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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1999-03-01SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1999 AT 8:00 PM Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Vice -Mayor Barbara Heller, Councilmember Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk CLOSED SESSION: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: PM None. CONSENT CALENDAR: 8:00 Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. City's Exercising of Marin Housing Authority's Council declined to exercise Option to Purchase One BMR Unit at the Marin option to purchase. Lagoon Condominiums Project: 49 Mariners Circle (CA) - File 229 x 5-1-313 2. 3. 4 5 Summary of Legislation Affecting San Rafael (CM) - File 9-1 Approved staff recommendation: SB 10 (Rainey), Storm repair: local streets and highways: SUPPORT; AB 24 (Maddox, Bates & Runner), Local Fiscal Relief: property tax revenue allocation: SUPPORT; SB 165 (Rainey), Local Government finance: property tax revenue allocation: local agency relief: SUPPORT; SB 48 (Sher & Speier), Public Records: disclosure: OPPOSE; AB 83 (Cardenas), Business licenses and fees: residence as place of business: OPPOSE; AB 240 (Honda) Public employees: agency shop: OPPOSE. Resolution in Support of Maintaining the Boundary RESOLUTION NO. 10368 Integrity of the San Rafael City Schools (CM) - File 149 x 9-2-1 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL IN SUPPORT OF MAINTAINING THE BOUNDARY INTEGRITY OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY SCHOOLS. Resolution of Appreciation to Dr. Richard E. Geist, RESOLUTION NO. 10369 Kaiser Hospital (CM) - File 102 X 9-3-31 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RICHARD E. GEIST, M.D., F.A.C.S., KAISER HOSPITAL, CELEBRATING HIS 27 YEAR CONTRIBUTION TO THE KAISER PERMANENTE MEDICAL CARE PROGRAM. Monthly Investment Report (MS) - File 8-18 x 8-9 Accepted Investment Report SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 1 0 7 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 2 for the month ending January, 1999, as presented. Resolutions of Appreciation to Linda Bellatorre and RESOLUTION NO. 10370 Tom Obletz Re: Volunteer Program Advisory Committee (MS) - File 102 x 235 City Initiated Proposal to Establish an Awards RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO LINDA BELLATORRE, MEMBER OF THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. RESOLUTION NO. 10371 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO TOM OBLETZ, MEMBER OF THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE. RESOLUTION NO. 10372 Program to Acknowledge Outstanding Achievements RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A in Building Design and Architecture (CD) DESIGN AWARDS PROGRAM - File 250 x 9-2-39 TO RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion: 8. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEASE PURCHASE OF BREATHING APPARATUS FROM L.N. CURTIS & SONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $170,387 (FD) - File 4-2-296 x 9-3-31 Division Chief Ritt Hewitt reported Fire Department staff had been working on this issue since the beginning of last year's budget process, and noted this item was included in the current budget. He reported the Fire Department had selected the bid of L. N. Curtis & Sons, in the amount of $170,387. However, during the past few days they had been made aware of a modification that could be made to the masks, which would allow the Firefighters to use an amplification device, which the Department would like to purchase as part of the list of items included in the original bid. Division Chief Hewitt explained this would give all Firefighters the ability to use an amplification device, rather than have it permanently affixed to a set of masks. Therefore, staff was requesting Council consider an additional $5,000 for this purpose, for a total price of $175,387. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the Resolution, as amended. RESOLUTION NO. 10373 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEASE PURCHASE OF A SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS FROM L. N. CURTIS & SONS, (Lowest Responsible Bidder, in the Amount of $175,387, As Amended). AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: 9. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO TOM SMILEY, TRAFFIC SERGEANT, EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER FOR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998 (CM) - File 102 x 9-3-30 x 7-4 Mayor Boro explained each quarter the City employees select an Employee of the Quarter, and announced Sergeant Tom Smiley had been selected Employee of the Quarter for the period ending December 31, 1998. Mayor Boro reported Sergeant Smiley has been with the City since 1974, noting he was promoted to Sergeant in 1983, and has been the City's Traffic Sergeant since 1995. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 2 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 3 Mayor Boro pointed out that over the past several years, the City has taken on many extra events in the Downtown, which could potentially cause traffic headaches; however, due to Sergeant Smiley's fine work, they have not materialized. He stated our special events in San Rafael, and also the Marin County Fair, have been very well "in hand", thanks to Sergeant Smiley's efforts. Mayor Boro noted Sergeant Smiley had received $100 for being chosen Employee of the Quarter, and would be a finalist in April for Employee of the Year, for which the chosen employee is awarded $500. