HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2004-06-21
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 06/21/2004 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2004 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Cyr N. Miller, Vice-Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
OPEN SESSION – COUNCIL CHAMBER – 7:00 PM:
Mayor Boro announced Closed Session items:
CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE ROOM 201 – 7:00 PM:
1. a) Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Richard E. Thomas v. City of San Rafael
Marin County Superior Court Case No. CV 033304
b) Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Farshad Moshiri vs. City of San Rafael
Marin County Superior Court Case No. CV 033623
City Attorney Gary Ragghianti announced that no reportable action was taken.
c)Consideration of Public Employee Appointment
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: Interim Chief of Police
Mayor Boro announced that Captain John Rohrbacher was appointed Interim Police Chief
for a period of six months.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: 8:46 PM
Nail Salons/Yard Sales: - File 100 x 125 (Verbal)
Steve Patterson stated nail salons were inappropriate for neighborhoods and urged the City Council to
revise the home occupation ordinance, which he believed should focus on more professional second-story
type operations, rendering it consistent with General Plan 2020. He also expressed concern regarding
interior salon signage in the Gerstle Park area which is visible from the street.
City Manager Gould stated the Sign Ordinance does not include provisions for home occupation signage;
however, subsequent to the General Plan’s approval, staff would return to Council with a series of
implementing programs and choices. He indicated that this issue, along with a number of others, had been
queued up for Council decision and direction.
Hugo Landecker concurred with Mr. Patterson’s comments. He expressed concern with regard to
professional yard sales in Gerstle Park, together with landscape contractors conducting business on City
streets and in residential areas, which had an impact on parking and was a visual blight.
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar, as
follows:
ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meetings of Minutes approved as submitted.
Monday, May 17 and Monday, June 7, 2004
(CC)
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3. Resolution Noticing Review of the City’s Conflict RESOLUTION NO. 11570 –
RESOLUTION NOTICING REVIEW OF
of Interest Code, Directing the City Clerk to
THE CITY’S CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Advise City Departments to Review the List of
CODE, DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK
Designated Positions and Disclosure Categories
TO ADVISE CITY DEPARTMENTS TO
and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare any
REVIEW THE LIST OF DESIGNATED
Necessary Revisions to Said Code (CA) –
POSITIONS AND DISCLOSURE
File 9-4-3 x 9-3-16 x 9-3-14
CATEGORIES AND DIRECTING THE
CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE ANY
NECESSARY REVISIONS TO SAID
CODE
5. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to RESOLUTION NO. 11571 –
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Execute a Professional Services Agreement with
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
Paul Jensen for Interim Management Services
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
for the Current Planning Section of the
SERVICES WITH PAUL JENSEN FOR
Community Development Department (CD) –
ASSISTANCE IN MANAGING THE
File 4-3-370 x 9-3-85
CURRENT PLANNING SECTION OF
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT (Term of Agreement:
from June 22, 2004, and ending on
December 22, 2004, for an amount
not to exceed $25,000) (Term of
agreement may be extended for an
additional period of 12 months, with
approval of City Manager)
6. Summary of Legislation Affecting San Rafael Accepted report and approved staff
recommendation:
(CM) – File 116 x 9-1
AB 2782 Public Agencies: Joint
Powers Agencies: Meetings.
Assembly Member Benoit -
SUPPORT
7. Resolutions: (CM) 1) RESOLUTION NO. 11572–
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND
a) Approving and Authorizing the City
AUTHORIZING
Manager to Execute a Month-to-Month
THE CITY MANAGER TO
Rental Agreement with Bruce Martin, Fire
EXECUTE A MONTH-TO-MONTH
Chief, for Fire Station #3; and
RENTAL AGREEMENT WITH
b) Resolution Approving and Authorizing the
BRUCE MARTIN, FIRE CHIEF,
Mayor and City Manager to Execute a
FOR FIRE STATION NO. 3
Home Loan Agreement with Bruce Martin,
Fire Chief – File 4-10-343 x 9-3-31 x 7-4
2) RESOLUTION NO. 11573 –
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
HOME LOAN AGREEMENT WITH
BRUCE MARTIN, FIRE CHIEF
8. Resolution Authorizing Temporary Closure of the RESOLUTION NO. 11574 –
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Menzies Parking Lot and Mission Avenue
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MISSION
Between “C” and “E” Streets on Saturday, June
AVENUE BETWEEN C STREET AND
26, 2004 Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to
E STREET AND THE MENZIES
Accommodate Pedestrian Traffic, Vendors and
TH
th
PARKING LOT FOR FALKIRK’S 30
Set up for the 30 Anniversary Victorian Lawn
ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Party at Falkirk Cultural Center (CS) –
File 11-19
9. Resolution Authorizing a Grant Application to the RESOLUTION NO. 11575–
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A
San Francisco Foundation for $17,500 for
GRANT APPLICATION TO THE SAN
Funding the Continuation of the Canal Youth &
FRANCISCO FOUNDATION FOR
Family Initiative (CS) – File 202 x 9-3-65
$17,500 TO FUND THE
CONTINUATION OF THE CANAL
YOUTH AND FAMILY INITIATIVE
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10. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to RESOLUTION NO. 11576 –
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Execute an Agreement with Allied Information
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
and Services Corporation for Third Party Billing
AGREEMENT WITH ALLIED
Service for the San Rafael Fire Department (FD)
INFORMATION AND SERVICES
- File 4-3-276 x 9-3-31 x 13-1
CORPORATION FOR THIRD-PARTY
BILLING SERVICE FOR THE SAN
RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT (TERM
OF AGREEMENT FROM 7/1/04 AND
ENDING ON 6/30/06)
11. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to RESOLUTION NO. 11577 –
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Execute the Renewal of a License Agreement
EXECUTION OF A LICENSE
with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) for Use of
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
the Parking Area Located at 999 Third Street, in
OF SAN RAFAEL AND PACIFIC GAS
an Amount not to Exceed $30,000 (MS) –
AND ELECTRIC FOR USE OF THE
File 4-10-335 x 9-7-3
PARKING AREA LOCATED AT 999
THIRD STREET IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $30,000 (Term of
Agreement shall be 12 months)
12. Resolutions: (MS) – File 8-5 a) RESOLUTION NO. 11578 –
RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING
a) Appropriating Unappropriated Revenues
UNAPPROPRIATED REVENUES
for 2003-04;
FOR 2003-2004
b) Approving 2004-05 Appropriations Limit
b) RESOLUTION NO. 11579 –
RESOLUTION APPROVING
FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005
APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT
13. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an RESOLUTION NO. 11580–
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Amendment to the Agreement Between the City
EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO
and Ghilotti Bros., Inc. for Another Year Pursuant
THE CONTRACT AGREEMENT
to the City’s Election to so Proceed Under Item
BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN
#9 of the Original Project Bid Proposal for the
RAFAEL AND GHILOTTI BROS., INC.
