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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1991-03-04SRCC MINUTE 'Regular) 3/4/91 Page 1 IN CONFERENCE ROOM 201 OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1991, AT 7:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS LITIGATION - File 1.4.1.a 1. Discussion of Litigation. No. 91-3(a) - #2. No reportable action was taken. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1991 AT 8:00 P.M. Regular Meeting: Present: Dorothy L. Breiner, Vice -Mayor San Rafael City Council Albert J. Boro, Councilmember Michael A. Shippey, Councilmember Joan Thayer, Councilmember Absent: Lawrence E. Mulryan, Mayor Also Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, City Manager Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Boro moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to approve the recommended action on the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM 2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 19, 1991 (CC) 3. Authorization to Call for Applications to Fill One Position on the Fire Commission Due to Expiration of Term of Fire Commissioner Jeremiah Sweeney (CC) - File 9-2-5 6. Resolution Authorizing Extension of Agreement with Liebert, Cassidy & Frierson for Sonoma - Marin Training Consortium (Pers) - File 4-3-214 x 7-4-7 7. Resolution Authorizing Destruction of Certain Police Department Documents (PD) - File 9-13 x 9-3-30 8. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Agreement with Industrial Employers & Distributors Association (IEDA) as City's Labor Relations Negotiator (CM) -File 4-3-134 10. Resolution of Appreciation to Peacock Garden Club Commemorating Arbor Day Celebration March 8, 1991, Planting of Trees at Falkirk Cultural Center (PW) - File 109 x 9-3-84 RECOMMENDED ACTION Approved as submitted. Approved staff recommendation; a) Called for applications, w/deadline for receipt Tuesday, March 26, 1991 at 12:00• Noon, City Clerk's Office; b) Set date for interviews at Special Meeting, Monday, April 1, 1991, commencing at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION NO. 8346 - AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BY CITY MANAGER FOR SPECIAL SERVICES BETWEEN CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AND THE LAW FIRM OF LIEBERT, CASSIDY, AND FRIERSON (Beginning 2/15/91, for 12 months) Carried over to next meeting, March 18, 1991. RESOLUTION NO. 8347 - AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A CONTRACT,LEASE, OR AGREEMENT WITH INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYERS AND DISTRIBUTOR ASSOCIATION (IEDA) FOR LABOR RELATIONS SERVICES (extending agreement) RESOLUTION NO. 8348 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO PEACOCK GARDEN CLUB WITH REGARD TO THE ARBOR DAY TREE PLANTING PROJECT AT FALKIRK CULTURAL CENTER 12. Amendment to Agreement with Broome, Oringdulph, RESOLUTION NO. 8349 - AUTHORIZING O'Toole, Rudolf, Boles & Associates Re Structured THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT Parking for Proposed City/County ARCHITECTS ADDING STRUCTURED Library (Lib) - File 4-13-79 x 9-3-61 PARKING TO THE SCOPE OF SERVICES FOR PROPOSED CITY/COUNTY LIBRARY PROJECT SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/4/91 Page 1 13. Claims for Damages: a. Richard Lee (PW) Claim No. 3-1-1539 b. Richard Lee (PW) Claim No. 3-1-1540 SRCC MINUTE) Regular) 3/4/91 Page 2 Approved City Attorney's recommendation for denial of Claims a, b, & c. C. Raymond & Bernadette Kelleher (PW) Claim No. 3-1-1517 AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Shippey, Thayer & Vice -Mayor Breiner NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mulryan ABSTAINED: COUNCILMEMBERS: Vice -Mayor Breiner (from approval of Minutes of Regular meeting of February 19, 1991 only, due to absence from meeting.) The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion: 4. REPORT ON BELOW MARKET RATE HOUSING AGREEMENT, SPINNAKER POINT UNIT FIVE (P1) - File 5-1-263 Councilmember Thayer stated she had a concern about not placing an escalator clause in agreements like this, noting that if the developer is to pay in -lieu fees for affordable housing and that housing is not built within a period of a few years, those in -lieu fees basically depreciate in value. She suggested that this is something they should look at for this and future agreements with development projects. She stated that essentially the below market fees are going to provide security that these five affordable housing units are built. She then asked Planning Director Pendoley to confirm whether it was four or five units that were to be built. Mr. Pendoley responded five units. Vice -Mayor Breiner stated that the City has an option to demand the actual units, rather than accepting the in -lieu fees, which gives them a certain amount of clout. Ms. Thayer stated that her second concern was whether or not Spinnaker Point 2 had water allocated to it. Mr. Pendoley responded that it did not. He also stated that it does not have an approved tentative map at this time. Ms. Thayer asked if no grading would take place until they have water. Mr. Pendoley stated they are allowing some grading to allow for dredging spoils, however, there was no grading being done to support construction until a final map has been approved. Councilmember Shippey asked to confirm that the tentative map is still scheduled to go to the Planning Commission at its next meeting. Mr. Pendoley stated that it was scheduled to go to the Planning Commission on April 9, 1991. Councilmember Boro moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to accept report. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Shippey, Thayer & Vice -Mayor Breiner NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mulryan 5. AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR TERRA LINDA PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS (Rec) - File 12-5 x 12-15 x 9-3-65 x 9-3-66 Councilmember Shippey asked if they had more precise timing than what was given in the report for the completion of this project. Recreation Director McNamee answered that the precise planning was still in progress, noting they wanted to go to bid tonight, but there is a final draft of the playground equipment and the parents will be reviewing that tomorrow. She also stated that there was a little fundraising still to be done, which should decide how big the playground will be. All the hardscape is designed and done. She stated their goal was to put the project out to bid by the end of this month and complete it by this Summer before the pool season gets heavy, as they do not want construction when the park is busy. Councilmember Shippey moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to Call for Bids for Terra Linda Park Playground Improvements. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Shippey, Thayer & Vice -Mayor Breiner NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mulryan SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/4/91 Page 2 SRCC MINUTES regular) 3/4/91 Page 3 9. APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR EFFICIENCY AUDITS OF ALL CITY DEPARTMENTS (CM) - File 7-4 x 9-2-42 Councilmember Thayer stated that this was a well written report, however, she asked about adding to the scope the question of how employees' morale impacts upon efficiency. She stated that she would like this to be an integral component of the audit, to include all departments. Councilmember Boro moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to approve the request for proposals for the efficiency audit, as modified by Councilmember Thayer. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Shippey, Thayer & Vice -Mayor Breiner NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mulryan 11. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT DEED RE PURCHASE OF TAX -DEFAULTED PROPERTY, AP# 9-010-20 (Murphy Rock) San Rafael, CA (PW) - File 2-15 Councilmember Shippey asked about the location of Murphy Rock. Public Works Director Bernardi stated that Murphy Rock had been graded to make part of the levee system and was located basically at the property line between Canalways and Spinnaker Unit Two, where the levee makes a sharp bend. Mr. Shippey asked if the public will have access to it. Mr. Bernardi answered affirmatively. He also stated that one of the reasons it was acquired was because it is a link to the overall levee system around Spinnaker Point. Vice -Mayer Breiner asked how big was Murphy's Rock. Mr. Bernardi responded that it was approximately 200 square feet. Councilmember Shippey moved and Councilmember Boro seconded, to adopt Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Grant Deed for Murphy Rock. RESOLUTION NO. 8350 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY TO PURCHASE TAX -DEFAULTED PROPERTY, AP# 9-010-20 (MURPHY ROCK) AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Shippey, Thayer & Vice -Mayor Breiner NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mulryan 14. PRESENTATION OF CALIFORNIA PARK AND RECREATION SOCIETY COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD RECEIVED BY SAN RAFAEL CHILD CARE TASK FORCE (Rec) - File 228 x 9-2-4 x 109 Councilmember Boro stated that the Child Care Task Force completed its work last year and presented its report to the Council. One of the first steps was to form the Child Care Advisory Committee which met for the first time last Wednesday night. He stated that there were six areas the Committee will be focusing on. One step was to get and sustain the interest of schools, government and businesses in this arena of child care. Dixie School District was part of this charge and one of their new schools is intending, with the approval of the City, to establish child care on two campuses. He stated that this was a great