhoods, and how they can be most effective in their philanthropy. He noted the Marin Community Foundation saw that the City was quite far ahead in the area of community development, especially in terms of community building. Councilmember Miller distributed a written plan, quoting for the record, "Canal Neighborhood Capacity Building - Add members from the County and Schools to the Canal Development Team in evolving a community development path that starts with the capacities of the residents, associations, and institutions of the area, concentrates on their agenda building and problem solving energies, and builds and rebuilds the relationships between and among them. Serve as the lead agency to relate direct services from within and without the neighborhoods toward the overall revitalization of the area with special responsibility for provision of affordable housing, redevelopment in housing and commercial uses, the enhancement of infrastructure, and the securing of a healthy and safe neighborhood environment. Partner with Marin Community Foundation to leverage outside resources to support locally driven human and economic development. Collaborate with MCF in leadership training, resident mobilization, non- profit capacity building, and fostering available and accessible financial services to the community". Mayor Boro asked if the Councilmembers agreed this should be included as a replacement for the Canal Neighborhood Capacity Building portion of Mr. Gould's Proposed City Council Priorities report? Councilmember Phillips stated that while he agreed with what Mr. Miller had written, he hoped the replacement paragraph had not excluded anything. City Manager Gould felt Councilmember Miller had done a fine job of incorporating the key points that were in his original draft, noting Mr. Miller built them within the framework of what he expects will be in the Marin Community Foundation report and set of actions. Mayor Boro noted the specific items in Mr. Gould's draft, such as leadership development and the provision and maintenance of affordable housing, could be broken out as specific objectives under the category of Canal Neighborhood Capacity Building, so they did not lose sight of those points. Mr. Phillips agreed, noting that since they were a statement of Council's intentions, goals, and objectives, they should be converted into action statements. Mr. Gould acknowledged Councilmember Miller's statement was more philosophical in nature, whereas his draft was more action oriented. He offered to work with Mr. Miller to meld the two a little more closely, and incorporate the result into Council's priorities. Mayor Boro reported he had reviewed last year's priorities, stating Mr. Gould had done a magnificent job of taking the Councilmembers' worksheets and incorporating them into a priorities plan. Mayor Boro noted last year Council had discussed, as a high priority item, the issue of Disaster Preparedness, and he felt the City had accomplished a lot in this area, between the training going on in the Police and Fire Departments, education of the community, and the activation of the OCC (Operational Command Center) this year. However, Mayor Boro stated there was one area he really felt the City should address, and make our residents more aware of. He pointed out this week was the anniversary of the (1906) earthquake, noting we keep hearing the "Big One" is going to come. He stated it seemed as though we all know it, but he did not believe there was a real effort yet to get people tuned into that, and he would like the City to think about how we might address that in the community of San Rafael over the coming year, suggesting it might be included under the heading of "Neighborhood Improvement", just as a point we could put down. Mayor Boro reported there were some very simple things people could do, but wondered how the City could communicate that, telling people where to shut off the gas, and to have such things as extra water, a flashlight, and a radio on hand. He suggested the City might be able to develop a kit, which could be made available very cheaply, for people who might want to buy them. He believed the City should be very proactive, because we have this potential danger facing us, and he would like to see us be as prepared as we can. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 8 10 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 9 City Manager Gould stated he and Fire Chief Marcucci had discussed this issue, noting Chief Marcucci anticipates encapsulating the ten week training down to a twenty minute program, with handouts and perhaps a video, and make the program available to every service group and organization we can think of in the City. He noted we could even make copies of the video and get it into as many homes as possible, so people have a basic understanding of the things they can do to begin to protect themselves and their homes in an earthquake, and what to do in the immediate aftermath. Mayor Boro stated he and Chief Marcucci had met with the MCF representative several months ago to discuss this issue, and he was pleased Chief Marcucci was pursuing this. Councilmember Phillips referred to the first item under the Prudent Response to Social Problems, which is to relocate the St. Vincent de Paul dining room and ensure its operations are conducive to positive neighborhood relations. He noted the business district was undoubtedly the "neighborhood", and he wondered if perhaps that should be changed to read "residential and business neighborhood relations"? Mr. Phillips stated the business community was concerned, and he felt perhaps it should be more implicit that the City is looking for a positive relationship with the community. Councilmember Phillips also noted that in the past Council has made an issue of Customer Service, which continues to receive ongoing emphasis, and he pointed out the report seemed a little light in that area. Mr. Gould stated he had hoped that would be implicit in Community Oriented Public Service, and also Collaborative Neighborhood Improvements, because the emphasis is so clearly on working with the residents and businesses to define their problems and come up with solutions. He stated he would find another way to emphasize this. Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the goals and priorities, as discussed and revised. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen Mayor Boro thanked City Manager Gould and the Department Directors, not only for working toward these goals, but for completing many of them, and at the same bringing back status reports each month, noting that was very important to the Council. He felt it was a big step that Council and staff not only set the goals once a year, but also follow them all year, and he believed that had made a lot of positive things happen. MONTHLY REPORT - REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (RA) - File 237 X 140 X (SRRA) R-140 In providing an historic perspective on what has occurred in the Redevelopment Agency, Economic Development Director Jake Ours reported San Rafael formed its Redevelopment Agency in 1972. He stated there has been an amazing quantity of things that have sprung from the Redevelopment Agency, which he believed spoke to the need to make sure the Redevelopment Agency goes forward in our financing, noting if we did not have these projects we would be in deep trouble. He pointed out these accomplishments had been possible because of the funds we received from the County, and through negotiations to go forward with these projects. He reported the Agency had built the parking lots and done the roads, and done the studies to do the roads in all sections of the Redevelopment areas, which are Downtown and East San Rafael. He noted the Agency was also responsible for the aesthetics, and many other improvements in the Downtown, particularly the drainage, recalling that in the 1950's and 1960's people truly got wet, and the Redevelopment Agency has taken care of most of that, having spent a lot of money to keep people dry in the wintertime. Mr. Ours reported staff has also done a lot of different studies, such as the Mahon Creek study, which puts the Agency in a position to qualify for grant money, and to do some things with the State Lands Commission. He referred to public facilities, noting all the buildings the Redevelopment Agency had built. He reported both of the Recreation Centers had been built by the Redevelopment Agency, the land at Pickleweed Park was bought by the Redevelopment Agency, and noted that in looking at most of the big things the City has done over the past twenty years, most have been funded through the Redevelopment Agency. Mr. Ours stated the Redevelopment Agency had done a lot in the area of housing, particularly housing in the Downtown area. In addition, the Agency sponsors many events in the City, and he noted many of the things in conjunction with the General Plan and the updates were paid for with Redevelopment Agency money. Mr. Ours pointed out all of the development SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 9 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 10 projects, which are the current traffic generators, were Redevelopment Agency projects. Mr. Ours pointed out the Agency's plans for next year are quite extensive, noting there are twenty-three different categories which have to do with projects that are going on. He stated it was a very productive workload. Mayor Boro asked why the Fair, Isaac site was not listed with the other projects? Mr. Ours explained that was probably because it was not completed in 1997, which was the cut-off for the list. Mr. Ours pointed out it was included in next year's projects. Mayor Boro stated it was important to note that he and Mr. Ours had met this morning with one of the County Supervisors, and had the opportunity to bring up the fact that the funding for the Redevelopment Agency is running out in a year and a half, and in order to do many of the things the City wants to do, we need to sustain and continue that money. Mayor Boro stated that while they had been able to "plant the seed", he felt they also needed to be able to translate this document into dollars back in taxes, especially to the County, so that when they meet with the County Supervisors, they can point to the things that have happened, and show all of the projects, from Borders Books and Toys 'R Us, to those that are going to happen, and show the increase in assessments, and prove that without interaction by the Redevelopment Agency, a lot of this might not have happened. Mayor Boro believed it was important to begin to build something that could be taken to the County, so they see the benefit, noting there are a lot of skeptics up there. He pointed out our Redevelopment Agency has such a great track record we would be able to show the increased assessed valuation as a result of the Redevelopment Agency, and point out that it would not have happened without the Agency. Mr. Ours stated staff had given the County Administrator a list of current projects that would not have happened without the Redevelopment Agency, and those projects alone were more than enough to fund the money the Agency needs to keep going. He stated it was an impressive list of projects, and taxes that would be flowing to the County as a result of those projects. Mr. Ours felt they needed to work more on the history of the Agency, be able to show that, and make them understand that by spending one dollar, they are getting five back. Councilmember Phillips stated he liked the format of Mr. Ours report, pointing out the list of projects was impressive. Mayor Boro stated Council appreciated the work done by Mr. Ours and his staff, noting they generate a lot of results for the City. Councilmember Heller asked for an update of the Farmers Market Festival. Mr. Ours reported it would begin this Thursday at 6:00 PM. He stated a solution