HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2001-01-16SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2001 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Cyr N. Miller, Vice -Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Gary 0. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION - CONFERENCE ROOM 201 - 7:00 PM:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: 8:20 PM
RE: CONTRIBUTIONS TO FALKIRK AND ROTARY MANOR — FILE 105 x 9-3-84 (Verbal)
Mayor Boro announced that Jesse Rhodes, a member of the Cultural Affairs Commission, wished to
speak to the City Council regarding two very significant contributions he had made, one to the City of
San Rafael and the other to one of our local organizations.
Jesse Rhodes, Cultural Affairs Commissioner, stated he grew up in San Rafael and had been a
resident of Marin County for most of his life. He noted he became involved with the Cultural Affairs
Commission approximately 1 '/2 years ago. Regarding the Falkirk property, owned by San Rafael,
Mr. Rhodes stated he was involved in the planning of the restoration of this project and he and his
wife had been involved with meetings as well as planning and consulting with citizens, and both felt
Falkirk was a very important part of San Rafael's history. He recalled that his first visit to Falkirk was
when he was in the sixth grade and on a field trip; at that time it was called the Dollar Estate and he
noted he had never seen "anything quite so grand", having lived in suburban San Rafael.
Mr. Rhodes continued, stating he was very interested in restoring old properties to preserve history,
from a cultural viewpoint and for the future. He and his wife, therefore, decided this year, that as
citizens, they would help promote the restoration and public use of Falkirk and make a contribution
to initiate additional fundraising to restore the property and preserve a spot in history. Mr. Rhodes
thanked the Councilmembers for their time and stated he looked forward to working with them in the
future.
Mayor Boro thanked Mr. Rhodes and stated that for the benefit of the Council, as well as the public,
Mr. Rhodes and his wife Brenda had made a very generous $10,000 contribution to Falkirk, together
with a contribution of $10,000 to the Rotary Manor Corporation in San Rafael. Mayor Boro added he
would present the check to the Rotary Manor Corporation, and City Manager Gould had already
received the check for Falkirk. He thanked Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes on behalf of the Council and the
people of San Rafael.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar, as
follows:
ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Monday, Minutes approved as submitted.
December 18, 2000 (CC)
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 1
2. Call for Applications for Appointments to Fill Two,
One -Year Youth Positions on the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Due to Expiration of
Terms of Christopher Goff and Joel Segura (CC) —
File 9-2-55
Final Joint Services Report from the Joint Services
Committee of the Marin County Council of Mayors
and Councilmembers (" MCCMC) (CM) —
File 113 x 4-13
4. Monthly Investment Report for Month Ending
November, 2000 (MS) — File 8-18 x 8-9
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 2
Approved staff recommendation: -
a) Called for applications for two youth
members on the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Only
students who are residents of the City
of San Rafael and are attending high
school may apply. Terms will be for
one year and will expire end of
February, 2002;
b) Set deadline for receipt of
applications Tuesday, February 6,
2001 at 12 Noon in the City Clerk's
Office, Room 209, City Hall; and
c) After interviews and appointments of
applicants at the next regular Bicycle
and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
meeting on Monday, February 12,
2001, the Council can confirm the new
appointees at the next regular City
Council meeting to be held on
Tuesday, February 20, 2001.
Accepted Final Joint Services Committee
Report, as presented.
Accepted Monthly Investment Report for
Month Ending November, 2000, as
presented.
5. Resolutions Authorizing an Agreement with
RESOLUTION NO. 10752 —
Hinderliter, De Llamas and Associates to Provide
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN
Sales Tax Audit and Information Services and
AGREEMENT WITH HINDERLITER, DE
Authorizing Examination of Sales and Use Tax
LLAMAS AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE
Records (MS) — File 4-10-318 x 8-1
SALES TAX AUDIT AND INFORMATION
SERVICES (Three year term commencing
on January 16, 2001 and ending on
December 31, 2003. May be continued
for an additional two years with approval
of City Manager.)
RESOLUTION NO. 10753 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
EXAMINATION OF SALES AND USE TAX
RECORDS
7. Appointment to the General Plan Steering
Approved staff recommendation to
Committee (P98-4) (CD) — File 115-1 x 115 (2020)
appoint Lilian Jara as replacement
member to serve on the General Plan
Steering Committee, replacing Troy
Harris.
9. Resolution Authorizing City Manager to sign a
RESOLUTION NO. 10754 —
Professional Services Agreement with Live Oak
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
Associates, Inc. to Assist with the Preparation of
MANAGER TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL
Background Information and with Policy
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LIVE OAK
Development Pertaining to Biological Resources,
ASSOCIATES, INC. TO ASSIST WITH THE
Including Wildlife and Vegetation, Addressed in San
PREPARATION OF BACKGROUND
Rafael General Plan 2020 and Related Documents
INFORMATION AND WITH POLICY
(P00-7) (CD) - File 4-3-383 x 115 (2020)
DEVELOPMENT PERTAINING TO
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING
WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION,
ADDRESSED IN SAN RAFAEL GENERAL
PLAN 2020 AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 2
10. Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Sign a
Professional Services Agreement with Charles M.
Salter Associates to Assist with the Preparation of
Background Information and with Policy
Development Pertaining to the Noise Element in San
Rafael General Plan 2020 and Related Documents
(P00-7) (CD) — File 4-3-384 x 115 (2020)
11. Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Sign a
Professional Services Agreement with Miller Pacific
Engineering Group to Assist with the Preparation of
Background Information and with Policy
Development Pertaining to the Geologic,
Geotechnical and Hazardous Materials Components
of San Rafael General Plan 2020 and Related
Documents (P00-7) (CD) —
File 4-3-385 x 115 (2020)
12. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a
Professional Services Agreement with
Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates to Perform
Transportation Planning Studies and Assistance
(PW) — File 4-3-386 x 115 (2020)
13. Report on Bid Opening and Award of Contract to
Forster & Kroeger for Landscape Maintenance —
Andersen Drive Project No: 001-4435-8270 (PW) —
File 4-1-527 x 4-1-478
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 3
(P00-7) (Term of Agreement from January
16, 2001 and ending on December 31,
2002 — may be continued for an
additional period of 3 months with
approval of City Manager.)
