HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1992-06-01SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/1/92
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IN CONFERENCE ROOM 201 OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992, AT
7:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. Discussion of Litigation.
No Closed Session was held.
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992, AT
7:30 PM
Regular Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Councilmember
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Dorothy L. Breiner,
Councilmember
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Michael A. Shippey,
Joan Thayer, Councilmember
Absent: None
Also Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, City Manager (arrived @ 8:55 PM)
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Suzanne M. Drake, Deputy City Clerk
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE
I. TRAFFIC PROBLEM IN GERSTLE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD - File 11-1 x 163 x 2-1-
11
Sandy Lollini, President of Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association,
requested Council pull the current staff report which was submitted
for this meeting. She felt it was not adequate for the problem and
showed the Council a 45 page report which she felt would save the City
money and resolve the traffic problems in their neighborhood.
She stated she would continue to bring this to the attention of the
Council until something was done to resolve this problem in a way
acceptable to the Neighborhood Association.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Breiner seconded, to approve
the recommended action on the following Consent Calendar items:
ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION
2. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting of May 5, Approved as
submitted.
1992 (CC)
3. Report on Annual Filings - Fair Political Practices Accepted
report.
Commission Forms 730, Statements of Economic Interests
for Designated Employees, Including Consultants (CC) -
File 9-4-3
4. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1615 Approved
final adoption
- AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNI- of Ordinance
No. 1615.
CIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 2.50 TO PROVIDE FOR RECOVERY
OF COSTS RELATED TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING AND
ENFORCEMENT OF CODE AND ZONING VIOLATIONS AND TO ADD
SECTIONS 2.50.010, 2.50.020, 2.50.030 AND 2.50.040 (PW)
- File 13-8 x 10-3 x 10-6 x 9-3-32 x 9-3-40
5. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1616 Approved
final adoption
- AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNI- of Ordinance
No. 1616.
CIPAL CODE TO AMEND CHAPTER 2.36 PROVIDING ARREST
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AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, CODE ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER, SENIOR LAND DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, SUPERVISING
BUILDING INSPECTOR AND OTHER CITY EMPLOYEES AS THE CITY
MANAGER MAY DIRECT (PW) - File 13-8 x 10-3 x 10-6 x
9-3-32 x 9-3-40
6. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1617
final adoption
- ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING TITLE 12
No. 1617.
OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL BY AMEND-
ING AND ADOPTING CHAPTER 12.12 "UNIFORM BUILDING CODE"
(1991 ED.), "UNIFORM BUILDING CODE STANDARDS" (1991 ED.),
CHAPTER 12.14 "UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE" (1991 ED.),
CHAPTER 12.16 "UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE" (1991 ED.), CHAPTER
12.26 "UNIFORM HOUSING CODE" (1991 ED.), CHAPTER 12.32
"UNIFORM SWIMMING POOL, SPA AND HOT TUB CODE" (1991 ED.),
AND CHAPTER 12.38 "UNIFORM SOLAR ENERGY CODE" (1991 ED.)
(PW) - File 1-6-1 x 1-6-3 x 1-6-5 x 1-6-6 x 1-6-7 x 1-6-8
Approved
of Ordinance
8. Resolution Authorizing Director of Public Works to Make ADOPTED
RESOLUTION NO.
Application and Execute Permit to B.C.D.C. for Shoreline NO. 8670 -
AUTHORIZING
Park Improvements - Parcel "A" (Baypoint Lagoon Phase One) DIR. OF
PUBLIC WORKS TO
(PW) - File 5-1-292 x 9-3-66 MAKE APPLICATION
& EXECUTE PERMIT TO
B.C.D.C. FOR SHORELINE
PARK IMPROVEMENTS
- PARCEL "A"
(BAYPOINT
LAGOON PHASE ONE)
11. Acceptance of Strategic Long Range Plan for Computer
report.
Automation (FD) - File 4-3-117
13. Claim for Damages:
a. Michael Glen Owens (PD)
Attorney's
Claim No. 3-1-1623
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner,
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAINED: COUNCILMEMBERS: Shippey
of Special
meeting.)
