HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2000-09-18SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2000 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Barbara Heller, Vice -Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: Cyr Miller, Councilmember
Also Present: Ken Nordhoff, Assistant City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
OPEN SESSION - COUNCIL CHAMBER - 7:00 PM:
Mayor Boro announced the Closed Session item.
CLOSED SESSION - CONFERENCE ROOM 201 - 7:00 PM:
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Case Name: Kerner Blvd.. LLC v. Citv of San Rafael
Marin County Courts, Case No. 172694
City Attorney Gary Ragghianti announced that no reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar.
ITEM
1. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Tuesday,
September 5, 2000 (CC)
2. Call for Applications to Fill Two, Four-year Terms on
the Park & Recreation Commission Due to Expiration
of Terms of Patrick J. Webb and Richard D. Wolfe,
M.D. (CC) —File 9-2-4
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Minutes approved as submitted.
Approved Staff recommendations:
a) called for applications to fill two (2),
four-year terms on the San Rafael Park
and Recreation Commission to expire
the end of October, 2004;
b) set deadline for receipt of applications
for Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at 12
noon in the City Clerk's Office, Room
209, City Hall; and;
c) set date for interviews of applicants at a
Special City Council meeting to be held
on Monday, November 6, 2000,
commencing at 6:30 p.m.
3. Summary of Legislation affecting San Rafael (CM) — Accepted Staff report.
File 116 x 9-1
4. Resolution Authorizing Amendment to Agreement
with Acclamation Insurance Management Services
("AIMS") for Workers Compensation Claims
Administration (MS) — File 7-1-31 x 9-6-3
RESOLUTION No. 10703 -
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF
AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
ACCLAMATION INSURANCE MANAGEMENT
SERVICES FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
(extending the agreement from 10/1/2000
- 9/30/2002 and increase the compensation
to a flat fee of $75,000 per year)
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 1
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 2
5. Resolution Initiating Priority Projects Procedure (PPP) RESOLUTION NO. 10704 -
for Implementing San Rafael General Plan 2000 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTIONS NO.
Circulation Element Policies C-2, C-3 and C-7 and 7853, 8071, 8313, 9331, 9418 AND 10162
Program C -b re Impacted Areas of Bellam ESTABLISHING PRIORITY PROJECTS
Boulevard/I-580/Highway 101 (East San Rafael), PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAN
Freitas Parkway/Highway 101 and Lucas Valley RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2000 CIRCULATION
Road/Smith Ranch Road/Highway 101 (North San ELEMENT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
Rafael) (CD) — File — 115 (PPP)
6. Resolution Authorizing Agreement with the County of RESOLUTION NO. 10705 -
Marin and the City of San Rafael for a Block Grant in RESOLUTION ACCEPTING COMMUNITY
the Amount of $8,500 for Child Care Staff Salaries DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS FOR
(CS) — File 4-10-311 x 9-3-65 PICKLEWEED CHILD CARE CENTER (in
amount of $8,500)
7.
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute
RESOLUTION NO. 10706 -
Agreement with Allied Information and Services
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
Corporation for Third Party Billing Service for the San
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT
Rafael Fire Department (FD) — File 4-3-276 x 9-3-31
WITH ALLIED INFORMATION AND SERVICES
CORPORATION FOR THIRD PARTY BILLING
SERVICE FOR THE SAN RAFAEL FIRE
DEPARTMENT
8.
Resolution Commending Marin Literacy Program and
RESOLUTION NO. 10707 -
the Marin School Volunteers and Proclaiming
RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MARIN
September 22nd to September 291h as Marin Literacy
LITERACY PROGRAM AND THE MARIN
Week (Lib) — File 102 x 4-3-277 x 4-3-279
COUNTY SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS AND
PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 22ND TO
SEPTEMBER 29TH AS MARIN LITERACY WEEK
9.
Report on Bid Opening and Resolution Awarding
RESOLUTION NO. 10708 -
Contract to Maggiora & Ghilotti, Inc., for East San
RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR
Rafael Drainage Pond Improvements, Project No.