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Boro presented Sergeant Smiley with a Resolution of Appreciation, congratulating him for this recognition as Employee of the Quarter, and thanking him for his great work. Sergeant Smiley thanked Council for the Resolution of Appreciation, and his fellow employees for choosing him as Employee of the Quarter. 10. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION TO LINDA BELLATORRE AND TOM OBLETZ RE: VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MS) - File 102 x 235 Mayor Boro reported Tom Obletz was unable to attend the meeting. Mayor Boro introduced Linda Bellatorre, noting she was a former member of the Planning Commission, and was still active in the community as a member of the Volunteer Program Advisory Committee, on which she has served for the past two years. Mayor Boro stated Ms. Bellatorre was very enthusiastic, and really put herself into everything she does. He pointed out she has been involved in many events, such as the Falkirk Summer Concert, and the Fall Daffodil Bulb Planting Program, and noted she spearheaded much of the activity by the volunteers. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Boro presented Ms. Bellatorre with a Resolution of Appreciation acknowledging her fine work, and thanked her for her efforts. Ms. Bellatorre thanked Volunteer Program Manager Lynn Emrich for her hard work, noting this was a relatively new committee, and Ms. Emrich continues to improve it as they go along. Ms. Bellatorre asked everyone to notice the daffodils beginning to bloom in the median near the Shell Service Station, at the west end of town. OLD BUSINESS: 11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING RETIREMENT OF CITY LOAN TO MARIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR THE MASTER PLAN OF BOYD PARK (CS) - File 2- 1-9 x 12-15 x 9-2-4 x 9-3-65 x 9-3-66 Community Services Director Carlene McCart reported a little over six years ago the Marin County Historical Society addressed the Council, requesting to construct a new museum facility in Boyd Park, and as the City reviewed the impact of the proposed project, it became clear a new museum would be a valuable asset to the cultural element in the community. In addition, it was noted a new museum would give the City an opportunity to effect change in Boyd Park, which had fallen into disrepair, accelerated by misuse over the past several years. She stated the City saw this as an opportunity to plan two projects, side by side, that would compliment each other. Ms. McCart reported the City had approved the conceptual phase, which allowed the Historical Society to proceed with their fundraising, and the development of their project. At the same time, the City required the Historical Society to Master Plan the entire park area, not just the area affected by their own building. In that way, the City could ensure the two projects would be complimentary. Ms. McCart reported the City loaned the Society $20,000 from Parkland Dedication Fees, Zone 2, in order to complete the Master Plan process, which has now been completed. Ms. McCart noted the Master Plan calls for a new children's playground; a large lawn area in the center of the park, which will act as casual seating, as well as amphitheater type seating for presentations and programs; meandering walkways that take advantage of the slopes, the cascading water, and beautiful trees on the property; new picnic and restroom facilities; and a general facelift of the area. Ms. McCart stated three years ago they prepared for the construction of Phase SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 3 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 4 I, which includes the children's playground area, noting the City purchased the playground equipment, which has been in storage, and progressed toward Phase I construction. However, at that time, the City had been disappointed to discover the cost estimates had been rather low, and the project was not fully funded; therefore, the project has been dormant. Ms. McCart reported that in the meantime, the Historical Society proceeded with their construction design phase, their fundraising, and the general business of the Society, which included roofing the Boyd Gate House. She stated an agreement was entered into between the City and the Society to share that cost, which was estimated to be $42,000, noting the City obligated $21,000 for the project, out of City funds. However, she noted as the project came in, it actually cost more, explaining they found that bees had gotten into the structure, and there was damage that had been impossible to know of beforehand. Ms. McCart stated she and City Manager Gould met with the Society's new Board of Directors approximately two weeks ago, to review their plans at this point, and the Society presented an interesting proposal. She reported the Society proposed the City retire the $20,000 loan made to the Society for the Master Plan of the Park, in exchange for relieving