HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2002-10-07SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Pagel
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2002 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Vice -Mayor
Barbara Heller Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gus Guinan, Assistant City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
OPEN SESSION — COUNCIL CHAMBER — 7:00 PM:
Mayor Boro announced the Closed Session items.
CLOSED SESSION — CONFERENCE ROOM 201 — 7:00 PM:
a) Conference with Labor Negotiator (Government Code Section 54957.6)
Negotiators' Names: Ken Nordhoff, Lydia Romero and Daryl Chandler
Employee Organizations:
San Rafael Fire Chief Officers' Association
San Rafael Fire Association
San Rafael Police Mid -Management Association
San Rafael Police Association
Marin Association of Public Employees, Supervisory Unit, SEIU Local 949
Marin Association of Public Employees, Miscellaneous Unit, SEIU Local 949
Marin Association of Public Employees, Childcare Unit, SEIU Local 949
b) Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Case Name: Jerry Roxberg v. City of San Rafael
WCAB No.: SFO 0437593, 0437595, 0442651 & 0442652
Assistant City Attorney Gus Guinan announced that no reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
8:12 PM
Re: San Rafael Meadows — Ranchitos Park: - File 10-3 x 10-5 x 10-7 x 9-2-4 x 9-3-66 (verbal)
Gregory Andrew, 213 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael Meadows, Board Member of the San Rafael
Meadows Improvement Association, indicated he wished to briefly address the Ranchitos Park project,
particularly the playground and park. He expressed pleasure at being in a position to speak by way of an
update, explaining that in approving the project, Council requested the Park and Recreation Commission to
review the play structures associated with the playground. Mr. Andrew stated that having met recently, the
Park and Recreation Commission conceptually approved a proposal put forward by the developer.
He reported that subsequently, a meeting took place, attended by Community Services Director Carlene
McCart, himself and some members of the community, together with members of the Vision in Action
Committee, and this meeting opened up what actually would happen with the park and playground. He
indicated that the proposal put forward by the developer was not suitable and while nothing was settled at
the subsequent meeting, he anticipated that with continued deliberations, the appropriate park would
emerge.
Mr. Andrew expressed his appreciation at having heard from Councilmembers Heller and Cohen on this
matter, and would appreciate any support forthcoming from the entire City Council to assist in obtaining an
acceptable park and playground.
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as
follows:
ITEM
2. Approval of Minutes of Special and Regular
Meetings of Monday, September 16, 2002 (CC)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Minutes approved as submitted.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 1
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 2
3.
Request for Amicus Participation: (CA) —
Approved amicus participation.
File 9-3-16 x 4-13-102 x 4-13-102.1
Zack v. Marin Emergency Radio Authority (Marin
County Superior Court Case No. CV024952);
and
Citizens for Open Process in Antenna Siting V.
Marin Emergency Radio Authority (Marin County
Superior Court Case No. CV024971) —
4.
Resolution Approving Sue Beittel as Recipient of
RESOLUTION NO. 11174 —
the First Richard P. O'Brien Citizen of the Year
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO
Award (CD) — File 262 x 9-3-85 x 102
SUE BEITTEL, RECIPIENT OF THE
FIRST RICHARD P. O'BRIEN CITIZEN
OF THE YEAR AWARD
5.
Update of Legislation Affecting San Rafael (CM)
Accepted report.
— File 116x9-1
6.
Resolution Approving the Application for Grant
RESOLUTION NO. 11175 —
Funds for the Roberti-Z'Berg-Harris Urban Open
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
Space and Recreation Program Under the Safe
APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS
Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air and
FOR THE ROBE RTI-Z'BERG-HARRIS
Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 (CS) —
URBAN OPEN SPACE AND
File 4-13-107
RECREATION PROGRAM UNDER
THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS,
CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR AND
COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT
OF 2000
7.
Ordinance Amending Title 4 of the Municipal
Passed Ordinance No. 1788 to print -
Code of the City of San Rafael by Amending and
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
Adopting the Uniform Fire Code (2000 Edition),
SAN RAFAEL AMENDING TITLE 4 OF
Amending and Adopting the California Fire Code
THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY
(2001 Edition) and Adopting Findings of Fact
OF SAN RAFAEL, ADOPTING THE
Relative to Modifications of Building Standards
UNIFORM FIRE CODE, 2000 EDITION,
(FD) — File 1-6-4 x 9-3-31 x 9-1
WITH AMENDMENTS, AND THE
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2001
EDITION, WITH AMENDMENTS, AND
PRESCRIBING REGULATIONS AND
BUILDING STANDARDS GOVERNING
CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO LIFE
AND PROPERTY FROM FIRE,
EXPLOSION AND OTHER DANGERS,
AND ESTABLISHING A FIRE
PREVENTION BUREAU AND
PROVIDING OFFICERS THEREFOR,
AND DEFINING THEIR DUTIES AND
POWERS" (and setting public
hearing for City Council meeting of
10/21/02)
8.
Monthly Investment Report for Month Ending
Accepted Monthly Investment Report
August, 2002 (MS) — File 8-18 x 8-9
for month ending August, 2002, as
presented.
9.
Resolution Authorizing the Police Chief to Use
RESOLUTION NO. 11176 —
the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services
RESOLUTION APPROVING USE OF
Fund (SLESF) of $112,624 to Fund Overtime for
STATE COPS PROGRAM
Community Oriented Policing for Fiscal Year
SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES FUNDS
2002-2003 (PD) — File 9-3-30
IN AN APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF
$112,624 FOR COMMUNITY
ORIENTED POLICING (to fund
overtime)
10.