EAST SAN RAFAEL DRAINAGE POND
650-1720-8219 (bid opening held on Wednesday,
IMPROVEMENTS TO MAGGIORA Et GHILOTTI,
September 13, 2000) (PW) — File 4-1-525 x 9-3-40 x
INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,720 (lowest
3-1-1945
responsible bidder)
10.
Resolution Authorizing: (PW) — File 2-4-24 x 112-2
RESOLUTION NO. 10709 -
a) The Exchange of Property Interests Between the
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING:
City of San Rafael and the Golden Gate Bridge,
a) EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY INTERESTS
Highway and Transportation District to Allow the
BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AND
City to Improve Drainage Along the Portion of
THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, HIGHWAY
the Former Northwestern Pacific Railroad Right of
AND TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT TO
Way Known as Francisco Boulevard Ditch
ALLOW THE CITY TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE
b) The City Manager to Execute the "Property
ALONG THE PORTION OF THE FORMER
Exchange Agreement"
NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD
c) The City Manager to Execute the "License
RIGHT OF WAY KNOWN AS FRANCISCO
Agreement"
BOULEVARD DITCH;
d) The Mayor to Execute the "Grant of Easement
b) THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
��
and Agreement
"PROPERTY EXCHANGE AGREEMENT";
c) THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
"LICENSE AGREEMENT"; and
d) THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE "GRANT
OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT"
11.
Resolution Authorizing the Public Works Director to
RESOLUTION NO. 10710 -
Sign Program Supplement Agreement No. 001-M to
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC
Administering Agency -State Agreement No. 04-5043
WORKS DIRECTOR TO SIGN PROGRAM
Covering: Preliminary Engineering and Construction
SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. 001-M TO
for the Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue Traffic Signal
ADMINISTERING AGENCY -STATE AGREEMENT
Interconnect Project (PW) —File 4-10-66x 11-10 x
NO. 04-5043 COVERING: PRELIMINARY
11-15-1
ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION FOR THE
FOURTH STREET AND FIFTH AVENUE
TRAFFIC SIGNAL INTERCONNECT PROJECT.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 2
12. Resolution Authorizing Street Closures for the Third
Annual Downtown San Rafael Brewfest (now called
the Brewfiesta) (RA) — File 11-19
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 3
RESOLUTION NO. 10711 -
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY
CLOSURE OF CITY STREETS FOR THE
BREWFIESTA ( 1. Fourth Street from Lincoln
to Lootens on Sunday, 10/22/00 (from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; 2. Cijos from Fourth
Street to Cijos parking entrance on Sunday,
10/22/00 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips Et Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller (from item #1 only due to absence from meeting)
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
13. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION TO THE LITERACY PROGRAM AND THE MARIN
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS (Lib) — File 102 x 4-3-277 x 4-3-279
Mayor Boro presented Barbara Barwood and Robin Levy, from the Marin Literacy Program, as well as
Joan Brownstein, from the Marin County School Volunteers, with a resolution commending the Marin
Literacy Program and the Marin County School Volunteers and proclaiming the week of September
22nd to September 29th Marin Literacy Week. Mayor Boro thanked the group for their tremendous
work, noting that going back as far as 1985, the Marin Literacy Program has been offering adults the
opportunity to improve their reading and writing skills. In recent years, with the assistance of Marin
County School volunteers and the Marin County Office of Education, the group has trained and placed
volunteers in County schools to enable students to gain literacy skills.
Barbara Barwood, Co -Director of the Marin Literacy Program, noted that the upcoming Marin Literacy
Week begins the celebration of the 15 years the program has been operating in the County. Ms. Levy
added that over 7,000 adult students have been served during that period of time, with the assistance
of over 6,000 volunteer tutors. Ms. Levy invited the public to join in the celebration by attending a
gathering on Friday, September 22nd, at the Falkirk Cultural Center.