the City of the $21,000 obligation it entered into for the roof repair. Ms. McCart noted that in addition to the swap of the funds, this would be advantageous to the City because it would allow us to put that money back into Parkland Dedication Funds, and it could then be applied to Phase I of Boyd Park. She stated the Engineering Department has been working behind the scenes, getting the project ready to go in the event the funding came through, so the project could go out to bid this month, if Council approves the Resolution. Ms. McCart stated this made practical sense, and would allow the City to move forward with a project that has been dormant for quite some time. Councilmember Cohen asked if the $21,000 for the roof repair had been budgeted? She stated it had. He clarified that we would be taking money that had already been budgeted for roof repair, reprogramming it, and that was how we would repay Parkland Dedication Funds. Ms. McCart stated that was correct. Gladys Gilliland, President of the Marin County Historical Society, reported the cost for the re -roofing had been approximately $57,000, noting there had been a lot of roof rot, which was caused by the flashing that had been riveted onto the roof, and had been unforeseeable. She stated, rather than ask the City to share in the additional cost, the Society would like to work out the arrangement being proposed, which would allow the City to proceed with improvement of the park. Ms. Gilliland stated the Society would be going before the Planning Commission and Design Review Board, and hoped to be able to begin building this year. She introduced Jim Ring, project architect, who presented drawings depicting how the building is proceeding. Andrew James Ring, III, Architect for the project, stated they had tried to materialize, in their goals, what had been approved in the Master Plan, noting the project was mainly a 75 foot structure, under what is currently the tennis court. He pointed out the current tennis court was too small, and faced the wrong direction; therefore, in the Master Plan study, it was recommended the court be placed toward the Elks Club, turned to the North/South direction, and made legal size, which would be approximately 15 feet wider, and 20 feet longer. He reported this would be located over 14 parking stalls, and next to it there would be a one-story building with a rotunda, an open skylight in the center, with a glass entrance off a plaza, which would be off the corner of the Boyd Gate House. He stated, primarily, the idea behind this was that perhaps the corner could be opened up to make a plaza at the same elevation as the sidewalk, and to put the museum and the parking on the same level, matching with the street elevation, which has a dip so the cars can go in. He noted those small details were very critical, because the lawn area of the amphitheater was shaped like an egg, sitting on an elevation with large beautiful trees, and the tennis court and court plaza, which is the top of the museum, could all be on one level. He noted the large retaining wall behind the Boyd Gate House would, in effect, be the floor of the museum. Mr. Ring explained, due to its cost, the project would be phased. Phase I would be the shell of the building, earth grading, the retaining wall, and the parking lot. Phase II and Phase III would combine building the parking structure and tennis court. He stated in Phase IV they would like to SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 4 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 5 complete the Boyd Cafe, with a coffee shop serving cappuccino in the basement, opening to the plaza. He reported the final phase would be the grand stairs. He noted there was a large tree behind the Boyd Gate House, sometimes referred to as the "monkey tree", and this tree would have monumental, circular stairs going around it, up to the main level of the court plaza. Mr. Ring stated they have raised enough money to do the advance shell, which consists of the parking and building, and he believed if the Recreation Department could get some of their work going, they would link up quite nicely. Mr. Ring noted the Boyd Gate House was a fragile building, and in its fragile design, the gabled roof and bay windows created a form which they have tried to repeat in a modern glass idiom, that would become a show window, in which could hang such things as mobiles and hanging lights, and it could become a changing window. He stated that would be the entry for the museum, with the museum going into a "basement" area. He noted Mrs. Boyd had built a beautiful wall along Mission Avenue, and from that wall there would be a terrace that would climb up to the top of the roof plaza. He believed all this would create quite a visual attraction, and help link -up the cultural triad being built along Mission Avenue. Councilmember Cohen noted Mr. Ring had reported the plaza would be at sidewalk level, pointing out it was currently behind the retaining wall, and sloped up to the Gate House. Mr. Ring explained there were steps up to the main living level of the Gate House, noting it was actually one story down into the basement level. He pointed out the sidewalk at the arch entry, which is currently very heavily overgrown, was at the same elevation. He stated