City of San Rafael Sidewalk Replacement
FOR ANOTHER YEAR PURSUANT TO
Project, 2003-2004 (PW) – File 4-1-558 x 11-7
THE CITY’S ELECTION TO SO
PROCEED UNDER ITEM #9 OF THE
ORIGINAL PROJECT BID PROPOSAL
FOR THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT
CONTRACT 2003-2004
14. Resolution Authorizing the Signing of a Below RESOLUTION NO. 11581 –
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Market Rate Ownership Housing Agreement
SIGNING OF A BELOW MARKET
between McInnis Housing Partners II and the
RATE OWNERSHIP HOUSING
City of San Rafael Re: McInnis IIB
AGREEMENT BETWEEN MHP II AND
Condominiums (RA) – File 229 x 5-1-290
THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RE:
MCINNIS IIB CONDOMINIUMS
15. Report and Recommendation Regarding Approved staff recommendation
regarding temporary traffic mitigation
Temporary Traffic Mitigation on West End
on West End Avenue in order to
Avenue in Order to Safely Conduct Event at Ali
safely conduct event at Ali Akbar
Akbar College of Music on July 11, 2004, from
College of Music on July 11, 2004
11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (RA) – File 11-19
from 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
1) Closes left turn lane at Third
Street and Marquard Avenue;
2) West End Avenue routed as
‘one-way’ eastbound from
Greenfield Avenue to
Marquard Avenue
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AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller (from minutes of June 7 only, due to absence from
meeting)
The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar, at the request of Councilmember Phillips:
4. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1825 - “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL
CODE TITLE 14 – ZONING, CHAPTER 19 – SIGNS, CHAPTER 3 – DEFINITIONS AND
CHAPTER 25 – ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN REVIEW PERMITS (SIGN ORDINANCE)
(ZO03-005)” (CD) – FILE 125 x 9-3-85 x 10-3 x 10-7
Councilmember Phillips indicated he would vote in favor of adoption of the Ordinance, primarily
because of the work done by staff. He stated his reason for removing the item for discussion
was that he disagreed with the City’s position with regard to A-frame signs and wished to
explain his vote.
The title of the ordinance was read:
“AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING THE SAN RAFAEL
MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 14 – ZONING, CHAPTER 19 – SIGNS, CHAPTER 3 –
DEFINITIONS AND CHAPTER 25 – ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN REVIEW PERMITS
(SIGN ORDINANCE) (ZO03-005)”
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to dispense with the
Charter
reading of the Ordinance in its entirety and to refer to it by title only, and adopt
Ordinance No. 1825
as an Ordinance of the City of San Rafael by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller (due to absence from public hearing of
6/7/04)
File 9-1
Regarding AB 2702, Mayor Boro stated that at their meeting this week, Mayors and Councilmembers
would consider a letter that the eleven Mayors and cities would sign, send to the Governor and legislative
leaders, and hopefully have printed in the Marin Independent Journal, expressing opposition to this
.
legislation and calling out in particular, the issue regarding no residency requirements for second units
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
16. Public Hearing – CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY
TO ABBAS SARANG, DBA I.M. TAXI (PD) – FILE 9-9
Mayor Boro declared the public hearing opened.
Lieutenant David Johnson indicated he was present to present the staff report and
recommendation of the San Rafael Police Department on Mr. Abbas Sarang’s application for a
Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to operate a new taxi service in San Rafael, I.M. Taxi.
Lieutenant Johnson reported that Mr. Sarang submitted his initial application in early May and
pursuant to reviewing San Rafael Municipal Code 10.60, he conducted a background check
using the various resources at his disposal. Lieutenant Johnson stated he found Mr. Sarang to
be clear and from the Police Department’s standpoint, ready to operate such a service.
Having dealt with Mr. Sarang’s personal background, Lieutenant Johnson stated they focused
on his ability to carry out the service as a public convenience for the citizens of San Rafael.
Subsequent to reviewing all the material and speaking with him, Lieutenant Johnson stated it
was his opinion that the public convenience would, in fact, be served should Council grant such
a certificate.
Mayor Boro reported that a letter was received from Mr. Kevin Carroll, Tiburon Taxi, and he
invited Lieutenant Johnson to comment on some of the points at the conclusion of the public
hearing.
Robert DeWalt, Operations Manager, Radio Cab Company, Belaire and Yellow Cab of San
Rafael, noting a packet was submitted to the City Council from Kevin Carroll, indicated he was
present to read this letter and raise some points. He noted he had been in the business for 34
years.
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As the City Council had a copy of Mr. Carroll’s lengthy letter, Mayor Boro suggested Mr. DeWalt
summarize the highlights.
Mr. DeWalt stated the Taxicab industry was very sensitive and more cabs would be operating if
the necessity existed. He indicated that since 9/11, business in the State of California had gone
downhill and was just beginning to recover.
He quoted from Mr. Carroll’s letter: “Why does the State of California Employment Development
Department project no growth in the local passenger transportation employment from 2001-
2008?”
Mr. DeWalt reported that the Golden Gate Transportation Center had called them numerous
times indicating the presence of too many taxicabs there, and he stated that adding a further
taxicab company would force more cabs off the stand. He stated that a new company would sit
there primarily attempting to create business, which would force the five existing companies to
find another place to park. Allowing another taxicab company in would damage the taxicab
industry.