Accepted
Approved City
recommendation
for denial
of Claim a.
Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
(Abstained from approval of Minutes
Meeting of May 5, 1992 due to absence from
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for further
discussion:
7. REPORT ON WORK PROGRAM TO ANALYZE RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED BY GERSTLE
PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (PW) - File 11-1 x 163 x 2-1-11
Mayor Boro stated he sympathized with the Gerstle Park Neighborhood
Association's concerns and requested comments from the Council as they
went forward with the discussion.
Councilmember Cohen agreed that some of the issues in this report may
need further study which may have cost and time implications, but he
felt it was premature to assume it will cost $10,000 which the City
can not possibly afford to do any of the work necessary to resolve
this problem. Mr. Cohen stated he would be happy to serve on a
committee with the Neighborhood Association to try to identify ways to
attack this problem, if not at once. He stated they should look at
what they can do instead of what they can not do.
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Councilmember Thayer stated she agreed with Councilmember Cohen's
ideas. She stated she was disappointed by the staff report because it
presented a "Catch-22" to the community by saying they could not move
forward until they have traffic studies which the City can not afford
now. She suggested there could be some minor changes which could
possibly be done without much cost to the City up front. Mrs. Thayer
stated she would like to see these items discussed with the City
Public Works Director and have the community involved in these
discussions.
Councilmember Breiner stated she agreed with both Councilmember Cohen
and Thayer.
Councilmember Shippey noted his surprise at the differences between
the two reports, the City's staff report and Mrs. Lollini's 45 page
report. He stated they did not look as if they had been written on
the same subject. He stated he was willing to volunteer to be on this
committee, if they needed another volunteer councilmember.
Councilmember Breiner stated she would like to be on the committee,
too, and Councilmember Shippey stated he would step aside.
Mayor Boro summarized the discussion by stating Councilmembers Cohen
and Breiner would serve on this committee and suggested they contact
Mrs. Lollini with regard to their already formed traffic committee.
He then asked Public Works Director Bernardi to give an explanation of
some of the other issues in the staff report which are currently being
done now.
Public Works Director Bernardi responded that when the recommendations
of the Traffic Advisory Committee were referred to his Department for
review, they did not have an idea of the extent of the improvements
requested by the Neighborhood Association. He stated after an overall
analysis of this information and what was currently on the books with
regard to the engineering analysis, they determined they needed to
start from the beginning with traffic counts and turning movements,
and other issues mentioned in the staff report. He stated he had a
written proposal from the firm of DKS which he had not sent to the
Council yet, looked at the recommendations from the neighborhood, and
based on what they submitted, gave an estimate of $10,000 to do the
work requested. Mr. Bernardi stated that by doing this in-house, he
estimated it would take approximately six months of time, but 21,�
months of full-time work by one City staff member. He stated the
problem with doing this in-house was there were no out-of-pocket
expenses, but it would cost the City some amount of money to do this
work. He stated he wanted to make sure the Council was aware of what
resources were being devoted to this project, which is why he wrote
the staff report in that fashion. He also stated they do not have a
Traffic Engineer yet. The position was recently turned down by the
second round of applicants and probably will not have another Traffic
Engineer for at least another four months. He noted there was one
person doing the day-to-day work, as well as the paperwork and the in-
house traffic work. Mr. Bernardi stated this staff member is also
applying for a grant for the Fuel Efficient Traffic System Management,
replacing many traffic signal controllers which are out -dated, is
doing a lot of work with regard to the Canal Area Action Plan, he has
spent time in the Montecito neighborhood, he has been reviewing a
number of EIR's - the traffic elements, working on the Lucas Valley
Inter -Change project, and will be involved with the construction
management of the Merrydale Overcrossing project which will be
starting in about two months. Mr. Bernardi stated he wanted to make
sure the Council knew that they did not consider this project
unimportant, but because of the time needed to do this Gerstle Park
project he wanted the Council to know how it would fit into the "big
picture".
Mayor Boro asked Mr. Bernardi if it would be a good idea for Mr.