RESOLUTION NO. 10755 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CHARLES
M. SALTER ASSOCIATES TO ASSIST
WITH THE PREPARATION OF
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND
WITH POLICY DEVELOPMENT
PERTAINING TO THE NOISE ELEMENT IN
SAN RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2020 AND
RELATED DOCUMENTS (P00-7) (Term of
agreement from January 16, 2001 and
ending on December 31, 2002 — may be
continued for an additional period of 3
months with approval of City Manager.)
RESOLUTION NO. 10756 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MILLER
PACIFIC ENGINEERING GROUP TO
ASSIST WITH THE PREPARATION OF
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND
WITH POLICY DEVELOPMENT
PERTAINING TO THE GEOLOGIC,
GEOTECHNICAL AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS COMPONENTS OF SAN
RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2020 AND
RELATED DOCUMENTS (P00-7) (Term of
Agreement from January 16, 2001 and
ending on December 31, 2002 — may be
continued for an additional period of 3
months with approval of City Manager.)
RESOLUTION NO. 10757 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
NELSON/NYGAARD CONSULTING
ASSOCIATES TO PERFORM
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
SERVICES
RESOLUTION NO. 10758 —
RESOLUTION OF AWARD OF
CONTRACT TO FORSTER AND
KROEGER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE,
INC. FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
FOR ANDERSEN DRIVE FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $23,000.00
(lowest responsible bidder.)
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 3
14. Resolution Accepting a Proposal From CSW/Stuber-
Stroeh to Provide Professional Engineering Services
for the "Peacock Gap Storm Water Pump Station
Improvements", in an Amount Not to Exceed
$73,000, and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the
Agreement (PW) — File 4-10-319 x 4-4-6b
15. Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for
Federal Surface Transportation Program and
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement
Program Funding for "Second Street Resurfacing"
and Committing the Necessary Local Match for the
Project(s) and Stating the Assurance of the City of
San Rafael to Complete the Project and Authorizing
the Director or Deputy Director of Public Works to
Execute all Applications and Agreements (PW) —
File 11-15x 11-1
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 4
RESOLUTION NO. 10759 —
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL
FROM CSW/STUBER-STROEH
ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. TO
PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE
"PEACOCK GAP STORM WATER PUMP
STATION IMPROVEMENTS", IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $73,000, AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
RESOLUTION NO. 10760 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING
OF AN APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
PROGRAM AND CONGESTION
MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING
FOR "SECOND STREET RESURFACING"
AND COMMITTING THE NECESSARY
LOCAL MATCH FOR THE PROJECT(S)
AND STATING THE ASSURANCE OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO COMPLETE
THE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE
DIRECTOR OR DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC WORKS TO EXECUTE ALL
APPLICATIONS AND AGREEMENTS
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion:
6. RESOLUTION AMENDING LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MACERICH COMPANY FOR CITY HALL
AT THE MALL (CURRENT AGREEMENT EXPIRES 1/31/2001) (MS) —
FILE 2-9-21 x 247
Councilmember Heller stated she would like an official thank you letter sent to the Macerich
Company, expressing appreciation for allowing the City to have an office in the Mall, at the minimal
expense of $1.00 per year. She added she receives a lot of good comments about the office and
complimented Cory Bytof, Volunteer Program Manager, on a fine job. City Manager Gould
confirmed a letter would be sent.
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 10761 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIALTY
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MACERICH COMPANY AND CITY OF
SAN RAFAEL FOR CITY HALL AT THE MALL (February 1, 2001 —
January 31, 2002)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
8. APPOINTMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN TASK GROUPS (P98-4) (CD) —
FILE 115-1 x 115 (2020)
Mayor Boro noted he was asking that this item be discussed for the benefit of the entire Council and
the public. He reported there are 17 members working on the General Plan and invitations were
issued to members of the community to work on certain task groups. Mayor Boro and
Councilmember Cohen served as the committee and were overwhelmed with the response; 83
applications were received, which, stated Mayor Boro, was a tremendous reflection of the city's
desire and interest in the General Plan process. He thanked the 83 applicants, from which only 40
could be chosen. Mayor Boro explained the further 43, plus those interested in attending meetings
of this group, would be informed, noting the great community representation throughout the City.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 4
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 5
Councilmember Cohen stated that as part of the process, members of the Steering Committee were
requested to review the applications and give feedback. He reported that he and Mayor Boro had
gone beyond the recommendations of the Steering Committee, and in some cases, staff, in the
interest of broadening the perspective and diversity of opinion on the task groups. Councilmember
Cohen stated that this could make the task groups' work more contentious, but the whole community
would be served by encouraging a wide array of points of view. It may make the meetings run a
little longer, noted Councilmember Cohen, but hopefully, a better result would be obtained and we
would be better served by being inclusive.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the staff recommendation:
Appoint members to serve on the General Plan Task Groups, as listed in Exhibit A of staff report.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Phillips thanked Mayor Boro and Councilmember Cohen for their efforts in achieving a
good balance.
PUBLIC HEARING:
16. PUBLIC HEARING RE: CONSIDERATION OF PRIORITY PROJECTS PROCEDURE (PPP)
APPLICATIONS FOR THE NORTH SAN RAFAEL AND EAST SAN RAFAEL AREAS (CD) —
FILE 115 (PPP)
Re: Priority Projects Procedure:
Paul Jensen, Interim Planning Manager, explained that since 1988 the City had implemented this process,
commonly known as the PPP. The process was established primarily for the North San Rafael and East
San Rafael areas, as traffic sensitive areas of the City, with limited traffic capacity. The process
determines which development projects are permitted to proceed with construction, given the limited
amount of traffic capacity in these two areas. Development projects, continued Mr. Jensen, are basically
required to compete against one another for some of this traffic capacity. The process is generally
implemented annually, the last implementation being 1999; it does not grant land use approvals or
planning entitlements for specific development projects, but merely sets aside a certain amount of traffic
capacity for that project for one year. In order to obtain PPP approval, a project must be classified as a
high priority project; of which there are three categories:
1. An Affordable Housing Project, which provides 15% or more of its project density for below market
rate housing, which is housing that is affordable to very low, low, or moderate income households,
based on whether or not it is a "for sale" or "rental" project.