Regarding complaints for waiting time for taxicabs, Mr. DeWalt reported that the service was
excellent in San Rafael and there was no need for a further taxicab company. From a State of
California report he noted a continuing decline in the population of Marin County from 2010 to
2050; therefore, in the future, there could be less taxicabs. Authorizing a new taxicab company,
he believed, was similar to taking a small pie and cutting it up even thinner.
Mr. DeWalt stated there was a cap for taxicab rates in San Rafael, which would need to be
increased because the existing cab companies would not be making any money and would
have to increase their fares. Also, with more cab companies paying higher workers’
compensation, high insurance rates and more fees to the cities, they would favor taking
passengers to San Francisco or the Wine Country over local short runs. He questioned how
long some companies would stay in business should another company be added.
Mr. DeWalt noted the cab companies had only three days’ notice to respond to this issue. He
indicated that nine months ago the City Council voted for a JPA (Joint Powers Agreement) to
take over all the taxicab companies in Marin, and he suggested this be established to take care
of the situation. They had been working with the taxicab industry and he believed it was time to
wait.
Should the market be as bad as suggested, Councilmember Phillips questioned why anyone
would wish to enter it. Noting the other taxicab companies had been in business for some
period of time and presumably, had a leg up with regard to competition, he questioned the
concern about a new company entering the market and why they were entering if the market
was so poor.
Mr. DeWalt stated he did not understand why they would want to get into this market.
Councilmember Phillips inquired whether it was merely that the other taxicab companies did not
want as much competition. Responding negatively, Mr. DeWalt stated there were very little
fares presently and allowing more taxicabs was merely “taking a pie and making thinner slices.”
Mayor Boro suggested directing this question to the applicant.
Rocky Birdsey, Marin Center for Independent Living, expressed the hope that from the fleet of
five taxis, at least one would be an accessible vehicle. He noted that from all the taxicab
companies in Marin County, not one had an accessible vehicle for the disabled.
Regarding the comment that service was excellent, Mr. Birdsey stated this was so, except for
the disabled.
Regarding the senior population, from research supplied by Craig Yates, Mr. Birdsey stated that
as the senior population grew, there would be a need for more public transportation of all
means.
Mr. Birdsey stated he hoped to return to Council in the coming weeks with information on
accessible taxis, subsequent to a statewide meeting in Sacramento on this issue.
,
Dennis Fishwickstated that cab driving was a very difficult and low paid job, with periods of
inactivity. He believed a new cab company would cut business from other drivers and urged
the City Council not to approve this application.
Mayor Boro invited the applicant to discuss why this made sense in light of recent comments.
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Abbas Sarang, applicant, stated it was not a matter of making money, rather he wanted to
provide a good service. Having worked as a taxi driver he believed passengers were not
treated correctly and on going to schools, children did not recognize them as taxi drivers in the
absence of wearing a uniform. Noting Fire Department personnel and school bus drivers wore
uniforms, he believed it was important for taxi drivers to be recognized and presentable. Mr.
Sarang stated he wished to offer the best service to the community and was willing to take a
chance on making money.
There being no further comment from the audience, Mayor Boro closed the public hearing.
Mayor Boro invited Lieutenant Johnson to address some questions raised, together with the
conclusion in the staff report that the “Police Department believes the public convenience will
benefit from expanded services offered by the addition of Abbas Sarang, d.b.a. I.M. Taxi.”
Taking a two-pronged approach to the Police Department conclusion, Lieutenant Johnson
stated that from an objective standpoint, they did not look at this on a strictly financial basis, nor
did they feel equipped to conduct a full market research. Having worked with Mr. Abbas and
listening to his passion and desire to enter this business, Lieutenant Johnson believed he would
provide a good and quality service to the citizens of San Rafael.
Lieutenant Johnson stated he could not speak to the market on any given day or season. He
was aware Golden Gate Transit had cut back services and that schools and two working parent
households constantly used taxi services to pick children up from school. As a Police Officer,
he indicated he was impressed with how Mr. Abbas wanted to sign in and out, arrive in uniform
and present himself to the school, which he considered convenient for the citizens of San
Rafael.
Regarding ADA accessibility, Lieutenant Johnson stated the company had one minivan;
however, he was unaware whether it was sufficiently large.
Mayor Boro reported that a letter was also received from Ian Lambton concerning his opposition
to this service.
Councilmember Phillips stated he could understand that as an operator one might not want
additional competition, particularly from someone with as much enthusiasm as the applicant.
He suspected the marketplace was the best indicator and would be the best judge of the
service provided by all companies. Believing in the free market place, he stated he would not
wish to inhibit that and would be glad to offer a motion to accept the recommendation of staff.
Seconding the motion, Councilmember Cohen stated he understood the appeal made by those
struggling to make money in this industry; however, agreed with Councilmember Phillips that
the customers should decide who provides the best level of service. He stated the applicant
believed he could do a better job and it was not clear to him why the City Council should stand
in the way of affording him the opportunity to prove or disprove this. Given the state of the
market, Councilmember Cohen believed that should he be unable to deliver on his promise of a
higher level of service, there would be one less taxi company; therefore, the customers should
decide.
Councilmember Heller urged all the taxi companies to understand Rocky Birdsey’s comments
and explore getting an accessible taxicab. Realizing they were expensive, she believed they
also were very necessary in this and all the Marin communities.
Mayor Boro concurred with the comments from Councilmembers Cohen and Phillips with
respect to the issue of competition. He did not believe it was Council’s responsibility to regulate
the market from that point of view. The Police Department had carried out the necessary
checks and he favored the attitude and uniforms, and based on his experience, believed this
could be very positive. He wished the applicant luck.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11582 – RESOLUTION GRANTING A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC
CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY AND LICENSE TO
OPERATE TO ABBAS SARANG, dba I.M. TAXI
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
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17. Public Hearing – CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS: (MS) – FILE 8-5 x 9-1 x 9-3-11
1) ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY BUDGET FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2003-2004;
2) ADOPTING THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
2004-2005; and
3) REDUCING THE MONTHLY COMPENSATION TO THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCILMEMBERS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005
Mayor Boro declared the public hearing opened.