Resolution Approving Use of Federal Local Law
RESOLUTION NO. 11177 —
Enforcement Block Grant Funds in the Amount of
RESOLUTION APPROVING USE OF
$67,349 for Community Policing (PD) —
FEDERAL LOCAL LAW
File 9-3-30
ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$67,349.00 FOR COMMUNITY
POLICING
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 2
11. Report on Bid Opening and Resolution Awarding
Contract to Bauman Landscape, Inc. in the
Amount of $67,487.20 for San Pedro Road
Medians at Knight Drive, Project No. 10782 (Bid
Opening Held Thursday, September 5, 2002)
(PW) — File 4-1-551 x 9-3-40
12. Report on Bid Opening for Single Space Parking
Meter Equipment, Bid No. 501-02, and a
Resolution Rejecting all Bids, and Waiving
Competitive Bidding Requirements Pursuant to
Section 2.55.070(D) of the San Rafael Municipal
Code, Allowing Staff to Negotiate and the City
Manager to Contract for the Purchase of Single
Space Parking Meter Equipment in an Amount
not to Exceed $300,000 (MS) —
File 9-3-87 x 11-18 x 12-14
13. Report on Bid Opening and Resolution Awarding
Contract to Republic Electric, in the Amount of
$141,700, re Traffic Signal Improvements at "A"
& 2nd Sts. and "A" and 3rd Sts. and Interim Signal
Improvements at Mission Avenue/Lincoln
Avenue; Project Nos. 10784 & 10785 (Bid
Opening Held Tuesday, September 24, 2002)
(PW) — File 4-1-552 x 11-10
16. Resolution Authorizing the Signing of a Below
Market Rate Rental Housing Agreement Between
McInnis Housing Partners and the City of San
Rafael re: McInnis II Apartments (RA) —
RIP ??9
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 3
RESOLUTION NO. 11178 —
RESOLUTION AWARDING
CONTRACT TO BAUMAN
LANDSCAPE, INC. FOR SAN PEDRO
ROAD MEDIANS AT KNIGHT DRIVE,
PROJECT NO. 10782 (BID OPENING
HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
5, 2002) IN THE AMOUNT OF
$67,487.20 PLUS CONTINGENCIES
OF 10% (lowest responsible bidder)
RESOLUTION NO. 11179 —
RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS
FOR THE PURCHASE OF SINGLE
SPACE PARKING METER
EQUIPMENT, BID NO. 501-02,
WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING
PURSUANT TO SAN RAFAEL
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
2.55.070(D), AND AUTHORIZING
STAFF NEGOTIATIONS TO
CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF
THE EQUIPMENT IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $300,000
RESOLUTION NO. 11180 —
RESOLUTION AWARDING
CONTRACT TO REPUBLIC
ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF
$141,700.00 FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
IMPROVEMENTS AT "A" STREET
BETWEEN SECOND STREET AND
THIRD STREET AND INTERIM
SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS AT
MISSION AVENUE/LINCOLN
AVENUE, PROJECT NO. 10784 AND
10785 (BID OPENING HELD ON
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2002)
(lowest responsible bidder)
RESOLUTION NO. 11181 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
SIGNING OF A BELOW MARKET
RATE RENTAL HOUSING
AGREEMENT BETWEEN MCINNIS
HOUSING PARTNERS AND THE CITY
OF SAN RAFAEL RE: MCINNIS II
APARTMENTS
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller (from item #2 only, due to absence from meeting.)
Mayor Boro (disqualified from item #3 due to conflict of
interest.
The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion at the request of
Councilmember Heller:
15. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION FUNDS THROUGH THE METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION'S TRANSPORTATION FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
PROGRAM FOR THE MEDWAY/CANAL ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AND COMMITTING
THE NECESSARY LOCAL MATCH FOR THE PROJECT(S) AND STATING THE
ASSURANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT (PW) —
FILE 11-15 x 11-1 x 4-3-379 x (SRRA) R-103
Councilmember Heller inquired whether the bus stops were being upgraded. Responding,
Public Works Director Dave Bernardi stated they would be the new contract bus shelters.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 3
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 4
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11182 — RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN
APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION FUNDS THROUGH THE
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION'S
TRANSPORTATION FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
PROGRAM FOR THE MEDWAY/CANAL ENHANCEMENT
PROJECT AND COMMITTING THE NECESSARY LOCAL
MATCH FOR THE PROJECT(S) AND STATING THE
ASSURANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO
COMPLETE THE PROJECT
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Cohen, Heller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
None
Miller
17. PRESENTATION TO SUE BEITTEL, RECIPIENT OF THE FIRST RICHARD P. O'BRIEN
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD (CD) — FILE 262 x 9-3-85 x 102
Mayor Boro explained this was the first annual award and was due to the generosity of J.
Michael Mahoney, in memory of his good friend Dick O'Brien. He indicated that he and all
present Councilmembers served on the Planning Commission with Dick and enjoyed and loved
him.
Mayor Boro reported that everyone also knew and loved Sue Beittel, explaining that she is a
tremendous volunteer in the community and he believed it to be so fitting that she was the first
recipient of this award.
Mayor Boro presented Sue with a Resolution passed by the City Council acknowledging all her
wonderful accomplishments, and the fact that she has lived in the City of San Rafael for over
forty years, working tirelessly on many efforts. He expressed regret that Councilmember Miller
was not in attendance; however, he would sign the Resolution in the very near future.
Congratulating Sue Beittel on her outstanding work, Mayor Boro expressed the City's pride and
pleasure that she was the first recipient of the Richard P. O'Brien award. Councilmember
Cohen displayed the annual plaque, identifying Mrs. Beittel as the first recipient, which would be
exhibited in the lobby at City Hall.
Mayor Boro also presented Mrs. Beittel with a glass plaque honoring her as the first recipient of
the Richard P. O'Brien award and reported that a check for $2,500 had been mailed to her.
Accepting the award, Sue Beittel stated it was an honor to receive the award, especially from a
City such as San Rafael that has so much community participation. As an observer of the
Planning Commission, she indicated she too knew Dick O'Brien and reported an experience
where they signed ballot arguments together, spending a whole morning editing those ballot
arguments to ensure mutual agreement. This, she indicated, was the day she became best
acquainted with Dick O'Brien.
Commenting on her forty years and the changes in San Rafael, Sue stated that in the 1960s,
the Dixie School District was a model for volunteerism. She reported they provided wonderful
training for and attracted a lot of volunteers, not only to work in classrooms, but also to be quite
experimental in various activities. She indicated she was involved in one of these with Jean
Starkweather, i.e., initiating an outdoor education program, and this was her initial step towards
running for the San Rafael School Board.
Mrs. Beittel stated that in the 1970s, San Rafael had not quite become the model it is now for
community participation; therefore, it needed a big push from the community. She indicated
that those who served on the first General Plan Committee had the opportunity to work with
many others in learning about General Plans and providing some real input. She stated that at
that time she, personally, worked on the Open Space Committee.
