HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2009-03-16SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Greg Brockbank, Councilmember
Damon Connolly, Councilmember
Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember
Absent: Barbara Heller, Vice -Mayor
Also Present: Ken Nordhoff, City Manager
Robert F. Epstein, City Attorney
Esther C. Beirne, City Clerk
OPEN SESSION — COUNCIL CHAMBER — 6:00 PM
Mayor Boro announced Closed Session item.
CLOSED SESSION — CONFERENCE ROOM 201 — 6:00 PM
1. Conference with Labor Negotiators— Government Code Section 54957.6(a)
Negotiators: Jim Schutz, Leslie Loomis, Cindy Mosser, Rob Epstein, Ken Nordhoff
Employee Organization(s):
San Rafael Fire Chief Officers' Assn. Western Council of Engineers
San Rafael Firefighters' Assn. Assn. of Confidential Employees
San Rafael Police Mid -Management Assn. SEIU Miscellaneous & Supervisory
San Rafael Police Association SEIU Child Care Unit
Unrepresented Management
Unrepresented Mid -Management
Elected City Clerk and Elected Part -Time City Attorney
City Attorney Robert Epstein announced that no reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
8:00 PM
Councilmember Brockbank moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as follows.
ITEM
Approval of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of
February 17, 2009 (CC)
Call for Applications for Appointment to Fill One
Unexpired Term on the Planning Commission to the end
of June 2010, due to the Resignation of Planning
Commission Member Gayle Mills (CC) — File 9-2-6
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Minutes approved as submitted.
Approved staff recommendation:
a) Called for applications to fill one
unexpired term on the Planning
Commission, to expire the end of June,
2010;
b) Set deadline for receipt of applications
for Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 12:00
Noon in the City Clerk's Office, Room
209, City Hall; and
c) Set the date for interviews of
applicants at a Special City Council
meeting to be held on Monday, April
20, 2009, commencing at 6:00 p.m.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 1
4. Call for Applications for Appointments to Fill Two Four -
Year Terms on the Board of Library Trustees, due to
Expiration of Terms of Glena Coleman and Patricia
Zentner (CC) — File 9-2-3
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 2
Approved staff recommendation:
a) Called for applications to fill two, 4 -
year terms on the Board of Library
Trustees to the end of April, 2013;
b) Set deadline for receipt of applications
for Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 12:00
Noon in the City Clerk's Office, Room
209, City Hall; and
c) Set date for interviews of applicants at
a Special City Council meeting to be
held on Monday, April 20, 2009,
commencing at 6:30 p.m.
Resolution Approving Recipient of the Richard P. O'Brien RESOLUTION NO. 12664
and Mary Ferrario O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award (CD) RESOLUTION APPROVING PHYLLIS AND
— File 262 x 102 MAX THELEN AS RECIPIENTS OF THE
RICHARD P. O'BRIEN AND MARY
FERRARIO O'BRIEN CITIZEN OF THE
YEAR AWARD
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an
Amendment to the Agreement for Professional Planning
Services with Lamphier-Gregory for Preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report for the Recreational Facility
at the San Rafael Airport Project (Agreement Term: March
19, 2009 through March 19. 2010 - Amount not to Exceed
$210,641.00) (CD) — File 4-3-460 x 9-3-85
Resolution Approving the Contract CSCC-8169, CCDF
School -Age Resource Program, with the California
Department of Education which Provides Additional funds
of $2,019.00 for Quality Improvements in the School -Age
Child Care Program and Authorizes the City Manager to
Sign Contract Documents (CS) — File 4-10-128 x 9-3-65
Monthly Investment Report for Month Ending February,
2009 (Fin) — File 8-18 x 8-9
1) Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an
Agreement with Hinderliter, De LLamas and
Associates (HdL) for Sales Tax and Transactions and
Use Tax Audits and Information Services (Fin)
2) Resolution Authorizing Hinderliter, De Llamas and
Associates (HdL) to Examine City Sales Tax and
Transactions and Use Tax Records (Fin) —
File 4-10-318 x 8-1 x 8-5 x 9-3-21
RESOLUTION NO. 12665
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT
NO. 3 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR
PROFESSIONAL PLANNING SERVICES WITH
LAMPHIER-GREGORY FOR PREPARATION
OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
FOR THE RECREATIONAL FACILITY AT THE
SAN RAFAEL AIRPORT PROJECT
(Agreement Term: March 19, 2009 through
March 19, 2010 — amount not to exceed
$210,641.00)
RESOLUTION NO. 12666
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ENTERING
INTO A CONTRACT (CSCC-8169) WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE
SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE RESOURCE
PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SIGN CONTRACT
DOCUMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,019.00
Accepted Monthly Investment Report for
month ending February, 2009, as
presented.