City Manager Rod Gould reported that each year across America, City Managers present
budgets to their Councils with words like “I am pleased and proud to present this budget for the
coming fiscal year” and indicated he had mixed emotions about the budget to be presented this
evening. He stated he was proud of the work carried out by Ken Nordhoff, Assistant City
Manager, Dennis Shives, Assistant Director, Financial Services Division, and Cindy Mosser,
Accountant, on the extremely technical and intricate accounting and tracking necessary to build
such a budget and explain it to Council and the public as well as possible. He was proud of the
work done by the Department Directors working together as a team to develop options for
Council consideration that would preserve community services and employment to the greatest
extent possible. Mr. Gould stated he was proud of the cooperation received from the employee
associations, particularly the miscellaneous employees, those represented by SEIU and
General Management in the City, who would be called upon to sacrifice should the budget as
proposed this evening be approved. He was proud of the fact that neighborhood leaders,
especially the Federation and Coalition, had given staff time to discuss the budget and its likely
impacts, and to understand the City’s situation to the greatest extent possible, and he was
pleased and proud of the time the Council had spent in nearly nine months of continuous
budgeting this past fiscal year, to continue to trim down the City’s expenses, reflecting three
years of austerity.
However, Mr. Gould stated he was not pleased with the impact of this budget, as it represented
a step backward for the City of San Rafael. The City had been in a period of continuous
improvement in community services and capital funding in San Rafael, which could not now be
maintained. He reported there would be thirty less employees than two years ago to
accomplish the City’s mission and provide its core services. This, as would be described by
Assistant City Manager Ken Nordhoff, was largely a function of a flat economy, rapidly rising
employee benefit costs and an increasing loss of local government revenues at the hands of
the State of California, which is in near constant fiscal crisis.
Mr. Gould stated the City hoped for the fiscal protection proposed by the Governor that would
take place sometime in 2006; however, these were highly uncertain times and it would be a
tough two-year period. He pledged that City staff would do everything possible to preserve the
core services essential to the public safety and quality of life enjoyed by San Rafael residents;
however, not at the level or quality to which citizens had become accustomed, which was
strictly a function of the available resources.
Inviting Mr. Nordhoff to make his presentation, he pledged that staff would do the best possible
in this difficult time.
Assistant City Manager Ken Nordhoff stated the report was lengthy and he would summarize
some key points and answer questions as necessary.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that in the last several years, the City had been blessed with being able
to adopt budgets in two-year cycles; however, as this process was started in 2003, it became
evident to Council as well as staff that because of a lot of uncertainty about the City’s fiscal
condition, this could not be continued. Given those circumstances, Council adopted a one-year
budget for 2003-2004 with the expectation that staff would return at this time to adopt a budget
for 2004-2005.
Providing a review of the historical progress made on the budget, Mr. Nordhoff reported that in
July, 2003, staff estimated a $4.3 million gap, which grew to $4.6 million by November. Three
separate Study Sessions were held as of January, 2004. Between then and now, he reported
some changes took place causing a $2.2 million gap, which would be the subject of most of his
presentation this evening.
Mr. Nordhoff explained that the $2.2 million was a combination of events, including a flat
economy, major tax trends, rising benefit costs in the area of health insurance and particularly
this year, with the investment losses in the County retirement system, there were additional
retirement costs in excess of $1 million, which contributed to the problem. He indicated that
the Governor had proposed, as he did with many stakeholder groups throughout the state,
ways of helping to balance the state budget. Mr. Nordhoff reported that for local government
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this meant cities, counties, special districts and redevelopment agencies, collectively would
contribute $1.3 billion for the coming fiscal year as well as fiscal year 2005-2006. San Rafael
would lose approximately $1 million from local tax revenue with a pledge of some protection
beginning in 2006 going forward; however, meanwhile, the reality existed of losing $1 million for
the next two years.
Referring to other state issues mentioned in the staff report that dealt with the triple flip, Mr.
Nordhoff stated this had to do with borrowing one quarter of one per cent of sales tax to help
pay for the state bonds passed in March, 2004. He reported there had been a lot of debate
about the Vehicle License Fee backfill. The Governor’s budget had this proposed at 100%, with
the exception of the money to be taken to make up the million dollars, and with other
uncertainties looming in Sacramento, there was not a final budget, locally at least, in terms of
the state impacts; however, staff had built in everything known to date in Sacramento and
believed Council would be adopting a balanced budget.
Mr. Nordhoff indicated there was a separate resolution for Council consideration, similar to the
Redevelopment Agency, for amendments in the current fiscal year - Exhibits 3 and 4. He
explained that Exhibits 1 and 2 codified a whole menu of adjustments made to the budget.
Items Council had already seen and acted on were shaded to differentiate the new items.
Referring to Schedule A, Mr. Nordhoff reported that staff realized it would not be possible to
arrive at a solution without again considering looking at the practice of trying to maintain the
long-standing financial policy of a 10% reserve. Considering the Governor was taking money
for the next two years, he stated drawing down $500,000 in the coming year and the next year
appeared appropriate in light of the expectation that the Vehicle License Fee funds lost this
year would be received in August, 2006. Mr. Nordhoff stated it was staff’s recommendation that
Council draw down these reserves over the next two years with the expectation of replenishing
them if and when the $1 million Vehicle License Fee funds were received.
Indicating that the Fleet Advisory Board considered the Vehicle Replacement Schedule, Mr.
Nordhoff reported that with downsizing and evaluation of vehicle usage in the fleet, staff
believed $250,000 could be returned to the General Fund.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that the most significant item on the list was the implementation of
mandatory time off of 13 days, the maximum allowable in the current agreements. He indicated
this would affect all unrepresented management in the organization, the Fire Chief Officers
group, the newly formed Confidential group, together with the employees of the SEIU group,
with the exception of two positions related to parking that generate revenue. Mr. Nordhoff
stated staff estimated the savings to be $475,000 to the General Fund. Other savings occur in
the Redevelopment Agency, the Sanitation District and other specialized funds; however,
tonight was an illustration of the General Fund value.
Reporting having met with the Confidential Unit, and he and the City Manager having met with
SEIU, Mr. Nordhoff stated that one change was proposed to the date closure schedule. From
the attachment to the staff report, he stated it could be seen that City Hall, Public Works, the
Community Centers and a number of other facilities affected by these employees would be
closed the week of Thanksgiving, the week between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays,
together with a scattering of other days to total 13.