Ms. Brownstein noted that the Marin County School Volunteers group is beginning its fourth year in
operation. This year, they have placed 110 volunteers in County schools, 80 of which have been
placed in schools in the City of San Rafael. To date, the group has served over 1,000 students
countywide. Ms. Brownstein added the organization is growing and always looking for help. She
thanked the Council for their support.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
14. CITY -INITIATED AMENDMENT OF SECTION 14.03.030 OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE TO
REVISE ZONING CODE DEFINITIONS FOR DWELLING UNIT, KITCHEN AND ADD A DEFINITION OF
HOUSEHOLD TO IMPROVE ENFORCEMENT OF ILLEGAL DWELLING UNITS, AND TO ADD SECTION
1.40.070 TO ESTABLISH REMEDIES FOR REPEAT VIOLATIONS INVOLVING ILLEGAL UNITS (CD) —
File 10-3 x 240 x 13-8
Community Development Director Bob Brown reported this item is an issue the Planning Division has
been grappling with and refining for the past three years. Staff has considered both the legal and
practical challenges involved in enforcement of illegal units more than any other city in the Bay Area,
and perhaps even the country. The Ordinance before the Council represents recommendations by
Staff, the Planning Commission, and the Federation. The recommendations serve the following four
purposes:
1) Eliminate the "internal access exception loophole Staff had inserted previously for secondary
kitchens;
2) Base the determination of the presence of an illegal unit on both the presence of a kitchen, which Staff
defines rather broadly, and the use of that kitchen by a separate household, the effect of which will
provide a more common-sense approach for the City's Code Enforcement staff;
3) Include a definition of "household" and the typical external indicators that separate households exist
within a dwelling (such as separate mailboxes or utility service);
4) Add a penalty for repeat violators, indicating that all the components of a kitchen would have to be
removed, including utility connections.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 3
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 4
Mr. Brown stated the recommendations are a result of a great deal of Staff brainstorming and public
input and are consistent with the direction the Council provided to Staff last year.
Mr. Brown then detailed three minor modifications to the Ordinance, as recommended by the City
Clerk.
On page one of Exhibit A, the City Clerk has suggested that the word "special" be added to the third
AA whereas" so that it reads, "...special Joint study session". Further, under the fifth "whereas", the
meeting date of September should be corrected to read September 18th rather than September 191h
Lastly, on page three, under "Division Three ; third line, the word "declare" should be changed to
"declares".
Mayor Boro asked Mr. Brown to provide more detail with regard to Staff's recommendation regarding
relocation payments. Mr. Brown explained that at the Study Session, discussion was had surrounding
the issue of whether any financial penalties could be placed upon owners who maintain illegal units.
Further, the question was raised as to whether anything could be done for the tenants who become
the unintended victims of Staff's enforcement activities. Upon researching the issue, Staff discovered
that the cities of Napa and Berkeley have such ordinances that require relocation payments. Mr. Brown
stated that the Ordinance puts the City in the middle of what typically would be a private matter. In
fact, the City ends up fronting the money for the relocation payments and then goes after the property
owner for those monies. Staff's concern is that given the size of the City's Legal and Community
Development Staff, such an ordinance would put a significant burden on the City to become involved in
these matters.
The Planning Commission concurred with Staff's concerns. However, the Commission did request the
City Attorney's office to consider and discuss with either the Commission and/or the Council whether or
not a simplified ordinance might be appropriate. In particular, the Commission suggested an ordinance
be considered that would create a cause of action for a tenant to recoup damages from the property
owner without involving the City directly. The City Attorney has indicated that his office would
research the matter, schedules permitting.
Councilmember Heller inquired as to whether a tenant is entitled to sue a property owner in Small
Claims Court. City Attorney Ragghianti responded that assuming there is no written lease or tenancy
between the tenant and the owner of the property and that security deposits had been paid, it is likely
that a tenant might well have a cause of action against a landlord because the City abated the use
because it was illegal. Mr. Ragghianti noted he has never heard of such a situation occurring in the
past; however, that is not to say that it could not. He added that Planning Commission Chair
Kirchmann references Mr. Brown's recommendation on page 19 of Exhibit C. Mr. Ragghianti remarked
that the Ordinance is evolving and is not in any way intended to be a static document. As such, the
document will likely be revised as Staff learns more about the subject.
