HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2002-02-04SRCC Minutes (Regular) 02/04/2002 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2002 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Gus Guinan, Assistant City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION — CONFERENCE ROOM 201 — 7:00 PM:
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Vice -Mayor
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Case Name: Allen, Lucille H. v. City of San Rafael, et al
Marin County Superior Court, Case No. CV004927
City Attorney Gary Ragghianti announced that no reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: 8:00 PM
Re: Buckelew Proarams: - File 13-16 x 140 x 202 x (SRRA) R-426 x R-173
Jay Zlotnick, Buckelew Programs expressed his appreciation on behalf of their clients, staff and Board
for the support with the grant through the San Rafael Redevelopment Agency. He noted the City had
assisted them some two years ago with a similar property on Mariposa, which has worked out very
satisfactorily, and indicated their intention to ensure this project is equally as successful. Mayor Boro
thanked Mr. Zlotnick for all the work his agency does for the City of San Rafael community.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar,
as follows:
ITEM
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Tuesday,
January 22, 2002 (CC)
3. Request for Amicus Participation: (CA) — File 9-3-16
a) Eastburn v. Regional Fire Protection Authoril
(4t" District Court of Appeal, Division 2, Case
No. E029463)
b) 99 Cents Only Stores v. Lancaster
Redevelopment Agency
(U.S. District Court, Central District of California,
Case No. 00-07572SVW)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Minutes approved as submitted.
Approved amicus participation for
a) and b).
4. Summary of Legislation Affecting San Rafael (CM) —
Approved staff recommendation:
File 116 x 9-1
AB 680 Land Use: Sales Tax and
Property Tax Revenue Allocation -
OPPOSE
5. Resolution Authorizing Renewal of Contract with
RESOLUTION NO. 11001 -
Kenneth Emanuels & Associates for Legislative
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
Advocacy Services on Behalf of the Marin County
OF SAN RAFAELTO RENEW THE
Council of Mayors and Councilmembers ("MCCMC")
CONTRACT WITH KENNETH
(CM) — File 4-3-354 x 113 x 116 x 9-3-11
EMANUELS & ASSOCIATES FOR
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES
ON BEHALF OF THE MARIN COUNTY
COUNCIL OF MAYORS AND
COUNCILMEMBERS FOR THE PERIOD
OF JANUARY 1, 2002 THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2002
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 02/04/2002 Page 1
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 02/04/2002 Page 2
6.
Resolution of Appreciation to Richard Landis,
RESOLUTION NO. 11002 —
Employee of the Quarter for Quarter Ending 12/31/01
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO
(CM) — File 102 x 7-4 x 9-3-40
RICHARD LANDIS, EMPLOYEE OF
THE QUARTER FOR QUARTER
ENDING 12/31/01
8.
Monthly Investment Report for Month Ending
Accepted Monthly Investment Report
December, 2001 (MS) — File 8-18 x 8-9
for the month ending December, 2001,
as presented.
9.
Resolution Authorizing the Replacement and
RESOLUTION NO. 11003 —
Purchase of Miscellaneous Police Vehicles (PD) —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
File 4-2-315 x 9-3-30
REPLACEMENT AND PURCHASE OF
MISCELLANEOUS POLICE
DEPARTMENT VEHICLES IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$191,157.64
10.
Report on Bid Opening and Resolution Awarding the
RESOLUTION NO. 11004—
Contract for Traffic Signal Preventive Maintenance
RESOLUTION AWARDING THE
and Repair Program 2002-2003, Project No. 001-44-
CONTRACT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
3-30-01-9231 (Bid Opening Held on Tuesday,
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND
January 29, 2002), to Republic Electric in the Amount
REPAIR PROGRAM 2002-2003,
of $113,800.00 Annually (PW) — File 4-1-544 x 11-10
PROJECT NO. 001-44-3-30-01-9231
(BID OPENING HELD ON TUESDAY,
JANUARY 29, 2002) TO REPUBLIC
ELECTRIC, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$113,800.00 ANNUALLY (Through June
30, 2003) (lowest responsible bidder)
11.
Resolution Approving a $170,000 Grant Agreement
RESOLUTION NO. 11005—
by the Redevelopment Agency to Buckelew
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Community Housing Development Organization, Inc.
OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
(410 Mission Avenue) (RA) —
APPROVING A ONE HUNDRED AND
File 13-16 x 140 x 202 x (SRRA) R-426
SEVENTY THOUSAND DOLLAR
GRANT BY THE REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY OF THE CITY OF SAN
RAFAEL TO BUCKELEW COMMUNITY
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATION, INC. AND MAKING
FINDINGS AND APPROVALS
PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA
REDEVELOPMENT LAW IN
CONNECTION WITH THE UTILIZATION
OF AGENCY LOW AND MODERATE
INCOME HOUSING FUNDS OUTSIDE
THE CENTRAL SAN RAFAEL
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
(for 410 Mission Avenue)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Boro (from item #2 only, due to absence from meeting
of January 22, 2002.)
The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion, at the request of staff:
7. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A REVISED PROPOSAL FOR SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RBF CONSULTING FOR
FIELD RECONNAISSANCE AND INITIATION OF BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION IN
ANTICIPATION OF POSSIBLE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
FOR THE ST. VINCENT'S VILLAGE PROJECT AND POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
SILVEIRA RANCH PROPERTY (CD) — FILE 4-3-400 x 115 (2020) x 10-2
Principal Planner Kristie Richardson stated Council had been provided with a memo and revised
Resolution for this item and explained that earlier this afternoon she received a telephone call from
a concerned citizen regarding one of the tasks included in the revised scope of work by RBF
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 02/04/2002 Page 3
Consulting. She stated that this task proposed the preparation of three design concepts for the St.
Vincent's/Silveira Task Force recommendations and the citizen felt it was perhaps, inappropriate
and premature to be considering design alternatives, and requested that it be eliminated from the
scope of work. Ms. Richardson indicated that having considered this, staff agrees that perhaps it
could give the perception that the City is studying alternatives which would be studied later in the
environmental review process. She stated that RBF Consulting had presented a revised, Revised
Scope of Work; the Resolution and attachments are redlined to indicate the changes, the most
significant of which is a reduction of $30,000 in the estimated fees.
Mayor Boro confirmed that the fees were reduced from $104,000 to $74,000.
Councilmember Cohen stated it was his understanding, and he wished to clarify for the record,
that the City is at no risk whatsoever, whether or not any development proposal is actually
submitted, and these funds will be paid by Shapell, the presumed applicant for this project. Ms.
Richardson stated this was correct and explained that as soon as the Professional Services
Agreement is executed, the City would collect the $74,000 from Shapell Industries, holding it to
pay invoices received subsequently. This, she stated, would take place prior to authorizing RBF to
proceed. Councilmember Cohen confirmed with Ms. Richardson that the City would be in receipt
of the money prior to the work being done.
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11006 — RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A REVISED PROPOSAL FOR
SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
RBF CONSULTING FOR FIELD RECONNAISSANCE AND
INITIATION OF BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION IN
ANTICIPATION OF POSSIBLE PREPARATION OF AN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED ST.
VINCENT'S VILLAGE PROJECT AND POTENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SILVEIRA RANCH PROPERTY
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
None
None
12. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RICHARD LANDIS, EMPLOYEE
OF THE QUARTER FOR QUARTER ENDING 12/31/01 (CM) — FILE 102 x 7-4 x 9-3-40
Mayor Boro explained that once a quarter City employees select an Employee of the Quarter who
subsequently becomes a candidate for selection as "Employee of the Year", to be announced at
the Annual State of the City Dinner in April. He indicated that the Employee of the Quarter
received a $100 bill, with the Employee of the Year receiving $500, and he expressed pride at
having employees in the City of San Rafael who work so hard and so well.
Mayor Boro indicated that Richard Landis had been with the City for five years, works in the Public
Works Department and has been involved in many projects, as outlined in the Resolution.
Commenting on Richard's contagious, positive and cheerful attitude, Mayor Boro recalled having
received a letter from an upset constituent and subsequent to Richard telephoning and visiting the
property, he again received a letter expressing thanks. Congratulating Richard, Mayor Boro stated
this is indicative of the job he does, for which everyone is very thankful.
Responding, Richard Landis stated this had as much to do with those with whom he worked as
himself and commented that it is a pleasure to work for the City; he expressed his appreciation
and thanks.
OLD BUSINESS:
13. RESOLUTION ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF SAN RAFAELTWO-YEAR
BUDGET FOR 2001/2003 (MS) - FILE 8-5
Assistant City Manager Ken Nordhoff stated this was the second instance of two-year budgeting
and the City is now at the six-month juncture of the current 2001-2003 budget; this report suggests
a series of amendments which Mr. Nordhoff stated he would highlight, together with addressing a
separate attachment.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that when establishing the budget last July, Council wisely recognized that
much of the boom economy which permitted expansion of services and the completion of a
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number of projects, would slow down; therefore, a prudent budget was adopted, continuing
existing services and finishing off a number of projects.