Overall, Mr. Nordhoff believed people were not wild about this; however, recognizing there
would be closures, accepted it was a necessity as part of balancing the budget. He noted the
13 days equated to a 5% pay reduction for all affected employees.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that at the Study Session of June 7, 2004, Mayor Boro obtained the
confirmation of all Councilmembers to reduce their pay in the coming year by 10%. He stated
that item was listed in Schedule A for the first time, and amounted to $3,800.
Regarding options for the Fire Department, Mr. Nordhoff stated that over three Study Sessions
this spring, the Fire Chief put forth a series of options. Fire Chief Bruce Martin is still reviewing
data and working with staff to determine the service impacts of a number of options, including
using rolling brown-outs or eliminating staffing on a permanent basis, or possibly restructuring
the agreement with Marinwood, etc. Mr. Nordhoff reported that staff proposed a combination of
events this evening that still achieved $300,000 of savings, including using up some special
programming money on a one-time basis for $125,000, not doing some small capital equipment
types of purchases for $25,000 and the balance of $150,000 coming from the overtime account.
Mr. Nordhoff stated these items were proposed in part with the knowledge that the Fire Chief
would need to work with the City Manager, Council, Fire Association and with the community in
determining what the level of service reduction could permanently look like in the coming
months.
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Commenting on a new item on the list, Mr. Nordhoff reported that Vaughn Stratford, long-time
Library Director, had announced his retirement and the City Manager was considering a
reorganization where ultimately one management position would be eliminated at a savings of
$75,000 in the coming year.
Mr. Nordhoff stated there was a vacant Librarian Assistant position, some reorganizing was
being carried out in the Information Services Division, centered around a retirement, and the
Police Department proposed a reduction of $300,000, which included the elimination of three
positions, with a little offsetting cost for the hiring of a cadet and some overtime.
Referring to two other items on Page 2 of Schedule A, Mr. Nordhoff stated that some resolution
needed to be made to an action taken last year regarding vacation relief for the Fire
Department to continue to achieve an ongoing savings of $300,000. He stated staff would be
meeting with the Fire Association and the Fire Chief in the coming few months to have this
solidified by the first of the calendar year. Mr. Nordhoff stated that basic life support
transportations would generate fees and because of falling Medicare third-party billing revenues
in the Paramedic Fund, staff suggested these monies be directed there which would minimize
the level of increase needed in the Paramedic Tax in the coming year.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that the actions presented collectively totaled approximately $2.3 million,
leaving a $90,000 surplus. He indicated he mentioned on page 7 of the staff report reasons for
his belief that even though more actions than necessary were taken, some variables remained.
These included an unknown state budget, negotiations with the Department of Justice
regarding a series of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) violations (to cost some hundreds of
thousands of dollars) as yet undetermined, together with notification received last week that
health care costs once again were rising. He stated that because they had gone to regionalized
pricing, the Bay Area got hit the hardest, with healthcare increases somewhere between 5%
and 23%.
Referring to Summaries 1 and 2, Mr. Nordhoff explained that Summary 1 identified actions
taken through January, and assuming all the items listed on Schedule A were enacted, he had
rolled them into Summary 2. He indicated that page 8 of the staff report included a table that
itemized what Council had done over the past twelve to fourteen months to get this coming
fiscal year’s budget into balance. Of the $6.4 million of actions taken, approximately $4.7
million related to reductions in expenses, positions, and different ways of eliminating costs, and
approximately one quarter, $1.7 million, was associated with either implementing new fees or
raising existing fees.
Mr. Nordhoff noted that City Manager Gould reported the City would be down 30 positions from
a year ago, which was a significant decline with an employee base of approximately 450.
Lastly, Mr. Nordhoff stated that similar to the Agency report, the Department Directors had
worked with their staffs to update progress on the two-year goals, the summary reports of which
were attached. He commented that detailed reports for each program were available in his
office should Councilmembers be interested.
Mr. Nordhoff noted there were three resolutions for adoption this evening to put the budget into
balance and he would be happy to answer questions. He echoed City Manager Gould’s
comments regarding Dennis Shives and Cindy Mosser, both of whom had been very helpful in
putting the budget together.
Regarding the Triple Flip – page 3 of the staff report, while hard to understand, Councilmember
Heller inquired whether it had commenced and when it would end.
Mr. Nordhoff stated it had not started and explained that as retailers collect sales tax and turn it
over to the state, cities receive it in a quarter lag, i.e., the sales for January through March
become receipts to the City from April through June. He stated that with the Triple Flip, all
sales through June become revenues to cities through September; therefore, the first loss of
the Triple Flip would be seen in October, and this was built into the budget. From what is
known at this time, Mr. Nordhoff stated it would go on until the bonds are paid off, which he
estimated to be at least seven to eight years.
Noting the state had promised to backfill, Councilmember Heller inquired whether it was
contained in their present budget. Mr. Nordhoff stated he believed it was. A lot of details
needed to be worked out as it was based on assumptions and had a lot to do with whether
sales tax was trending up or down. He stated the City’s was fairly flat; however, he believed
eventually the City would be made whole, albeit it could take some time to get there.
City Manager Rod Gould added that the commitment was simply statutory and the State could
change its mind in any given year not to make good on that commitment unless there was
Constitutional protection.
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Mayor Boro declared the public hearing opened.
Roger Roberts, noting from Schedule A that the reserves would be drawn down by $500,000 in
each of the coming two years with the expectation that some day this would be reimbursed from
the state, inquired as to the amount of remaining reserves. He assumed this bore some
relation to recalculating fleet replacement. While he believed it was the City’s practice to own
its equipment, he suggested that perhaps in the future it would be necessary to lease some of
this equipment and he hoped this was being considered.
In the event capital reserves being saved for capital replacement did not materialize, Mr.
Roberts suggested there should be some planning on the part of the City to potentially consider
a bond issue, which would amount to a Parcel Tax that could not be taken by the state and
which would be used strictly for capital replacement purposes to meet level of service
requirements.