because of that, the Master Plan Committee was willing to let them take that elevation for the building. He noted that in doing so, the tennis court fence would be seven feet lower, which should make the neighbors happy. Mr. Cohen stated his concern had been how they were going to deal with the structure of the Gate House, itself. Mr. Ring stated they would not be changing it in any way. Councilmember Heller asked Mr. Ring to point out where the play area would be. Mr. Ring and Ms. McCart pointed out the play area on the drawings. Mr. Ring referred to the "storytelling tree", which would be part of the play area. He noted they had been told by the Master Plan Committee and the horticulturist that sitting on the roots would kill the tree; therefore, a wall was designed to go around the roots at low basewall, so the children could sit under the tree and listen to the storyteller. Councilmember Phillips asked what the timeline would be for the four phases, and what we could expect to see over the next couple of years? Mr. Ring pointed out that when the building actually gets going, people become more comfortable with donations and gifts. He reported they were doing quite well, and had some major donors who were asking that the Committee prove to them that they are actually going to begin the project. He felt that when they actually got going, they would have the rest of the funds to complete all phases. He stated he would be working hard to bring all phases in line, noting they were preparing the construction documents on the assumption that everything would be built in one construction period, over one year. He stated, in reality, everything should be completed within two years. Mayor Boro noted this would mean they would likely be submitting their applications to Design Review and the Planning Commission within the next few months. Mr. Ring stated his goal was to file officially within the next 30 to 45 days. He noted they already had the Negative Declaration for the Master Plan, which had been approved by Council and the Planning Commission. In addition, he noted this had already been before the Design Review Board, where they had been redirected back to the Master Plan. He believed they had satisfied those requirements, and their next step would be to file with the Planning Commission. Mayor Boro stated 1999, from a cultural point of view, was going to be a very exciting time in our town, noting within the next few weeks the Rafael Theatre will be opening, it appeared as though this project would be under way this year, and hopefully, by the end of the year, there will be a resolution on the Marin Community Foundation moving next door to the Falkirk Mansion, which will serve as an endowment for that building. Therefore, the three buildings the City saw as the cornerstone of its cultural center in the Downtown were really thriving. He congratulated the members of the Committee for their outstanding work. Ms. Gilliland stated at the end of this phase, it was their intention to take the Boyd Gate House, now that it has a new roof and is sound, and make it into a period home, representing the way it was when it was first built. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 5 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 6 Councilmember Cohen stated this was a great project. He pointed out the City has had a number of projects like this, where the City has worked with groups in the community and made loans. He noted the loans are always made with a certain degree of trepidation as to whether the effort was really going to be there, and if the City was really going to be repaid. He stated he appreciated the Historical Society coming through with this proposal, suggesting a way to do this that accelerates the City's ability to put money back into the park. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the Resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 10374 - RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RETIREMENT OF THE CITY LOAN TO THE MARIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR THE MASTER PLAN OF BOYD PARK. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None Councilmember Cohen publicly thanked Lionel Ashcroft for taking time out of his schedule to meet with him and his daughter, who had a school assignment to research methods of communication 100 years ago. Mr. Cohen noted Mr. Ashcroft not only met with his daughter and discussed the operation of the San Rafael Post Office, he also found photographs of the original Post Office, which he forwarded to Mr. Cohen's daughter. 