HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2004-12-20SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Pagel
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2004 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Rod Gould, City Manager
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:
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Cyr N. Miller, Vice -Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
1. a. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Case Name: RV Park of San Rafael v. City of San Rafael, et al.
Marin County Superior Court Case #CV016272
b. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Case Name: St. Vincent's/CYO v. City of San Rafael, et al.
Marin County Superior Court Case #CV045400
Mayor Boro announced that no reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
8:15 PM
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar, as
follows:
ITEM
2. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting of
Monday, September 27, 2004 (CC)
3. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 1833 — An Ordinance of the
City Council of the City of San Rafael Approving
an Amendment to the Zoning Map (ZC04-005) to
Reclassify Certain Real Property from Fifth and
Mission Residential Office (5MR/0) District to
Public/Quasi-Public (P/QP) District at 1540 Fifth
Avenue (Marin Academy); APN 011-195-03
(CD) — File 10-3 x 10-5 x 10-7 x 115 (2000)
4. Resolution Accepting the Completed Smith
Ranch Pond Management Plan, Authorizing a
One-time Dredging of the Pond and Ludwigia
Removal Funded by Adjacent Property Owners
as Satisfaction of Conditions of Pond
Maintenance and Authorizing the City Manager
to Enter Into a Contract with Adjacent Property
Owners to fund the Dredging and Ludwigia
Removal and to Provide Annual Trash and
Upland Invasive Species Removal (CD) —
File 4-3-297
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Minutes approved as submitted.
Approved final adoption of
Ordinance No. 1833.
RESOLUTION NO. 11686 —
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE
COMPLETED SMITH RANCH POND
MANAGEMENT PLAN, AUTHORIZING
A ONE-TIME DREDGING OF THE
POND AND LUDWIGIA REMOVAL
FUNDED BY ADJACENT PROPERTY
OWNERS AS SATISFACTION OF
CONDITIONS OF POND
MAINTENANCE AND AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT WITH ADJACENT
PROPERTY OWNERS TO FUND THE
DREDGING AND LUDWIGIA
REMOVAL
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 1
5. Resolution Authorizing Amendment to
Agreement with General Plan 2020
Environmental Consultant Nichols Berman
Environmental Planners (P00-7) (CD) —
File 4-3-382 x 115 (2020)
6. Confirmation of Appointment of Daniel Swain as
Youth Member to the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee (CM) — File 9-2-55
7. Resolution Authorizing Expansion of Critical
Facilities Strategy Committee's Charge (PW) —
File 9-2-57 x 268 x 12-1 x 12-2 x 12-3
8. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a
Contract Between the Marin County Community
Development Agency and the City of San Rafael
for a Block Grant in the Amount of $55,000
during the 2004-2005 Fiscal Year for the
Acquisition of a Modular Building for the Child
Care Center at Coleman Elementary School
(CS) — File 4-13-110
9. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a
Contract Between the Marin County Community
Development Agency and the City of San Rafael
for a Block Grant in the Amount of $10,000
during the 2004-2005 Fiscal Year for Child Care
Staff Salaries (CS) —File 4-13-110
10
12
Resolution of Appreciation to Kay Noguchi,
Former Interim Library Director (Lib) —
File 102 x 9-3-61
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 2
RESOLUTION NO. 11687 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH
NICHOLS BERMAN
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNERS RE
SAN RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2020
(P00-07) (COMMENCING ON
DECEMBER 4, 2000 AND ENDING ON
JANUARY 31, 2005, IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $104,910)
Confirmed Daniel Swain to fill the
youth position on the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee; term
expiring October, 2006.