In the 1980s, Mrs. Beittel reported that Proposition 13 came along and took both dollars and
local control, bringing them to Sacramento. She recalled Senator Peter Behr stating "those who
have the gold will make the decisions," and stated it was then necessary to learn how to work
with Sacramento.
She stated that in the 1990s the future problems of the area were recognized, i.e., the
environment, affordable housing, transportation and social programs, and ways of dealing with
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 4
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 5
these were instigated.
Stating that there still is the unfinished business of the 2000s, she reported having spent a lot of
time on St. Vincent's/Silveira and the Multi -modal Transportation Plan and would continue this.
Mrs. Beittel stated her own philosophy was to become involved and work with others to make a
little difference, to have tenacity, hang in, collaborate at all times with all levels, and in the end,
compromise. She stated that perhaps this could be addressed further in Marin County, as it
does not happen too frequently.
She indicated she accepted the check with great pleasure and would be donating it to her
favorite organization, The League of Women Voters.
Richard O'Brien's widow Mary O'Brien stated it was indeed an honor, recalling that her husband
spoke often of Sue Beittel. She stated that perhaps Mrs. Beittel recognized tenacity in him also.
Mrs. O'Brien thanked her for being a volunteer for San Rafael, which makes the City a better
place for all to live. She reported that four generations of O'Brien's were present this evening,
including a great grandson.
J. Michael Mahoney congratulated Sue Beittel for being a wonderful citizen of San Rafael and
the world. He thanked Mayor Boro, the City Council and Planning staff for arranging to have
this award presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
18. FAIR RENTAL PRACTICES AGREEMENT ("FRPO") QUARTERLY REPORT (RA) —
FILE 13-16 x 13-7-1
Economic Development Director Nancy Mackle stated this was a quarterly report on the Fair
Rental Practices Initiative, a voluntary program put together by the property owners. She
indicated it had several goals:
• the property owners signed on a voluntary basis to limit rent increases to once a year;
• 60 -day notices to be given for rent increases;
• the amount of rent increases to be kept to less than 10% annually; and
• buildings to be maintained in proper condition.
Ms. Mackle reported the City added a monitoring program along with this voluntary effort, with
the intention of:
• continuing to track the rental situation to keep apprised of events;
• being in a position to address complaints as they came in; and
• attempting to resolve issues between tenants and landlords, or assisting tenants in
whatever way possible.
She confirmed that this monitoring was being handled by Mediation Services, who provided a
report on the last quarter.
When established, Ms. Mackle stated that the goal of the program was to get 50% of the
properties covered by the voluntary agreement, and she was happy to report that it had now
exceeded this goal, with 53% of the apartment units and 56% of the apartment buildings
covered by the agreement. She stated staff considered this a very high percentage
participation rate and were thankful for the voluntary effort to achieve this.
Ms. Mackle noted from the Mediation Services' report that there had been 43 calls; however,
those relating to FRPO amounted to 5, three of which related to Health and Safety issues, one
concerned a security deposit and one was in connection with a rent increase.
Elaborating, Ms. Mackle explained that Health and Safety issues either come from Code
Enforcement to Mediation, or vice versa. Should Mediation Services receive such a call, it is
referred to Code Enforcement, if the tenant is willing to work with Code Enforcement.
Regarding the rent issue, she indicated that Mediation Services, by choice of the tenant, was
unable to forward this to either the tenant organizer or work with any property owners. Ms.
Mackle stated she did not have any means of verifying the rent increase beyond the voluntary
agreement.
Ms. Mackle stated the next quarterly report would be presented on December 16, 2002, with
the Annual Housing Report, at which time all the other initiatives the City and Redevelopment
Agency take on in an attempt to create and maintain affordable housing would be addressed.
Referring to the staff report, page 3, paragraph 4, concerning anecdotal information, Marin
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 5
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 6
Independent Journal Report, and the fact that the Canal neighborhood may be an exception to
this trend, Councilmember Heller requested further explanation.
Ms. Mackle stated staff included this in the hope that more information would be available for
this evening's meeting; however, she was unaware as to whether this information would be
forthcoming from, perhaps, the tenant organization. She indicated that at the time the previous
quarterly report was presented, statements were made to the effect that Canal rents were
rising. Staff did not undertake a rent survey; however, at that time a non-profit group and the
Marin Association of Realtors indicated they would bring information forward. She stated that to
her knowledge, no such information was available this evening; however, in the event it was,
she made reference to it in the staff report.
Michael Burke, Frank Howard Allen Realtors, stated it was time to acknowledge the success of
the Voluntary Fair Rental Practices Program and to also acknowledge and thank those many
apartment owners who voluntarily signed on to be Fair Rental Practices Owners. He explained
that almost two years ago, the City held community meetings to generate ideas to help in
addressing the issues of rising rents in San Rafael. Mr. Burke indicated the City had received
many complaints from tenants regarding owners raising rents well in excess of, at that time,
over 10% per year, and one of the ideas put forward at those meetings was the concept of
owners voluntarily agreeing to or acknowledging they already practiced a set of principles that
were not of the type the City had been receiving complaints about. He indicated that basically,
these owners voluntarily agreed to limit their rent increases to once per year, to give tenants an
additional 30 days notice of any increase and to limit rent increases to less than 10% per year.
Mr. Burke explained it was meant to be a voluntary effort to assist the situation and in response
to the City's request for help, and it was not anticipated it would create the need for an
expensive monitoring program to ensure that the voluntary promises were being upheld.
Reporting that no group represents San Rafael apartment owners, Mr. Burke stated the idea
was put forth at a hastily organized meeting of 20 — 30 owners, real estate agents and property
managers. Having agreed to the principles, he stated volunteers contacted other owners to
convince them to sign on to the program and these early efforts procured the signatures from
approximately 15% of all San Rafael apartment building owners.
Noting the City set a very high goal of having 50% of all buildings sign on, a seemingly
impossible task, Mr. Burke stated that apartment owners had to be contacted one at a time and
convinced of the merits of the program. He reported that pursuant to much hard work, that goal
had been reached and exceeded, and it is now time to step back and acknowledge that
success.