Identifying changes since last July, Mr. Nordhoff stated that the economy clearly has slowed down
and cyclical related items appear also to be softening. He indicated that sales tax is expected to
be down almost $1.1 -million this year and compared to last year, this represents an approximate
$500,000 drop in actual results. One positive note indicates that property taxes are increasing,
which has more to do with valuation than turnover, and continues to remain high. Mr. Nordhoff
noted that a recent article in the Marin Independent Journal reflected this information.
Explaining some of the fallout since the 9-11 incident, Mr. Nordhoff reported that travel and
tourism translated to a fairly steep decline in hotel taxes, estimated to be down approximately
$717,000, and is a return to levels not seen for five years.
Motor Vehicle Fees, which Mr. Nordhoff stated are an issue of contention at the state level
presently, continue to remain the City's, and the revenue is anticipated to increase slightly this
year. He indicated that this issue will be addressed further in the coming months as the state
resolves its budget situation.
With regard to Transfer Tax, the money received on the sale of real estate, Mr. Nordhoff stated
that again, valuations are high; however, the level of activity has fallen and is expected to decline
this year by approximately $220,000.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that minor adjustments have been made for permitting and building related
fees in the General Fund.
Evaluating actions approved by Council to date , Mr. Nordhoff reported that total revenues are
down approximately $837,000; however, as indicated in the table on page one of the staff report,
two key items to note are: a reduction in taxes, and reductions in development and planning fees,
both of which impact the General Fund. These, he stated, are typically ongoing in nature and
amount to $1.5 -million worth of losses in major taxes.
With regard to Expenditures, Mr. Nordhoff stated that most are on schedule. He referred Council
to Attachment A, distributed this evening, and stated that subsequent to discussions this
afternoon, Mayor Boro believed it would be advantageous to summarize some of the key changes,
identifying those ongoing in nature as opposed to one-time.
Mr. Nordhoff explained that of the $4 -million of changes, almost three-quarters relate to activities
that already have been seen and approved, including distribution of Proposition 12 Funds for
parks and grants for Safe Routes to Schools, etc., and these actions have been codified in this
evening's report. Mr. Nordhoff reported that new items include an obligation to keep up with labor
agreements, and these amendments, based on contract, were carried out in September, adjusting
the budget by approximately $550,000. He indicated that approximately $500,000 in funding has
been requested for six new Police Officers and Police Chief Cronin's memo is attached as part of
the report. Additionally, there is a series of smaller, one-time items dealing with a variety of
equipment, most notably completing the list for the MERA (Marin Emergency Radio Authority)
system, $200,000 in total, due to the County, and also a request for finalization of the air-
conditioning and heating units at the San Rafael Community Center on B Street. Five of these
were done initially through the award of contract and since the project began, three more units
have failed; therefore, it is suggested that all thirteen be completed.
Mr. Nordhoff stated he would be happy to discuss the complete list of amendments, if necessary.
Assistant City Manager Nordhoff directed Council to the notation at the bottom of Attachment A
and stated that as the amendments are made, the 10% reserve will be maintained. He explained
that in July of last year, it was anticipated setting aside an additional $1.5 -million, approximately
5%, in reserves; the balance of these funds will be $985,000, having made the adjustments this
evening. Mr. Nordhoff anticipated being back before Council in the next few months to consider
the second part of the two-year budget, together with state outcomes, etc., and providing some
choices where changes may be made in service delivery in the coming years. He believed a lot of
this would be driven by state action, which conceivably will not be known until May or June;
however, it will be continuously monitored.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that part of the report includes a sizeable handout generated by the
departments updating objectives and although a substantial quantity of the material was not
reproduced, these were available to the public.
Concluding, Assistant City Manager Nordhoff stated he would be happy to answer questions, and
requested that Council approve the Resolution as presented.
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Concurring with Assistant City Manager Nordhoff's comments, Mayor Boro stated it was fortunate
the City had the approximately $1 -million over and above the normal 10% reserve, and based on
how things go between now and July, it would be prudent to evaluate revenue, as with a state
deficit of approximately $10 -billion, at that time a clearer picture should be evident. Mayor Boro
indicated dark clouds ahead, and as is apparent from past history, cities would be approached.
He noted that on the last such occasion, San Rafael's cost was $2 -million. Mayor Boro stated
that anything which could be set aside until the full state ramifications are known, would be
beneficial.
Regarding Animal Control — JPA costs, Councilmember Heller inquired if this was an increase to
the JPA Agreement. Responding, Mr. Nordhoff stated that when the budget was generated, the
cost was estimated to be approximately $352,000 and the additional $20,000 brings it in line with
the actual cost of approximately $372,000, through the JPA. Councilmember Heller commented
this was a lot of money for animal control.
Councilmember Phillips requested Assistant City Manager Nordhoff comment on the Increase
Reserves — Claims item for $495,000. Mr. Nordhoff explained that the third -party administrators
who handle Workers Compensation and Liability run monthly reserve schedules and the City had
reserved approximately $185,000 when the last audit of reserves was completed. He indicated
having requested an update from the City Attorney's Office and believed a significant portion deals
with some recent litigation where it was necessary to increase the reserves; therefore, the budget
was amended to reflect what the third -party administrator believes are adequate levels of reserves
at this time. This, he stated, is coming from the Liability Fund and is not a General Fund
obligation.
Councilmember Cohen inquired whether the MERA Equipment funding was new or unanticipated.
Mr. Nordhoff explained that when the bonds were initiated in 1999, equipment was built into that
financing and since then, some staffing changes had occurred with additions in areas such as
Parking Services. He indicated that at the time Building and Code Enforcement were not included;
therefore, the lists are being finalized and this is the additional funding for all the equipment
needed by the City to complete its MERA order to implement service later this year.
Councilmember Cohen confirmed with Mr. Nordhoff that this is additional money and does
complete funding for the City's portion of MERA. City Manager Gould concurred.
Melany Kramer, 1537 Fourth Street, San Rafael, inquired whether the proposed budget included
an allocation for the Major Crimes Task Force and if so, whether it had ever been reconsidered in
terms of using the funds to add personnel to the San Rafael Police Department.
Responding, Mayor Boro explained that the City has already funded the Major Crimes Task Force
and no additional money is requested. He indicated that the budget had been increased to
provide for the addition of 6 fulltime officers.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11007 - RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL
AMENDING THE 2001-2002 BUDGET
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Boro acknowledged the great work of not only Assistant City
Manager Ken Nordhoff and his staff, but also City Manager Gould and the Department Managers
who put so much work into this effort. Indicating that the Goals and Objectives were available to
the public, Mayor Boro stated that many projects are tracked and staff is very conscientious in
bringing these to Council for review, for which he thanked them.
14. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY MARIN HISTORY MUSEUM FOR FEE WAIVER FOR
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION (CD) — FILE 236 x 9-10-2 x 10-2
Community Development Director Bob Brown stated that a request was received from the Marin
History Museum for waiver of building permit fees, estimated to be approximately $15,000. He
recalled that Council previously granted planning fee waivers of approximately $2,400 to the
History Museum, and staff anticipates that at a future meeting, Council will be requested to
approve a lease for a portion of the Boyd Park site for the museum, at no cost.
Mr. Brown stated that staff is not recommending the requested fee waiver, due principally to the
City's decreased fee revenue; however, should Council desire to grant a partial fee waiver, staff
suggests a $5,000 fee reduction. He indicated that this amount, plus the previous planning fee
waiver, would equal the largest fee waiver the City Council has previously granted.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 02/04/2002 Page 5
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Mr. Brown indicated that the draft Resolution expresses the proposal for a $5,000 waiver.
Mayor Boro inquired if this had been communicated to the History Museum. Responding, Mr.
Brown stated they had been furnished with copies of the reports.
Ken Harth, Fredrick C. Divine Associates, Architects, stated he is the Project Manager and resides
at 550 Sunset Parkway, Novato. Explaining the project, Mr. Harth stated that presently, they are
in working drawings, the contract has been let to Mr. James Ring and it is anticipated that by the
end of April the drawings will be submitted to the City in order to obtain the building permit, etc.
Regarding the fee waiver, he identified the total potential fees to be $32,400, noting the
encroachment fees cannot be waived and are, therefore, not counted. Mr. Harth stated that the
museum has paid $7,100 in fees to date, $2,500 some years ago for design review and the
beginning of the EIR and this past year, another $4,600 for the Environmental Review.
Mr. Harth stated that as part of the review process, the Museum has paid for the traffic study, at a
cost of almost $5,000, the acoustical studies for the current and draft criteria, costing $1,650
each, and most recently, an archaeological study of the site, a new requirement this year, at a
cost of $1,400. He indicated that almost $10,000 is involved for the studies associated with the
various fees and reviews; therefore, the total potential cost to the museum is approximately
$42,000.
Mr. Harth stated that the museum recognizes and appreciates receipt of the land and maintenance
of the building. He indicated that the museum has been evaluating the issue of how to maintain
visitors coming to the building and establishing temporary exhibit space, resulting in a new exhibit
every three to four months, which keeps it an active place. He welcomed any consideration the
City could give to support the museum, indicating that any $1,000 saved is an amount to be
returned to the museum.