step forward, noting there are now Federal funds available. Via the Child Care Block Grant, the State of California will receive $160 million in fiscal year 1991-92 and this will be apportioned via the Board of Supervisors. Coordinator Terry DeMartini indicated that the Board will be looking for groups such as San Rafael's Child Care Task Force to work with the County on the appropriations of this money. Councilmember Boro stated that the other item discussed at the last meeting was the Marin Community Foundation funds. He stated that two members of the Foundation will speak to the Committee at the next meeting of the Task Force, March 20th. Mr. Bruce Raful, member of the Park and Recreation Commission, presented the Society Community Volunteer Award to Vice -Mayor Breiner. He stated that this is given to an agency in the City that contributes significantly to the community. He stated that there are over 6,200 children in San Rafael, 4,000 of whom need child care services and 1,700 who actually get them. They are continuing to work on this. He stated their appreciation to Councilmember Boro as Chairman. He also gave a presentation made by the children of the San Pedro School, where there is new child care center. Also presented to Council were "thank you" notes written by Short School Children's Center. Vice -Mayor Breiner thanked all involved for their participation in this project. Councilmember Thayer commended Councilmember Boro on the hard work he put into this Task Force, stating that this was probably the only program like it in Marin County and it is a great achievement. Councilmember Shippey added his appreciation to Councilmember Boro for his participation on this Task Force. SRCC MINUTES (Reqular) 3/4/91 Page 3 SRCC MINUTES kRegular) 3/4/91 Page 4 15. SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS (Rec) - File 12-5 x 12-15 x 9-3-65 x 9 -3-66 Recreation Director McNamee gave a brief history of the site at 602 B Street in front of the San Rafael Community Center and Albert Park. She stated that little over a year ago the house on the site, 602 B Street, was torn down, noting they received permission from the Council at that time to spend approximately $60,000 to pave the area and referred to the approved plan at that time. She noted the Council asked staff to take this design and the need to improve lighting at Albert Park and review it with the Design Review Board and the Park and Recreation Commission to make sure it correlated with the Albert Park Master Plan. She stated they hired a designer, whose plan was estimated to cost $240,000. Since this was considered a very high figure by Park and Recreation Commission and Design Review Board, they were asked if they could do it for less money. They tried to keep the basic footprint of the plan with pedestrian access that linked both B Street and the Park to the Center. The other improvement considered was the traffic circulation in the parking lot that would be achieved by adding a new exit nearer to the Safeway lot. She noted the plan included in the Council's packet keeps that pedestrian access, improves circulation and does increase parking spaces. She stated the budget figure for this is $150,000 and noted they have $21,000 currently, which was left over from the Albert Park Lighting Project. Ms. McNamee asked Council for direction in terms of the relative priority of this project, knowing the budget constraints, indicating the lot is secure as it is currently enclosed by a chain link fenc( Public Works Director Bernardi then explained the three plans for the parking lot. Vice -Mayor Breiner asked if the first plan was the design before it went before the Committee. Mr. Bernardi replied that it was based upon the Committee's input. Ms. McNamee stated that when it went before the Design Review Board, they asked if it could be redone at less cost. She then referred to the third plan which included less demolition and replacement of hardscape, which constrained how many parking spaces they could get. Mr. Bernardi then showed the difference between the second plan and the third plan, which is 15 parking spaces in the second and 11 in the third plan. That was determined by the landscaping that would be done. Ms. McNamee stated that the third plan, which costs $150,000, does not include any landscaping because of budget restraints and the present water conditions. They would put in equipment for future irrigation, when funds would be available to do the landscaping and there is a better water environment. Councilmember Thayer asked if this was included in the Capital Improvement list. Ms. McNamee indicated it was. Ms. Thayer then asked its ranking. Mr. Bernardi responded that it was in the overall Capital Improvement list under Albert Park. Ms. Thayer asked how it was prioritized on this list. Mr. Bernardi responded he did not know. City Manager Nicolai stated that this became an issue when the house