Mr. Burke reported that a recent transaction he handled illustrates how successful the program
really is. He explained that he listed for sale a 15 -unit apartment building in San Rafael
(actually two buildings: an 8 -unit and 7 -unit building), the buildings had been in the same
ownership for over 30 years and the owner had allowed the rents to become considerably
below market, i.e., 30-40% below market. He stated that all of the apartments were 1 -bedroom,
with the highest renting for $800, and the owner had previously signed on to become a FRPO
owner.
Mr. Burke reported he made it a very prominent part of his marketing of the building to describe
the FRPO program and to acknowledge that the seller was one of the many owners who had
signed on, and while it was not required of a new buyer, the seller hoped any new buyer might
participate in the program.
Mr. Burke stated the ultimate buyer of the property owned another building in the area and had
himself signed that building on to FRPO, and while it was anticipated by most that any new
buyer of this building would raise the rents to market upon acquisition, this new owner has
agreed to step up the rents over a period of years, to bring them up to market, such that they
are never increased to the existing tenants more than 10% per year. Mr. Burke indicated the
new owner has re-signed an agreement on that building.
Because of the low rental income of that building compared to its value, Mr. Burke stated it was
almost impossible to obtain financing; however, the seller agreed to carry the financing for a
period of time to enable the rents to be brought up over time.
Mr. Burke stated that well funded and well -organized tenant groups had spent considerable
time picking apart the program and going to great lengths to find FRPO program owners who
had not kept their promises. He indicated that the Marin Income Property Association receives,
reviews and follows up on all rent issue related complaints received from Mediation, and it was
his understanding, that to date, they had not received any rent related complaint against a
FRPO program member. He noted that of the complaints received against non-FRPO program
members, at least three had now signed on, and according to Mayor Boro's letter of September
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 6
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 7
17, 2002, thanking the owners who had signed up, the City had only received one rent related
issue complaint against a FRPO program member.
Mr. Burke stated it was very difficult to convince owners to sign on to a voluntary program such
as this when the City and Press do not publicly support it. He indicated it is now time to publicly
acknowledge and thank those many owners who voluntarily signed on to the program and to
acknowledge the success of the FRPO program.
Jessuina Perez-Teran, Marin Legal Aid, stated she first would like to thank the City Manager for
accommodating today's report on FRPO and her schedule. Second, for the record, she stated
she would like to remind Councilmembers that this Council, at least in a public meeting, never
set a goal of 50%; therefore, if such a goal was set she would like to know at which meeting it
happened. She indicated that according to the minutes of previous meetings, Mayor Boro,
principally, stated the figure needed to be over 50%.
Ms. Perez-Teran stated that a lot had been said to the effect that the market had softened up
and she strongly encouraged Council to evaluate the different kinds of markets within the
market, as rents are continuing to rise. She stated her organization does not have the time or
energy, is not sufficiently funded nor has an adequate number of people to conduct a study on
the housing situation, and she suggested that perhaps the City would like to undertake this,
thereby, dispensing with the need to double check the information. She encouraged Council to
evaluate this.
Ms. Perez-Teran stated that 100% of property owners signing the agreement means nothing if
they are not going to comply. She stated her belief that the voluntary agreement was a good
first step; however, the second step needed to be initiated and policies put in place to tackle the
problem in the event of another crisis.
Mayor Boro requested staff to address the issue raised concerning rents in the Canal area.
Economic Development Director Nancy Mackle stated she had presumed either the tenants,
someone speaking on behalf of the tenants or the Marin Association of Realtors would bring
something forward this evening in this connection, as indicated at the last meeting.
Mayor Boro inquired whether anyone in the audience had information on rents in the Canal
area specifically, in relation to the rest of the County. No response was forthcoming.
Mayor Boro stated he believed the fact that 56% of the buildings and 53% of units had signed
up was a good success and while 100% was desirable, he acknowledged this was a voluntary
program. From the information received addressing the issues brought to mediation, Mayor
Boro stated this indicates that although there have been instances, these have been few and
far between. He believed there have been positive results.
Councilmember Heller expressed her pleasure with the progress thus far and hoped the
program would continue to grow. She requested the question of receiving these reports on a
six -monthly basis in future be discussed at the December 16, 2002 City Council meeting.
Stating that Mr. Burke makes a good point, Councilmember Phillips confirmed there had been
success and anyone involved in voluntary organizations, e.g., Sue Beittel, was aware of the
difficulty in gathering 100% of the troops; therefore, Mr. Burke deserved a great deal of credit.
He reported that Mayor Boro and he met with Mr. Burke and several others recently, noting they
were a delight to work with and Mr. Burke's candor was helpful in understanding some of the
difficulties he had overcome. He again thanked Mr. Burke, commenting there was cause for
celebration and reiterated Councilmember Heller's suggestion that perhaps more could and
should be done.
To the extent that there are violations, Councilmember Phillips stated these should be pursued;
however, the intent was good, and he was grateful for this.
Councilmember Cohen acknowledged the progress and the encouraging numbers.
Recognizing that it is not even a voluntary association, rather a collaboration of a number of
people who own properties, he expressed his appreciation for Mr. Burke's efforts in attempting
to bring some leadership to the situation. Councilmember Cohen indicated he was heartened
by the story regarding the sale of the building; however, was reminded of a comment made to
him by an apartment owner in the Canal who signed on to FRPO, who stated "the problem is
the folks who signed this are the good guys." He stated the challenge is to keep the pressure
on those not signed up who continue to pressure tenants. In this respect, Councilmember
Cohen stated the assistance of the now 50% who have signed is needed to maintain pressure
on the remainder to come on board and treat their tenants fairly.
Councilmember Cohen stated he still had concern regarding the issue of posting, and as stated
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 7
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 8
on a previous occasion, he would count it a success when the apartment owners did not view
posting as marketing their business for sale, rather marketing it to attract tenants. In this way,
they would be stating they signed a public pledge about how they treat tenants, and enticing
future tenants to these buildings, rather than some other apartment where the owner is not
willing to display the notice. He commented it should be something to be proud of and was
disappointed with the continued resistance to publicly posting the notice. Councilmember
Cohen stated he did not count this a success yet, but held out hope.