Tracy Thurston -Davis, Novato, representing the Marin History Museum, stated that Mary Alberigi,
Executive Director, was unable to attend tonight due to a family emergency. On behalf of the
Marin History Museum's Board of Directors, staff and many volunteers, Ms. Thurston -Davis
thanked the City for being such a generous benefactor for all the years they had been in Boyd
Park. She indicated that the Marin History Museum, formerly the Marin County Historical Society,
has called Boyd Park in San Rafael its home since 1935, and although the museum's membership
represents all cities in Marin County, San Rafael boasts the highest percentage of members, at
almost 50%.
Ms. Thurston -Davis stated that the new Marin History Museum would celebrate Marin's many
cultures through music programs, festivals, special exhibits and lectures for visitors and residents
alike. She indicated that the educational programs will assist in meeting the needs of students
from pre-school to college, teachers, administrators and entire families; the museum will play a
critical role by supplementing the efforts of the County's schools in teaching local history, thereby
becoming an educational partner with the state.
Ms. Thurston -Davis stated it is their expectation that the new 13,400 square -foot museum complex
will assist in furthering the City's efforts to revitalize downtown San Rafael by enticing both tourists
and residents to Boyd Park. She noted research indicates that once in the downtown area,
visitors will eat at local restaurants, visit galleries and attend movies, thereby boosting the
economy of the local community.
Ms. Thurston -Davis stated that revenue comes exclusively from individuals and private
foundations; fundraising is always challenging, particularly in hard economic times; therefore, they
are requesting that the building permit fee be waived to permit funds to go directly towards the
new museum.
Councilmember Heller stated it is always easy to say "Yes" and difficult to say "No" and because
of the present difficult economic times, she favored staff's suggestion and, perhaps at a later
stage, consideration could be given to other areas of assistance.
Councilmember Miller concurred, indicating everything possible was being done, given the City's
fiscal responsibilities, to support the museum and build the inherent social capital; however,
because of the fiscal responsibilities throughout the City, the offer of $5,000 was a generous one.
Agreeing, Councilmember Cohen stated he recognized the many benefits the museum will bring to
downtown and was pleased to see it moving along. Recognizing that members of the Board and
supporters of the museum would be disappointed that the City had not met the entire request, he
believed some solace could be derived from the fact that this proposal matches the largest fee
waiver granted in the last ten years, and is indicative of the significance placed on this by the City.
Councilmember Cohen stated that tough economic times will also generate appeals from other
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non -profits, particularly those serving the needy, and fearing an increase in need and assistance
from those agencies in the coming year, the City needs to be prepared.
Councilmember Cohen stated he would support the staff recommendation to waive $5,000, which
when added to that previously granted, totaled $7,400.
Considering the museum's efforts to date to be exemplary, Councilmember Phillips stated that as
there are a number of non-profit organizations, it is incumbent upon the City to treat each fairly. He
believed the City had gone quite far in terms of establishing the sense of the museum and its
worth to the community and while he wished it could be more, believed the staff recommendation
was an appropriate balance.
Mayor Boro concurred with the previous comments, stating the Council valued the museum, has
worked very closely with the society to date, and will continue to do so. He indicated that the City
Council recognizes it as a true asset to the community and looks favorably on encouraging the
museum to remain and work with the City on a new lease. Noting that the next item on the
agenda deals with fees, Mayor Boro commented that the History Museum may be coming in
under the wire, and while recognizing it was not the entire amount requested, he believed it to be a
good conclusion.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11008 — RESOLUTION WAIVING PAYMENT OF FEES FOR THE
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION FOR THE MARIN HISTORY
MUSEUM IN BOYD PARK (Partial Fee Waiver of $5,000)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
15. RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 10789 AND ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR
CONSIDERATION OF FEE WAIVER REQUESTS FOR PLANNING AND BUILDING PERMITS
(CD) — FILE 9-10-2 x 9-1-2 x 10-2 x 229 x 4-10-188a
Community Development Director Brown stated that as alluded to by Mayor Boro, this item
addresses the larger question pertaining to Council policy for granting fee waivers. He indicated
that last year when this item was addressed, two options were offered:
■ Limiting fee waivers to those items identified in the General Plan as being City priorities, by
waiving fees merely for affordable housing and daycare facilities; and
■ Expanding this to also allow consideration for community non-profit groups.
As was noted earlier, Mr. Brown stated that in a period of declining revenues, the waiver of some
$30,000 in fees in the past ten months is beginning to appear significant to the budget.
Mr. Brown stated that the other potential benefit of the staff recommendation to limit the criteria to
affordable housing and daycare is the fact that these could essentially be administered at a staff
level and would be non -discretionary. This, he stated, would save staff time in preparing agenda
items for Council consideration and would, in turn, save Council time on the agendas.
Councilmember Heller stated that affordable housing and daycare are very worthy suggestions and
she would favor their remaining; however, she inquired whether there could be a loophole whereby
other non -profits with real need could be presented to Council. While not wishing to open it up to
all, Councilmember Heller indicated she was not ready to say "No" to everyone should it be possible
to afford it.
Community Development Director Brown explained that the current regulations essentially allow for
Council discretion and staff had been unable to further define certain types of non -profits versus
others, hence the reason for the caveat to permit consideration of those non -profits which benefit
a significant segment of the community. Mr. Brown stated he was unsure how to limit these further
unless there were specific Social Service Agencies Council wished to target.
Mayor Boro requested clarification on whether the policy being recommended now was that which
the City unofficially had prior to last year. Mr. Brown stated there was no written criteria and staff,
having researched the majority of fee waivers granted by Council previously, ascertained they were
for daycare and housing, with a few to non -profits. Mayor Boro clarified this to be childcare facilities
rather than daycare.
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 02/04/2002 Page 8
Referring to a comment he made on the previous agenda item, Councilmember Cohen stated he
was concerned with regard to the occasional application received from service providers, not
merely non -profits, which address a wide range of community needs and benefits. Having perused
the list of approved fee waivers over the past year, of significance, he noted was Ritter House,
which it appeared would not fit this criteria; however, he could make a strong argument for their
good candidacy, even under the new policy. He noted this was neither affordable housing nor
childcare; however, it clearly provides an important service to the neediest in the community.
While requests such as this do not come along frequently, Councilmember Cohen stated that an
opportunity to waive fees for this type of service provider could be an authority Council should have.
City Manager Gould pointed out that the Redevelopment Agency assists Ritter House every year in
housing assistance funds; Ritter House is also a common applicant for Community Development
Block Grant funds and he indicated the City had been most generous to them in that area also, on
an ongoing basis. Mr. Gould stated that Ritter House infrequently builds and needs a building
permit; however, they do provide essential services to the neediest in the community. He noted the
City has been very generous in years past which he expected to continue.
Mayor Boro stated that as pointed out by Mr. Brown, Community Development Director, the
General Plan calls out the two issues of affordable housing and childcare as very important goals
for the community and the City supports these at every opportunity possible. He indicated that one
way to achieve this is to facilitate the affordability of projects presented; however, to open the
process up would mean reverting back to the original policy of determining who has more value,
noting that every group has value and is obviously doing something positive. Mayor Boro stated
the City has a record of a $7,400 grant which will be seen as a target; therefore, it would be
necessary somehow to determine which applications to grant. He suggested adopting the
recommended policy.
Councilmember Miller favored leaving the present policy of affording discretion intact. He noted that
often smaller agencies need just a little help, and the $300 or $500 fee waiver is gargantuan in
terms of their budgeting and this needs to be balanced off the economic advantage to the City and
the social capital built by the agency or applicant. Councilmember Miller stated he believed it to be
very appropriate for smaller agencies to be able to come before Council and should the money be
available, it could be granted, or otherwise, at Council's discretion.
Mayor Boro inquired as to the definition of smaller agency and how a smaller agency was valued
over a larger agency doing similar work. Councilmember Miller indicated that criteria could be
established. Noting from the staff report that eight requests were received, he indicated it is not
that large of a workload to entertain and be responsive to the various areas in which the social
capital is built.
Councilmember Phillips stated he was concerned with making the distinction and suspected that
any group coming before Council on any given evening could make a legitimate argument for the
services they provide, and making the distinction seemed somewhat arbitrary, noting the amounts
are not comparable. He noted the suggestion was to waive fees for all non -profits unless criteria
could be established for granting some and refusing others. Absent this criteria, he was not
inclined to favor picking and choosing, depending on perhaps the presenter or personal contact,
etc., as it implied some would be refused, and he had not seen any foundation for saying "No" to
some and "Yes" to others. Without this, Councilmember Phillips stated it was preferable to send a
clear message to the community that the City is supportive in other ways, and in terms of providing
services for building, he believed the City would be remiss in opening the door to entrapment. He
indicated that with a concise definition of those to be rejected, he could perhaps consider
Councilmember Miller's approach.