2. A high tax generating use, which is generally a commercial use where the benchmark for determining
high priority is $300,000, or greater, per year in annual sales tax, which the use generates.
3. A needed neighborhood serving use, which is the broadest category in the high priority project
definitions, which basically would be a project which contributes to, or provides a financial contribution
to a specific community benefit.
Mr. Jensen stated that this year there are six PPP applications, three of which are time extension requests
from approvals granted in 1999. The Planning Commission reviewed these applications on December 12,
2000, and their recommendations are summarized in the staff report. Mr. Jensen continued, stating that
for the process this evening he would begin with North San Rafael, giving a brief description of the two
applications, and then the Public Hearing would be opened, repeating the process for East San Rafael.
North San Rafael:
Mr. Jensen stated the two applications for North San Rafael are time extension requests for projects
which were approved last year:
a) 4300 Redwood Highway, the former Fairchild Site - This project was approved for 130,000 square
feet of office and light industrial use and several months back all planning and land use approvals
were granted by the city, a building permit was issued and construction has commenced. Mr. Jensen
stated there was one change to the public benefit proposal approved last year; one component was
for the developer to make a $10,000 per year contribution for 10 years, which would go towards either
an expanded or second Shuttle service for the North San Rafael area. This year this had been
modified to the current proposal of a $70,000 one-time contribution to the Freitas Park Capital
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 5
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 6
Improvement Project. Mr. Jensen noted that both the Planning Commission and the Vision in Action
Committee favorably reviewed this change in public benefit.
b) McInnis Park Apartments Development — Mr. Jensen explained this is a 42 unit residential
development, proposed for the last vacant parcel of the Smith Ranch Homes Development. Planning
and Land Use applications were filed with the Department of Community Development in the fall and
are currently being processed. The public benefit proposal approved by the City last year for this
project stated that 8 of the 42 units were to be set aside for below market rate units, affordable to low
and moderate income households. Mr. Jensen stated that following that approval, the below market
rate affordability standards for rental projects were lowered and the current requirement for below
market rate rental units is that these units be made affordable to very low and low income households,
not low and moderate income households. Consequently, this project has returned with a revised
public benefit proposal. Mr. Jensen continued, stating that the below market rate units are proposed
to be priced at the very low and low income category as recommended in the recent policy change;
however, the unit count has been reduced from 8 to 7 of the 42 units, which represents approximately
16% - 17% of the project density and would still qualify as a high priority project for purposes of
considering PPP approval.
Mr. Jensen pointed out that both the Planning Commission and VIA Committee questioned the
adequacy of the BMR proposal for this project, and stated that staff reported back to the Planning
Commission indicating that this was really a project merits issue. The PPP is a competition and its
approval cannot be conditioned, but is something which can be visited at the time of evaluating the
project for planning applications. However, the project does meet the criteria as a high priority project.
Councilmember Cohen noted that with regard to the McInnis Park Apartments, the issue was raised
relating to the project making use of a density bonus above the 34 the General Plan would allow, by virtue
of the affordable units, and at the same time applying for PPP, and inquired if that was what the Planning
Commission was reacting to. Mr. Jensen replied this was what VIA was originally reacting to; the
Planning Commission did make some comments about the issue, however. Councilmember Cohen
requested clarification on the fact that the proposal was presented this evening as an extension but the
project had changed, in that the number of below market rate units had been reduced from 8 to 7.
Mayor Boro stated that, forgetting the PPP process, if the applicant asked for a density bonus he would be
required to provide 15% affordability and he did not believe the 15% reflected in this proposal would be
adequate when the planning side was considered. He continued that in his opinion, the 15% could not
count for the density bonus and also for PPP; consequently, both issues would need to be addressed. He
noted that somewhere in the range of 14 affordable units should be considered, to meet both PPP and the
density bonus, adding that there would be no project if just the density bonus were given, with nothing for
PPP. Mayor Boro stated that this component would need to be dealt with by the Applicant in bringing this
back through the planning process.
Community Development Director, Bob Brown, stated that this was essentially the issue before the
Planning Commission and as indicated to the Planning Commission, the density bonus was very
discretionary.
Councilmember Phillips, commenting on the 4300 Redwood Highway (Fairchild site) item, stated he was
pleased with the prospects of developing that site; however, an element under the qualifier he thought
should be considered, was the fact that one of the contributions the developer was making to qualify for
PPP was $70,000 to the Freitas Park CIP funds. Councilmember Phillips noted that later this evening the
Terra Linda Pool Renovation Project would be discussed, and the fact that the cost had risen considerably
over the original expectations necessitated finding means of providing the additional funds. He suggested
that perhaps this could be one piece of the equation, which could allow the additional enhancements for
the pool project. Therefore, he wondered if some flexibility could be considered regarding these funds,
understanding this would possibly need to be returned to the Planning Commission to approve the
modification, and should this be the case he would so propose. Community Development Director Brown
agreed this would be the case. City Attorney Ragghianti confirmed Mr. Brown's response to include the
caveat "with the concurrence of the Applicant". Councilmember Phillips confirmed that should opposition
be expressed this could be returned to the Council for further discussion.
Mayor Boro declared the public hearing opened
John Lovewell, Keenan-Lovewell Ventures, Project Developer, stated that when requested to address
the issue of redirecting the funds from the Shuttle project, he asked the City for direction on what projects
were available; two choices were offered to him from the Recreation Department (Community Services),
both of which were admirable, hence they selected one. He stated he would be pleased to consider
redirecting these funds to another worthy project, should it be for the community's benefit; his only
concern was regarding possible delays which might be imposed as a result. City Manager Gould replied
that in order to avoid further delay on this long awaited project, he would propose the option of allocating
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 6
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 7
$70,000 from the Parkland Dedication Funds for North San Rafael to the Pool Project, rather than
redirecting the Public Benefit Funds from the Fairchild PPP application. He confirmed that this would not
need to be returned to the Planning Commission and would provide the additional funding to offset the
increases in the pool rebuild expense.