RESOLUTION NO. 11688 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
EXPANSION OF THE SCOPE OF THE
SAN RAFAEL CRITICAL FACILITIES
STRATEGY COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION NO. 11689 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO SIGN CONTRACT
DOCUMENTS WITH THE COUNTY OF
MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-
2005 IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,000
FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A
MODULAR CLASSROOM FOR
COLEMAN CHILDREN'S CENTER
RESOLUTION NO. 11690 —
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO SIGN CONTRACT
DOCUMENTS WITH THE COUNTY OF
MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY FOR CHILD CARE
SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-
2005 IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000
RESOLUTION NO. 11691 —
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO
KAY NOGUCHI, FORMER INTERIM
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Report and Resolutions Regarding the
1) RESOLUTION NO. 11692 -
Downtown Business Improvement District: (RA)
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
— File 224
THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
1) Resolution Authorizing Professional
TO EXECUTE A
Services Agreement with Joanne Webster
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
for Management Services
AGREEMENT WITH JOANNE
2) Resolution Authorizing Appointment of
WEBSTER FOR
BID Board of Directors
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
FOR THE DOWNTOWN
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT (FROM JANUARY 1,
2005 AND ENDING ON JUNE
30, 2005)
2) RESOLUTION NO. 11693—
RESOLUTION APPOINTING A
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT (BID) BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 2
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 3
The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of staff:
11. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH JEFF RAIMUNDO TO PERFORM
THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL 2005 PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY (MS) — FILE 4-10-306
City Manager Rod Gould reported that staff expected to be in receipt of an alternate proposal to
perform this work from a different firm within the next day or so that could be considerably less
expensive; therefore, staff recommended removing this item from the agenda. Mr. Gould
indicated that the new bid could be within his authority to contract as a professional service.
Should staff decide to proceed with Jeff Raimundo, the item would be returned for action at the
next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
The item was removed from the agenda at this time.
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
OLD BUSINESS:
14. REPORT ON THE COMPLETED PLANS FOR THE PICKLEWEED COMMUNITY CENTER
RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT AND REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO
ADVERTISE FOR PROJECT CONSTRUCTION BIDS (CS/PW) — FILE 267 x 9-3-65
Dave Donery, Supervisor, Pickleweed Community Center, stated he would report on the
completed plans for the Pickleweed Park Renovation and Expansion Project, and request
Council permission to proceed.
Mr. Donery reported that for the past four years, City staff and members of the Canal
community had worked together to develop a plan for a renovated and expanded community
center at Pickleweed Park. He indicated that the plan embodied the priorities set forth by
members of the Canal neighborhood through an extensive outreach campaign conducted by
the Pickleweed Park Advisory Board. Mr. Donery specifically recognized some Board members
in attendance for the year long outreach campaign which got the plan started. He stated that
the final plan was endorsed by the Pickleweed Park Advisory Board, the Park and Recreation
Commission, Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and finally by the City Council in
July, 2004.
Reporting that in early 2004 subsequent to four years of a fairly internal process by the
Community Services Department and residents of the Canal neighborhood, Mr. Donery stated
that a project management team was assembled, comprised of staff from Public Works,
Community Development, Community Services, Library, Redevelopment and Fire and Police
Departments. Working closely with the team of architects from Group 4, the design
development and construction document phase of the project began earlier in the year. Plans
were developed, revised and completed, and cost estimates were completed and were revised
at regular intervals. Mr. Donery reported that the latest estimates indicate the construction costs
to be $6.36 million, bringing the total project cost to $8.52 million.
Mr. Donery reported that this was his first opportunity to work with Public Works Director
Andrew Preston, who through his strong and consistent leadership, had been keeping everyone
on track. He indicated that Mr. Preston had been the driving force behind creating feasible and
economical solutions to minor crises in project situations that called for some expertise. Mr.
Donery noted that Mr. Preston expected and received on-time responses from all involved in
the project, and although there was no control over industry costs for labor and materials, he
had put together the best project possible, given market conditions in the construction industry.
Indicating that the entire team was 100% behind this project, Mr. Donery stated it has taken
great effort to get to the present situation, and noted that personally, the project was very close
to his heart.
Noting the City Council had previously seen the floor plans, Mr. Donery presented some display
boards depicting some of the interior and exterior of the building. Indicating that the rendering
of the building was included in Council packets, he explained that very rich colors were being
used on the exterior to differentiate the different portions having a box -like appearance, to
create an atmosphere of varying levels of shading. He reported that vibrant colors would be
used inside to compliment the milky white walls and darker gray floor coverings, with color
splashes featured at the entrances to alot of the rooms.
Reporting that there would be two art installations in the building, Mr. Donery explained that one
would feature textiles, and staff was working closely on both projects with the Marin Arts
Council. He indicated that the textiles installation would be created by members of the Canal
neighborhood who would provide textiles they either made or were from their native countries.