Councilmember Miller suggested this could be in terms of the amount and referred to the chart in
the staff report, identifying $730 for the Marin General Thrift Store and $500 for the Marin Head
Start building. He indicated that the amount could be anything under $1,000.
Agreeing with Councilmember Miller, Councilmember Heller stated she would be in favor of an
opening for other non -profits who serve the needy, and suggested staff return in two weeks with a
revised recommendation. She expressed her willingness to discuss this with staff in the interim.
Councilmember Cohen noted the present policy has only been in effect for a year and had not
gone too far wrong. Regarding the ability to say "No", he indicated this had just occurred by
rejecting $12,000 of a $17,000 request, which demonstrated the City's ability to exercise some
discretion. He noted that of the requests submitted over the last year, two were for the Marin
History Museum to a total of $7,400, based on tonight's action. Of the remainder, he noted there
were three which would not fall under this policy and, therefore, would have been rejected out of
hand, i.e. $730 for Marin General Thrift Store, $2,100 to the Alano Club and $1,430 to Ritter
House. Councilmember Cohen stated he did not feel bad with regard to any of these decisions,
believing them to be appropriate ways of assisting in deferring costs from non -profits which
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provide a distinct service in the community. He believed that should the point be reached when it
was not practical to grant a fee waiver, such as $730 for Marin General Thrift Store, he would have
the discretion to know this, and not need to protect himself from his inability to make choices by
passing a Resolution to the effect that no such decision would ever be presented.
Councilmember Cohen stated that should the consensus be to close the door pursuant to the
Marin History Museum's fee waiver and exclude cultural services, etc., he would still favor finding
a way to distinguish between non-profit service providers; however, he was comfortable with the
suggestion to maintain the present policy.
Should modification be the desired result, Councilmember Cohen stated there is a scale tying the
size of the fee waiver to that of the project; therefore, a large well -funded agency doing a large
project would engender a large fee, with a smaller agency having a lesser fee. He suggested that
setting an upper limit could be a solution, by agreeing to set a policy to waive fees for affordable
housing and childcare, and for other non -profits, waive fees up to a specified figure. He admitted
that this would be arbitrary; however, it would afford the ability to consider those requests. This,
he stated would lend some discretion on the smaller end of the scale to help agencies who serve
the needy in the community.
While agreeing this decision should not be made this evening, Mayor Boro stated that if non -profits
were included for consideration, it should be all of them. He suggested that the item be carried
over to facilitate Councilmembers Heller and Miller working with Community Development Director
Brown and City Manager Gould over the next several weeks in an effort to generate criteria and
guidelines for future fee waivers.
16. DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF THE SAN RAFAEL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN
(CM) - File 261 x 9-2-55 x 11-1
Public Works Director David Bernardi stated that this evening Council would consider adoption of
the Bicycle and Pedestrian Masterplan for the City of San Rafael and in addition, it is
recommended adopting a Resolution to approve the Environmental Review of the Masterplan.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), who
were charged with the preparation of the Masterplan, together with the efforts of Lydia Romero,
Assistant to the City Manager, and Richard Landis, Administration Supervisor, Public Works, who
served as staff to the Committee during the preparation of this plan.
Summarizing a brief history, Mr. Bernardi stated that Council established the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) in October 1998, for the specific purpose of creating a
Bicycle and Pedestrian Masterplan. He indicated that the Committee completed its draft of the
plan and worked with staff to refine and hone it to something which would be reviewable by the
various bodies. Mr. Bernardi stated that the City also hired the firm of Nelson\Nygaard to perfect
the draft plan; the Consultant worked with staff and the Committee and a final draft was completed
in July 2001. He reported that the BPAC unanimously approved the draft plan and recommended
its adoption. The Masterplan and Environmental document were reviewed and approved by the
Planning Commission on December 11, 2001.
Mr. Bernardi introduced Jeffrey Tumlin, Nelson\Nygaard, stating he would present the basic
elements of the Masterplan. In addition, he stated that correspondence had been received and
was attached to the staff report, which included comments involving modifying the designations of
certain routes to include Class 2 signing and striping, and this would be explained by Mr. Tumlin.
Mr. Bernardi explained that the primary reasons these modifications are not recommended by staff
are due to existing roadway widths and other physical features, which would prevent a Class 2
bicycle lane from being created. He reported that the 7 -page submittal from the Marin County
Bicycle Coalition is also attached and contains a number of comments duly noted by staff. Mr.
Bernardi stated staff recommends that the short-term projects be implemented over a five-year
period. He noted an inconsistency in the Masterplan which identifies a three-year period;
however, staff believes it to be impractical to implement these short-term projects over a three-
year period.
Mr. Bernardi stated that a further part of the letter indicated the Lincoln Avenue Class 2
designation is important as this area is considered to be a corridor for North/South bicyclists. He
noted the statement indicating the understanding that the Homeowners Association agreed to the
removal of parking; however, having checked with the Homeowners Association President today,
Mr. Bernardi reported Mr. Patrick Murphy indicated this was not the case, as there clearly was a
neighborhood consensus that parking should not be removed.
In addition, Mr. Bernardi stated that CalTrans Deputy Directive (DD) 64 encourages cities to install
bike facilities during paving projects and part of this DD 64 also indicates, where feasible, when
carrying out resurfacing or other road improvement projects, the possibility of installing bike lanes
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be evaluated. This, he stated, was done with the Civic Center Drive project
Finally, Mr. Bernardi stated that the "Smart Rail with Trail" issue was too premature for the City to
take a position on. He indicated that the use of the railroad right-of-way for these purposes lies
with other agencies and stated it would be appropriate for this matter to be considered during the
preparation of the EIR-EIS for the train itself. He commented that should the sharing of the right-
of-way be considered under the Environmental Review, the City could easily amend the
Masterplan to include this concept.
Mr. Bernardi indicated that Jeffrey Tumlin, Nelson\Nygaard would present the Masterplan and at
the conclusion of his comments, both Mr. Tumlin and staff would be available to answer questions
He stated that at the conclusion of public comment, staff recommends that Council adopt the
Resolutions.
Jeffrey Tumlin, Transportation Planner, Nelson\Nygaard, stated he is also a daily bicycle
commuter. He reiterated Mr. Bernardi's thanks to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
who performed the vast majority of work on this project, and reported he was hired to carry out
some editing and facilitating to bring the project to its present status.
Explaining the work done, Mr. Tumlin stated that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
drew from a lot of documents already written, including the recently approved Marin County
Bicycle Plan, the North/South Bikeway Feasibility Study, the Bay Trail Plan and lots of public input
received over the last couple of years while developing the San Rafael plan. He indicated that one
of the reasons for such a plan is that it provides a vision for making the community more bicycle
and pedestrian friendly, and more importantly, helps to define projects and set priorities for
implementation in later actions. Continuing, Mr. Tumlin stated that it assists with deciding how to
focus future engineering studies and decisions and creates eligibility for certain types of funding,
particularly TDA (Transportation Development Act) Article 3 funds.
Mr. Tumlin explained that a bike plan is not an engineering study, rather it is simply a policy
document. He noted it is not an implementation document, does not contain much analysis and
does not assist in making difficult decisions concerning corridors where there is tension between
roadway capacity, design, the neighbors along the streets and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
He indicated it is important to note that it is not set in stone and is easy to update, adding that the
decision made this evening could be changed any time as more information is received. He
reported that it does not preclude obtaining money for more ambitious engineering projects not
included in this plan.
Noting the document contains an enormous amount of information, summarizing, Mr. Tumlin
stated it contains approximately eighteen North/South bike routes, twelve East/West routes, a
whole slew of pedestrian improvements designed to fill in gaps in the pedestrian network, details
concerning the "Safe Rides to Schools" program and a variety of educational program suggestions
aimed at motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, all to assist in a better understanding of the rights
and responsibilities on the roadway.
Mr. Tumlin explained the three key goals:
1) To make the bicycle an integral part of all types of transportation in San Rafael, particularly
for trips under five miles;
2) To encourage walking as an everyday form of transportation for all types of trips; and
3) Set San Rafael up as a model for alternative transportation in the region.
Reporting a series of supporting objectives, Mr. Tumlin stated these included:
1) Creating a complete network of bicycle and pedestrian routes in the City, noting that any
transportation network is only as good as it is complete;
2) Ensuring that programs and funding are in place to maintain existing facilities and those to
be developed;
3) Providing bicycle parking at key destinations;
4) Ensuring that the transit systems are well coordinated with walking and biking access to key
transit facilities;
5) Education programs to ensure everyone understands their rights and responsibilities
whether on foot, in a car or on a bicycle; and
6) To abide by the important engineering standards already used by the City.
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Mr. Tumlin reported that currently, there are 4'/2 miles of bike paths and 3.9 miles of bike lanes in
San Rafael; however, they are disconnected from one another, which is a serious problem. He
indicated there are gaps in both the bikeway and pedestrian systems, with very limited bike
parking even at key destinations, such as some schools.
Mr. Tumlin indicated that mode share for bicycling and walking to work in San Rafael is higher
than in the remainder of Marin; however, much lower than in comparable Bay Area cities with
similar density and topography. He instanced Berkeley and Calistoga as having several times as
many bike and walk trips to work as does San Rafael, which indicates potential for growth.