Councilmember Phillips responding, stated that while not wishing to delay the project, he still had a
question with regard to the process, to the effect that if these funds (Parkland Dedication Funds) were
used for the pool renovation project, would there be a means of so doing without interfering with the
timeline of the project. Community Development Director Brown stated that the project was under
construction and he did not foresee problems continuing with the construction while the present issue was
being resolved.
Mayor Boro confirmed with Mr. Brown that if the Council so directed, the matter would be returned to the
Planning Commission for their concurrence and subsequently, brought back to Council for final approval.
City Manager Gould stated that in addition to the foundation permits, the full building permits could also be
issued, while going through the process of redirecting the funds.
Mayor Boro complimented Mr. Lovewell on the project and there being no further comment from the
audience, closed the public hearing.
Returning to the unit count, Mayor Boro stated that allowing 34 units on the site currently with no density
bonus would mean 34 units being built, 5 of which would be affordable. With a density bonus, in his
opinion, there would be 42 units, with 12 — 14 affordable. Robert Brown, Community Development
Director confirmed that for 34 units, 5 would have to be BMR to obtain PPP approval, and for the density
bonus, 15% of the total project.
Councilmember Cohen stated that this is being evaluated as an extension of a previously granted
approval and expressed concern that a dangerous precedent may be set; therefore, he was not
comfortable with the recommendation for approval. He continued that if it were an extension of a
previously granted approval it should be an extension of what was actually approved, which was a 42 unit
apartment complex, with 8 affordable apartments. The proposal before Council this evening was a 42 unit
apartment complex with 7 affordable units, which was significant, in that to give up 1 unit and pretend it
was comparable, was not something he was comfortable with, as it would not be an extension of a
previously granted approval. Continuing, Councilmember Cohen stated that the conditions should not be
changed after the fact. He noted it was not comparable to the $70,000, which was merely a reallocation
of the same fund amount. This was a reduction in the public benefit, but called an extension. He
suggested either referring it back to the Planning Commission or the review committee to evaluate
whether this issue can be worked out, as he was not comfortable losing one unit.
Community Development Director Brown stated that the reason for PPP is to hold out traffic capacity for a
project, so in that sense the project description is of vital importance. For that reason the Applicant has
proposed a 42 -unit project, because it is hoped to eventually get approval; therefore, traffic capacity would
need to be held off for 42 units. He stated that in response to Councilmember Cohen's question it is a
matter of whether or not the Council considers that the project definition has changed due to the change
in the BMR unit count, or whether the public benefit description has changed. In the case of Fairchild, he
stated, it was actually $100,000 over 10 years, which is now modified to $70,000 up front, towards a park
project. To continue this, in either event, it can be evaluated as to whether to have the Applicant reapply
as a new project, or modify their project proposal for the apartments.
Mayor Boro summarized that the present application is one unit less than was proposed before; added to
this is a 23% density bonus, but only getting about a 15% affordability; consequently the numbers do not
conform. He stated the Applicant's position in line could be protected to afford him the opportunity to go
back to the Planning Commission to reassess the issue, noting Councilmember Cohen's concern
regarding losing one unit, but he considered there was an opportunity of obtaining several more affordable
units.
City Attorney Ragghianti confirmed this could be carried over, preserving the traffic capacity and bringing
it back as quickly as possible, without prejudicing any other applicant.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to refer both projects back to the
Planning Commission for consideration of the issues raised on the respective projects, by the Council.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 7
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 8
East San Rafael:
Mr. Jensen, Interim Planning Manager, stated that when the PPP was initiated in September, 2000,
Nader Mansourian, City Tafffic Engineer, reported on the status of p.m. peak hour traffic in the East
San Rafael area, and based on that report, he recommended releasing 100 peak hour trips for
development projects competing in PPP for this year. Four applications have been filed:
Kerner Office Complex (Fasken Office) and City Corporation Yard — 2350 Kerner Boulevard -
Time extension project, which was granted planning approval early last year, and a building permit has
been issued. No changes have occurred since last year.
PG&E Service Center at 1220 Andersen Drive - a 20,000 square foot expansion. PPP approval was
granted on this project last year for a smaller expansion plan and after that approval, PG&E discovered
they needed more expansion area in their vacation of the downtown site, and came in with a larger
plan. They have recently filed planning applications, which are being processed. The expansion
proposal for PPP last year was determined to be, and continues to be, a high priority project for two
reasons:
1. it would make the downtown property available for redevelopment with a hotel, which is a high tax
generating use; and
2. part of that land would accommodate a relocation of the St. Vincent's Dining Hall, which is a
community serving facility.
Therefore, reported Mr. Jensen, PPP approval is recommended for that expansion.
General Motors Dealership, Shoreline Center - The third project proposed for East San Rafael is a
General Motors Dealership, proposed for 4 acres at the Shoreline Center. This is a 31,000 square foot
facility. Planning applications were filed about a month ago and the project is currently being
processed. This project has been determined to be a high priority project in that the sales tax revenue
is expected to be in excess of $300,000 per year, and PPP approval is recommended.
Francisco Hotel, 1775 Francisco Boulevard East - The last project filed for the East San Rafael area
is a hotel proposal for a 1.7 acre site on Francisco Boulevard, which is referred to as the Grange
Parcel. It is situated between the QuadraMed Office building and the Phoenix Leasing Office complex.
Mr. Jensen stated that there were two previous PPP applications for the site, one for a self -storage
facility in 1998 and last year, an office and retail project. The hotel proposal is being presented with two
alternatives: an 85 room 4 -story alternative with is referred to as "Alternative 1" in the staff report, and a
second alternative, "Alternative 2", which is a larger 120 room 5 -story hotel with subsurface parking.
Mr. Jensen stated that both alternatives do qualify as high priority projects. Hotels are high generators
of transient occupancy tax and both would generate in excess of $300,000 in annual tax to the City. To
date, no planning applications have been filed for this project. He stated that what is recommended by
the Planning Commission and the PPP Committee is that "Alternative 1", the smaller hotel proposal, be
granted PPP approval for a number of reasons:
1. This alternative is consistent with most of the General Plan policies; some issues were raised
with the larger hotel plan;
2. This project, in combination with the other projects proposed in East San Rafael, works from a
traffic standpoint, which Nader Mansourian, Traffic Engineer, would explain.