Councilmember Cohen stated he would be most interested in any new information as it comes up in
the future. He then inquired as to whether the City had in place a means of enforcing an escalating
series of fines for repeat offenders. Mr. Ragghianti responded that each day that a violation continues
could serve as the basis for a separate $500 fine. The problem lies in proving the violation is occurring
each day, since Staff is not in the premises each day. The mere presumption without proof of daily
violation would not withstand judicial scrutiny. Mr. Ragghianti stated that should the current
enforcement recommendations prove to be insufficient in dealing with repeat offenders, Staff will
revisit the Ordinance and continue to make improvements.
Mayor Boro opened the Public Hearing and invited public comment on the item.
Steve Patterson, Chair of the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, stated the Federation has had
many, many meetings with Staff, the Commission, the Council and the community on this subject. As
a result, the Federation wholeheartedly endorses the language change, adding that the new language
will definitely tighten up some of the existing loopholes.
Mr. Patterson concurred with Mr. Ragghianti in that the document must be one that is continually
tweaked and fine-tuned. However, to better integrate the process, another key element, that of the
Residential Building Report, still needs attention. Mr. Patterson noted that the Federation has identified
12 separate situations since last spring wherein properties were sold that included illegal units.
However, those properties were not brought to the attention of Code Enforcement. He commented
that unfortunately, the individuals who do the building inspections are not Code Enforcement Officers,
and thus do not understand zoning requirements. Further, they often do not rigorously question what
they are inspecting as against what has been permitted. Mr. Patterson stated his strong belief that the
building inspection should serve as the final screening device for identifying illegal units.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 4
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 5
Mr. Patterson acknowledged Bob Brown, Rod Gould and Gary Ragghianti for their perseverance
regarding the matter, adding, "There's a lot of brain power when those three guys lock themselves up
in a room together".
Patrick Murphy, President of the Lincoln -San Rafael Hill Neighborhood Association, stated he was
present to speak on his own behalf. He began by clarifying that the issue at hand regards illegal units
as opposed to second units. Mr. Murphy stated his concern is with the dangerous traffic situation
additional cars from illegal units create, particularly when they block access of emergency vehicles. He
stated his opinion that landlords of illegal units generally have little regard for their neighborhoods. He
concluded his remarks by offering his support of the Ordinance as presented this evening.
There being no further comments from the audience, Mayor Boro closed the public hearing and
brought the item to the Council for discussion and action.
The title of the Ordinance was read:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING TITLE 14 OF THE SAN RAFAEL
MUNICIPAL CODE (CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ZONING ORDINANCE), TO AMEND SECTION 14.03.030
(DEFINITIONS) TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS FOR DWELLING UNIT AND KITCHEN AND TO ADD A
DEFINITION FOR HOUSEHOLD, AND TO ADD SECTION 1.40.070 ESTABLISHING REMEDIES FOR
REPEAT ZONING VIOLATIONS INVOLVING SECOND DWELLING UNITS"
Before voting on the item Councilmember Phillips commented that as compliments from Steve
Patterson are hard to come by he should offer his compliments as well.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to dispense with the reading of
the Ordinance in its entirely and to refer to it by title only, and pass Charter Ordinance No. 1756 to
print, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips Et Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
15. AMENDMENT TO SAN RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2000 TO: a) EXPAND RETAIL USES IN THE
HETHERTON OFFICE DISTRICT AND b) UPDATE THE GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM PRIORITIES CHART
AND AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 14.05.010 AND 14.05.022 OF THE SAN RAFAEL ZONING ORDINANCE
TO EXPAND RETAIL USES IN THE HETHERTON OFFICE (HO) DISTRICT (CD)
File 115 (2000) x 10-3
Associate Planner Micah Hinkle reported that this item regards an in-house project involving two
General Plan policy amendments and a zone change. The first General Plan policy amendment involves
the Hetherton Office District. The amendment will add a sentence to Land Use Policy LU -13-L, to
expand ground level retail uses of parcels in the Hetherton Office District that front on Fourth Street.
Also included in the Hetherton Office proposal is a zone change to expand ground level retail uses for
parcels in the Hetherton Office District that front on Fourth Street as well.
The second General Plan policy amendment involves an in-house cleanup of the General Plan programs
priority chart. The chart was last updated in 1991. Mr. Hinkle noted for the Council that the chart is
attached to their report as Exhibit G-1 of Attachment B.