Before elaborating on some of the proposed improvements, particularly those of the highest
priority, Mr. Tumlin wished to ensure that Council had an understanding of some key terms used in
bike planning, i.e. Class 1, 2 and 3 facilities:
He explained that Class 1 Bikeways are paved bike paths, usually 10 -feet wide and designed for
multi -use purposes, such as biking, hiking, walking and sometimes, equestrian use.
Class 2 facilities are bike lanes. These are striped lanes on the roadway adjacent to the travel lane
and are designed engineering -wise, similar to the roadway system for cars.
Class 3 Bikeways are bike routes where there are no lanes or paths; however, there could be
signage indicating "Bike Route" or "Share the Road", and are places usually without sufficient
width in the available roadway to permit separate facilities for bikes and cars. He explained that
various tools for making a Class 3 bikeway work well include traffic calming, share the road
programs, etc. Variations in the Class 3 bike route include the bicycle boulevard, successfully
implemented by Palo Alto and presently being implemented by Berkeley.
Referring to a map, Mr. Tumlin stated that the two highest priorities are based largely on San
Rafael's unique geography and topography. He explained that there is a great need for a
continuous East/West bike route, going from San Quentin into San Anselmo, through the
downtown, serving a lot of key destinations along the way. Another very high priority, Mr. Tumlin
indicated, is for a North/South bike route, which would basically follow the US 101 corridor, Lincoln
Avenue and the Northwestern Pacific Railroad right -of way. These, he stated, were the two
highest priorities identified in the plan.
Mr. Tumlin reported that there are a number of projects involving shoulder widening on more rural
roadways not having curb and gutter and sidewalk, where extra width could be paved on the
shoulder to make for a good bike facility. He reported a few places where the existing roadway
could simply be striped; albeit not many, all of which are identified in the plan.
Indicating that US Highway 101 is a major barrier for travel for anyone other than in a car, Mr.
Tumlin indicated that a number of extremely important and expensive projects are included.
He indicated a full matrix of pedestrian safety projects, a lot of which involve completing the
sidewalk network, noting places around schools where the sidewalks end and where pedestrian
safety would suggest some investment. Other priorities include ensuring that transit hubs in the
City are friendly to bikes and pedestrians, school safety programs, and some bike parking at key
destinations.
In the short term, Mr. Tumlin stated that mainly, Class 3 bike routes are suggested, which is
merely erecting signs to alert motorists to expect bikes and share the road, and directing bicyclists
to the safest and most level routes from one part of town to the other. He indicated that where
there is available width, bike lanes could be striped, and those projects are identified.
In the medium term, Mr. Tumlin stated that most of the projects include roadway widening, either
the shoulders or in some cases, moving the curbs out to create more space to permit striping.
He reported that the long term projects are exciting and expensive and include evaluating the
Northwestern Pacific Rail right-of—way to determine whether the tunnels can be seismically
strengthened should the personal safety issues of allowing access through the long dark tunnels
be overcome. He indicated that a lot of study is required; however, the potential is so great it is
recommended the studies be carried out.
Mr. Tumlin noted a list of projects, including signing and stenciling in various places throughout
the City, several key corridors and gap closure projects, and projects which were doable within a
reasonable amount of funding, i.e., "Safe Routes to Schools" signalization, lighting, and a
variety of specific pedestrian projects, most of which are fairly low-cost and would probably result
in significantly improved pedestrian safety and walkability in San Rafael.
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Councilmember Phillips referred to a letter addressing Class 2/3 and requested an explanation of
its definition. As the document is a policy rather than an engineering one, Mr. Tumlin stated that
throughout the City some places could be partially striped for bike lanes; however, a much more
detailed engineering study would be required for a Class 2 classification, that preferred by cyclists.
He stated that the difference between Class 2/3 and Class 3 is immaterial and explained that a
Class 2/3 cannot be a Class 2 without a detailed engineering study. He indicated that there are
several corridors which would make great Class 2 facilities; however, these were simply classified
as Class 3, as implementing bike lanes would entail either substantial reconstruction or a difficult
policy decision concerning restricting motor vehicle capacity. He reported that this document does
not attempt to make any of these decisions.
Mr. Tumlin stated he appreciated the advocates who would prefer to see a project listed as Class
2/3 rather than Class 3; however, he believed there really is no difference in the types of funding
the project would be eligible for or whether it would actually take place. He indicated it was at
Council's discretion whether to fund studies to determine whether bike lanes are implemented on
some of these questionable routes.
Councilmember Cohen inquired whether there was any known case where a Class 2/3
designation could provide eligibility for grant funding. Mr. Tumlin stated it was his understanding
that all of the projects listed as 2/3 require additional planning and engineering funding before any
real implementation, and whether it is Class 2/3 or Class 3 makes no difference when pursuing
planning rather than implementation funds. He stated that to conduct an engineering study, it
would be necessary to re -designate the Class, subsequently applying for implementation funds
based upon the route designation of Class 2. He indicated that at this point in the analysis, it is
not possible to make that determination; however, from his understanding, he reiterated it did not
make a difference whether it was Class 2/3 or Class 3.
Councilmember Cohen confirmed there would be no cost in keeping the possibility in mind.
Concurring, Mr. Tumlin stated that calling it a Class 3 facility now does not preclude the objective
of turning it into a Class 2 facility. He reported that one of the balancing acts attempted was to
designate some of the routes Class 3 in the short term and identifying major projects such as the
North/South and East/West bikeways to be studied in anticipation of determining the possibility of
switching to Class 2. Responding to Councilmember Cohen's question of whether there was such
a description in the plan, Mr. Tumlin stated this was not described.
Recalling Mr. Tumlin's inference of a vision that someday a plan would be developed and funded
to provide Class 2 routes, Councilmember Cohen inquired if that statement was contained in the
document. Referring to the Project Section, Chapter 5, Mr. Tumlin stated that pages 5-10
onwards describe several of the most interesting and challenging projects; these call for significant
engineering studies to ascertain how to solve this challenging problem in San Rafael because of
the geography. He indicated that the tension encountered is that the same unique geography
which affects the bicycle connections also affects the motor vehicle connection. He explained
there is one East/West and one North/South auto route, producing a great deal of competition for
a very limited amount of roadway space. Mr. Tumlin believed it is possible to do something to
make the bikeway system work; however, to do this, space will be required to be taken from
someone and given to someone else. This, he indicated would either entail losing parking, motor
vehicle capacity, sidewalk or open space, and while he believed this to be important, the
engineering study has not been carried out to determine the correct solution.
Mr. Tumlin stated that the Goals and Objectives, Needs Analysis and Community Priorities
sections also deal with this issue.
He further stated that throughout the process there was remarkable agreement on the priorities;
the struggle pertained to how to implement these priorities.
Councilmember Cohen invited Mr. Tumlin to expand on his reference to a variety of methods to
improve Class 3. Mr. Tumlin explained that some very interesting innovations, initiated in the Bay
Area and spread nationally, had taken place. He referenced Palo Alto which is mostly a grid of
streets similar to San Rafael in the downtown area and explained that the streets were not
sufficiently wide to stripe bike lanes without removing parking; therefore, instead, they chose some
key corridors to carry out traffic calming improvements, aimed at reducing the number of motor
vehicles on the key bike lane corridors and ensuring the vehicles present traveled at bike
compatible speeds. As a result, Mr. Tumlin indicated that one of the best bikeway facilities he has
ever ridden on in the world is Bryant Street in Palo Alto, where there is no striped bike lane, the
cyclist is traveling in the street with lots of cars; however, the motorists acknowledge the cyclist
has the right-of-way at all times. He believed there could be some opportunity to imitate this in San
Rafael, and is a course being taken by Berkeley where the street configurations are similar.
Mr. Tumlin stated there are other tools for emphasizing Class 3 routes, including:
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• "Share the Road" signs and stencils, already implemented by Marin County;
• Education programs alerting motorists to expect bikes in the roadway and the need to
yield and merge around them and pass like any other vehicle; and
• An education campaign aimed at bicyclists to ensure they understand not only their rights
but also their responsibilities.
These, he stated, are similar tactics the City of San Rafael could take to make Class 3 facilities
work more efficiently. The other tool, he indicated, would be signage, informing cyclists of the best
possible routes to avoid steep grades and heavy traffic.
Preston McCoy, Terra Linda resident and President of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee, stated the BPAC unanimously supports the plan and requests adoption by the City
Council. He commented that he had spoken with each member in the last week, excepting one
who is in China presently.
Mr. McCoy explained that the plan defines bike routes all over town with pedestrian improvements
and requiring changes in City policy. He indicated that implementation will not be easy; however,
will benefit from continued input from regular bike riders and walkers, and he would like to see a
study session at some future time to explore and expand the Council's ideas for implementation,
funding possibilities, the role of the BPAC and other issues.