Nader Mansourian, Traffic Engineer, explained that in May and June of 2000, he collected the traffic
data in the Bellam Corridor, between Andersen Drive and Kerner Blvd. Pursuant to that he calculated a
generic 100 p.m. peak trip distribution in the area, and having evaluated the applicant's traffic reports, it
was concluded that scenario 4 on page 27, table 2 of the staff report, which included the smaller hotel
and 147 p.m. peak trips, would be appropriate.
Councilmember Heller inquired if using 147 trips at this point would deplete the entire supply of trips for
that area or would there be some additions in the future. Mr. Mansourian stated that capacity is being
reached at present, and the reason for some additional trips this year was that some of the occupants
in the area had basically generated a lower number of trips. The new buildings will be monitored each
year in May and June and a report issued.
Commenting on Mr. Mansourian's report that the number of trips had fallen this year, Councilmember
Phillips questioned that if this were the case, would it be reasonable to assume the trips would stay at
that lower level or was it a cyclical thing, where they might move up and over -saturate the area. Mr.
Mansourian responded that a conservative methodology is used to protect the vacancies and
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 8
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 9
unoccupied projects, and higher trip rates than calculated are used. In this instance, the trip generation
was much lower and this is being monitored to ascertain the trend, with no conclusions reached as yet.
Councilmember Phillips inquired if there was any apparent reason why the traffic had dropped off, and
Mr. Mansourian replied that it was their assumption that gasoline prices had some bearing on this;
offices, etc. were not making as many trips. Councilmember Phillips confirmed with Mr. Mansourian
that he was comfortable in recommending that the current level of traffic would not rebound at a higher
level in the future.
Mayor Boro declared the public hearing opened, and invited comments from the audience.
Fred Divine, Architect for Fred Grange, Developer, stated he would like to clarify that an application had
not been submitted on the hotel project, partially because two proposals were submitted, and it was
necessary to see the staff report to ascertain their status. He stated a preliminary meeting was held
with Paul Jensen, Planning Manager and Dean Parsons, Current Planning, and they are now within
days of making a preliminary submission.
Councilmember Phillips asked Mr. Divine if the smaller of the two hotels would be acceptable. Mr.
Divine replied in the affirmative; however, he stated, there was no question that larger would be better,
in that with hotels, the amount of the common area is spread over the number of rooms, hence more
rooms would be better, but this level would also work.
Councilmember Cohen inquired if it would be possible to design the project to allow for the option to
expand. Replying, Mr. Divine stated that this could be a possibility but 4 stories were needed to
achieve 85 rooms. However, it would be possible, by means of a reduction in the number of suites, to
adjust the room count should it be evident other trips are not used, but for now he is assuming it is 85
rooms.
Bob Wright, TWM Architects, thanked staff for their hard work, stating they concurred with the proposal
to the Council and Planning Commission. He reported that present this evening were Mr. Ken Ross,
the franchise owner, property owner Mr. Martin Bramante and a representative from General Motors,
Mr. John Weimer, who would be available to make a presentation and answer questions.
There being no further comment from the audience, Mayor Boro closed the public hearing, adding it
was a pleasure to have General Motors back in town.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 10762 - RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL GRANTING
THE 2000 PRIORITY PROJECT DETERMINATIONS FOR
DEVELOPMENT IMPACTING THE BELLAM BOULEVARD/1-580/
HIGHWAY 101 INTERCHANGE (EAST SAN RAFAEL) City File
Nos. PPP 00-1, PPP 00-4, PPP 00-5 and PPP 00-6
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
17. REPORT ON TERRA LINDA COMMUNITY CENTER POOL RENOVATION (CS) — FILE 12-5 x
12-15 x 9-3-65 x 9-3-66
Carlene McCart, Community Services Director, stated she was present to respond to requests for
additional information on the Terra Linda Pool Project. She reported that on December 18, 2000,
Staff and the Park and Recreation Commission recommended options for the renovation of the
Terra Linda Pool to the City Council. Members of the community were also present at that
meeting who requested that consideration be given to rebuilding the pool to take advantage of the
opportunity to add extra width and increase the depth for programming. After discussion, Council
requested clarification on the cost of rebuilding the pool to the specifications presented by the
community, together with the timeline and program implications. There was a further request that
since rebuilding was being considered, rather than renovating, a further meeting should be held
with the community to discuss the basic goals for the project and establish a consensus on their
wishes.
Ms. McCart stated she was in a position to answer those questions this evening and would be
joined by Andy Preston, Deputy Public Works Director, Don Streeper, Senior Supervisor,
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 9
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 10
Community Services and Nachi Madhavan of Madhavan and Jones, Architectural Engineering;
Mr. Madhavan had been the principal architect on the project from the outset and would provide
the technical information.
To address the cost, Ms. McCart stated that rebuilding the pool to the specifications proposed at
the previous Council meeting would cost $725,000. With the addition of the enhanced landscape,
water play pool, enhanced kiosk, design fees and contingencies, the combined total cost would
be $1,163,649 —Option D in the staff report.
Renovating the pool - addressed in Options A — C would cost $644,000; this cost would vary
depending upon which components of the Master Plan were incorporated, reported Ms. McCart.
Option A — is a basic renovation of the pool - adding enhanced landscape, a wading pool instead
of a water play pool, and with extra design fees and contingencies, the total cost would be
$922,149.
Option B — is the same basic renovation — adding the water play pool, design fees and
contingencies, the total cost would be $991,149.
Option C — is adding all of the components of the master plan at a total cost of $1,027,949
The timeline and program implications differ from rebuilding to renovating and are predicated on
starting the project this month (January 2001). Ms. McCart stated that the project is already
delayed 3 months and it would be prudent to take advantage of the availability of the architect,
the current market and current cost estimates. It had been agreed that the 2001 swim season
would be lost at Terra Linda Pool; therefore, it would be important to avoid any additional
seasonal closures, if possible.
Andy Preston, Deputy Public Works Director, displayed charts illustrating the timeline for Options
A, B and C as 39 weeks (9 months) in total to completion. These are the renovation options.