12. REPORT ON STUDY SESSION RECOMMENDATION FOR FUNDING OF THE FREITAS PARK RENOVATION PROJECT (CS) - File 2-1-29 x 12-15 x 9-3-65 x 9-3-66 Community Services Director Carlene McCart reported the conceptual plan for this project had been presented to Council in January, at which time Council agreed this plan addressed all the City's major concerns for the park, as well as most of the requests received from the community. She noted the project involves a $500,000 renovation, and would be a phased development. The first phase, which would be approximately $389,000, would include new access from Montecillo into the park, ADA required access into the existing restrooms, a new irrigation system for the park that can accommodate reclaimed water, and the new water feature, which actually triggered the entire project. She noted the water feature would comply with Health and Safety Codes, and provide play value, as well. In addition, the first phase would include additional landscaping material along the neighbors' fences and trellises, and seating and shading, which had been missing from the original plan. The entrance to the park would also be moved, to make the park a more inviting environment, and parking issues along Montecillo Avenue, which have concerned the neighbors, would also be addressed in Phase I. Ms. McCart reported the second phase, which will cost $114,000, would include the installation of the children's playground, a Super Slide, which will be built into the hillside next to Kaiser Permanente, and additional landscaping and seeding. Ms. McCart noted the Park and Recreation Commission had recommended the City take the additional funds needed to complete Phase I from existing funds in Parkland Dedication Fund, Zone 1, noting that amount would be approximately $70,000. She noted, to date, they had $339,000 in the Zone 1 fund, and pointed out Parkland Dedication Funds were for renovation or acquisition of new recreation facilities, and must be spent in the area from which they were generated, as they are generated from developer fees only. Ms. McCart noted that although Council approved the conceptual plan in January, they had questions regarding the funding, and requested staff meet with Councilmembers Phillips and Cohen to discuss the various options available to complete Phase I, and also to address Phase II. She reported they initially met on January 22nd, and have also had several discussions since then; in addition, Councilmembers Cohen and Phillips have gone out into the community, talking to the residents. She stated the presentation now before Council included results of the joint conversations between staff and Councilmembers Cohen and Phillips, and conversations with the community. Ms. McCart stated staff had answered Council's questions concerning the current commitment for Parkland Dedication Funds, and what future demands for such funds were likely to be in the Terra Linda area, and addressed SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 6 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 7 such issues as maintenance costs, major contributions of the Freitas Renovation Project, the commitment that had been made by the Freitas Park Task Force, as well as some of the other resources staff has lined up to help with the funding. She stated they also discussed maintenance costs, not only for Freitas Park, but also for the proposed park on the 3.5 acre P.G.& E. site, as well as the north parcel of Freitas Park, what that was worth, and how it might be addressed to achieve this project. She reported as these issues were discussed, the three options they identified were 1) scaling back the project to fit the current available funding, which is $257,000; 2) selling the north parcel and putting that money into the park, actually repaying Parkland Dedication Funds at the conclusion of the sale; and, 3) as recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission, allocating additional funds for Phase I of the Freitas Park renovation from existing Parkland Dedication Funds. Councilmember Cohen stated that in looking at how to finance this project, and what should happen with the parcel to the north, he concluded that from a business standpoint, the City should proceed with getting appraisals, and determine whether or not there was a market for the property as residential parcels; however, from a community standpoint, he was convinced that would be the wrong approach. He stated he would like to see staff "flesh out" a vision for that portion of the park. Mr. Cohen noted one issue that had come up in a meeting with the Task Force was the possibility of exploring whether or not it would be feasible to have someone come in on a concession basis, and operate a snack bar or cafe there. He stated there were other things potentially happening in the neighborhood, noting, in particular, this neighborhood was one that was being looked at for the location of a skate park. He believed the City should look at that, and at other ways the north parcel might be used. In the meantime, he felt it made the most sense, given there are funds in the Parkland Dedication Fund, to allocate the additional money for the completion of Phase I. Councilmember Phillips stated he agreed the City should dedicate Parkland Dedication Funds for Phase I, and see how things develop, not only during the construction process, but also as the park becomes usable. He noted he had yet to reach a conclusion with regard to the site north of the park, and had mixed feelings about that particular location. He stated he lived within two-tenths of a mile from the park, and he saw little utilization of that area; in fact, some residents have expressed concern that it might well be characterized as an attractive nuisance. He pointed out the central portion of the park was where, for the most part, the activity actually takes place, and some people, particularly the parents of young children, were concerned that with Montecillo Avenue going all the way through, in effect