Cohen, Mrs. Breiner and Mrs. Lollini to meet with Mr. Bernardi and
start to set some priorities to start on the highest priorities and
those which might need only a "quick fix" so the project can actually
begin. Mayor Boro stated he had done some research and found the sign
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the California Highway Patrol uses to gage speed could be used on "D"
Street and possibly elsewhere throughout the community. He stated
they could do some things to raise people's awareness and some
selective Police enforcement, as well, and then get to some of the
more critical items. Mr. Bernardi stated he had spoken to Acting
Chief Krolak with regard to the CHP radar sign, and found it was
allocated a set number of days per month. Acting Chief Krolak stated
they were working with CHP to this sign in use here in San Rafael.
Mayor Boro stated direction had been given to Mr. Bernardi to check
out how this can be done, and Councilmember Cohen and Breiner should
work with Mr. Bernardi, with a status report to be brought back to
Council with a status of this project and a timeline.
Council accepted report.
9. APPROVAL OF $17,440 CONTRACT WITH WILBUR SMITH ASSOCIATES FOR ST.
VINCENT'S/SILVEIRA TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (Pl) - File 4-10-265 x 9-2-45 x
11-1
Councilmember Thayer commented with regard to Freitas Parkway, stating
she did not know how a traffic study could be done given the fact that
there has been no study with regard to alignment of this road between
the three jurisdictions who are going to be involved. She stated
there has never been a decision between the three jurisdictions, San
Rafael, Marin County and Novato, with regard to McGinnis Parkway as
far as general direction of this road, the location of exits and the
entrance location. She stated she would not like to see money "thrown
down the drain" for a study of something which is really
problematical.
Planning Director Pendoley responded that on Page 2 of Exhibit A there
are three alternatives outlined: 1) no work done; 2) keep McGinnis
where it is now; and 3) extend McGinnis Parkway to Smith Ranch Road
only. He stated they did not have any information yet on extending
this parkway to Highway 37.
Councilmember Thayer stated she felt that if this was to be done in a
piecemeal fashion, how they would get an accurate picture of the
traffic flow. Mr. Pendoley stated the model would assume that
McGinnis Parkway is not extended to Highway 37, but extended no
further than Smith Ranch Road.
Mayor Boro stated the question was what could happen to the St.
Vincent's/Silveira property potentially with this assumption.
Councilmember Thayer suggested this should be viewed within a regional
context. Mayor Boro stated they were not looking beyond the City of
San Rafael, only to Smith Ranch Road. He stated they were not going
to do the next step now. Mr. Pendoley in the first half of the model
it would remain as he had described, and the second half, in which
they would start to explore alternatives. He stated they did have one
alternatives in which they left open the possibility of studying an
extension up to Novato. He stated he would have to come back to the
Council if they needed more clarification on this point. Mrs. Thayer
stated she was concerned because the City would be spending money on a
partial traffic study which involves a roadway which will span three
jurisdictions. She stated her concern on how this would be done in a
piecemeal fashion. Mr. Pendoley stated they were trying to leave room
for an alternative. He stated if they looked at Task 4.2 on Page 3 of
Exhibit A in the staff report, they stated they would ". . .look at a
road connecting St. Vincent's Drive to Silveira Road in order to
provide a North/South connection from Smith Ranch to Marin Interchange
east of Highway 101". If this does not have an adequate capacity to
handle a development scenario developed by the Committee, then they
would need to look at an alternative which would extend McGinnis and
North. He stated this was review as a remote alternative by this
contract, but he was not saying it would absolutely not be studied.
Mayor Boro reiterated the whole point was to see if there was
potential for development at the St. Vincent/Silveira property. He
stated staff was trying to see what they could do within the boarders
of San Rafael, using the arterials which they currently have.
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Councilmember Breiner asked Mr. Pendoley if this was the first time
that extension of North Redwood has been articulated. Mr. Pendoley
answer he did not know. Mrs. Breiner stated she was very encouraged
with this being explored as a possibililty. She stated she felt they
did need more alternative routes to Highway 101, no matter what
happens farther North in terms of Hamilton and St. Vincent's at this
point. She stated she felt this has value for the City in the long -
run, no matter what the City ends up with in terms of development on
the project in question. She stated she knew this was not the total
picture, but it may be so far in the future that some of these things
will be needed.