This would be a "shadow box" style installation and reflect the many native cultures of the
people of the neighborhood.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 3
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 4
Mr. Donery indicated that the second installation would be the "Giving Tree", explaining that this
would be a metal wire tree with 200 wooden leaves set in a very classy format. He stated this
was a way the people from the Canal could buy a leaf and have their name in the Community
Center in recognition of their help. Mr. Donery reported that a donor from the Marin Community
Foundation wished to do a $10,000 matching grant should sufficient leaves be sold, and he was
confident this could be achieved. He indicated that the leaves would go on sale at the
beginning of January, 2005.
Noting two interesting elements of the plan, Mr. Donery reported that there would be a clear
story beautiful lobby entrance with a reception desk, office for programs and office for the
administrator of the building, a seating area, with the glass continuing all the way to the back
exit and fields, affording a nice view corridor through the lobby. The second element being the
library, Mr. Donery explained that the layout of the library encompassed the current lobby and
two staff offices, together with the computer laboratory area, youth and homework study areas
and computer areas to conduct research. He indicated that the remainder of the rooms would
be improved to last as long as the new construction.
Regarding the installation of the "Giving Tree", Mr. Donery reported that the project would be
constructed by Patrick Maloney, community artist at Pickleweed, who had worked with the
children there for approximately twelve years.
Reporting that a big concern to him and people in the community was developing a transition
plan during construction, Mr. Donery explained that a plan had been developed which would
assist in keeping many of the programs running while the Center was under construction. He
indicated that in the spring of 2004, the Pickleweed Advisory Board spent time developing a
plan that would keep the most crucial programs in the neighborhood, and they identified
potential sites for other activities to be housed.
Mr. Donery reported that the traditional youth and adult enrichment classes run by the City had
been moved to the San Rafael Community Center and Terra Linda Recreation Center. The
project management team was currently working to bring two temporary classrooms into the
park which would house the youth program, Kids' Club program, most ESL (English as a
Second Language) programs and many community-based activities. Mr. Donery indicated that
staff was working to accommodate regular renters, offering space at Falkirk and the other two
community centers, and he and other Pickleweed staff were continuing to work with local
agencies affected by the loss of space, not only at Pickleweed, but also the Bahia Vista School
project.
In the fundraising area, Mr. Donery reported that fundraising efforts had yielded many
significant donations. From the Funding Revenue Sheet, it could be seen that a significant
amount had been raised through foundation grants, and there were several requests in the
pipeline presently. He indicated that the fundraising team consisting of Mayor Boro,
Councilmember Miller, Elliot Levin of the Partnership Resource Group, and himself meet on a
weekly basis and had developed a plan to successfully conclude their efforts by the end of the
first quarter of 2005.
Mr. Donery reported they had a three -pronged approach to raise the funds to complete the
project:
1) A Business Campaign led by Kaiser Administrator Pat Kendall had been underway for
several months. Ms. Kendall had a $500,000 goal and had assembled a team of
business leaders to assist her in reaching that goal. Mr. Donery indicated that Ms.
Kendall hoped to motivate different segments of the business community to join together
to give to the project;
2) Foundation Grants: Mr. Donery stated there were numerous proposals out and requests
would be submitted to several identified organizations after the holidays; and
3) Individual/Family Gifts: Mr. Donery stated there had been discussions with many
individuals of means who had a special interest in the project and to date, over $500,000
in individual gifts had been received. He stated they believed there was the potential to
double this before the end of March, 2005.
Mr. Donery stated staff recognized it was highly irregular to send a project out to bid before
raising all the necessary funds; however, due to the rising costs of materials, and the favorable
time of year to go to bid, staff believed that going out now afforded the best opportunity to clarify
what the costs would be.
Mr. Donery stated that everyone was thrilled and very proud at having brought the project to this
point. Staff was confident it was the best project for this community and looked forward to
breaking out the "golden shovels" very soon.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 4
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 5
Going to bid now, Councilmember Heller inquired as to how long it would be before breaking
ground and completing the project, assuming the money was raised.