splitting the park, if the other parcel were developed, it would create a nuisance, in that children would be running back and forth between the two areas, and that was not an area where we would want children to be out in the street. He pointed out it was a winding street, leading down from Kaiser hospital, and sometimes the speeds are excessive. Therefore, Mr. Phillips stated he had some concerns regarding further development of that area as a park site. He felt that in looking at the renovation in phases, it would be most appropriate to develop the central park area, which everyone agreed was sorely needed, in Phase I. He believed the City would then be in a better position to know whether or not we would have funds from other sources to maintain the other site. He stated he was not in favor of disposing of the other site at this time, and believed the City should keep an open mind about the park. Councilmember Phillips stated he felt most people probably wanted to see the park developed to its fullest extent, noting the City would need to look at what funding would be available to do that. He believed fundraising was a key element to the success of the park, and the degree to which the community is successful in raising funds would certainly influence his opinion with regard to other approaches the City may have to take to complete the project. However, foremost in his mind was completion of the central portion of the project. Councilmember Heller noted Mr. Cohen had mentioned three other things they were looking at for the northern portion of the park: a parking lot, skateboard park, and refreshment area. Councilmember Cohen stated that was not correct, explaining the VIA (Vision in Action Committee) had reviewed proposals for a skate park somewhere in North San Rafael, and at the last meeting Mr. Cohen had attended where this was addressed, the Committee had been discussing two potential sites, one at McInnis Park, and one on the grounds of Vallecito School, near the tennis courts. He stated it would not actually be on the northern parcel of the park, because that would be SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 7 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 8 too close to the neighbors; however, because of where it would be located, and its proximity to this location, another use, such as a concession, might be more feasible. Mr. Cohen stated he had asked the VIA Committee to look at whether it would be more feasible to allow someone to operate a refreshment stand, snack bar, or cafe. He noted he did not expect that such a use would be a moneymaker; however, it could pay for itself and bring more activity. Mr. Cohen agreed the City had to look at the future of the northern piece of the park, noting he would like the City to pursue all options of keeping it as part of the park. Councilmember Heller asked if Mr. Cohen felt there was no rush, and the City could continue to study the northern parcel? Mr. Cohen stated that was correct, he felt we should explore the issue further. He noted he was concerned there might be additional costs because of access issues, which the City would have to look at if we were going to reuse that portion of the park. However, he did not believe we had to wait on Phase I, and recommended the City move ahead, including allocation of the additional $70,000 for Phase I, then see how things go. Ms. Heller asked if the boat that was in the park could be removed, so we do not have an attractive nuisance? Mr. Cohen stated it would be removed. Ms. Heller asked if additional parking would be needed? Ms. McCart stated the Architect had been asked to provide an indication of how many cars could be accommodated on the site, and he felt 17 to 19 cars could be accommodated. She noted it had been thought that Kaiser might be interested in additional parking, since it was going to be more difficult for their employees to park all day on Montecillo; however, Kaiser stated they were not interested, so the issue of additional parking was not pursued. Councilmember Phillips felt the City should also look at other uses for the northern parcel, stating he had reservations about the possibilities, noting a parking lot left him cold, and he did not believe the neighbors would be happy with a concession. He believed there could be other uses, and felt this should be part of the equation in deciding what the City was going to do with the parcel, how it would be used, and whether it was something the City wished to retain. Patrick Webb, resident of Terra Linda and member of the Park and Recreation Commission, emphasized the sense of the Commission, which was to fully fund the entire project. In looking at the history of the Parkland Dedication Funds, he noted that even before the funds were split into other zones within San Rafael, the City has shepherded those funds, and probably even made money with those funds. He stated that except for the purchase of the Bernard Hoffman playground, those funds had not been used in any other way; therefore, the Commission believed it was appropriate to take the extra $70,000 to fully fund this project. In addition, he reported this particular park has been recognized as a community serving need, and he believed that once Phase I is completed, the City and the community