RESOLUTION NO. 12667
1) RESOLUTION APPROVING AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH
HINDERLITER DE LLAMAS AND
ASSOCIATES FOR SALES TAX AND
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX AUDITS
AND INFORMATION SERVICES
2) RESOLUTION NO. 12668
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
EXAMINATION OF SALES OR
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX RECORDS
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 2
10. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Share in the
Cost for a Consultant to Study the Fire Protection and
Emergency Response Service Delivery Between the
City of San Rafael and the Marinwood Community
Services District (FD) — File 9-3-31 x 4-10-130
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 3
RESOLUTION NO. 12669
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SHARE IN THE COST FOR
A CONSULTANT TO STUDY THE FIRE
PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY
RESPONSE SERVICE DELIVERY
BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
AND THE MARINWOOD COMMUNITY
SERVICES DISTRICT
11. Resolution Amending Resolution 12638 Appointing RESOLUTION NO. 12670
Standby Officers for Each Member of the San Rafael City RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION
Council (MS) — File 9-1 x 13-11 NO. 12638 APPOINTING STANDBY
OFFICERS FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL
12. Resolutions of Appreciation for Santa Cop Program (PD) — RESOLUTION NOS. 12671, 12672, 12673
File 102 x 9-3-30 x 9-3-31 12674 AND 12675
RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION FOR
SANTA COP PROGRAM
13. Resolution of Appreciation for Police Officer Eric Huot,
Employee of the Quarter Ending December, 2008 (PD) —
File 102 x 9-3-30
14. Approval of Appointment of one Youth Member to the
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PW) —
File 9-2-55
RESOLUTION NO. 12676
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR
POLICE OFFICER ERIC HUOT, EMPLOYEE
OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2008
Approved staff recommendation.
15. Report on Bid Opening and Resolution Awarding the RESOLUTION NO. 12677
Contract for Deep Lift Asphalt Repairs 2008/2009, Project RESOLUTION AWARDING THE
No. 11132, to Ghilotti Bros. Inc. in the Amount of CONTRACT FOR DEEP LIFT ASPHALT
$89,700.00 (Bid Opening held on March 12, 2009) (PW) — REPAIRS 2008/2009, PROJECT NO. 11132,
File 4-1-607 TO GHILOTTI BROS. INC., IN THE
AMOUNT OF $89,700
16. Resolution Approving the Vacation of a Portion of an
Existing 40' Wide Drainage Easement in Parcel 1 Shown
on "Parcel Map — Resubdivision of Lots 3,4 and 5 Bahia De
Rafael Industrial Park, 15 Maps 54" (16 PM84) Pursuant to
Summary Vacation and Abandonment Procedures at 330
Bellam Boulevard, APN 9-280-06, San Rafael, California
(PW) — File 2-12
RESOLUTION NO. 12678
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VACATION
OF A 40' WIDE DRAINAGE EASEMENT ON
PARCEL 1 SHOWN ON "PARCEL MAP —
RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 3,4 AND 5, BAHIA
DE RAFAEL INDUSTRIAL PARK, 15 MAPS
54" (16 PM 84), PURSUANT TO SUMMARY
VACATION AND ABANDONMENT
PROCEDURES AT 330 BELLAM
BOULEVARD, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA;
APN 009-280-06
17. Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for
RESOLUTION NO. 12679
Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF
(AARA) Funding and Stating the Assurance to Complete
AN APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL AMERICAN
the Project (PW) — File 170 x 279
RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF
2009 (ARRA) FUNDING AND STATING THE
ASSURANCE TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT
18. Resolution Adopting Plans and Specifications for Third and
Approved staff recommendation.