Mayor Boro declared the public hearing opened and invited public comment on the item. No public
testimony was offered. Mayor Boro closed the public hearing.
Mayor Boro asked Staff if they recalled why the City initially adopted these types of restrictions. Mr.
Hinkle recalled for the Council that the restrictions were adopted with a vision towards turning the
District into the transportation center and an office hub. The restrictions were placed on the retail
businesses in order to prevent the retail uses from competing with those on Fourth Street. Mayor Boro
pointed out that as most of the existing uses are non -conforming, the amendment would bring those
uses into compliance.
Councilmember Cohen commented that it appears that the success of Fourth Street in terms of retail
has expanded beyond what the City may have envisioned when it adopted the restrictions. He stated
he believed the changes are appropriate and would reflect the current market.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 5
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 6
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, that the City Council adopt the
Resolution certifying a Negative Declaration.
a. RESOLUTION NO. 10712 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR
AMENDMENTS TO THE SAN RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2000 AND
ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS TO EXPAND RETAIL
USES IN THE HETHERTON OFFICE DISTRICT AND UPDATE TO
THE GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM PRIORITIES CHART (GPA00-4 /
ZC00-9)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips Et Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, that the City Council adopt
Resolution approving the proposed amendment to the San Rafael General Plan.
b. RESOLUTION NO. 10713 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE SAN RAFAEL
GENERAL PLAN 2000 TO EXPAND RETAIL USES IN THE
HETHERTON OFFICE DISTRICT AND UPDATE TO THE GENERAL
PLAN PROGRAM PRIORITIES CHART (GPA00-4)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips Et Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
The title of the Ordinance was read:
c. "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING TITLE 14 OF THE SAN RAFAEL
MUNICIPAL CODE (CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ZONING ORDINANCE), BY AMENDING SECTION 14.05.010
(SPECIFIC PURPOSE) AND SECTION 14.05.022 (LAND USE REGULATIONS 4SRC, CSMU, HO, 2/3 MUE,
2/3 MUW, WEV, 5/M R/0) TO EXPAND RETAIL USES IN THE HETHERTON OFFICE DISTRICT (ZC00-
9)"
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to dispense with the reading of
the Ordinance in its entirety and to refer to it by title only and pass Charter Ordinance No. 1757 to
print, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips Et Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
NEW BUSINESS:
16. REPORT ON LIBRARY PLANNING PROCESS AND COMMUNITY SURVEY (Lib) — File 9-3-61
Library Director Von Stratford reported that Staff began the Library Planning Process in order to
address the following issues:
1) The poor condition of the library building;
2) Integration of the Internet as a primary information resource;
3) Emergence of new information media, such as DVD and E Books, which compete with the
traditional book;
4) The sophisticated community that expects the library to provide information in all available
formats;
5) Consideration of the needs of low-income and low -literate residents; and
6) The demands of North San Rafael and the Canal neighborhoods for branch libraries.
Mr. Stratford stated their objectives in the planning process were four -fold; first, to receive community
input about the services they most value and support; two, to assess the community's willingness to
tax themselves in order to improve services and expand the building; three, to educate the community
about library services and related issues; and fourth, to develop a plan of service.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 6
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 7
To accomplish the above objectives, Staff held eight community meetings with neighborhood and
service groups. Further, an in-house meeting of library users was conducted and a professional
pollster was engaged to conduct a community -wide survey. The community survey revealed the
following:
1) Regarding the community's willingness to tax itself for library improvements, the survey revealed
that the community is unlikely to support measures to increase local taxes to do so.
2) 81 percent of the survey respondents stated they are generally satisfied with the San Rafael
Library.
3) 71 percent of the respondents have used the library in the last year. Of those, 83 percent have
used the library downtown.
4) 76 percent of the community have home computers, and 69 percent use the Internet daily.
5) 68 percent are college graduates. Of that number, 38 percent have post -graduate training. This
level of education consistently correlates with a high level of library use.