Recalling Ms. Perez-Teran's statement on the issue of rents in the Canal, Councilmember
Cohen stated his understanding of this statement was that Ms. Perez-Teran did not believe the
tenants had the resources to undertake this. Even if they did, staff would probably fact check it,
and he believed this to be an accurate perception. Not possessing an easy solution for this,
Councilmember Cohen indicated he would be curious to know whether the rental market had
softened across the board and whether the information applied to the Canal as well as other
neighborhoods. He indicated that when referring to averages, it was not clear this was
happening at all rental levels and while there was a softening at the top end of the market, the
question was whether this was driving the average down or whether it was true across the
board.
Councilmember Cohen stated he was unaware of an easy way of carrying out this type of
analysis, nor was he in favor of spending hundreds of staff hours in the process; however, he
encouraged staff to consider ways of figuring this out. He stated it appeared the Marin
Independent Journal's methodology was to survey advertisements in the newspaper; however,
he was unsure whether all of these provide location. Councilmember Cohen stated he would
be interested in knowing whether staff could attempt to gain a sense of this and garner
information about the status of the lower end of the rental market.
Economic Development Director Nancy Mackle stated staff had undertaken rental surveys
previously and could attempt to engage someone for this purpose. The person used in the past
was no longer in business; however, staff could endeavor to ascertain other availability. She
indicated that when conducted previously, the survey did not go into neighborhood details,
rather a sampling. She indicated it could, therefore, be difficult to show a trend; however, staff
would speak with some professionals in this field and report back to Council.
Mayor Boro inquired whether this could be available for the December 16 meeting, to which Ms.
Mackle responded affirmatively.
Councilmember Cohen stated this would be useful in gaining a sense of whether there were
differences within the market to which careful attention should be paid.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to accept the report.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion at the request of Mayor Boro,
and placed at the end of the meeting:
14. REPORT ON CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMERGENCY DISPATCH CENTER FOR THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT: (PW) — FILE 9-3-31
1) RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE DISPATCH CENTER AN
EMERGENCY PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL
CODE AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT WITH A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR
2) RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO SIGN AN
AGREEMENT WITH HANNUM ASSOCIATES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PLANS
AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE EMERGENCY DISPATCH CENTER -
FILE 4-3-415 X 9-3-31
3) RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A
RELOCATION/SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH RICHARD CUTHBERT -
FILE 4-3-416 x 9-3-31
Mayor Boro stated that one of the compelling arguments for the procedure Council is being
requested to undertake, albeit somewhat extraordinary, is the timeframe of March, 2003. He
noted staff was somewhat optimistic concerning MERA (Marin Emergency Radio Authority);
however, based on happenings to date, and with a pending lawsuit, he questioned how realistic
the date was.
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 9
He stated that one of his concerns pertained to the "need to rumble to this extent' and second,
he would like some discussion about the building to be retrofitted and its relationship to the
main fire station, which also requires retrofitting.
Mayor Boro stated he was in favor of the concept of securing this space and whatever staff at
the Redevelopment Agency works out with regard to relocating the tenant. His concern was
with the timing, the issue of the retrofit and its impact on the existing station, which was also
being evaluated, as seismic problems exist with a lot of these buildings.
With the addition of the new Dispatch Center downstairs in City Hall, which he believed to have
excess capacity, Mayor Boro stated he would like to understand one more time why this
operation could not be consolidated into one location, since calls come into one location to
begin with and are then re-routed.
Addressing Mayor Boro's questions, City Manager Rod Gould stated that with regard to the
MERA schedule, the main delays on the MERA project had been well publicized, and he
believed these delays to have been occasioned by neighborhood resistance to placement of
antennae, particularly on the Tiburon Peninsula. He indicated that currently, having attempted
to work closely with the Town of Tiburon for the Town's preferred site, only to be rejected by
Judge Dufficy, MERA is now focusing on the location that appeared in the Environmental
Impact Report, and was voted on five times by the Town of Tiburon as an acceptable site for
the Southern Marin antenna, i.e., Mount Tiburon.
Mr. Gould reported that as had been publicized, two neighborhood groups there have sued
MERA over the site. He explained that MERA owns the property that it purchased from the
Marin Municipal Water District and is operating on the legal theory that as a Joint Powers
Authority basically using the powers of the County of Marin, it is not obligated to obtain
permission from the Town of Tiburon to build at that site. Mr. Gould stated he believed this
legal theory would be tested in November in local courts. He indicated that should this theory
prove incorrect, MERA has a contingency plan to also obtain approval at that site. Mr. Gould
stated it is staff's belief that sometime between November and January 2003, MERA would
obtain the right to build at Mount Tiburon and it would take approximately two months to
construct the antenna and have it operational there. He indicated this is the final link in the so-
called backbone of the Marin Emergency Radio System, and would allow the City to cut over to
the MERA system as soon as the whole system had been debugged and training had been
carried out.
Mr. Gould stated it was staff's hope that Council would approve this contract and series of steps
this evening to allow moving forward with the renovation of space adjacent to Fire Station #1 for
the Fire Dispatch Center. On a point of review, Mr. Gould stated the reason this is necessary is
that the consoles that are part of the Motorola system MERA has purchased are too large for
the existing Fire Dispatch Center. He indicated that in order to be ready next spring, or at the
latest the beginning of next summer, to receive the MERA system and be up and operational, it
would be necessary to have a Dispatch Center up and operational, hence the need for these
extraordinary measures to negotiate a contract, get a contractor working, make the necessary
changes to that facility and be ready to go.
Stating he did not see the schedule slipping beyond this, Mr. Gould added that there would be
very serious problems should the MERA project be further delayed. He indicated there are very
fine lawyers working on MERA's behalf and there is reason to believe they will prevail.
Mr. Gould stated that at the latest, the end of spring 2003 is the deadline for cutting over to the
new system; it is not a choice to stay on the old system for the Fire Department while figuring
out the location of the Dispatch Center permanently.