Union Improvement Project, Project # 11025, and
Authorizing the City Clerk to Call for Bids (PW) —
File 4-1-608
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 3
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 4
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Brockbank, Connolly, Miller & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller
ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller, from item #2 only, due to absence from meeting of 2/17/09
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
19. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION ON BEHALF OF THE SANTA COP PROGRAM TO: (PD) —
FILE 102 x 9-3-30 x 9-3-31
MICHAEL HADFIELD, SANTA COP PRESIDENT;
SERGEANT DAVID CRON, SAN RAFAEL POLICE ASSOCIATION;
ENGINEER RICHARD HAMILTON, SAN RAFAEL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION;
ANN GREGORY, INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT ASSOCIATION, CHAPTER #15; AND
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JIM VINCENT, CALIFORNIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD.
Mayor Boro invited the recipients together with Corporal Dan Hanlon to join the City Council at the podium.
He acknowledged three other organizations and individuals who made this program such a great success:
• Independent Order of Oddfellows
• Ritter Center Christmas Toy Program
• Joe Garbarino, Jr.
Michael Hadfield, Santa Cop President, reported that Santa Cop was started in 2000 by Mike Hogan, the
original president. They served 30 families that year and up to this year had served approximately 287
families. Each year they work with the community, firefighters, National Guard, Police Department and
Footprinters Association collecting donations and distributing those donations to the under -privileged in San
Rafael. He stated that it had been a successful program because of the community and volunteer
organizations.
Mayor Boro stated that each organization would receive a resolution and shared some of the sentiments
expressed therein:
He reported that the first year the joy of Christmas was brought to 35 underprivileged children and since then
the spirit of Christmas had been brought to 606 children and 284 families, including a full turkey dinner,
provided by the Marin Community Food Bank. Further, the San Rafael Santa Cop program had evolved into
a partnership with the San Rafael Firefighters Association, San Rafael Police Association, IFA Chapter #15,
along with the support and assistance of Joe Garbarino, Jr., and the Ritter Center Toy Program, and the
California Army National Guard joined the program in 2008.
Continuing, Mayor Boro reported that the all -volunteer program now collects toys and purchases clothes that
are wrapped and delivered along with full turkey dinners provided by the Marin Community Food Bank to
needy families throughout San Rafael. The goal of Santa Cop was to make Christmas a little happier for the
children of San Rafael who had no control over their own circumstances. Santa Cop continues due to
tremendous community support and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
Because of that, Mayor Boro stated that he and City Council of the City of San Rafael thanked the recipients
individually, their organizations and everyone who had been associated with the program. It made San
Rafael proud and he congratulated all concerned.
Mayor Boro presented the Resolutions of Appreciation to Michael Hadfield, Santa Cop President;
Sergeant David Cron, San Rafael Police Association; Engineer Richard Hamilton, San Rafael Fire Fighters
Association; Ann Gregory, International Footprint Association, Chapter #15; and
Sergeant First Class Jim Vincent, California Army National Guard.
20. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RECIPIENT OF THE RICHARD P. O'BRIEN AND MARY
FERRARIO O'BRIEN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD (CD1— FILE 262 x 102
Mayor Boro reported that each year the City of San Rafael selects a Citizen of the Year, made possible by a
grant received in honor of Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien. He indicated that Dick O'Brien,
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 4
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 5
deceased, was a member of the San Rafael Planning Commission with whom he served for many years, as
did Councilmember Miller. Mayor Boro stated he was a wonderful commissioner and great man and this
award was a tribute to him.
In its eight year, Mayor Boro stated it was wonderful to be able to acknowledge people or individuals who had
done so much for the community in a volunteer capacity. He was pleased this evening to invite Phyllis and
Max Thelen, Co -Citizens of the Year, to join the City Council at the podium, together with Mary O'Brien and
her son Rick.
Mayor Boro reported having known Phyllis and Max Thelen for many years. They were truly volunteers and
having read the Resolution of Appreciation he believed it important to share it with everyone:
"The Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award is intended to
acknowledge residents of San Rafael who, through their dedicated and selfless efforts, have had a
significant effect on the quality of life in their community; and
Phyllis and Max Thelen have been selected as the recipients of the Richard P. O'Brien and Mary
Ferrario O'Brien Citizen of the Year award due to their community involvement and accomplishments in
promoting arts, culture and education; and
The Thelens' community contributions began in 1963 with their founding of Marin Ballet which over the
years has trained thousands of Marin children in ballet and dance arts; and
The Thelens were founding members of the Marin Arts Council which financially supports and promotes
local artists; and
The Thelens were founders of the Art Works Downtown, providing affordable studio space and a gallery
for local artists, affordable housing and contributing to the revitalization of Downtown San Rafael; and
Phyllis served from 1993 to 2001 on the San Rafael Cultural Affairs Committee, including four terms as
chair, promoting the use and preservation of the Falkirk Cultural Center and preservation of other
historic structures throughout the City; and
Phyllis served on the General Plan 2020 Steering Committee between 2000 and 2004 and was
instrumental in the inclusion of a Culture and Arts Element; and
The Thelens' community involvement has been characterized by their love of the arts and desire to
share cultural advantages with the entire community of San Rafael."