6) When asked what role the community sees for the library and the Internet future, 89 percent
responded they viewed the major role for the library as a place to read and borrow books, while
72 percent see the library as a place for homework support for children, both of which are very
traditional roles libraries have had since the early twentieth century. 54 percent of the
respondents stated they viewed the library as a place to use the Internet, and 69 percent of the
community saw the library as playing an important role in the Internet future.
7) In both the professional survey and the in-house poll, the community was asked what their top
priorities were for the library. Both polls produced similar results. The community's priorities in
rank order include:
• Purchasing new books and other printed material
• Providing story hours and programs for children
• Offering literacy tutoring within the library
• Providing a technology center where Staff assists people with Internet use
• Providing a branch library in the canal neighborhood
Based on the results of the survey and the planning process, Staff is making recommendations
regarding the main library and the Canal branch. Concerning the main library, Staff is recommending
Council direct Staff to develop a request for funding architectural services to develop architectural
schematic plans for the expansion and renovation of the San Rafael Public Library. This funding would
be considered along with requests from other City departments at the October 2nd meeting of the City
Council. Staff views this recommendation as a first step towards ultimately expanding and renovating
the library. Expansion and renovation of the library is the one single action that would most improve
library service to the community.
As regards the Canal branch, Staff is recommending that the Council direct library Staff to work closely
with Community Services Staff and Pickleweed Project architect to incorporate the Canal Library within
the Pickleweed expansion plans; that Council direct Library staff to develop a five-year plan for the
Canal Library. The plan would include a description of services, staffing, facility and budget; that the
Council direct Staff to prepare and submit a State Proposition 14 grant to help fund construction of a
library branch on the Pickleweed site. Should the Council issue this directive, it would likely be a year
before the grants are called for.
Councilmember Heller inquired as to whether the Terra Linda Vision Committee is considering the
possibility of a branch library in that area. Mr. Stratford responded the last report he had indicated
that their library committee does not seem to be putting any energy into that concept. Councilmember
Heller asked if the Committee has explored the possibility of utilizing the Terra Linda Library (located in
the Marin County Civic Center Complex) or working with Terra Linda Library staff in that regard. Mr.
Stratford replied he understood that nearly a year and -a -half ago, the Community Services
Subcommittee was very interested in that concept as an option. However, nothing has transpired in
that vein to date. He noted that Library staff has worked very closely with the group on that issue;
thus, it is not for lack of attention to the matter on the part of the library that that idea appears to be
waning.
Councilmember Cohen inquired as to whether the study included cross tabs in order to determine the
level of interest for a branch from the North San Rafael community. Mr. Stratford responded that that
was one of the first issues he looked for in the cross tabs. Support for a branch library among Terra
Linda residents was approximately 50 percent. Support for a Canal branch was 55 percent. Mr.
Stratford pointed out that a zero sum was not being used; consequently, the sum exceeds 100 percent
and includes a 4 percent margin of error.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 7
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 8
Councilmember Cohen noted that citywide, interest in a Canal branch library equaled a high range of
54 percent, with a medium and low priority of 22 percent. Citywide, interest for a branch library in
Terra Linda dropped about 10 points, while the medium priority stayed the same at the mid 20 range.
Based on those numbers, he surmised that those "south of the hill" didn't consider the library a very
high priority, whereas those in Terra Linda showed a greater interest.
Mayor Boro asked if the survey questioned recent voters. Mr. Stratford affirmed, adding the survey
included a sample of 400. Mayor Boro remarked that the proposed improvements represent an
opportunity for those individuals of low literacy to cross the digital divide. Mr. Stratford concurred,
adding that services such as the Canal Learning Center are springing up in cities everywhere.
Typically, a computer/media center is provided in libraries to address that very issue. For Staff, it is a
question of available space to offer those workstations for the community. Mayor Boro asked whether,
short of building a Canal library, it would be possible to sponsor a facility for providing computer
literacy skills. Mr. Stratford responded that in addition to gaining necessary computer literacy skills,
of even greater importance is that the children of that community become book literate. Mayor Boro
concurred, noting that the schools do teach book literacy skills. Mr. Stratford responded that speaking
as a "book person", he believes that computer and information literacy should go hand-in-hand with
traditional literacy.