Councilmember Cohen stated the City was looking at the need to replace critical facilities and
upgrade and was looking for citizens willing to help evaluate the condition of the City’s facilities
and generate a plan for raising the capital necessary. He noted the deadline for that application
had been extended by 21 days, i.e., July 13, 2004, and he encouraged Mr. Roberts to apply.
Mr. Roberts stated it was his understanding that Task Force would be only looking at buildings
and he assumed the capital replacement budget was for vehicles and other operating capital
equipment.
Mayor Boro stated that historically, the only capital reserve account the City has had was for
vehicles, with everything else being funded from operating income. He agreed the call for this
particular committee was primarily looking at buildings; however, he believed other issues
would arise.
Mr. Roberts stated he was aware that most cities in the County attempt to do everything on an
operating basis and provide for future needs out of operating budgets, and he suggested the
City could find it necessary to take a different approach.
Councilmember Phillips noted Mr. Roberts had inquired as to the amount of the reserve
balance.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that the General Fund reserves are typically 10%, i.e., $4 million. Pursuant
to taking the $500,000 reduction, they would be reduced to approximately $2.6 million, or 6%,
and staff was planning to further reduce this in the following year, to slightly over 5%.
Regarding the fleet, Mr. Nordhoff stated staff had gone to Council in the past, exploring lease
situations for assets costing in excess of $100,000 and most recently, Council had financed two
fire engines costing approximately $670,000; therefore, cash flow payments were being spread
out where it made economic sense.
Mr. Roberts stated it could well be that the City would have to have an operating budget for
operating expenses and a capital budget for capital expenses, funded in two different manners.
Patrick Murphy, Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, addressing the elimination of the
Community Policing position, stated he knew and respected the City Manager and Police Chief,
who had worked in a very diligent manner in addressing their budgets and how to deal with the
present crisis.
The budget having been presented last week to the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods,
Mr. Murphy stated a lot of people were aghast that Community Policing was on the block. They
had instructions from both the City Manager and Police Chief as to how it would be absorbed
into the Police Department; however, he indicated the question arose as to whether it would
revert back to what used to be.
Indicating that the Community Policing Department had a major impact in the City, Mr. Murphy
stated that through this department, a vital partnership was established with not only the Police
Department, rather also the community, and had also spilled over into the Fire Department. He
stated it had been a trend of education, information and something that had enlightened the
community to a level of involvement he did not wish to see fall back. He indicated the
neighborhood leaders were concerned with communication.
Mr. Murphy stated that Community Policing had been a vital part of the City where it was
possible to receive a response leading to action to abate a situation before it became a real
problem. In speaking with police officers, both those who had been involved in Community
Policing and on the streets, they felt strongly that Community Policing had helped them do their
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jobs a little easier, permitting them to focus on the real criminals. He noted vital partnerships
had been formed with respect to noise and traffic issues through Community Policing.
Mr. Murphy stated he would like to see a step up of the PICASO (Pedestrians In Crosswalks
and Safety Operations) program, as it provided funding for the Police Department, together
with an increase in traffic fines for those offending the traffic signals and believed the vital
conduit between the community and Police Department needed to be kept open. He
encouraged the new Interim Police Chief to work with them to help re-establish community
policing should funding become available.
Steve Patterson stated he wished to underscore what a partnership Community Policing had
been for neighbors, neighborhoods and neighborhood leaders throughout San Rafael, noting
sight should not be lost of the numerous years many people served on a Citizens Advisory
group and began to build this partnership over time. He stated the culture within the Police
Department had gone very much away from an enforcement to a partnering, problem solving
culture. While the culture did not exist throughout the entire Department, in his opinion, the
legacy established by Lieutenant Jim Kelly through his personal persistence, presence and
personality was at stake. He believed Sergeant Jonathan Bean had been mentored by
Lieutenant Kelly in anticipation of passing the baton and a lot of effort by a lot of people, both
citizens and within the Department who had made San Rafael a model for California, was at
risk. Should Sergeant Bean be placed in another position, Mr. Patterson believed it would be
difficult to continue this legacy in any type of meaningful way, and he urged the Council to
consider this.
Nina Lilienthal-Murphy, President, Lincoln-San Rafael Hill Neighborhood Association,
expressed regret at the loss of the Community Policing Officer, which had been a huge
success, not only with Lieutenant Kelly but also with Police Chief Cronin, and she welcomed the
appointment of Captain John Rohrbacher as Interim Police Chief. She reiterated that Sergeant
Jonathan Bean had done a wonderful job, and having talked to neighborhood leaders, she
indicated they all wanted it to continue and questioned why the City would remove a program
that was so successful. She reported that crime in her neighborhood had been reduced
considerably and resolution of problems had increased. She expressed the hope that the
Community Policing Officer position would be retained, noting that although great, it takes
Cadets several years to become informed.
Ms. Lilienthal-Murphy indicated she did not receive notification of the Study Session on June 7,
2004, nor was she aware of any community leader who had or saw notification in the
newspaper. Having read the proposal, she believed the City had done a wonderful job;
however, believed more study sessions were needed.
Should it be accurate that Public Works received new vans and SUVs last year, Ms. Lilienthal-
Murphy inquired as to why SUVs were purchased, and she favored the leasing idea. She
stated the cost of the General Plan was outrageous and commented that tonight’s budget report
could have been printed on double sided paper, in an effort to save money.
Ms. Lilienthal-Murphy believed a lot more money could be derived from the leasing of portions
of Falkirk. She believed the money spent on consultants to be too high and reiterated a recent
request for a list and cost of consultants. Regarding building improvements, she believed now
was not the time to carry out these.
Most importantly, Ms. Lilienthal-Murphy urged the City Council not to dispense with the
Community Policing Officer, believing Sergeant Bean to be a wonderful person and liked by all;
however, she stated no one could replace Lieutenant Jim Kelly.
Hugo Landecker believed Community Policing had to be preserved in every way possible.
There being no further comment from the audience, Mayor Boro closed the public hearing.
Mayor Boro invited Captain John Rohrbacher to address the Community Policing issue. He
stated Community Policing was not being eliminated, rather a position was being eliminated,
noting Community Policing was a way the Police Department operated.