Mayor Boro recalled that in 1999 Phyllis and two other ladies came to visit him with regard to doing
something called "The Arts Festival" on the streets of Downtown San Rafael. The Italian Street Painting
Festival was also another wonderful event she helped bring to life.
Commenting that Phyllis and Max were great friends, Mayor Boro stated that the entire community
thanked and congratulated them and he presented them with the Resolution honoring them as Citizens
of the Year.
Max Thelen stated he was present this evening because he was married to Phyllis, who for the last 50
years had been almost a fulltime volunteer in a large number of activities, including those specifically
mentioned. He thanked the City of San Rafael, not only for this award, but for providing a wonderful
home for their family going back to 1958. He recalled all the wonderful things accomplished, mostly
under Mayor Boro's guidance, such as remaking Fourth Street and providing parking spaces and
garages, and in particular, for the public education for their four children at Coleman, Davidson and San
Rafael High schools.
Also expressing thanks, Phyllis Thelen stated it was almost overwhelming, especially knowing some of
those who received this award before them, and because it was such an honor and so wonderful to
receive this award from the city she loved so much. Noting not every city was friendly to volunteers, Ms.
Thelen stated that San Rafael had always welcomed volunteers and it was nice to know that the
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 5
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 6
contributions made were appreciated and welcomed. She believed that among the best contributions
she and Max had made were their four children, who fortunately, also caught the volunteering bug. Ms.
Thelen stated that their oldest daughter, Nancy, her husband and two grandsons were in attendance this
evening, noting Nancy was president of Youth in Arts for several years. Their daughter Jane, who also
lives in the area, was studying to obtain her degree at Dominican University at age 50 plus.
Reiterating their thanks, Ms. Thelen stated that under no circumstances did she and Max ever feel that
this was a chore, rather it was always a great pleasure.
Mary O'Brien stated that it was a great honor to have the award go to the Thelens. She had known
Phyllis from the Italian Street Painting event and commented that Marin was very lucky to have people
such as the Thelens, San Rafael particularly.
21. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO POLICE OFFICER ERIC HOOT, EMPLOYEE
OF THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER, 2008 (PD) — FILE 102 x 9-3-30
As Employee of the Quarter, Police Officer Eric Huot, could not be in attendance this evening, Mayor Boro
stated he would be honored at a future meeting.
22. INTRODUCTION AND BADGE PINNING CEREMONY OF THE SAN RAFAEL POLICE DEPARTMENT'S
NEWLY PROMOTED ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY STAFF (PD) — FILE 9-3-30
Chief of Police Matt Odetto stated they were very proud to be before the City Council this evening to
acknowledge the achievements and hard work of Police Department staff. Nine individuals who had gone
through the rigorous promotional process would be honored.
Chief Odetto explained that the ceremony was about honor, integrity and the symbol of trust.
Chief of Police Matt Odetto introduced Captain David Starnes, Lieutenants Dan Fink, Glenn McElderry and
Ralph Pata; Sergeants Raul Aguilar, Rick Clary and David Cron; and Corporals Todd Berringer and Ronda
Reese. Friends and family performed badge pinning for the new Police Department command and
supervisory staff.
On behalf of the City Council Mayor Boro offered congratulations, noting they went through rigorous
screening to get to this point. He explained that when a new officer is sworn -in he is usually present and
believed this was the best Police Department in the County of Marin.
The City Council meeting was paused at 8:20 p.m. for refreshments in the lobby and resumed and 8:50 p.m..
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS:
23. RECOMMENDATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROPOSALS
FUNDING YEAR 2009-10 (RA)- FILE 147
Economic Development Coordinator Katie Korzun reported that this was the tenth year of the Cooperative
Agreement, which was working very well, largely due to the efforts of Roy Bateman, County of Marin, who
was in attendance this evening.