With regard to the question concerning the initiative to conduct a seismic and modernization
study of the City's critical public safety facilities, including Fire Station #1, Mr. Gould stated this
is underway with Group 4 Architects, who have conducted surveys of the Police and Fire
stations and mass meeting centers. He indicated they are beginning to assemble ideas of what
will be needed to put these facilities in top shape to withstand earthquakes and whatever may
come in the future. In moving forward, Mr. Gould stated staff hopes to bring quarterly reports to
Council, and in January, 2003, present the whole study to Council for a decision. Should
Council decide to move forward, staff could be requested to work with a citizens' committee to
refine the ideas that may wind up in a bond measure in November of that year. Mr. Gould
stated that should this be so and substantial monies were available to rebuild certain public
safety facilities, it would certainly make sense to locate the Dispatch Center in an existing fire
station. He commented, however, it was his fear it could take a further two years beyond the
election before being in a position to do drawings and commence construction.
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 10
City Manager Gould reported that when MERA would be operational was out of sync, even
assuming further delay due to the legal battle. He regretted not having commenced the seismic
modernization study some two years ago, which would have permitted making some of these
critical decisions. As indicated by Mayor Boro, Mr. Gould confirmed there was an opportunity
to get the adjacent space at a very low market rate presently and outfit it for this purpose. He
indicated that even with the sizable cost of outfitting it as a Dispatch Center, it would still be
fairly cost-effective over the time period.
Lastly, with regard to the question as to whether or not the Police and Fire Dispatchers could be
combined in the new Police Dispatch Center opened last year, Mr. Gould reported the Police
Department had received authorization and had hired two new Dispatchers, who would take up
the additional capacity in the Police Dispatch Center. Further, he stated it was hoped that
should Council approve the Fire Dispatch Center at the adjacent facility, it would allow
additional room to perhaps consolidate with some other Fire Departments to provide a more
integrated Central Marin Fire Dispatch Service, which staff believed would have added benefits
for San Rafael and the adjacent communities.
Mr. Gould stated staff envisioned a consolidated Fire Dispatch Service in the Cuthbert space,
noting the Police Dispatch Center is now fully occupied with the additional dispatchers. He
indicated that both Chiefs were present should additional information be sought on any of these
points.
Recalling how hard Mr. Gould and Fire Chief Marcucci worked with the County of Marin in
attempting to open a joint center in Terra Linda at Fire Station #7, which would have been ideal
and very cost-effective for the City and County, Mayor Boro indicated he had not forgotten this
and expressed his thanks, noting that because this failed it was necessary to consider other
space. In an effort to understand the mechanics, he stated that on receipt of a 911 call which is
police related, the Police Dispatcher handles it and dispatches the Police Officers; should it be
a medical emergency or fire, the call is transferred to the Fire Department, which takes it from
there. As the call had already "hit the boards," Mayor Boro indicated he did not understand why
it could not be completed at the location where it was received. By adding more people for
capacity in the Dispatch Center, he inquired whether this meant there still would be insufficient
space to handle the Police and Fire work, should this be desired, and second, why it would not
be possible to have end to end.
Mayor Boro inquired whether the City would be seismically retrofitting the building currently
occupied by Cuthbert, although not owning it.
Mr. Gould responded affirmatively, and explained the building would be upgraded as part of a
20 -year lease. Responding to Mayor Boro's comment that this was unusual, Mr. Gould stated
that the rent is so low, it anticipates substantial tenant improvements to make the space usable.
Referring to the staff report, Mayor Boro stated it indicates the project started out as a
$300,000 project, and then ran into seismic issues. He stated his concern was that the
construction phase is now estimated to cost $475,000, with a 50% confidence level and
inquired how much higher this could go over the $655,000 in question.
Public Works Director Dave Bernardi stated that at this point with the 15% contingency, in his
discussions with the design architect, the feeling was that the money identified in the staff report
would be sufficient to complete the project. He stated there were no hard numbers or complete
estimates, as the design had not been completed, and he did not wish to mislead by indicating
what exactly the project would cost. Mr. Bernardi stated that when the design is completed,
staff would have a much better idea of what the project costs would be.
Mr. Gould added that the initial estimate did not include furnishings and fixtures.
While understanding, albeit not liking, the difference between the $300,000 and $655,000,
Mayor Boro stated he was concerned about the estimated cost of $475,000, while the
contingency is only $71,250, yet the staff report indicates a 50% confidence factor.
Adding to Mr. Bernardi's statement, City Manager Gould stated that in consultation with Ken
Nordhoff, Assistant City Manager, Mr. Nordhoff indicated that staff had taken a hard look at the
drawings prepared by the architect and a number of items in those drawings were found to go
beyond the needs of the building, are duplicative and drive up the cost of the project. These
have since been eliminated, driving down the cost of the project, resulting in a little higher
confidence.
Police Chief Michael Cronin concurred with the City Manager's remarks regarding being a little
out of sync. He indicated the Dispatch Center in the Police Department is adequate to
accommodate four people and he does not have more than three people working
simultaneously; therefore, theoretically, a fourth person such as a Fire Dispatcher could work
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 11
there. He indicated the problem lies with the fact that there is presently a personnel shortage of
three dispatchers; this incurs overtime at the rate of approximately $100,000 per year, which he
has been directed to correct. Having located qualified applicants, and made job offers to two,
Police Chief Cronin stated that when they come on, that excess capacity will vanish for the next
year to a year and a half, as this is the time is takes to train a Police Dispatcher. One of the
reasons for this is that the Police Department is presently transitioning from one records
management system to another; therefore, Police Chief Cronin stated that for the foreseeable
future, he did not have any excess capacity, again a sync problem. He confirmed for Mayor
Boro that the excess space would be used for training, commenting that three people is 20% of
the complement of the unit and it was extraordinary to be training that many people
simultaneously.
Mayor Boro inquired of Fire Chief Marcucci whether he envisioned any hope for consolidation
with other agencies at the new expanded center in order to receive some income to offset this
expense.
Fire Chief Bob Marcucci explained that fire dispatchers work twenty-four hour shifts, which is an
economic savings to the City, and absent this, it would be necessary instead of three
dispatchers, to have six to seven. Because of this, sleeping accommodation and food
preparation facilities are necessary.
Fire Chief Marcucci reported that his biggest disappointment as Fire Chief was being unable to
implement the joint dispatch center with Marin County Fire, as he believed this was the way to
begin consolidation of fire services in Marin County. He indicated his belief that a city or county
of 250,000 people does not need the number of fire departments it has, and the Dispatch
Center was the beginning of pulling together fire agencies to work more cooperatively to have a
better mutual aid system.