Councilmember Shippey stated that regardless of Mrs. Thayer's position
that they would like to see any of extension of this roadway, he
thought it would be a good idea to try to get a picture of the
theoretical affect on traffic of having these extensions constructed.
He stated this would probably be better than what they had now in
terms of this resolution to this traffic extension. He asked Mr.
Pendoley if when talking about their different options, it will
construct a picture with the feeling for the overall pattern and see a
type of continuum of adding more through routes. Mr. Pendoley
responded that this was probably true. He stated one of the concerns
has been does the decision to develop out on the St.
Vincent's/Silveira property mean that McGinnis Parkway has to be
extended. He stated the other thing given in this study would be to
identify some of the thresholds, looking at the need for certain
extensions with the number of units built. He stated this would be a
way of testing the questions with regard to what is needed per number
of units.
Councilmember Thayer restated her concern because the McGinnis Parkway
project has ramifications beyond the potential development capacity of
the St. Vincent's/Silveira property. She stated it has been offered
as an alternative to Highway 101 and if the City looks at it from only
one side, without looking at the larger picture, it will probably be a
very faulty study. She noted it should be a cumulative effort in both
directions of Highway 101.
Mayor Boro clarified what Councilmember Thayer had said in that they
were looking at McGinnis Parkway as an alternative to Highway 101,
then the expensive study she talked about was appropriate. However,
when evaluating the restraints on St. Vincent's/ Silveira to see what
is needed to go forward, can St. Vincent's/Silveira be developed with
only a certain portion of the McGinnis Parkway being developed as
outlined in the staff report is going beyond this. He stated they
were trying to test what the capacity would be at St.
Vincent's/Silveira, not the need for the expansion of the road.
Councilmember Cohen stated he agreed that an extension of McGinnis
Parkway through Novato to Highway 37 is a controversial issue which
will need to be studied by three jurisdictions, which will, also,
probably be more expensive. He stated that before the City gets
involved in a tri -jurisdictional study like this, he would need to
know what the impacts on San Rafael would be. He felt this current
study being proposed would help make this decision, to be involved in
a tri -jurisdictional study of this expansion. Mr. Cohen stated that
if they decide that the City does not need any extension on the
McGinnis Parkway, there is no point in trying to pull together the
City of Novato and County of Marin to study the entire regional
impact.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Breiner seconded, to adopt
the Resolution approving the $17,440 contract with Wilbur Smith
Associates for St. Vincent's/Silveira traffic analysis.
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RESOLUTION NO. 8671 - APPROVING A $17,440 CONTRACT WITH WILBUR
SMITH ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE A TRAFFIC ANALYSIS FOR
THE ST. VINCENT'S/SILVEIRA PROPERTY
AYES:
Boro
NOES:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey & Mayor
COUNCILMEMBERS: Thayer
COUNCILMEMBERS: None
10. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH WILLIAM LISKAMM TO ACT AS A COMPETITION
ADVISOR FOR THE ST. VINCENT'S/SILVEIRA STUDY (Pl) - File 4-10-266
Councilmember Thayer stated she had a couple of recommendations with
regard to this proposal. She stated that in a conversation with some
Marin Conservation League members, they stated their concern that this
particular competition in that they felt that it would be totally
development oriented, rather than considering suggestions from other
segments of the community. She asked to whom this competition would
be sent.
Mayor Boro referred to Planning Director Pendoley and stated that the
MCL (Marin Conservation League) is a member of the St.
Vincent's/Silveira Committee.
Planning Director Pendoley responded that at the last Committee
meeting this was discussed at great length and the Committee made it
clear that they want this competition to have several alternatives -
at least three alternatives within the competition - and they are very
interested in inviting firms and non-profit agencies, such as MCL or
the Greenbelt Alliance, etc., to compete under one alternative which
would be particularly environmentally sensitive which would put the
maximum emphasis on environmental protection. Mr. Pendoley stated
that certain firms will be invited to participate in that category
only to be sure they get a response.