Ms. Korzun explained that in 1999, San Rafael joined with Marin County in a Cooperative Agreement to
disburse the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, where San Rafael decided where the
capital and housing money went and Marin County retained the administrative function.
Ms. Korzun reported that they evaluate the projects against a list of priorities. Staff visits all the applicants,
develops a recommendation that is presented to the City Council, which in turn is presented to the Board of
Supervisors, and in July the money is available to those selected to receive the allocations, and the projects
commence. She indicated that this year there was a little more money available than previously because of
the stimulus funds. The Block Grant moneys came down faster than many of the stimulus funds because it
was just an addition to an existing program; therefore, an extra $139,000 was available for distribution.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 6
24.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 7
Ms. Korzun reported that eight projects were recommended for funding:
ADA Improvements - Fair Housing Program $21,284
Rehabilitation Loan Program through the Housing Authority $93,242
Marin Center for Independent Living to put into their Residential $12,973
Accessibility Modification Program
Public Facilities Accessibility Improvements (ADA) $300,000
Buckelew Programs for Rehabilitation of the D Street facility $35,000
Homeward Bound for badly needed improvements at the Family $49,000
Resource Center
LifeHouse — a group home for the developmentally disabled $11,500
Goodwill Marin Classroom to be used for job training purposes $33,323
Ms. Korzun noted that basically staff tried to fund the full amount requested; however, the only place this was
not achieved was with Goodwill Marin.
Councilmember Miller believed that the cooperation between Marin County and the City of San Rafael in this
entire effort was tremendously admirable and showed what could be done when staff got together and
worked as hard as they did in order to bring this together for the benefit of the community. Katie Korzun and
Roy Bateman were totally admirable in the way they operate.
Rov Bateman thanked the City of San Rafael for having been in this cooperative arrangement with Marin
County for ten years and he also thanked Katie Korzun for the great job she does.
Mary K. Sweenev, Homeward Bound, expressing thanks stated that she looked forward to this process each
year because it was the easiest, most comprehensive and best facilitative process she had ever been
involved with for funding.
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Connolly seconded, to adopt the Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 12680 — RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT PROJECT FUNDING FOR THE YEAR 2009-10 TO THE MARIN
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Brockbank, Connolly, Miller & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RECESSION ACTION PLAN AND ECONOMIC VITALITY PLAN FOR
2009 AND DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO IMPLEMENT AN EMPLOYEE WORK FURLOUGH PROGRAM
FOR 2009-2010 (CM) — FILE 8-5 x 7-4
City Manager Ken Nordhoff explained that staff had been working with the City Council over the last several
months solving some very difficult budget challenges, which commenced in July, 2008, when there was a
$2.1 million deficit. The City Council took a series of actions to close those issues; however, the
international, national and state economic crises were hitting at the local level. Staff had kept the City
Council apprised of job losses, retail closures, foreclosures in the real estate market, the long and short of
which was having a fairly substantial impact on revenues, particularly in the areas of property and sales tax,
while not exclusive to these.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 7
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 8
Fast forwarding to the middle of the year, Mr. Nordhoff stated the City again finds itself with a $2.1 million
deficit and a series of actions had been taken to close that gap, some of which are ongoing in nature, and
some one time.
Mr. Nordhoff indicated that he and staff had been working for some time trying to look ahead and had been
modeling not only what was being faced currently, rather the direction of the next couple of years. Staff
estimated an approximate $3 million deficit in the General Fund heading into 2009-2010, which was roughly
about 5% of projected General Fund expenses, assuming continuance of business as usual; however,
because of the revenue situation, he indicated that this certainly could not be done.
Reporting that he and staff felt it very important to find a tool to codify some of the issues they had been
discussing, Mr. Nordhoff stated that a Recession Action Plan had been generated, which clearly attempts to
summarize the situation. On the second page, it captures a series of principles from which the City Council
would try to make decisions in order to balance the budget. The third page identifies two columns of items —
a series of actions already taken and a number of items under consideration.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that, most importantly, this plan would provide a roadmap for the next couple of years
that would have a set of actions and guiding principles so that in making difficult service level and employee
related decisions, recovering cost through fees and other decisions, the City Council would have a tool to
help guide them through the process. He believed that because this was written down in a Recession Action
Plan, staff had also committed to the idea that they would report periodically to the City Council with progress
being made in this area, i.e., how the problem was being solved, what steps were being taken, what new
information was available, etc. He indicated he was not alone in believing that the state still had a fiscal
problem, in spite of what people would be voting on on May 19'". Mr. Nordhoff stated that staff was
requesting the City Council to accept the Recession Action Plan.