The total timeline for rebuilding the pool would be considerably longer, in that a revised
agreement with the architect would be necessary, which would include defining the scope of
work, refining the costs, drafting an agreement, insurance and Council approval; therefore the
rebuild to completion would take 66 weeks, (16 months) with an approximate opening date to the
public of early May, 2002.
Ms. McCart stated that with the renovation project the pool could comfortably be opened for the
2002 season; the project would be completed in January/February, 2002, and would be ready for
the competitive swim season which begins in March. To rebuild the pool the opening would be in
late spring of 2002, which would affect approximately 2 months of the community swim season
and half of the ORCA swim season; therefore, the swim club would be displaced for a further two
months.
As requested by the Council, Ms. McCart stated a meeting was held with the community on
Wednesday, January 10, 2001. 500 notices were distributed to people who had either taken a
program at the pool, or were enrolled in the swim club or associated with any of the other mailing
lists of people interested in the pool, together with all of the neighborhood associations, the VIA
Committee and the various commissions. There were 35 in attendance and three written
communications. There was consensus at this meeting that the community desired to maintain
the recreational use of the pool over changes which would cause it to be more of an athletic
venue. Those in attendance were in favor of rebuilding the pool to accommodate more width for
additional programs and to house the current programs more efficiently. There was feeling that
the current depth ratio should be maintained, which favors the majority of uses, and the group
recommended that if rebuilding was not a possibility, Option C should be considered, which was
renovating with all of the Master Plan amenities.
The advantages of renovation, stated Ms. McCart, would be the original goal would be
accomplished, renovation is less expensive and requires minor redesign time and fees, in
comparison, and the pool would be complete for the 2002 season. The disadvantages of
renovation would be passing up the opportunity to change the size and configuration of the pool
as these issues are addressed once in every 40 years.
The advantage of rebuilding the pool would be the ability to take care of all current deficiencies,
together with incorporating additional width; use could be increased, which translates into
increased revenue for the pool. To rebuild and increase the width of the pool would mean being
in a position for uses over the next 40 years, the Master Plan would be complete and the project
would not need to be revisited. There was well-demonstrated community support for the project.
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The disadvantages of rebuilding, stated Ms. McCart, would be that it is more costly and will take
longer to complete.
Ms. McCart noted that the financial impact is that additional funding would be needed regardless
of which option is chosen. Almost $60,000 of the $578,000 allocated from the General Fund and
Parkland Dedication Funds has been spent. Staff recommends the balance of funds for any of
the options considered be allocated from the budget surplus in year 1999/2000. She reminded
Council that all options carry more efficiency over the current pool operation, with lower
maintenance and operational costs and with increased public usage.
Ms. McCart concluded that the three options were:
1. Fix the pool, which was the initial goal, by renovating the infrastructure to accomplish the
master plan, for $644,000;
2. Fix the pool with basic renovation, adding the components requested by the community:
enhanced landscaping, new entry kiosk, water play pool or wading pool; or
3. Rebuild the pool with the Master Plan components in place.
She stated that staff recommends at this time taking advantage of the opportunity to update the
pool through rebuilding to the proposal submitted by the community. Ms. McCart stated there
were great advantages in this but should renovation be chosen, this was also an acceptable
decision for the next 30 — 40 years.
Councilmember Heller inquired if there would be another facility the swim team could use in the
interim, in light of the possibility that both San Rafael and Terra Linda High Schools may be
experiencing maintenance problems.
Ms. McCart reported that in early September, with an anticipated delay in the project, she
approached the School District for permission to transfer some of the community programs, as
did the ORCA Swim Club, who requested permission to transfer their competitive season for
2001 to the Terra Linda High School pool. Signed permits authorized by the school
administration were received; however, on Friday, January 12, 2001, staff was informed that the
District was considering a renovation project at that pool; bids would be brought in on January 29,
2001 and notice was being given that, depending on their construction schedule, the use permit
would need to be amended. Confirmation on this would not be available until January 29, 2001
and Ms. McCart confirmed this may be a problem for the community, as well as the ORCA Swim
Club, and stated she would pursue other facilities.
Councilmember Phillips inquired whether the Lucas Valley and Marinwood pools had been
consulted to see if they could accommodate some of our programs. Ms. McCart replied that they
had not been approached regarding community use and she was not aware of any investigating
done by the Swim Club of these sites. Councilmember Phillips stated these should be explored
but felt it was strange that the High School would redo their pool simultaneously, particularly from
an operational standpoint, noting that if they had accommodated our programs we might be
willing to reciprocate; therefore, it seemed foolish to carry out concurrent maintenance. Ms.
McCart stated she would emphasize this at their meeting on January 29, 2001, when she would
obtain a clearer view of their construction schedule.
Councilmember Cohen inquired as to the reason for the Terra Linda High School pool renovation.
Ms. McCart stated there were two projects: San Rafael High School pool needs attention to its
plastering and Terra Linda reportedly had a leak. Councilmember Cohen inquired as to the
implications of delaying the Terra Linda Community Center Pool project. Ms. McCart stated that
presently the pool is closed, as one of the major pumps had failed. Councilmember Cohen noted
that it would make us all look foolish if, after 30 or 40 years, it was decided to renovate both pools
in the same season, noting that there is no option where the Terra Linda Community Pool is
concerned, but hopefully an agreement could be worked out.
Mayor Boro referred to the paragraph on page 2 of the staff report concerning the 1,500 square
feet shallow section versus 900 square feet, and inquired if this was the recommendation being
put forward. Ms. McCart responded in the negative, stating this was the proposal brought forward
by the community at the last Council meeting which was to consider an appropriate depth to
house water polo competition. She reiterated that to accommodate water polo it is necessary to
have enough depth to prohibit players, on both sides, from touching the bottom of the pool. She
added that this would reduce the shallow end to 900 square feet. However, it is recommended
keeping the present depth variance and adding another lane. This, reported Ms. McCart, would
reduce the total cost by $7,000 - $10,000, and agreed with Mayor Boro this would be an
Option E.
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 12
Mayor Boro invited the audience to address the Council.