Mr. McCoy read excerpts of the plan as follows:
Of interest in the Pedestrian Section, Mr. McCoy noted that "the plan prioritizes the school
commute safety, encourages more walking and biking to school through in -class activities,
contests and events and organized school pools of parents escorting children by foot, bike or
carpools. Programs of this sort are known as `Safe Routes to Schools' and are being
implemented throughout Marin County, including San Rafael."
Other areas of interest, stated Mr. McCoy, are the sections which deal with the Policies to Support
the Plan and from Facilitation of Plan quoted: "Maximize coordination between the City and
community to facilitate citizen review and comments on issues of mutual concern." Under
Bikeways Policy he quoted: "where feasible, include planning and design of bikeway and
pedestrian facilities as an integral part of the process for all transportation improvements."
Under Walkways "Complete a network of walkways that serves pedestrian needs, especially for
short trips to employment centers, schools, commercial districts, transportation, stations and
institutions."
Bicycle Parking — "Consider that parking for bicycles is as essential as that for cars."
Education — "Develop and implement plans for bicycle and pedestrian education aimed at youth,
cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Increase public awareness of the benefits of bicycling and
walking and available resources and facilities."
Regarding Chapter 5, Mr. McCoy stated that the bicycle improvements have been categorized to
short term, medium term and long term.
Mr. McCoy elaborated:
Short Term priorities are projects which require only signage and striping, and if feasible, could be
done without extensive planning, design work, construction or high level decision-making. There
are 46 of these and the routes depicted on the map are broken into small segments; therefore, 46
indicates segments.
Medium Term priorities are those which require moderate to extensive planning and design work,
minor to moderate construction and high level approval. Most do not involve other agencies or
have unusually high cost; however, may involve redesign of medians or intersections, relocation of
parking and other issues. There are 38 of these priorities.
Long Term priorities are those which are very important; however, could be complicated. They
require community input or substantial funding, extensive planning, design and engineering work.
These mostly involve major construction realignment and include three parts: Northwestern
Pacific Right -or -Way, Three Bridges and the Bay Trail.
Mr. McCoy stated this is an ambitious plan, would be a real asset to the community when
implemented, and he urged Council's approval.
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Mayor Boro expressed appreciation to the entire committee on behalf of the Council for their hard
work.
Paolo Pompanin, 31 Corrillo Drive, San Rafael, confirmed having delivered a letter to Council
regarding the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and strongly encouraged adoption thereof. Although
very supportive of the plan, Mr. Pompanin suggested a review by Council to make changes in
connection with the classification of some of the routes, i.e., designating some routes Class 2/3
instead of Class 3. Mr. Pompanin stated it was his belief this is a very basic and important
document to which the City will refer in the future, and when a route is classified as Class 3, the
danger exists that it will remain so.
Of the routes listed in his letter, he specifically referred to North San Pedro Road, from Los
Ranchitos Road to Civic Center Drive, and noted some improvements are planned. Mr. Pompanin
stated this is a very dangerous route to ride presently; there are three on and off ramps from
Highway 101 which sandwich riders in between cars and the road also goes over a hill which
impairs visibility. He indicated this is a very important stretch of road as it connects his
neighborhood and other residents in the area to the elementary school. He noted that the
gentleman making the presentation defines schools as key destinations and believed those who
worked on the plan would have anticipated children riding their bikes to school in the future;
however, presently he would not allow his son to accompany him on this road on a bicycle. He
believed other tools could be implemented with Class 3; however, "Share the Road" or "Safe
Routes to Schools" are not very feasible for that stretch of road as it is now.
He again requested Council to refer to his letter and consider the changes, thanking all who
worked on the project.
Kim Baenisch, Marin County Bicycle Coalition Board member and San Rafael resident stated she
was pleased Council's attention has already been drawn to the letter she and Debbie Hubsmith,
Executive Director, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, had written, expressing their concerns
regarding the Bicycle and Pedestrian Masterplan. She encouraged Council to take time to review
it, believing they would find the comments very logical and appropriate, given the City's own stated
goals to become a model community for alternative transportation, to make the bicycle an integral
part of daily life, and to improve safety for walkers and bikers in the City of San Rafael. Ms.
Baenisch indicated concern regarding class designations on certain routes, particularly key
commuter routes slated as Class 3, noting Class 3 means a street signed as a bike route;
however, no safety zone is created. She indicated that this type of lane designation forces
bicyclists to ride in the lane, which is perfectly legal when insufficient space is available to create a
bike lane; however, is very dangerous for riders, frequently slowing down traffic and angering
drivers. She indicated that while an experienced rider could feel comfortable in these riding
conditions, a child or new adult rider can feel terrified.
Ms. Baenisch stated she would not favor the City of San Rafael eliminating the option to provide a
Class 2 lane by not changing the route designations to Class 2/3 on the Masterplan. She
indicated that the City's omission to build on its flexibility for potential future safety improvements
and funding opportunities made her question whether safety was really a goal it upholds, or
whether saving money was more important.
Ms. Baenisch stated she was in disagreement with Nelson\Nygaard's opinion that a Class 3 and
Class 2/3 designation are equivalent, and as stated by the previous speaker, should the option for
future action not be noted on the plan, it could easily be forgotten or overlooked when future
funding and planning decisions are on the table for any particular transportation section, and this
she indicated, they would not wish to happen. She noted that the four lanes presently designated
as Class 3 are very key for major transportation through the City of San Rafael, and it would be a
real loss not to be transformed into potential Class 2 lanes.
In line with the City's desire to make walking and bicycling a daily form of transportation, Ms.
Baenisch encouraged the Council to embrace "Safe Routes to Schools" programs in the City; she
realized they were built into the plan as a suggestion and wished to emphasize this. She was
aware there were many neighborhoods where children must cross dangerous and confusing
intersections to reach their schools, and she presumed Council would wish their own children and
older relatives to have continuous safe transit routes within their community to permit unattended
travel.
Ms. Baenisch thanked Council for their consideration of her concerns and for their support of the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Masterplan.
Josh Harte, San Anselmo resident stated he frequently comes into San Rafael; albeit with some
hesitation. He indicated his mode of transportation is his bicycle, not owning a car, and his
hesitation is derived from a series of unpleasant encounters with automobiles throughout the City
of San Rafael. He reported that the traffic patterns in San Rafael are some of the worst he has
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experienced in any city and while appreciating the efforts made by the City Council towards the
development of this plan, citing Mahon Creek as a great forward stride, he indicated there are
unacceptable traffic patterns. This most likely began in the 1950s, he stated, when traffic
designers designed arterials to speed the flow of automobile traffic, at the expense of bicycle and
pedestrian safety, and these designs, unfortunately, continue to be implemented.
Mr. Harte stated that the issue of the Class 2 and Class 3 designations is very important and he
requested Council evaluate this very carefully. He indicated his belief that Class 3 was not an
appropriate designation for a bicycle facility and the periods of discomfort for cyclists would remain
when no safe space is set aside. Instancing Lincoln as a particularly bad case, Mr. Harte stated it
is a critical route to the Civic Center and is particularly hazardous, having two parking lanes on
either side, two travel lanes and what appears to typical motorists to be two bicycle lanes;
therefore, as a cyclist to ride in what appears to be a bicycle lane, one runs the risk of people
opening their doors, commonly known as being "doored". He indicated that to be safe and legal
on Lincoln Avenue, it is necessary to ride to the left of the line, which angers motorists. He urged
Council to consider removing at least some of the parking on this street in order to provide Class 2
facility bike lanes.
Addressing Francisco Boulevard, which is parallel to Highway 101 and provides access to the
Canal neighborhood, Mr. Harte stated this is very dangerous as it has no bike lanes and no
provision of safe space. He noted the continuing prioritization of speeding up automobiles over
the lives and health of those who chose to traverse San Rafael under their own power. He again
urged Council to take note of the MCBC's comments; he believed the Masterplan to be a good
one, providing a framework for developing a bicycle friendly San Rafael.
John Sowden, Terra Linda High School student and resident of Central San Rafael stated he rides
his bike to school each day, a 4-1/4 mile trip, via Lincoln Avenue. He indicated that while travelling
at five or six miles per hour uphill, cars are passing travelling at from 30 — 40 miles per hour, and
this is extremely dangerous. Having discussed the situation with the San Rafael Police
Department, he does not ride on the sidewalk; however, in the past few years he has had two
accidents on Lincoln and has been "doored".
With regard to parking at school, he commended San Rafael High School; however, at Terra Linda
High School, he finds it necessary to park his bicycle inside to avoid damage. He indicated having
made endeavors to obtain a fence around the bike cage.
Alluding to a previous speaker's comments concerning steep bike paths, Mr. Sowden stated that
the bike path going from North San Pedro Road to the top of Lincoln is extremely steep.
Mayor Boro indicated that Grand Avenue runs parallel with Lincoln and is wide. Mr. Sowden
stated this was fine for coming down; however, going up presented a problem as the overpass is
only one-way. Mayor Boro stated this alternative should be evaluated as being a North-South
connector as it is a lot friendlier than Lincoln with regard to speed and width.