Captain Rohrbacher thanked Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, Mr. Patterson and Mr. Landecker for their
positive comments on the successes in the Community Policing programs to date. He stated
there was no argument that Lieutenant Jim Kelly would be missed when he retired in a couple
of weeks and the efforts of Sergeant Bean would be missed when he returned to an assignment
in patrol; however, while both had done a great job, they were not the Department’s total efforts
at Community Policing. He indicated there were a further 100 employees working hard daily to
support the visible or front efforts that Lieutenant Kelly and Sergeant Bean were doing. While
these two men were unable to do everything by themselves, Captain Rohrbacher stated they
were very good at leading the charge and setting a very good example for the remainder of the
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Department to follow. He indicated they looked forward to Sergeant Bean sharing his methods
and successes with the new patrol officers, a lot of whom already do Community Policing.
Captain Rohrbacher reported that the Police Department would continue to participate in the
Health and Safety Committee, considered one of the more larger successes, with Lieutenant
Jeff Franzinithe designee.
While he realized there could be times when people would have to be informed the Police
Department could not do something or it could take a little longer, Captain Rohrbacher stated
they did not wish to see setbacks either. He noted Community Policing had been a huge
success and in no way did they wish to see any backward step.
City Manager Gould concurred with Captain Rohrbacher. He pointed out that Police Chief Mike
Cronin had acted to institutionalize Community Policing as a philosophy and practice in the
Department by making clear to all the officers and non-sworn that this was a way of doing
business and was part of the culture. Part of every officer’s evaluation each year related to how
they had demonstrated commitment to Community Policing and was part of the promotion to
any rank in the Police Department above officer. Again, he stated a big issue was how they
demonstrated leadership in Community Policing. Mr. Gould stated the new supervisors and
leaders were those who proved to be skilled, adept and committed to Community Policing. He
agreed with Mr. Patterson that not everyone in the Department got it yet; however, this was a
culture change that would take years and he invited the neighborhood leaders to give this an
opportunity. While different faces may respond, he believed the response would be highly
satisfactory and staff would do the best possible within the resources available to prove this.
Mayor Boro inquired whether an officer would be available to attend community meetings when
requested. Captain Rohrbacher responded affirmatively and explained that all requests for
neighborhood meetings are responded to and he re-extended the offer for officers to speak at
neighborhood meetings.
Regarding a point of contact in the Department for the community, Mayor Boro inquired whether
thought had been given to this. Noting Lieutenant Kelly’s last day would be Saturday, July 10,
and Sergeant Bean was being transitioned into patrol assignment, Captain Rohrbacher stated
these calls were now being handled as calls for service and going on the board for shift
supervisors to have beat officers take care of. He stated that one of the primary practices was
to ensure that no phone call or message went unreturned, and each Police Officer had been
assigned a telephone for that purpose. Should a call not be returned, Captain Rohrbacher
invited citizens to call him; however, he believed this would not arise.
Mayor Boro stated that getting to this point had been extremely difficult for every department.
He indicated that he and Councilmember Cohen had been in San Rafael in the bad times of the
early 1990s, while City Manager Gould was in a similar position in Southern California. Aware
the cycle would return, albeit not so soon, Mayor Boro stated the City Council was charged as
best as possible to deliver the services to the community, public safety being the top priority.
He noted there were very bright people in the Police and Fire Departments and Council was
looking to them to find new and innovative ways to carry out the services. Mayor Boro stated
that before appointing Captain Rohrbacher as Interim Police Chief this evening, he commented
to him that normally it was good to begin a job when there was a problem one could fix;
however, Captain Rohrbacher was entering a Department at an all time high in community
respect. From surveys conducted he noted a 90% satisfaction rate from the community.
There was a great foot patrol in the downtown, the directed patrols continued to be supported,
Officer Joel Fay was working with the community, and these would continue. While the position
of the COPS sergeant would not be there, Mayor Boro stated the work itself would continue
through the Department. This was the charge of Chief Cronin and Captain Rohrbacher had
assured Council he could do this as Interim Police Chief.
Looking at the $6 million in budget changes in a $40 million General Fund over the last year or
eighteen months, Councilmember Cohen stated these were significant cuts across the board.
While up to now Public Safety had been exempted, being the number one priority, he stated the
City was in a position now where it could no longer afford to exempt public safety without
closing the library, parks and drastically reducing maintenance of City facilities, all things that
would contribute to a much bigger bill not far down the road. Councilmember Cohen stated that
through a series of events, the City was not in a position to be able to do that.
Apologizing for the problem regarding notification about the budget hearing, Councilmember
Cohen stated the Council discussed and wrestled with the issue of eliminating this position. He
indicated that Chief Cronin presented two options: 1) Eliminate the sergeant for community
policing; and 2) eliminate the sergeant position for directed patrol. He was aware of the very
public face of Community Policing and agreed it was tremendous; however, what most did not
see was what the officers in directed patrol did. While he understood Councilmember
telephones could be ringing, having looked hard at the issue, Councilmember Cohen indicated
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he came to the conclusion these calls would be a lot more serious should the officers going
after gangs, drugs, vice, etc., be eliminated. He stated the Police Department had done an
outstanding job on this work, which was not seen that much, and would be worse should
officers not be assigned to target the “bad guys” and keep them out of this community.
Councilmember Cohen stated it was explicitly discussed that the neighborhood leaders would
be requesting the program not be eliminated because of its success and to evaluate the crime
rate in San Rafael; however, he believed the other part of the job had been an equivalent
success. He commended the Police Chief and everyone in the Department for their work and
did not believe the City could afford to cut back in that area.
Thinking highly of the program and believing Community Policing was not a position, rather an
attitude, and a culture change was being seen in the Department, Councilmember Cohen
stated he would like to see this position restored in the future, with a public face and point
person for the Community Policing effort; however, he could not see it being done this year.
Noting this had been a lengthy process, Councilmember Phillips stated the City would not have
made it to this stage without Mr. Gould’s leadership and Mr. Nordhoff’s involvement, together
with the Department Heads. He believed the combined effort was successful given the task at
hand, and he thanked those in the audience, Mr. Gould and Mr. Nordhoff.