Public Works Director Andrew Preston stated that the schedule called for going out to bid on
January 7, 2005, which was a tight timeframe of getting the plans back from Group 4 Architects,
subsequent to being stamped by the Office of State Architects and reviewed and approved by
the Office of Library Construction. He hoped to have the plans back from that approval process
by the 2nd or 3rd of January, 2005, and with a quick turnaround for printing and collation, he
indicated he was determined to go out to bid on January 7, 2005. Bids would be opened on
February 15, 2005, affording bidders approximately five and a half weeks to bid, and assuming
receipt of good prices, present the project to the City Council at the March 7t" meeting for
award, with work commencing mid April, 2005. He confirmed it would be a twelve-month
construction project.
Councilmember Cohen reported that he, Mr. Gould and Mr. Preston had some discussions, and
noted Mr. Preston had a telephone conversation with Mr. Bill Scott, Marin Building Trades
Council.
Mr. Preston confirmed receipt of a faxed document regarding the use of Apprenticeship Labor.
Having briefly reviewed the document, he believed there were some criteria in the City's
existing construction documents that included a contractor with a certain sized labor force
having some apprentices on his work force. Subsequent to further perusal he indicated he
would have Assistant City Attorney Gus Guinan review the document, and should it be deemed
appropriate, those requirements would be included in the City's contract documents, should
they not already be there.
Councilmember Cohen stated this project was not sufficiently big to do all he would like the City
to do eventually in the Canal; however, he believed that when investing $7 million, an
opportunity would be missed by not taking the opportunity to require some jobs and training for
people in that community. He considered it to be an investment not only in a physical building,
but also in creating some careers. Councilmember Cohen stated that to give some Canal
residents an entry to that would be a tremendous opportunity. It was a good start and he would
like to follow up on conversations that took place some time ago with the Cypress Mandela
Center in Oakland where they have a pre -apprenticeship program that actually grooms people
for entry to apprenticeship programs. He indicated that one of the benefits of that is to actually
jump graduates from that program to the head of the list, which would almost guarantee getting
people from the Canal neighborhood hired by the contractor on this project.
Councilmember Cohen stated he would work with Mr. Preston, particularly with the bid
schedule, to ascertain whether the appropriate language could be inserted; however, at a
minimum, he wished to ensure that the contractors hire apprentices and then push to seek entry
level jobs for a couple of Canal neighborhood residents.
Mayor Boro stated this would be an added bonus to the entire project and whatever needed to
be done to make it happen should be part of the process.
Councilmember Heller requested further explanation on the apprenticeship program.
Giving an example of how the apprenticeship program works for the Carpenters' Union,
Councilmember Cohen explained they had a four-year apprenticeship program. Apprentices
are required to have a high school diploma or GED. It is on the job training with apprentices
starting at 60% of journeymen's pay. This gets raised every six months; therefore, at the end of
four years they are at 100% of pay, with benefits phasing in also. He indicated that a beginning
apprentice is paid more than minimum wage; however, significantly less than a journey level
carpenter. Councilmember Cohen stated that the training part is not just on the job training,
explaining they had a very advanced training center, in this case in Fairfield, where apprentices
are pulled off the job four times annually for a week and given hands on classroom/shop
instruction in every aspect of construction. Over the course of four years of a highly developed
curriculum, apprentices are taught all the aspects of construction. He indicated that a significant
salary and benefits could be earned over the four years of training before qualifying as a
journeyman.
Explaining the pre -apprenticeship program, Councilmember Cohen stated that model used by
Cypress Mandela is an unpaid program of generally six weeks duration. He recalled a similar
program on a Marin City project that ran approximately six weeks and exposed people in the
community to all the aspects of construction in the different trades, together with the
expectations in the construction industry. Being a production type industry, employees are
expected to be there early to begin work and it is better to get people used to this in advance.
He indicated that it also is hard, dirty and dangerous work, which a lot of people do not
understand until they get involved in it, and this type of exposure produces a higher success
rate. He noted that the Cypress Mandela follows that model and had built on it, with a high
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 5
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 6
success rate at placement, and approximately 85% of their graduates going into apprenticeship
programs complete the programs.
Councilmember Cohen stated it would be a start to require the contractors to have legitimate
apprenticeship programs; however, the question was whether through the bid documents or by
some other means some locally based program could be initiated to groom people in the Canal
neighborhood to ensure their success in these apprenticeship programs.