Larry Paul, VIA Committee member, spoke stating the general consensus was that the
community would like to see the best pool possible, even if it necessitates spending more money
and time to achieve, as it would be a once in 40 years project. He noted that now was the time to
do this, as the need is evident. He would encourage, that should the contract be renegotiated
with the architect to rebuild the pool, a master plan of the entire Terra Linda Recreation Center
area be considered, as the center is somewhat deficient and could be upgraded considerably.
He added there was no comparison with the Marinwood or Pickleweed Recreation Centers; it
would serve more people by having improved facilities, in the form of an addition or remodeling
and upgrading. Mr. Paul noted that, recognizing the overall position in the community of the Terra
Linda Recreation Center, he would encourage considering other issues, including the pressing
parking need which creates traffic problems, to make this a premier project for the North San
Rafael area.
Mike McGuire, Santa Margarita Neighborhood Association, former ORCA President and Marin
Swim League President, stated the meeting held on January 10, 2001 was attended by people
covering a broad spectrum, all of whom appeared enthusiastically in support of the rebuild option
and widening the pool in two different directions. He hoped this sense came across tonight as
there were fewer people in attendance than there were at the meeting on January 10tH
He stated he identified with Mr. Paul regarding the Master Plan for the Recreation Center, but felt
it was important to move forward with the pool plans in the first instance, and not stretch the
review process.
Councilmember Phillips stated he did attend the meeting but as there were conflicts it was difficult
for all Councilmembers to be in attendance. He noted there was a consensus that the rebuild
option made a lot of sense when considered in the context of a 40 year old facility, and reiterated
Mr. Patrick Webb's comments at the previous Council Meeting, regarding the wisdom of repairing
something so old, particularly with leaks. It therefore seemed rather shortsighted on a project of
this size, to consider anything other than a rebuild, particularly considering, as Councilmember
Phillips characterized, in his opinion, a rather modest increase in cost. Therefore, it would be
wise and prudent to take the longer view and move in favor of the rebuild, and he supported Mike
McGuire's view that by doing so within this budget the facility can be enhanced by widening
lanes; therefore creating more opportunity for a greater number of swimmers and the community,
as well as the ORCA Swim Club.
Continuing, Councilmember Phillips stated that a comment made by Dave Johnson, ORCA Swim
Team Coach, had an impact on him in that if the facility were likened to a roller rink, to rebuild it in
its original configuration would miss the mark, as the sport had changed considerably. Therefore,
seeing how swimming has changed, and will continue to change with the greater participation in
water polo, this facility if expanded as outlined, would accommodate water polo in the future and
there was solid merit in looking at the project in the long term, to do it right and create a greater
community resource because, as was pointed out, it is San Rafael's pool with wide participation
from residents.
He noted the project had increased substantially in cost and this was the reason he had brought
up the possibility of diverting some of the funds, earmarked to further enhance Freitas Park, to
this project. As both projects would not be feasible, he hoped the community recognized this fact
and pointed out that a lot of funds had been expended in North San Rafael; the city as a whole
had to be considered and a balance drawn. He added this would be a stretch for the area and he
was willing to vote in the affirmative but he did recognize the need for fairness to the balance of
the community and hoped other areas would be looked at to create this balance.
Councilmember Heller, in agreeing with Councilmember Phillips, stated it made more sense to
rebuild with the enhancements, as in the long term the community would be better served, with
enhanced recreation facilities, including the water play pool which she noted would be a great
asset to the entire community for young children. She agreed she, too, would like to plan the
entire area now but felt finishing Freitas Park was a higher priority at this point, doing the best
possible for the next 30 years for North San Rafael and the entire city community.
Councilmember Cohen inquired if Mr. McGuire's comments regarding the expansion in two
directions was consistent with the present proposal. Ms. McCart stated there was discussion
regarding expanding to achieve one more lane width, and turned the question over to Mr.
Madhaven, the architect, regarding its feasibility, under the present set of costs.
Mr. Madhavan, architect, stated widening the pool was one of the main considerations to obtain
additional swim lanes to make the pool more usable, from a recreational standpoint for lap
swimmers, and from a competitive standpoint. He stated it would be possible to widen it in both
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 12
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 13
directions but the aim was to basically maintain a square footage to fit the current budget.
He stated that the width Mr. McGuire mentioned, or making it narrower and wider, could be
evaluated, but making it wider in the same direction as the 25 yard length would become
technically more difficult after a certain width.
He explained the possibility is being considered of changing the 25 -meter length to a 25 -yard
length to allow for seating for spectators. This would mean going from shallow water to deep
water, and where the shallow water extension comes into the main body of water there is a
corner, which needs to be kept back in the shallow portion; therefore, to widen it would be
predicated on how far it would be possible to go before hitting the slope break.
Referring to new Option E, Mayor Boro asked for clarification on the configuration, as outlined in
the staff report. Community Services Director McCart explained that after discussion, it was
determined that the community and staff agreed not to have consistent depth, as it would reduce
the amount of shallow area; therefore any redesign should contain variable depth, similar to the
current depth. Mayor Boro stated that in addition to adding a lane there now was mention of
widening the pool also, and he wondered if this was a new dimension. Ms. McCart stated it was
and that in the staff report only the December, 2000 proposal was addressed, which was to add a
lane and consider consistent depth, as requested by the community. She stated different ways
were considered to add to the pool, some of which were to add width to the meter and yard ends
but these discussions were discontinued, as having defined the goals, they were turned over to
the architect to interpret, with the understanding that they would submit a conceptual plan and
again, this would be shown to the community to ensure it met with expectations. It could be
brought back to the Council also for their consensus.
Mayor Boro inquired from the architect if the $725,000 figure contemplated the concept of a new
lane with the 1,500 square feet shallow area. Mr. Madhaven replied in the affirmative. Mayor
Boro stated he would suggest putting a bottom line number on this to freeze the cost, adding he
supported the rebuild and was pleased to know the community had reached some agreement as
to how it should be carried out. He confirmed with the architect, Mr. Madhaven, that the figures
proposed this evening were realistic, in that if a cap of $1,150,000 were set this could be realized.
Mr. Madhaven added these figures were based on current market conditions, stating swimming
pool construction had changed somewhat recently to become more favorable to the client.