As discussed with City Manager Gould, Fire Chief Marcucci reported that failing this, his
objective is to attempt a consolidation of Central Marin. He indicated this would require more
dispatchers; however, those fire departments are already paying the County of Marin Sheriff's
Office for dispatch services.
Fire Chief Marcucci stated the point is also being reached where perhaps the number of calls
being received is stretching the capacity of one dispatcher on duty at a time. He referred to the
Standard of Cover Report, which indicated that on 1,881 occasions there were two concurrent
calls and 495 times, three calls were going at the same time. Fire Chief Marcucci explained
that when dispatching to a fire, five, six or seven units are dispatched simultaneously and this is
stretching the dispatchers. Although not complaining, the dispatchers enjoy their work and are
very efficient; however, Fire Chief Marcucci indicated that sooner or later the point would be
reached where additional support would be necessary.
Chief Marcucci stated that consolidating with departments in Ross Valley, primarily the Ross
Valley Department, Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur and Corte Madera, from where a preponderance
of mutual aid has been received, and pulling them into the Dispatch Center, whereby they pay
for the second dispatcher, would support all.
Explaining that an Emergency Medical Dispatch is where the call is prioritized and the
dispatcher remains on the line with the reporting party, giving pre -arrival instructions, Fire Chief
Marcucci stated this becomes more difficult with one dispatcher and is very effective with two.
He stated that to look at the global issue, it appears necessary to strive to consolidate with
departments in close proximity to ensure not only benefit to the City, but the other agencies
also.
Fire Chief Marcucci reported that a great many of them would prefer to have a Fire Department
dispatching their units instead of the Sheriff's Office, simply because of terminology,
understanding, etc. He stated that to do this, it is necessary to market the Dispatch Center, and
believed MERA's coming on board adds to the urgency of attempting to get a Dispatch Center
functioning, and marketing the effectiveness of a Joint Dispatch Center. He indicated this could
happen if confined to one facility showing professionalism, which the existing Dispatch Center
does not do.
Reporting that an unsuccessful attempt was made to locate the Dispatch Center in Fire Station
#1, Fire Chief Marcucci stated that different alternatives were considered and this one appears
to be the best, indicating that the square -footage rent was low, allowing for some flexibility. He
did not know whether going out on the Bond Measure in 2003 would pass or be tolerated by the
voters; therefore, a lot of uncertainties exist, and this appeared to be the most viable alternative.
Mayor Boro thanked Fire Chief Marcucci and Police Chief Cronin
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 11
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 12
Should this be marketed to the other Central Marin Fire Departments, Councilmember Heller
inquired whether a cost savings over the County could be offered. Fire Chief Marcucci
indicated this would be the strategy.
Councilmember Heller inquired whether there was a means of conducting cross training with
the Police Department. Responding, Fire Chief Marcucci indicated his assumption that Fire and
Police Dispatch were two different animals, and the calls are of a different type. He explained
that many cities have consolidated Police and Fire; however, not to the satisfaction of the Fire
Chief. They handle different types of calls, with Fire dispatching multiple pieces of equipment,
unlike the Police Department. While not downgrading the Police, Fire Chief Marcucci believed
the two Dispatch Centers to be vastly different.
Should the space be available in the Police Dispatch Center, Mayor Boro inquired whether they
could at some point be co -located, retaining their department identities. Fire Chief Marcucci
responded affirmatively. Elaborating, he instanced San Jose where the Police and Fire
Dispatch Centers are side by side, separated by a glass door, with good dialogue taking place
between the two entities.
Reflecting on Fire Chief Marcucci's comment, Councilmember Phillips stated he, as a
layperson, could understand the two calls are different, i.e., equipment versus response with a
patrol car; however, he questioned whether one person could not have the capability of making
the distinction and responding appropriately.
Police Chief Cronin stated this is done presently. He explained that when an emergency call
comes into Police, the Police Dispatcher decides whether it is Police or Fire, which is not
difficult. He stated there are opportunities to cross train people and have them do both. He
also believed there would be some consequent degradation of service level as a "Fire
Dispatcher" is going to be better at dispatching for Fire than a "Fire/Police Dispatcher" is going
to be at either one. Police Chief Cronin reported that both he and the Fire Chief agree they
would favor being in the same facility, which would lend itself to greater efficiency in terms of
disaster management and a host of other things. He indicated that MERA offered one of the
finest opportunities this County would ever see to consolidate the entire issue, and he believed
it would be a substantial cost saving for the taxpayer generally. He recognized there would be
some degradation of service at local levels, because the service the citizens of San Rafael are
used to receiving could be somewhat higher than some other jurisdictions; however,
unfortunately, the timing is not working in favor of this presently.
Councilmember Phillips inquired whether this does not beg the longer-term question as to
whether or not the City should be heading in the direction of consolidation.
Amplifying a point made by Fire Chief Marcucci, City Manager Gould recalled from the
Standard of Cover Report that some 76% of calls to the Fire Department are for emergency
medical services, and unlike Police Dispatchers, the Fire Dispatchers are required to be
Emergency Medical Technician certified in order to be in a position to give pre -arrival
instructions. He indicated that even with cross training and having dispatchers who were truly
Police/Fire/Public Safety Dispatchers, they would have to go through a separate program. Mr.
Gould explained the police dispatching is generally more routinized, has a lot more jargon than
fire; however, does not get into medical issues as fire dispatchers do.
Mr. Gould explained that his experience and that of other managers with whom he had spoken
on the whole issue of dispatch consolidation, indicates, as does Fire Chief Marcucci, that where
there has been an attempt to locate Police and Fire Dispatch together, dispatching the same
calls at the same terminals, it has been unsuccessful. He stated that where they have
attempted to consolidate Police Dispatch with other agencies and Fire Dispatch with Fire
Agencies, there has been success. Where new Agencies were created, i.e., Public Safety
Agencies, where everyone is both a Police Officer and Fire Fighter at the same time under
centralized command, it can work; however, attempting to put two agencies together having
functioned separately for years, resulted in disaster, with Fire generally coming out on the short
end.
In his studies of these other agencies, mainly in Southern California, City Manager Gould
stated that consolidation within function makes a lot of sense economically and in service;
however, consolidation across functions is much more difficult to accomplish.