Noting Dave Donery had addressed the finance issue, Mayor Boro acknowledged Elliot Levin
who although not on contract, was volunteering, and who wanted the project built as much as
Dave Donery. Mayor Boro stated Mr. Levin had generated ideas working with the committee
and had done a great job.
Mayor Boro stated he noted from the newspaper yesterday that another part of this community
anticipated building a community center and they had a community meeting at which a plan was
unveiled for reaction. He indicated he was so pleased about the way San Rafael's community
had developed this plan from the ground up, with those residing in the community and who
would use the Center determining what the project should be. He congratulated Community
Services Director Carlene McCart, Councilmember Miller and members of the Redevelopment
Agency who worked on the project.
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11694 — RESOLUTION APPROVING THE COMPLETED PLANS FOR
THE PICKLEWEED PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT AND
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ADVERTISE FOR PROJECT
CONSTRUCTION BIDS
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
OLD BUSINESS:
Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
None
None
15. CONSIDERATION OF REVISIONS TO THE SELECTION GUIDELINES FOR THE
RICHARD P. O'BRIEN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD PROGRAM (CD) —
FILE 262 x 9-3-85 x 102
Community Development Director Bob Brown announced that the Richard P. O'Brien Citizen of
the Year Award had been renamed "The Richard and Mary O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award."
Mr. Brown stated that the process was about to commence to select the fourth Citizen of the
Year and last year, in its deliberations, two members of the Selection Committee
(Councilmembers Heller and Phillips) suggested two changes to the Selection Guidelines. The
two suggested changes the Selection Committee would like the City Council to decide upon
were:
1) Was it acceptable for a member of the Selection Committee to submit a nomination for a
Citizen of the Year?, and if so, that member of the Selection Committee would be unable
to vote on that nomination. The rationale from Councilmember Phillips was that in doing
so, the Selection Committee could expand the number of potential applicants.
2) The guidelines are clear that a sitting member of the City Council or Board or
Commission could not receive the award. Councilmember Heller's motivation was that
from the public's perception, the award process could be too close to home should
Councilmembers or Board and Commission members be appointed.
With Council's direction Mr. Brown stated the Selection Guidelines could be amended or not, for
this year's appointing process.
In reviewing the individuals being proposed, particularly early on in the process, Councilmember
Phillips stated that while they were excellent it struck him that members of the Selection
Committee were pretty aware of the community and considered it could enhance the selection
of Citizen of the Year if members of the committee were able to submit other members of the
community for consideration.
Councilmember Heller stated her thoughts on that were probably the opposite in that it made it
too cozy and too much of an insider's project if sitting members of the Selection Committee
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 6
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 7
could submit names, as it attached a little favoritism. For both items, she believed it more of a
citywide, not just a City of San Rafael award, and to have a sitting Board or Commission
member receive the award was not very complimentary to other members who, perhaps, had
been overlooked. She believed each member of a Board or Commission was equally important
and she did not wish to single out a sitting member implying they were somewhat better and
should receive a special award. Councilmember Heller wanted it to be open to the entire
community and not have the perceived problem with favoritism.
Councilmember Phillips stated this was an award given to a member of the community. Should
a serving Board or Commission member do something "head and shoulders" above the other
candidates, to be precluded as a member of the community from receiving the award because
they had stepped up to serve did not appear fair to him.
Councilmember Heller stated she did not believe a seated member should be selected;
however, on completion of a term they absolutely could be considered.
Councilmember Phillips stated he understood this; however, the timing was sometimes a factor.
Mayor Boro stated that a person was a citizen whether a member of a Board or Commission or
not.
Councilmember Cohen stated he found both his colleagues' arguments persuasive which led
him to believe that perhaps neither suggestion should be adopted. He was unsure how not
voting on the nomination one submitted while voting on the other nominations would work,
especially with a concern about the appearance of a conflict of interest. Understanding the
concern for appearance he believed there were plenty of ways for people to have their names
placed in nomination and was unsure whether there was a compelling need to have members
of the Selection Committee submit nominations. He believed the appearance of a conflict might
weigh against this.