Councilmember Heller stated that everything was in flux in Sacramento. The Legislature had
not agreed to any budget the Governor had put forward. She indicated they were angry, sullen
and very pushed out of shape that agreements had been made around them. Councilmember
Heller indicated her confidence that the Governor would pull through and there would be two
years of “blood letting” before beginning a period of calmness. Should the Legislature choose
to take more money or refuse to back the Governor’s budget, she believed there could be rapid
changes. She stated the cities, counties and special districts would know in November whether
they had any bit of safety in the future.
Councilmember Miller thanked all the employees of the City of San Rafael for supplying
options, opinions and ideas, as he believed they were in a position to know the impacts, etc.
He noted the process for the development of this budget and options for Council consideration
was most admirable and effective. Having been around business for some time,
Councilmember Miller stated he seldom saw such creativity in meeting the challenges, from the
bottom up.
Mayor Boro stated Councilmembers Phillips and Miller summarized that aspect of this process,
i.e., managers and employees working collectively, sharing numbers and looking for advice.
He noted there had been suggestions from employee groups, unions, individual employees and
managers. It was not something done in a vacuum; everyone had goals and objectives, were
aware of the mission as a City and anticipated working doubly hard with less resources to go
forward. Mayor Boro stated a lot that had happened in the City over the past several years was
not because four or five people or managers decided to do it, rather the community came
together and it was the City’s job to find the money and help get it done, and basically this was
what happened with the budget. Employees were looked to for help and Mayor Boro expressed
thanks for the cooperation received.
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11583 – RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2003-2004 BUDGET
1)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
For those in the audience who were not in attendance for the last Budget Study Session,
Councilmember Cohen stated he was philosophically opposed to furloughs to balance the
budget from the pockets of employees. His concern was that citizens were not willing to pay for
the level of service demanded and employees were requested to take a cut out of packages
negotiated in good faith to make up the gap. That being said, Councilmember Cohen stated
that in this very challenging time he understood the need for this. As previously argued, he
indicated he was not completely convinced of having dug as deeply as possible on this one;
however, he would support the resolution.
For the record, Councilmember Cohen stated this cut should not be taken for granted. He
believed the hours should be restored to employees before restoring programs. With regard to
restoring the Community Policing Sergeant in a year or two, he indicated that when that first
chunk of money became available it should go towards restoring the employees’ 5% pay cut
and he would vote accordingly at that time.
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Being part of a package, Councilmember Cohen stated he would support the item, indicating he
respected the employees’ willingness to pull together to make a contribution to the budget and
make it work.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
Appreciating Councilmember Cohen’s position and philosophy in this arena, Mayor Boro
reported that several SEIU member employees approached him recently expressing thanks to
the City Council for saving their jobs. While he understood Councilmember Cohen’s
sentiments, he believed it was also important to maintain as many jobs as possible. This was
this year’s option and the future would be considered going forward.
RESOLUTION NO. 11584 – RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BUDGET FOR THE
2)
FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 – JUNE 30, 2005 AND
PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATIONS AND
EXPENDITURE OF ALL SUMS SET FORTH IN SAID
BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,670,618
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 11585 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER
3)
AND CITY FINANCE OFFICER TO WITHHOLD TEN
PERCENT (10%) OF THE MONTHLY COMPENSATION
OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS DURING
FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 AND TO DONATE SAID
FUNDS INTO THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
18. 1) Day Labor Issue: - File 231 x 9-1
Councilmember Cohen reported that he and Councilmember Miller are a sub-committee of
the City Council continuing to evaluate the Day Labor issue. Subsequent to recent
meetings, he believed there was reason for cautious optimism, and hoped there would be
something serious for Council to consider in the next few weeks. With continued luck, he
speculated a program could get under way this year. Mayor Boro thanked Councilmembers
Cohen and Miller, City Manager Gould, Police Chief Cronin and Assistant to the City
Manager Lydia Romero for their efforts with this issue.
Water Transit Authority File 258 x 9-1
2) : -
Councilmember Heller reported having attended the Water Transit Authority Community
Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 16, 2004, and stated that since
Regional Measure 2 passed in March, the Water Transit Authority was moving ahead with
its plans for water taxis. She indicated that the South San Francisco route was scheduled
to commence service in 2008 and was almost fully funded. Should the San Mateo County
Sales Tax Renewal Measure pass, she indicated the water transit taxi would be funded and
would move forward. Councilmember Heller reported that Berkeley, Richmond and
Redwood City routes were in the works but not fully funded; the Port Sonoma study was
being coordinated and would be tied with SMART. She indicated that Sonoma County
Supervisor Mike Kernsstated they might go to the ballot in November for a sales tax
measure and he would advocate for ferry transit funds.
Councilmember Heller distributed some material regarding free demonstration ferryboat
rides, tentatively scheduled from September to October.
SMART: - File 245
3)
Reporting on a SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) meeting held on Thursday, June
17, 2004, Mayor Boro recalled that the Marin contingent, having decided it would be
counter-productive to have the Sales Tax Measure and the SMART Measure on the ballot
together, stuck with that position. He indicated there was much concern in Sonoma County
because of the fact that the polls taken showed the measure to have some very positive
support. He noted the bylaws stated that at least three of the five Marin representatives
needed to vote for the Measure.
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Mayor Boro stated that approximately $7 million of TCRP (Transit Cooperative Research
Program) money was available to SMART from the California Transportation Commission.
The concern was that this money not be lost, and in order to sustain that, representatives
from CalTrans were in attendance. He reported it was agreed to pass a resolution at the
July meeting that would generate a work plan to get to a ballot point either in March or
November, 2006 for SMART. He indicated the work plan would not only include doing the
Environmental Impact Report, rather would also deal with all the issues regarding station
planning, shuttle busses, financing, etc. It was also agreed to have wording for the SMART
ballot measure available in August, 2004, for the 2006 election, as a show of commitment.
Mayor Boro stated that Marin was very supportive of this. Sonoma would have preferred to
go forward and they were pursuing a quarter-cent sales tax for their own streets, roads and
some transportation; however, he was not aware of the outcome.
There being no further business, Mayor Boro adjourned the City Council meeting at 10:23 p.m.
____________________________
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS ______ DAY OF __________, 2004
___________________________________
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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