Public Works Director David Bernardi stated that the connection going North on Grand Avenue to
go under the freeway at Villa Avenue is one of the projects to be evaluated in an effort to achieve
sufficient width to provide that connection. He reported that no engineering studies had been
carried out as yet and would require CALTRANS approval, and is the reason for it being a longer-
term project.
Abbey Minan, San Rafael resident stated she is basically a mountain biker, being too scared to
take her bicycle on the road. She indicated that when she did ride she was "doored" and knocked
over many times by people making right turns. She stated she wished to represent those who do
not ride their bikes on the roads because of being too scared; however, would ride should there be
routes which felt safe. Ms. Minan stated that aside from making the brave souls feel a little safer,
it would make the wimpy people get out of their cars and onto their bikes.
Mandy Egan, resident of San Anselmo thanked the City for developing the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Plan and with the Cal Park Tunnel pending, she believed some exciting improvements for
bicycling in San Rafael were imminent. She indicated that the need to improve conditions for
cycling is dramatic and the potential for bicycling to solve San Rafael's traffic congestion and air
quality problems is very real. Ms. Egan stated that the U.S. the Department of Transportation
(DOT) has estimated that 40% of non-commercial trips in California are less than three miles and
she indicated that these trips could be done in fifteen to twenty minutes on a bike. When facing
traffic congestion, she indicated it is sometimes even faster on a bike. She instanced Berkeley
and Davis where excellent bicycling facilities have been implemented and 20% of adults can
regularly be seen commuting by bike.
Ms. Egan stated she is a regular bike commuter; this is her only form of transportation and noted
that Lincoln Avenue is particularly treacherous. She indicated she goes to the Civic Center
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regularly for meetings and to access recreational destinations, such as China Camp, it is
necessary to use Lioncoln. She noted that should it be a question of removing parking on the
street, she believed it to be worth it. Ms. Egan stated she wished to lend particular support to the
changes suggested to include the Class 2/3 designation.
Should funding become available and bike lane striping on these streets is applied for, Ms. Egan
stated that most of the funding sources would inquire whether this was on a plan and if not, there
would not be eligibility for funding. She stated that presently, classifying these Class 2/3 does not
cost the City any additional funding and does not make any difference; however, it does open up
the possibility that in the future, should there be a desire to make these lanes a reality, they will be
supported by a bike plan.
Ms. Egan stated that the provision of safe bicycle facilities is a real social justice issue. She
indicated that a surface transportation policy project, which is a pedestrian and bicycle and
advocacy organization, has found from studies that low income and minority residents bear a
disproportionately high share of the traffic related fatalities and injuries to their number in the
population because this sector of the population is out on the streets biking and walking more than
more affluent or other sectors of the population. Ms. Egan stated that these low income and
minority residents suffer the most when proper facilities are not provided. She indicated she could
obtain copies of this study should Councilmembers wish to see it.
Finally, Ms. Egan stated that the California Department of Health Services has identified the
replacement of automobile trips with biking and walking trips as their number one strategy for
getting Californians more active. She noted that this is what they are focusing on presently and
is, in their opinion, the best means of getting Californians more active to mitigate the problem of
obesity. She indicated that Health Services are on board with this and urged Council to improve
the plan with the comments from the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, and make the
implementation a top priority.
Kent Barnes, Fairfax stated that he and his girlfriend moved to Fairfax from Manhattan a little over
a year ago and his girlfriend drives to work in San Rafael. He indicated that recently she has
made the effort to ride her bicycle to work, pursuant to months of encouragement from him, and
has reported that she can leave at the same time as when driving; however, arriving earlier. Mr.
Barnes reported that she travels on Redhill, taking the sidewalk against the traffic as there are no
lanes; however, this is still very dangerous.
Being unfamiliar with lane classifications, Mr. Barnes reported that New York has taken small
sidewalks and expanded them, putting in lines indicating where bicyclists, rollerbladers and
skateboarders should go. He indicated that enforcement has been increased by the presence of
Police Officers on bicycles.
Noble "Rocky" Birdsey thanked Council for approving the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan on his
birthday, indicating that a year and a half ago he had made a joke to this effect. He thanked City
staff including, City Manager Rod Gould, Assistant to the City Manager, Lydia Romero, Public
Works Administration Supervisor, Richard Landis, Public Works Director, David Bernardi, and
Analyst Bill Voight who did a great job on the GIS (Geographic Information System).
Regarding Class 3 and narrow widths, Mr. Birdsey noted from Mr. Tumlin, Nelson\Nygaard, that
the plan could be updated at a later date. If approved as is without any amendments, he inquired
whether it would be an easy process to change from Class 3 to Class 2/3 in a one block section
should it be determined there is sufficient right-of-way space.
Responding, Public Works Director Bernardi stated it would simply take a Council Resolution to
change the designation of a route from a Class 3 to another Class.
Mayor Boro stated it could be beneficial if either Mr. Bernardi or Nelson\Nygaard Consultant, Mr.
Tumlin, could explain the process whereby the Committee designated a route a Class 3 versus a
Class 2/3. He indicated having taken a quick count of a section and ascertained it contained some
115 different classes, 17 of which were designated Class 3, with the remainder either Class 1, 2 or
2/3.
Responding, Mr. Tumlin stated that the designations in the plan refer basically to what can be
done presently without major engineering work; therefore, with a Class 2 facility, it is known there
is sufficient right-of-way to stripe bike lanes without interfering with the traffic situation or carrying
out curb moving, etc. For Class 2/3 facilities, Mr. Tumlin indicated there are stretches where it
appears that a bike lane could be striped without a lot of work; however, there are other stretches
where major engineering would be required, together with difficult policy decisions. Mr. Tumlin
stated that Class 3 facilities are places where it is known for sure that a major engineering study
would be required before a determination could be made about whether it would be Class 2 or
something else; therefore, a policy decision would be required.
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Mayor Boro requested confirmation from Mr. Tumlin that to go from a Class 3 to a Class 2/3 or
Class 2, an engineering study would be required. Mr. Tumlin stated that to go from a Class 3 to a
Class 2, an engineering study would be required; a Class 2/3 has no such designation as part
could be Class 2; therefore, it is basically a Class 3.
To further clarify this, Mr. Bernardi stated that a great deal of time was spent analyzing the Civic
Center/North San Pedro Road intersection and as part of the paving project, the paving will extend
back to Los Ranchitos Road. He indicated that at the request of the Marin County Bicycle
Coalition, Ken Eichstaedt met with staff and other options were explored to get bicycles and
pedestrians through that particular stretch of road. Mr. Bernardi stated there are opportunities for
striping and situations where it is not possible; therefore, between Los Ranchitos Road and Civic
Center Drive, the Class is actually 1/2/3, as some sections are completely separated from the
road, some areas can be striped as a Class 2 and a substantial amount can merely be signed as a
"Bike Route" without any particular striping because of the physical limitations of the roadway.
Mr. Bernardi stated that another example of a Class 3 is Lincoln Avenue, where there is
insufficient width to stripe a bike lane. He indicated that the road is 41 -feet wide and the
requirement for a bike lane is 5 -feet in either direction; therefore, another ten feet would be
required to have bike lanes in either direction. He stated that without serious discussion and
consideration by Council as to how to accomplish this, staff is not prepared to address this in the
present plan; however, at some future time, in the General Plan, for instance, this is an issue
which could be considered. He indicated a parking prohibition as an option and staff is
endeavoring to be as practical as possible. Mr. Bernardi stated that Lincoln Avenue could be
signed with "Share the Road" signs; however, nothing would change other than the presence of
signs. He indicated that it is a difficult problem to make this a Class 2.
Mayor Boro confirmed that presently there are physical constraints with Lincoln Avenue, based on
the width of the road, parking and traffic, and in order to make a change, one of these will be
required to be addressed. He further confirmed that those areas designated Class 3 have no
flexibility presently.
Should a bike route or street be designated a combination of classes 1, 2 and 3, Councilmember
Heller inquired whether there would be liability. Responding, Mr. Bernardi stated there would be
signing and pavement designations to this effect. Councilmember Heller reiterated her question of
whether the City would have any liability in this connection.
Councilmember Cohen stated that perhaps another description was needed between Classes 1, 2
and 3 as they are distinctly different. He indicated having attended the meeting mentioned by Mr.
Bernardi and advocated for at least short segments where bicyclists could feel somewhat safer
and get some separation. He indicated that to the cyclist, the different classes would be pretty
clear.
Councilmember Heller requested confirmation on whether the City is liable for accidents which
could occur from the changing classes.
City Attorney Ragghianti stated that with appropriate signing, the interests of the City are well
protected; however, this would need to be appropriate to the circumstances the cyclists would be
presented with on the terrain to be traveled over.
On the issue of Lincoln Avenue versus Grand Avenue, Councilmember Cohen noted that one of
the objectives is to address the issue of the tunnel to facilitate riding up Grand Avenue and safely
getting back over to negotiate the hill without having to enter the freeway shoulder, and inquired
where this was addressed in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Mr. Tumlin referred
Councilmember Cohen to page 5-1 which addresses the North-South Bikeway Feasibility Study as
the first priority to implement a North-South Bikeway in San Rafael. He indicated this would be
one way and is emphasized by the Countywide Plan.