Councilmember Cohen expressed the hope that the award would not be given to someone who
served on a commission because they served on a commission or committee of the City. He
indicated there could be reasons why the selection process would result in someone who also
happened to serve on a City committee or commission, but who had distinguished themselves
in some other arena, and he did not see why this person should be precluded from receiving the
award while they were serving on such a commission or committee. He agreed that it was not
appropriate to make such an award to a serving member of the City Council and should there
be a need to put that restriction in place he would support it; however, he agreed with Mayor
Boro that just because someone was appointed to a committee or commission did not remove
them as a citizen of San Rafael and they should continue to be eligible for the award. He
reiterated he favored not adopting either change.
Councilmember Miller stated that as long as the appearance of a conflict of interest could be
avoided, he could vote either way, and indicated he agreed with Mayor Boro and
Councilmember Cohen's analysis of the issue.
Mayor Boro inquired of Mr. Brown whether there were problems obtaining nominations.
Mr. Brown stated there was a good number for the coming year and staff would be advertising
for more.
Councilmember Phillips recalled that in the first year only a small amount of nominations were
received and it was necessary to re -advertise, which initiated his thought. Now that a small
backlog was being accumulated, and each year those not selected were reconsidered, he was
not as concerned. He indicated he did feel strongly about Boards and Commission members
being considered.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to make no changes to
the Selection Guidelines.
Citizen of the Year Award renamed "Richard and Mary O'Brien Citizen of the Year
Award." No changes made to the Selection Guidelines.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller and Vice -Mayor Miller
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Phillips and Mayor Boro
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 7
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 8
NEW BUSINESS:
16. ELECTION OF VICE -MAYOR OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR YEAR 2005 (CC) — FILE 9-1
Vice -Mayor Miller placed in nomination the name of Councilmember Barbara Heller to serve as
Vice -Mayor of the City of San Rafael for the year 2005. Councilmember Cohen seconded the
motion, and Councilmember Heller was elected Vice -Mayor by acclamation for the year 2005.
17. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (CC) — FILE 9-1
Council approved the following additions and changes:
Position(s) Added
Central Marin Sanitation Agency
Association of Bay Area Governments
(ABAG)
Position(s) Changed
San Rafael Sanitation District
Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM)
(Congestion Management Agency and
Countywide Planning Agency)
Appointee
Albert J. Boro
Paul M. Cohen
Cyr Miller (Alt.)
Barbara Heller
Appointee
Albert J. Boro
Paul M. Cohen
Cyr Miller (Alt.)
Albert J. Boro
Barbara Heller (1St Alt.)
Paul M. Cohen (2nd Alt.)
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
13. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO KAY NOGUCHI, FORMER
INTERIM LIBRARY DIRECTOR (LIB) — FILE 102 x 9-3-61
Mayor Boro reported that Kay Noguchi served as San Rafael's Interim Library Director for the
past several months, immediately stepping into boiling water because of mandatory closing. He
noted she did a super job during that period of time on that issue; however, from his own
observation and from what he had been told, she had done a great job on every issue
concerning the library over the past several months, for which he expressed thanks.
From the Resolution, Mayor Boro noted Ms. Noguchi had sought out and sold old pieces of
library junk, including a set of green styrofoam letters, a child's rocker and various pieces of
mystery artwork. She had done a lot of work with the staff, reorganized the library's
administrative space and integrated the Literacy Program more fully in the day-to-day functions
of the library.
From what he had been told by the City Manager and from his own observation, Mayor Boro
stated that Ms. Noguchi had brought a real spirit to the library in the very short and difficult time
she was in the position, working extremely well with the Library Board, representatives of which
were present this evening.
On behalf of the people of San Rafael, Mayor Boro presented the Resolution of Appreciation to
Ms. Noguchi, noting everyone was glad she would remain with the City.
Ms. Noguchi expressed thanks for the special trust in selecting her to take this position. She
stated she felt extremely privileged doing the work she does. It was meaningful work, she loved
it and had informed Mr. Gould that nothing would make her happier than for him to locate
someone better than her to run the library. She was happy he did, the library staff was
delighted to have David Dodd as Library Director and she was pleased to be back on
Reference. Ms. Noguchi stated it was totally a group effort with the library staff pulling together
and everyone doing extra. They were strong, happy and looking forward to great times ahead
under David Dodd's leadership.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
18. None.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. to a reception in
the lobby honoring Kay Noguchi.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12005
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/20/2004 Page 8