at that site became available for demolition. It was brought to the point where the Council allocated the $60,000 to have the house torn down. She said it then evolved into the $240,000 plan, and because of the Agency's current funding situation, there is not much flexibility in choosing between the projects already started and this one. She stated that if the new list of projects is approved, there will be greater flexibility to have some funding in there to possibly do the modified plan. Ms. Nicolai said that even in the new plan, the funding is still tight. She stated they were showing Council the latest modified version of this plan to help them understand what staff is trying to accomplish. Councilmember Thayer said that her concern was that they could not prioritize this project until funding became available. She asked if this could be covered by Redevelopment funding. Ms. Nicolai responded that it could, but it is not specifically listed as a project funded by the Agency, noting said there was no money available now. Councilmember Boro asked about the item in the Design Review Board minutes that stated, "The Design Review Board recommended the plan be approved, but eliminate some of the architecturally textured pavement to cut cost". He asked if this would eliminate parking spaces or just the design impact. Mr. Bernardi answered just the design impact. Mr. Boro asked why the number of spaces was reduced to 11 from 19 on the original plan when one of the priorities was parking. Mr. Bernardi stated that this was an issue they wanted feedback on from the Council in order to proceed. He stated that it depends of what the main goal is, parking spaces or landscaping. Mr. Boro asked what the cost would be if they dressed up the project and achieved 19 parking spaces. Mr. Bernardi stated that the second plan showed the possibility of 19 parking spaces. Ms. McNamee stated that this plan does not achieve the circulation needed and the pedestrian access. She went on to explain the different aspects of the plans. Mr. Boro asked how the cost went from 15 to 11 parking spaces when they designed the last plan. Ms. Nicolai stated that that did not include the parallel parking included in the second plan and the landscaping is less than the other plans. Mr. Boro stated that he would like to see the parking maximized, but at the same time not take away from the enhancements to the property. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/4/91 Page 4 SRCC MINUTE (Regular) 3/4/91 Page 5 Councilmember Shippey stated he had a concern of setting a new precedent of taking money from one area to pay for another area, that is the use of the bedroom tax for something other than active recreational facilities. He stated it was his concern that they not do that unless there was a clear, pressing need and it does not seem that there is, since they were a month or two away from learning about Redevelopment III. He strongly urged the Council against doing anything to alter the policy for which they allocate bedroom tax expenditures. Sandy Lollini, President of the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association, stated that they were concerned about the lighting and security of this area, and the appearance within the neighborhood. She asked if the City could tear down the chain link fence surrounding this property, level it, and provide some lighting to provide security for pedestrian access in that area. She mentioned that the neighborhood was trying to improve the appearance of the property, and make it a more safe access for the people who live in the Gerstle Park area. Vice -Mayor Breiner stated that they did not want to spend money now until the decision has been made as to what will be done with this property. She asked staff if the City was paying rent on the chain link fence. Mr. Bernardi stated it was less than $100 a year. Councilmember Shippey asked if this was an issue of safety or visibility (appearance). Mr. Bernardi suggested that if the chain link fence was removed, the wooden fence that is parallel to the entry driveway into the Recreational Center should be removed, too. He stated the cost to do this would be fairly minimal, but there would still be an area that was not landscaped and a place where people could dump trash. Ms. Nicolai stated tha. the problems existed when the house was still standing, with regard to homeless people and fires, etc. Her concern was to get some sense of direction from Council as to what direction to go with this property. She stated that they are trying to accomplish getting the right amount of parking spaces and keeping the appearance up to good standards for the least amount of money possible. Councilmember Thayer asked about the lighting problem and the improvements that could be made. Mr. Bernardi stated that they would have to run new electrical service to that point and would be done as part of the overall