will be pleased with the results. Mayor Boro clarified it was the Commission's recommendation to go forward with Phase I, and Mr. Webb stated that it was. Roz Katz, member of the Terra Linda Restoration Task Force, stated that if, at a later date, the City should sell the north parcel and require re- zoning, she wanted to be certain that everyone within 300 feet of the south side of the park, and within 300 feet of the north side of the park, would be notified and given the opportunity to speak regarding that issue. She stated she had come to realize that when the Vision in Action was in process, it might not have been made clear to all those who participated that this was one park, joined or separated by Montecillo Road. She noted the plan for the Vision concentrated on the south side of the park, and she did not want the City to be moving forward on something without informing everyone that there was another side of the park, and making sure everyone had the opportunity to provide input. Mayor Boro stated he supported the recommendation to move forward with the first phase; however, he had questions concerning the figures in the report. He pointed out there was $257,000 currently in the fund, the community was going to come up with approximately $50,000, and the City would be providing the additional $70,000, which he noted did not amount to $389,000. Ms. McCart reported ADA had committed $30,000 to this project, and Marin Municipal Water District was also interested in participating. Mayor Boro referred to the future of the northern parcel, agreeing it was not timely to discuss that at this point. He felt that when they look toward the second phase, and look at other options, that would be the time to look at that parcel. He stated it was his belief that if the City intends, for any reason, to go forward with the sale of that parcel, not only would the residents be notified, but also the City would need to SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 8 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 9 understand what would happen there, and not just sell the land and then wonder. However, Mayor Boro reiterated the City should move forward with Phase I, and then deal with the issue of the northern parcel as a future resource, either to be used to complete the park, or perhaps the City will find other resources and do something else with that site. He agreed a parking lot did not sound too enticing. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to allocate an additional $70,048 from Parkland Dedication Funds, in order to fully fund Phase I of the Freitas Park renovation. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None Councilmember Cohen thanked the members of the Task Force for bringing about the situation wherein he and Councilmember Miller had the opportunity to be at Vallecito School last Friday morning, thanking the students, their parents and teachers, for contributions to this project. He reported they had raised $888.24, noting they had taught everyone a lesson in citizenship. Mr. Cohen reported the students had been presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. Councilmember Heller stated it was very exciting that two of the City's parks would be upgraded and put back into use within the next year, noting that was what cities should do. Ms. McCart stated staff hoped to come back before Council next month with recommendations for the third park, Bernard Hoffman. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: 13. a. SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES - File 220 Councilmember Cohen stated last Friday he had spent a few moments with one of the members of the San Rafael School Board, discussing a number of topics of mutual interest. Mr. Cohen reported they spent some time discussing school facilities, and it was his impression the City may have been proceeding on certain assumptions about what the School District's plans were for its facilities, while the School District may have been proceeding based on certain assumptions about the City's plans, and those assumptions may not actually have been in sync. Mr. Cohen believed the time might be right for representatives of the Councilmembers to sit down with representatives of the School Board, along with City Manager Gould and School Superintendent Barbara Smith, and review these issues, so perhaps everyone can understand where the City and the School District are going, particularly on facilities issues, where some of the concerns overlap. Mr. Cohen believed they needed to get some of these issues resolved, so everyone can plan appropriately. Noting that his children were students in the San Rafael School District, as well as occasional customers of the City's Child Care services, Mr. Cohen asked to be appointed to carry out this duty, along with anyone else Mayor Boro might wish to appoint. Mayor Boro stated he and Councilmember Cohen would represent the Council in a meeting with two members of the School Board, City Manager Gould, and School Superintendent Barbara Smith. There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 9 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 10 JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1999 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/1/99 Page 10