Councilmember Heller inquired as to whether the Proposition 14 grants allow for providing books along
with computers. Mr. Stratford affirmed. By way of example, he noted that Marin City has a program
whereby they provide 18 computer workstations as well as a small but complete library collection.
Councilmember Phillips asked Mr. Stratford to elaborate on the composition of the survey. Mr.
Stratford responded that the survey was supposed to represent the geographic and demographic
characteristics of the San Rafael population. He stated he could not recall offhand what percentage
represented Terra Linda; however, he could provide that information in the Council's Friday report.
Councilmember Phillips commented he wondered if they had missed the mark in terms of utilization of
a facility in that area, adding he remained curious and somewhat suspect of the population that was
surveyed.
Mayor Boro pointed out that those surveyed are the same people that would vote and perhaps pay for
services, while county residents, if they were surveyed, would not be able to vote to pay for services in
the City. He stated it would be helpful if Mr. Stratford could clarify later in the week how the survey
was conducted.
Mayor Boro noted that the Council recently received from the Vision In Action Committee a list of
priorities for funding, which did not include the library. While there may be a need, the Council has to
look to the community to set the priorities. Mr. Stratford stated he would be pleased to compile a
demographic and geographic breakdown along with the results from the Terra Linda area.
Councilmember Phillips responded he would very much appreciate that information. Mayor Boro
recalled that regarding the use of the Terra Linda High School Library, the Council received a list of
restraints from the School District as to why using the library would not work. However, recently, the
Council has received information indicating they would be willing to pursue that. He recommended
exploring that possibility. Mr. Stratford concurred. Councilmember Heller concurred as well, adding
that the Terra Linda facility offers great access.
Mayor Boro requested Mr. Stratford to provide the Council, at their October 2nd meeting, with a better
understanding of expansion issues versus renovation issues. Mr. Stratford stated he would separate
the two issues for a clearer presentation to the Council.
Glena Coleman, Library Board of Trustees member, stated she was present to support the report. She
stated that in the past, when they have come before the Council to request funds, that money has
been very well spent, as in the case of keeping the library open on Sunday. She noted that having
worked at the Canal Library, she was able to observe that as the children become familiar with the
library, they start to bring their parents in to the facility. She urged the Council to expand those
facilities.
Ms. Coleman remarked she found it shocking to learn at their last meeting that every time since 1986
that a new book is bought for the library, an old one must be discarded, as there is no room to
accommodate all the books. She strongly urged the Council to go forward with a directive for
schematics of either a remodel or expansion.
Councilmember Cohen concurred that an expansion or remodel is long overdue. He recommended the
Council include in its immediate and long-term direction to Staff for the next five years a reference
regarding keeping alive the notion of a branch in Northern San Rafael. He remarked that the 70+
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 9
percent of individuals across the city who stated they felt it was important to improve services in the
Canal makes a very strong statement.
Mayor Boro asked for a motion on the item.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to accept report and:
• directed staff to develop a request for funding architectural services to develop architectural
schematic plans for expansion and renovation of the San Rafael Public Library. This funding
request would be considered along with requests from other city departments at the October 2,
2000 meeting of the City Council;
• directed Library staff to work closely with Community Services staff and Pickleweed Project
architect to incorporate the Canal Library within the Pickleweed expansion plans;
• directed Library staff to develop a five-year plan for the Canal Library. The plan will include a
description of services, staffing, facility and budget;
• directed staff to prepare and submit a State Proposition 14 grant to help fund construction of a
library branch on the Pickleweed site; and
• directed Library staff to keep open the possibility of expanding library services in North San Rafael
and look into opportunities to make that a reality.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips 8t Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
17. a. RE: LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES MAYORS AND COUNCILMEMBERS DEPARTMENT -
File 9-11-1 x 9-1
Vice -Mayor Heller announced she has finished her tenure as President of the League of
California Cities Mayors and Councilmembers Department. She thanked Lydia Romero for her
support throughout the past year, adding that Ms. Romero's support made a big difference.
Mayor Boro congratulated Vice -Mayor Heller on an excellent job.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF , 2000
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 9/18/2000 Page 9