Public Works Director Bernardi referred Councilmember Cohen to page 5-3 and the section "Two-
way bicycle and pedestrian access to the Hammondale freeway under -crossing at the top of
Lincoln Avenue".
Councilmember Cohen noted this is listed in a long list of community priorities.
Councilmember Cohen noted there are short-term priority segments of one to five years, medium-
term segments of one to ten years and long-term priorities of one to twenty years and inquired
where these are listed. Mr. Tumlin stated these were listed under Long Term Bicycle
Improvements, noting that the second, third, fourth and fifth projects listed are all Northwestern
Pacific Railroad right-of-way.
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Returning to page 5-3, Councilmember Cohen quoted, "Two-way bicycle and pedestrian access to
the Hammondale freeway undercrossing at the top of Lincoln Avenue" and stated this was not the
NWP, rather the Hammondale freeway undercrossing. He inquired where the Hammondale
freeway undercrossing was in the priority list.
Lydia Romero, Assistant to the City Manager stated this was on page 5-14 under the Puerto
Suello Gap Closure Project, which, she stated, was called out specifically as it took other
jurisdictions to facilitate the completion of that project.
Stating he does ride a bike and wishing to pass the plan this evening, Councilmember Cohen
indicated he wished to set the stage for some further discussion. He explained that to suggest the
elimination of parking on one side of Lincoln Avenue to accommodate a bike lane would provoke
crowding of the Council Chamber with people who felt as passionately about the opposite side of
the issue as those in attendance this evening feel about bike access, these parking spaces being
in front of houses. The alternative, stated Councilmember Cohen, is that should it be possible to
figure out how to deal with Hammondale, riders could be directed to Grand, make it a Class 2
route, thereby creating a safe connection to get over the hill. This, he stated, would provide a
reasonable alternative and would be a step closer to the North-South connection; however, he
indicated that it took three persons searching through the Plan to locate where this was stated as
a priority. Councilmember Cohen stated there were some key issues which he would like to see
called out, i.e. a North-South connector and an East-West connector, and he would like to see the
document revised at some point to more clearly state this.
Mayor Boro stated that the North-South connector was in place and the South -North was not in
place. He indicated that it is possible presently to go from the North to the South via that
underpass down Grand Avenue.
Councilmember Cohen stated that the language used in addressing North-South and East-West
speaks to a connector and refers to both directions, and is the sense in which he was using it.
Noting some good goals contained in the plan, such as what to do as a community in terms of
bicycle and pedestrian access, Councilmember Cohen, however, stated it is necessary to go a
ways through the document to find this and at some point he would like to see the document begin
with a vision statement or goals. He referred to page 2-2 in the Plan where three goals are laid
out and suggested these could be moved to the front of the document with an explanation that this
is a twenty-year plan. Consequently, on opening the document it would be evident that in twenty
years from now, the City would be seen as a model community for alternative transportation,
aiming for a 20% mode share. This information, he stated, is contained in the document, however,
it is necessary to dig through to locate it.
Regarding the letters received and concerns expressed that opportunities could be missed and
while recognizing that the routes being requested to be made Class 2 are very challenging,
Lincoln Avenue and D Street, being two, Councilmember Cohen stated he would favor leaving
the door open to finding a way to accommodate the need to let bicycles and pedestrians move
around the community more freely. Having ridden a bicycle for a long time he indicated there is no
route he would not travel; however, he stated he takes tonight's testimony very seriously. While
expressing appreciation for the hard work which had gone into the plan, he indicated that his
frustration lay with the fact that what he and most present this evening were requesting was, in
fact, contained in the document; however, it was inadequately expressed. He noted there was
not sufficient challenge, compared to the downtown vision and the North San Rafael vision.
Councilmember Cohen stated he was aware this would not satisfy those who wished to see the
plan amended. He indicated that his goal is to adopt the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; however,
not too far down the road, he would like to see the Goals and Objectives for bicycle and pedestrian
access set out more clearly, with a challenge to this, or future Councils, and staff, to find a way of
getting there.
Mayor Boro referred to page 1-3 which addresses Proposed New Routes, primarily North-South
routes within San Rafael, and noting that the route in question is not mentioned, inquired whether
it would make sense to highlight this in this section.
City Manager Gould confirmed that Councilmember Cohen wishes to set forth a vision statement
and should Council approve this Bicycle Plan, one of the steps would be to include a summary at
least, in the General Plan which represents Council's vision for the next twenty years of growth
and development in San Rafael; therefore, this could be an appropriate place to summarize the
goals found to be of most importance in the plan.
Mayor Boro stated that the most contentious issue is that of Lincoln Avenue and a possible
solution to an alternative to Lincoln Avenue would be to build the access going north.
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On a point of clarification, Public Works Director Bernardi directed Council to Page 1-3, Section
09, indicating this could be made clearer to convey that Council's intent is to clearly investigate the
connection of Grand Avenue under the freeway to Lincoln Avenue.
Councilmember Miller stated he had a great deal of confidence in the engagement of the
community in the process and believed the collective wisdom came from the community in the
drafting of this plan. With three years of multiple meetings and full compliance and voting by the
Bicycle Committee and the Planning Commission, he indicated his confidence in the process
which expresses well the community's desires, and he would vote to accept the plan as is.
Councilmember Heller stated she wished to thank the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
for their hard work, together with that of the staff who worked along with them, and as a neophyte
and non -bicycle rider, when reading through the entire Plan she identified a couple of questions.
For those who do not have a strong sense of direction, she noted that Cal Park Hill was called the
Larkspur Gap and suggested for clarification, these be put together by means of a slash. With
regard to the sidewalk cuts being considered in the future, she believed a lot of these were being
covered year by year under ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) funding and suggested that in
going forward, a note should be made to the effect that these are not being ignored, rather they
are coming as they can be afforded.
Under Education, Councilmember Heller indicated she was a little disappointed as she hoped
there would be just one line concerning educating bicycle riders to the responsibility of obeying
traffic laws, as she believed this was a plight of anger in the community.
Councilmember Heller stated this was a great policy document and thanking everyone who
worked on it, indicated she would vote to move it forward.
Councilmember Phillips complimented all those involved in the work carried out in an area of great
interest to people in San Rafael. He indicated this would make San Rafael a better city and
expressed appreciation to all those who participated in the process.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
a) RESOLUTION NO. 11009— RESOLUTION ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION
FOR THE SAN RAFAEL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
PLAN
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
b) RESOLUTION NO. 11010 — RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SAN RAFAEL BICYCLE
AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN
Councilmember Cohen stated he appreciated City Manager Gould's suggestion and being the
liaison with the General Plan Steering Committee, he would work with staff to try to summarize this
in more of a sense of a Vision for where we want to go as a community, incorporate it into the
General Plan Update, and maybe fold it back into the front of the document.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
On behalf of all, Mayor Boro thanked Assistant to the City Manager, Lydia Romero, Public Works
Administration Supervisor, Richard Landis, Public Works Director, David Bernardi, Jeffrey Tumlin,
Consultant with Nelson\Nygaard, Preston McCoy, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee for their hard work.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 02/04/2002 Page 19
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COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
17. a) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS: - FILE 147 x 13-16
Councilmember Heller stated she attended the Community Development Block Grant Funds
Meeting on behalf of Councilmember Miller and reported the recommendation of $78,992 for
public service proposals was passed. She indicated that the Immigrant Tenant Legal Services,
through Legal Aid, was one of six new grants rejected and although Legal Aid was somewhat
displeased at having wasted their time in submitting the application, Councilmember Heller
was of the opinion that perhaps they would submit the application again next year when
funding may be available.
b) UNITED STATES MAYORS' CONFERENCE: - FILE 9-1
Mayor Boro reported having attended the U.S. Mayors' Conference last week in both New
York and Washington D.C. He confirmed that President Bush is requesting Congress to
authorize $3.8 -billion for homeland defense, and Senator Clinton has introduced a Resolution
in the United States Senate echoing the same request and additionally, requesting that this
money be provided to communities via the Block Grant approach. Mayor Boro stated that his
primary reason for mentioning this is that the feeling on the East Coast, and especially at
Ground Zero, is that this country has been greatly harmed and is truly in a war state.
Mayor expressed his satisfaction at having taken the opportunity here earlier this past month to
discuss the County of Marin's ability to deal with bioterrorism; however, going forward, it will be
necessary to be very vigilant and alert as this issue is far from being resolved. He requested
support for the national efforts in this endeavor, noting it appeared that funding would be
forthcoming to support locally.
c) MERA: - FILE 4-13-102 x 10-6 x 9-3-30 x 9-3-31 x 9-3-40
Concerning MERA, Councilmember Cohen stated he assumed everyone saw the letter from
the State Park system, and from discussions with Tiburon, it was his understanding there was
some progress concerning the issue there (antenna placement). He indicated having agreed
to make himself available to work with MERA staff and colleagues to the south in an effort to
expedite the project.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12002
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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