improvements, noting there are no wires currently available at this property. Ms. McNamee suggested that the $21,000 left over from the Albert Park Lighting Project could be used for this. Ms. Thayer said the second concern that she had was in reference to the trade-off in landscaping versus parking spaces, vis-a-vis cost. She stated that the aesthetic value is important in that this is a "gateway" to the whole neighborhood and should be improved, but there is also the need for parking spaces. She asked if further review could be done from a design standpoint to see if the parking could be maximized without losing any of the aesthetics and keeping it within a price range that is workable. Councilmember Boro responded to Ms. Lollini's statement about the chain link fence by stating that it would probably be more trouble if the fence came down without improvement to the property, because of the issues of trash dumping, etc. He asked if they could possibly rent lighting for now, to light the lot at night. He requested staff to pursue this versus putting this lighting plan in motion, noting his concern was if they put money into this and then have to redo the whole project. He stated that they could do something on an interim basis to make this a more secure and safe location. Mr. Bernardi stated they would look into this. Councilmember Shippey asked if they did take the fence down now, would that provide the parking needed. Mr. Bernardi stated that it would be inaccessible due to a mud problem and a higher liability situation with the possibility of claims against the City. Ms. Nicolai stated that a short term lighting project would be more viable than renting the equipment to light this lot. She asked if the Council would prefer to go for the $240,000 or the $150,000 improvement plan. Councilmember Shippey asked how critical parking was at this site. Ms. Nicolai stated that parking was probably one of the most important issues in this. Councilmember Boro stated that he would prefer the plan that gives more parking, and also dresses the whole center up. He asked how they planned on lighting the chain link area, i - they were to do the lighting, as requested. Ms. Nicolai stated she does not know at this time, depending on the location needed most. Vice -Mayor Breiner stated that she thinks they need to look into it and come back to the Council with more information. She asked if there was some way to keep the expense on the lower side and still maintain parking by trimming some of the landscaping that is closer tc the pathway from B Street. Ms. McNamee stated that this would mean more demolition and it is part of Albert Park and they were trying not to interfere with the Park area. Ms. Breine asked if there was some way of compressing the landscaping and shifting the paths without removing the planters that belong to Albert Park. Mr. Bernardi made another suggestion of modification to the third plan. Vice -Mayor Breiner stated that she understood the Council wanting the greatest number of parking spaces at the lowest cost with the aesthetic value in place. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/4/91 Page 5 . .11SRCC MINUTE.` Regular) 3/4/91 Page 6 Councilmember Shippey stated that he thought if they were correlating cost to parking spaces, maybe they should consider fewer parking spaces and just pedestrian access and let the street serve as parking spaces. He stated he likes the landscaping, especially if it costs less. Mr. Bernardi stated that the parking spaces on the first plan cost almost $17,000 a parking space and $3,500 a parking space in the alternate plan. Vice -Mayor Breiner stated that was a major difference. She asked if Council agreed with the newest plan where circulation is vastly improved, as well as the pedestrian access. Mr. Bernardi said they would try to see if they could put a few more parking spaces into this plan. Councilmember Thayer asked if they could put in a type of lighting that would be compatible with any fence they choose, because of the safety issue. Ms. Lollini stated her concern about saving some of the trees that were already there and having the ability for a school bus to turn around in the parking area when children are brought to the Center. Vice -Mayor Breiner stated that the Committee felt that it was very important to have the two-way circulation into and out of the parking lot. She suggested that they send this back to staff for one more review and have the lighting as part of that review. Councilmember Boro stated that he thought they should look at this in two ways. They should look at this for the long term and, also, the safety issue with pros and cons about the fence and lighting currently needed on an interim basis. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M. e*%^-. JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF , 1991 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/4/91 Page 6