Referring to page 3, he stated that, rather than focus all the attention on controlling costs, or one side of a
ledger, staff had generated an Economic Vitality Plan for this year, the focus of which was to try to help the
business community wherever possible -- re -use and re -tenanting of empty spaces, whether auto retailers or
downtown retailers. Staff would try to do everything possible with regard to the re -tenanting of space, noting
projects such as Northgate Mall, which was under construction, had a lot of empty stores. Staff would strive
to process through a number of tenant improvements to try to prop up those types of situations. Mr. Nordhoff
stated that staff was also evaluating opportunities to create events downtown, some of which were new, to try
to attract people to support local business.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that most of this work would end up in the Economic Development Department and
Redevelopment offices, headed up by Deputy City Manager, Nancy Mackle. Ms. Mackle would be working
through the City Manager's office and collaboratively with the Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement
District and the rest of the organization to try to accomplish most of the items listed.
Lastly, with regard to the Recession Action Plan, Mr. Nordhoff stated that an issue under discussion was the
use of employee furloughs. Recalling that this was done several years ago, he stated that there were several
labor union agreements, including the Management and Mid -Management resolutions, that offered both a
Voluntary Time Off and Mandatory Time Off program. Staff was not requesting permission to provide the City
Council with all the specifics this evening; however, they did want to initiate that process, which could save in
the order of $400,000 towards the $3 million problem. It was one-time in nature and necessitated a lot of
implementing details. With Council's direction on that this evening, which was part of the resolution, it would
be one further opportunity to solve the budget problem. Other decisions, up to and including layoffs, would
be minimized, and staff would be afforded an opportunity to work with the impacted bargaining groups and
their representatives to work through the details in order to put the program in place in a timely manner.
Bill Carnev, Vice -President, Sustainable San Rafael, noting a lot of work was before the community to
undertake in the next year, applauded the City in its efforts towards fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
They looked forward to working with the City to achieve sustainability goals within the realities of these
difficult times and also to help identify potential new resources, opportunities and approaches inherent in
what the President had called "Our new area of responsibility." Mr. Carney stated that Sustainable San
Rafael was especially interested in collaborative opportunities to help the City tap the talents and energies of
the community itself and looked forward to that partnership. They also applauded the sustainability measures
that were included in the Economic Vitality Plan.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 8
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 9
Dave Mauldin, Public Works Department and SEIU Chairperson for three bargaining groups - Supervisory,
Miscellaneous and Child -Care, stated that sometimes City workers were invisible and he was present to
familiarize the City Council and help the City resolve the current issues.
Kennv Schmaus, Public Works Department, Parks Division, and Co -Chair of the SEIU Stewarts Council for
the San Rafael bargaining groups, stated that they very much wanted to be a part of the process of trying to
creatively solve some of the challenges before everyone in this type of unprecedented economic situation.
He indicated they wished to ensure they were on record as hopefully being part of the solution and that they
could work collaboratively and cooperatively to find a solution.
Paul Carroll, Field Representative, SEIU San Rafael, and most other cities and towns in Marin and Sonoma
Counties, stated he was well versed in budget problems throughout the two coastal counties. Noting there
were traditional and non-traditional ways to approach this situation, he believed they were looking at all ways,
to save the City money, jobs and to provide the services the citizens of San Rafael had come to expect. He
believed that even in these times it could be done; however, it would take the cooperation of all groups.
Mr. Carroll was aware the City Manager held a meeting with all the bargaining units, which he believed was a
good step towards getting everyone on the same page, because it was really important in times such as
these for everyone to know exactly what was happening with the budget, what the challenges were and their
part in addressing them. Mr. Carroll hoped they could continue to work with the City Council and City
Management to get through this situation.
Councilmember Brockbank thanked staff for bringing this item forward and for all the input. He believed it
admirable that the City was able to be sufficiently proactive to come up with documents as articulate and
forward -thinking, because people increasingly would inquire as to the plans and thoughts.