Councilmember Cohen stated the project had gone through an amazing expansion, both in cost
and scope, from the original concept but this was clearly the correct decision. He pointed out,
however, that the rebuild cost was not the difference between $644,000 and $725,000; the
rebuild (Option E) would cost an additional $125,000, assuming the $10,000 adjustment for not
including the water polo option, because it carried with it another $55,000 in new design costs.
He stated this needed to be made clear, as these funds needed to be raised, adding there was a
need to stop somewhere, with no further enhancements being considered. He stated that initially
he was uncomfortable with the figures, but having conferred with Andy Preston, (Deputy Public
Works Director), he now had a better understanding of the vastness of the renovation and
consequent proximity in cost, and this argued in favor of the rebuild, even with the loss of a
portion of next season.
Councilmember Miller stated the rebuild was the appropriate route, figuring the number of
residents who would be served by a rebuild; it would expand the operation of the pool to allow for
year round programs, reaping enormous benefit. In looking at the overall figure, however, he
wondered about the possibility of doing this more incrementally because at present there are
some drastic needs. He instanced the difference between the wading pool and the water play
pool, stating that both served the same amount of people but give a different experience, and in
light of other needs his thinking would be to opt for the least expensive. Regarding the entry kiosk
and landscaping, he wondered if this could be brought in incrementally. These modified
enhancements would free up approximately $125,000, which could be used for important safety
areas. He stated he was offering this for consideration as to whether to save money now which
could be applied to other projects.
Councilmember Phillips stated he would be interested in Community Services Director McCart's
reaction, in that this has been discussed at length. He stated he was convinced that over the
long term, and particularly considering maintenance, financially, the water play pool made more
sense, and while understanding Councilmember Miller's reaction to the initial differential, in the
long term, it was his understanding it would be wiser to proceed with the water play pool.
Ms. McCart stated that when this was being discussed on the two previous occasions, both
options were considered, and it was realized that maintaining and operating the wading pool
would cost $18,000 per year, as against $12,000 for the water play pool, and the comment was
made at the hearings held by the Park and Recreation Commission that the water play pool was
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 13
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 14
an updated version of an old idea, which gave the project a facelift and more of a play value
experience and added, it had captured the imagination of those to whom it had been shown.
Mr. Madhaven explained that the basic difference between a water play pool and wading pool
was the addition of play features which extended the age range of those deriving benefit from the
facility. With a basic wading pool and a water depth of 12 — 18 inches it allowed children up to
ages 2 — 3 years the ability to get acclimated to water. The water play pool would benefit children
up to approximately 8 — 9 years.
Ms. McCart stated that having evaluated the water quality of each facility, it was determined that
the water play pool had a higher quality with less risk of contamination.
Councilmember Philllips stated that for those reasons he was convinced, having gone through a
transformation. He inquired how critical the kiosk was to the project. Replying, Ms. McCart
stated that both the proposal from the community and that which appears in the Master Plan
developed by Mr. Madhaven, architect, reposition the entry, which is the main goal, in that it
separates it from the building, putting the staff in a more centralized position on deck in view of
the public. This can be accomplished with either plan; the proposal included in the Master Plan
being more modest at $18,000 as against the community proposal at $32,000. This latter plan
replicates some of the design in place at the Marinwood entry, which is an open counter with face
to face interaction.
Councilmember Heller stated that if incremental means of putting a project like this together were
chosen, some of it may fall by the wayside, as there will always be unmet needs in the city.
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to rebuild the pool (new
Option E) with all the enhancements, and maintaining the present depth variation.
Under discussion, Councilmember Cohen commented that the choice of the water play pool
made sense, both in terms of the expanded range of children who could use it, and the fact that in
10 years the savings achieved from the wading pool would be wiped out because of the
operational costs. Regarding the landscape and kiosk, which total approximately $60,000,
Councilmember Cohen stated that using the Fairchild funds for these features instead of Freitas
Park may be the solution, as it would be impossible to do both. He commented that choices
needed to be made in light of many other needs in other parts of the city, public safety included,
but given the amount of investment in this facility presently, it would be wise to go ahead and
complete the package in its entirety, keeping the tradeoffs in mind.
Councilmember Phillips reiterated transferring the Fairchild funds to this project would be the
correct course of action.
City Manager Gould requested direction from the Council on whether to redirect the Fairchild
benefit to the Terra Linda Pool rebuild, rather than the Freitas Park Phase II and/or use some of
the Parkland Dedication Funds, ($103,000 remaining) to help fund the project.
Mayor Boro stated that the only item to be resolved this evening was the issue with respect to the
development in North San Rafael and where that $75,000 is to be allocated, leaving the
remainder to be considered in the budget adjustment. There needed to be an understanding on
this since the PPP process had been sent back to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Cohen stated it was his understanding in making the motion, that the issue was
being returned to the Planning Commission for their consideration on moving the $75,000 from
Freitas to the Pool project. Councilmember Phillips confirmed that this was his direction also.
Mayor Boro stated that the motion basically was for the modified option, new Option E, for
$1,154,000 to rebuild the pool.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Community Services Director McCart thanked the Council for their careful consideration of the
project.
Mayor Boro thanked Ms. McCart for her hard work, and the members of the community for their
input.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 14
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 15
NEW BUSINESS:
18. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS (CC) — FILE 9-1
Mayor Boro itemized some clarifications to the present list of assignments for City Council,
attached to the staff report:
Position
Added: Congestion Management Agency
Deleted:
Highway 101 Corridor Action Committee.
Added:
Sonoma/Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART)
City Council confirmed acceptance of these changes, without motion.
Appointee
Albert J.
Boro
Paul M.
Cohen (Alt.)
Albert J.
Boro
Paul M.
Cohen (Alt.)
Albert J.
Boro
Paul M.
Cohen (Alt.)
Councilmember Heller stated that should anyone be interested in attending any of the programs
at the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), she would be happy to share this role.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
19. None
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
20. a) RE; MARIN COUNTY COUNCIL OF MAYORS AND COUNCILMEMERS — FILE 113
Councilmember Cohen urged fellow Councilmembers to attend the next monthly MCCMC
Meeting (Wednesday, January 24, 2001) — program — Legislative Committee to discuss
strategies for legislative advocacy.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
2001
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 01/16/2001 Page 15