Speaking personally, Councilmember Phillips inquired whether it was fair to conclude this was
not a territorial issue. Responding, Police Chief Cronin indicated he would be happy to give
Dispatch to Fire Chief Marcucci, however, being older and wiser, Fire Chief Marcucci had
politely declined.
Councilmember Cohen stated he was convinced on the consolidation issue and joint dispatch.
He indicated that Mayor Boro and he had worked on consolidation issues much simpler than
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 12
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 13
this and at a much more obvious saving to the public and believed it to be a "head banging
against the wall exercise." He stated he would not hold up this contract or approach in the hope
that suddenly in the next sixty days there would be consolidation of any kind of service with
other agencies, and should it not make sense to look at consolidation of service within this city
across departments, then he would not spend time discussing it.
With regard to the contracting proposal, Councilmember Cohen indicated his concern with
doing a half -million dollar contract without competitive bidding. Like Mayor Boro, he stated he,
unfortunately, was not convinced that the MERA morass would be resolved as soon as hoped.
In looking at the date, Councilmember Cohen stated it occurred to him that whether it is put out
to bid or negotiated, there are still sixty days, and as pointed out by Public Works Director Dave
Bernardi, no one will submit numbers, negotiated or bid, until they have plans and specifications
to look at, and it would take Hannum Associates time to do this. He stated that he could not in
good faith tonight agree this was an emergency on the $500,000 contract and was not entirely
comfortable with the language. He stated that at minimum, he would need to see some
standards before negotiating a contract of this size and would like to know what the appropriate
standards are. Councilmember Cohen stated the State of California has put out model
regulations, previously given to Mr. Bernardi, for responsible bidder language and responsible
contractor language, that goes well beyond possession of a contractor's license and the
necessary bond. He indicated it addresses track record and gave an example whereby, at
CMSA, they use workers' compensation experience ratings to give an idea of the safety record
of a contractor. He stated it includes other standards inserted by the State as model language,
and at a minimum, he would like to see this used.
Noting the desired timeframe of 60 days to do plans and specifications, 20 days to negotiate
and 100 days for construction improvements, Councilmember Cohen stated he would like to
see over the next sixty days whether MERA would race ahead. Should staff still be convinced
this is the case, they should return to Council with something more specific about how the
selection would be made. He added it was his hope that should the contract be negotiated, a
local contractor would be considered.
Councilmember Cohen stated he was perfectly comfortable with the professional services
contract as proposed with Hannum Associates and would be happy to move it. At a minimum,
he requested some more work on the details of waiving the normal bid procedures; however, he
believed there was time to put together some procedures within which to do this and meet the
time frame. He believed no one would give a price until they had had a chance to evaluate
completed plans and specifications and if they did, it would be a meaningless price.
Councilmember Cohen indicated he would be happy to consult with Mr. Bernardi on some ideas
he had concerning ways to approach this, should it be appropriate.
Mayor Boro stated he supported the issue of the relocation agreement, and had no problem
with the professional services agreement; however, in addition to looking at the issues just
raised on the work itself, he indicated he would like some assessment as to what may happen
to the building next door. He disliked the idea of spending money on a piece of property not
owned by the City; however, the lease was good, and over its twenty-year term would pay itself
back. Realizing that in a year or two it would be necessary to do something with the fire station,
Mayor Boro inquired whether there was any economic advantage in attempting to accelerate
this and whether a better job could be done by taking advantage of the whole building rather
than just the Cuthbert building now and the station later.
Responding, City Manager Gould stated that as Mayor Boro and Councilmember Phillips were
the Council sub -committee monitoring the study, and as next week a progress report would be
presented on status, he suggested this question could be discussed at that time.
Returning to the question of cross training, Councilmember Heller stated she was concerned on
hearing it took Police over a year to hire to capacity and were very understaffed in Dispatch.
She also referred to Chief Marcucci's remark concerning one dispatcher (Chief Marcucci
clarified this was one dispatcher per platoon) at a time, which she believed to be a problem,
suggesting someone from Police should be cross trained for emergency purposes, and vice
versa.
Fire Chief Marcucci explained there at eight or nine firefighters capable of dispatching;
therefore, when cover is unavailable, a firefighter is called in who is very qualified to handle the
dispatch function.
Elaborating on this issue, City Manager Gould stated that one of the reasons staff does wish to
pursue consolidation with other fire agencies is that it provides a larger pool. He indicated that
two dispatchers sitting at consoles give that much more redundancy in the event of multiple
incidents or a major event at any given time. He stated staff sees this as an improvement in
service at no increase in cost to residents, which he believed is something worth pursuing. As
indicated by Fire Chief Marcucci, Mr. Gould stated that until there was a site up and operational,
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SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 14
it would not be possible to consult seriously with these other agencies, even though they had
expressed interest. Should Council permit retrofitting the building, he indicated staff would be in
a position to conduct these talks in earnest.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the resolution.
a) RESOLUTION NO. 11183 — RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF A
MAXIMUM OF $40,000 FOR TENANT RELOCATION FOR
FIRE DEPARTMENT DISPATCH CENTER (1033 C
STREET)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
Councilmember Cohen stated that this and the following motion acknowledge the discussion
about the meeting with the Facilities Committee to be held next week. Should there be a
sense of gain by changing direction somewhat or expanding the scope to assess both
buildings, he suggested staff to return with a recommendation and the action would be re-
evaluated. Councilmember Cohen indicated he did not wish to hold this up for another
Council meeting should the committee continue on the course laid out.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the resolution.
b) RESOLUTION NO. 11184 — RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH HANNUM ASSOCIATES FOR THE
PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EMERGENCY DISPATCH
CENTER FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
c) With regard to the issue of adopting the Resolution waiving the formal bidding procedures,
etc., Councilmember Cohen referred this back to staff to be dealt with sometime within the
next sixty days.
Mayor Boro thanked City Manager Gould, Public Works Director Bernardi, Police Chief Cronin
and Fire Chief Marcucci for their input and participation with this issue.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
19. None.
Addressing Sue Beittel, Mayor Boro stated that not only was she a great person for receiving
the award this evening, but she and her fans were great for remaining throughout the entire
proceedings this evening.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12002
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/07/2002 Page 14