Echoing Councilmember Brockbank's comments, Councilmember Connolly thanked staff for the very
thoughtful work on the two documents. Stating it was a balanced approach and very proactive, he indicated
that on one hand, a sober assessment of the financial realities facing the budget was being made, and on the
other hand, staff was smartly recognizing that the other piece of the solution was to make sure that the City
retain economic vitality. In that sense, he believed that not only was the City facing a lot of the challenges
that everyone else was in the state and country, rather what was being done represented a time of
opportunity.
Councilmember Connolly believed San Rafael was poised to be a leader in the creation of, for example,
green jobs and green technologies, not only through implementation of programs already being undertaken in
a leadership role, including the Climate Change Action Plan, but also tapping into federal stimulus money
now available that is specifically targeted at creating this type of economic activity. Again, the City was
proactively taking those steps to, not only maintain a vital retail business in town, but also to attract new types
of businesses.
Mayor Boro thanked the three representatives from SEIU, which was very much appreciated. He thanked
Mr. Carney from Sustainable San Rafael for being in attendance and for all the work his organization does to
help lead San Rafael through the changes that need to be made in the community, both as a City and
throughout Marin County in the business and public sectors.
Believing the City Council had two roles, Mayor Boro stated the first was that the City be economically viable.
Certain services must be provided, primarily public health and safety; however, in addition, the City provides
many other wonderful things for the community, whether it be parks, public works, etc. He stated that the
Recession Action Plan, prepared by Mr. Nordhoff and Mr. Schutz, Assistant City Manager, and the Economic
Vitality Plan, prepared by Ms. Mackle, were both important documents: one set the standard as to what
needed to be done to survive and the other addressed the future. Mayor Boro believed the community had
long ago connected the dots and understood that in order to provide the services necessary, a strong
business presence in the community was needed.
Councilmember Brockbank moved and Councilmember Connolly seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 9
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/16/2009 Page 10
RESOLUTION NO. 12681 — RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RECESSION ACTION PLAN AND
ECONOMIC VITALITY PLAN FOR 2009, AND DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO
IMPLEMENT AN EMPLOYEE WORK FURLOUGH PROGRAM FOR 2009-2010
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Brockbank, Connolly, Miller & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
25. Stimulus Proqram: - File 8-5
Mr. Nordhoff issued a reminder that a City cross -departmental committee was working on the
Stimulus Program and anticipated having a report available at either the first or second City Council meeting
in April providing details of what was gleaned from the various programs.
Marinwood Fire Protection Services: - File 4-10-130 x 9-3-31
Noting a contract reimbursement was approved this evening with Marinwood, who was spearheading some
important consulting work relative to a long-standing agreement regarding fire protection services, Mr.
Nordhoff indicated he was unsure whether the work would be completed by the end of this fiscal year when
the current agreement would lapse. He indicated that it would be helpful to have a sub -committee of the City
Council work with him and Fire Chief Gray to obtain some initial direction. Ultimately, a formal arrangement
would be presented to the City Council should the City choose to extend the agreement.
Mayor Boro invited Councilmember Connolly to join him in working with Mr. Nordhoff and Fire Chief Gray on
this issue. Mr. Nordhoff confirmed that this would entail just one meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: (Including AB 1234 Reports on Meetings and Conferences Attended at City Expense)
26. Marin Enerqv Authoritv: - File 9-1 x 271
Councilmember Connolly reported that at the second meeting of the Marin Energy Authority on March 5, 2009,
an item of note was the appointment of committees. He would be serving both on the Executive Committee
and as Chair of the Technical Review Committee that would get into the nuts and bolts of the RFP (Request
for Proposals) process and evaluate the feasibility of the program.
Transportation Authoritv of Marin — Executive Committee meeting: - File 9-1 x 170
Mayor Boro reported having attended a meeting today of the Executive Committee of the Transportation
Authority of Marin and he issued a reminder that the deadline for the Economic Stimulus project application
was Friday, March 20th at noon. San Rafael was in line for a little over $1 million.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that a lot of the leg work had been done and staff was well along in terms of being
prepared.
Mayor Boro reported that a Marin County staff member had compiled a comparison of traffic on Highway 101
from Highway 37 currently versus two years ago. On Wednesday, March 14, 2007, the average speed was 13
mph and the average time elapsed between Highway 37 and 1-580 was 47 minutes. On March 4, 2009, the
average speed was 53 mph and the elapsed time was 12 minutes. He submitted the study to Mr. Nordhoff.
There being no further business, Mayor Boro adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:18 p.m.
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12009
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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