had been reached in getting the food vendors back on the street, and he hoped they would all be at the Festival on Thursday. He pointed out there was a big, very nice looking banner across the west end of Fourth Street, noting that when work was being done on the Downtown Plan, one of the things everyone wanted was across -the -street banners. He reported the poles are up, and the first banner was installed this week. Ms. Heller asked that a special note of thanks be given to County Supervisor Hal Brown and his aide, Sandy, for everything they attempted to do. City Manager Gould reported Mayor Boro had gotten very involved in this last week, and put an item on the Supervisors' Agenda for their meeting this week, to get an answer as to whether or not we will get any help with this issue from the Environmental Health Department. He reported that out of that came a compromise, noting it was to have cost us $250 per Farmers Market. However, Mayor Boro stated he had just found out that figure had been reduced to $200 for the first 90 days, and $100 for the remainder of the season. Mr. Gould reported there was also a Senate Bill, SB 1978 (Campbell), that would fix this technical glitch. Mr. Gould noted there was no known opposition to the proposed Senate Bill, so he was hopeful it might be adopted on an emergency basis. Councilmember Heller pointed out Senator John Burton's office was also working on this. 12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS a. ABAG GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING - 4/17/98 - File 111 (Verbal) Councilmember Heller reported she attended the ABAG General Assembly Meeting on April 17th, noting the Assembly looked at the trends and growth challenges in the Bay Area from now until the year 2020. She stated there was a new report out, and suggested ordering copies for the Planning Commission, noting it shows a lot of what is expected to happen in the 100 cities in the 9 Bay Area counties. She reported SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 10 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 11 1.4 million people are projected to move here, pointing out we will have to share housing, freeways, air, and water with these additional people. Ms. Heller suggested incorporating this study and some of the studies in a Planning Commission meeting, or something to do with the General Plan at some point. She stated she would also like to invite the entire County of elected officials to a meeting on this, noting it is something we all must begin to look at. b. TRAFFIC AND TRAFFIC CONTROL - File 11-1 X 9-3-30 X 9-3-40 (Verbal) Mayor Boro stated he would like to see the issues of traffic and traffic control addressed as part of a coordinated effort between the Public Works and Police Departments, as far as dealing with the impact traffic may have. He noted what brought this to mind was the incident just the other night when a truck became hung-up at the corner of "C" Street and Mission Avenue. Mayor Boro pointed out we have volunteers, and the cadets who will be coming into the Police Department, and felt that if we were going to have an impact on some of our streets at commute time, or during the noon hour, then having a Traffic Officer at some of the intersections would keep people from blocking the streets. He felt if would be good if, in addition to the good work done by Traffic Engineer Nader Mansourian, we could have a coordinated effort. He believed a Police presence on some of these corners on critical days could make the traffic flow a little better. Public Works Director Bernardi stated he would discuss this with Police Chief Sanchez and report back to Council. C. NEWSPOINTER REPORTER LEAVING - File 102 (Verbal) Mayor Boro announced this would be the last City Council meeting Leah Gastman, reporter for the Newspointer, would be covering, as she had accepted a position with the Trust for Public Lands. He stated the City would really miss her, noting she had done a super job, had reported well and fairly, and put a lot of human interest into her stories. Mayor Boro thanked Ms. Gastman on behalf of the Council. 11. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (CM) - File 9-3-11 (Verbal) City Manager Gould reported staff had put out the 1997 Annual Report, and the Spring issue of the City Newsletter on Friday, noting he would very much like to receive any comments or suggestions the Councilmembers might have regarding either of these documents, as staff is beginning to put together the Summer issue of the Newsletter. Mr. Gould reported he met with representatives from Mace Rich last Thursday to discuss City Hall at the Mall, and the City presented a proposal for limited services at the Mall. Mr. Gould stated Mace Rich was interested in expanded hours, noting he explained Mace Rich would have to pay for those expanded hours, and they have indicated they are interested in doing so. Mr. Gould stated if he could get confirmation of that this week, he would report back to Council, and the City could move forward swiftly. Mr. Gould reported Carlene McCart, former Park and Recreation Commissioner, began her new job as the City's Recreation Director on April 13, 1998, and Bob Brown, the City's new Community Development Director, will begin April 27, 1998. There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM. OPEN SESSION: Mayor Boro announced Closed Session item. CLOSED SESSION: • Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(a)) Case Name: Spirit Enterprises, Inc. vs. City of San Rafael, Marin County Courts Case No. 168084 There being no further business, the Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 10:05 PM. OPEN SESSION: Mayor Boro announced no reportable action was taken. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 11 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 12 JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1998 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/20/98 Page 12