Councilmember Thayer asked if the competitors will be aware of the
results of the constraints' analysis before they bid. Mayor Boro
stated that over the next three months the Committee will come up with
a structure for the bidding and in there will be all the constraints
and all the opportunities, and listed according to what is decided
tonight.
Councilmember Shippey stated he understood from the Committee that it
would be viable to get groups other than architectural firms to
approach the competition and to focus on environmentally sensitive
approaches. He asked Mr. Pendoley if this was a first time to
emphasize this as a guideline or criterion, which would make it a
little different from anything which has been done before in this type
of process. Mr. Pendoley responded he did not know enough about the
competitions that have been done to date to know how different this
was, but he thought the idea of having several alternatives would be
unusual and adding a range of things competing against each other will
be unusual. Mr. Shippey stated that the idea of having interest
groups other than architectural firms was unusual. Mr. Pendoley
agreed with this.
Councilmember Shippey moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to
approve the $7,000 contract with William Liskamm for professional
advisory services.
RESOLUTION NO. 8672 - APPROVING A $7,000 CONTRACT WITH WILLIAM H.
LISKAMM TO PROVIDE COMPETITION ADVISOR SERVICES
FOR THE ST. VINCENT'S/SILVEIRA STUDY
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
12. a. AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF $3,000 FROM FEDERAL DRUG ASSET SEIZURE
FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE AND REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT (PD) - File 9-3-
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30 x 13-15 x 4-10-114
b. AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF $70,000 FROM FEDERAL DRUG ASSET SEIZURE
FUNDS FOR A SUMMER YOUTH WORK PROGRAM (PD) - File 9-3-30 x 13-15 x
4-10-114 x 9-3-40
Councilmember Thayer stated she thought this was a great idea and a
good use of those funds. She suggested they use equal opportunity in
this program, with regard to appealing to female teenagers, as well as
males. Public Works Director Bernardi stated that they already have
this program in place and have hired a number of young girls over the
last few years who have worked harder than some of the boys. He
stated they were equal opportunity.
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Page 8
Mayor Boro stated that in discussion with the City Manager about this
and found that the reason it was before the Council was that normally
it is funded within the Public Works' Budget and due to the budget
constraints the City will have in 1992/93, the idea to use the Drug
Asset Seizure Funds was brought forward. He stated this would also
focus on another new group of high risk youngsters.
Councilmember Thayer moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to
adopt Resolutions for both items 12a and 12b as follows:
a. RESOLUTION NO. 8673 - AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
TO SPEND FEDERAL DRUG ASSET SEIZURE FUNDS FOR
THE PURCHASE AND REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
($3,000)
b. RESOLUTION NO. 8674 - AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
TO SPEND FEDERAL DRUG ASSET SEIZURE FUNDS TO
FUND A SUMMER YOUTH WORK PROGRAM SUPERVISED
BY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ($60,000 -
$70,000)
AYES:
Mayor Boro
NOES:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCILMEMBERS: None
14. PUBLIC HEARING - ED91-16 - APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S
DECISION OF FEBRUARY 25, 1992, REQUIRING THE FACADE TO BE RESTORED TO
THE ORIGINAL LEADED TRANSOM WINDOWS; 919 FOURTH STREET, AP #11-263-03;
CLARA ORIDE, OWNER AND APPELLANT (Pl) - File 10-7
Mayor Boro stated the Public Hearing was closed, but Council was
considering this item for additional information to be provided by
staff.
Councilmember Shippey asked with regard to the extreme difference in
the estimates of $19,000 from the owner and $4,500 from the Planning
Department to replace the leaded windows. Planning Director Pendoley
stated the Owner's estimate was not received by the Planning
Department in writing and was a verbal estimate given at the 5/4/92
Council meeting. He stated the estimate from the Planning Department
which was requested by Council was achieved by simply calling a few
firms found in the Yellow Pages of the phone book and getting their
estimates.
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to
adopt the Resolution denying the Appeal and upholding the Planning
Commission's actions. She added that she hoped this type of action on
the Council's part would prevent future behaviors similar to this.
Mayor Boro stated that part of the motion would be that if the owner
fails to comply within 90 days it would be referred back to Council
for abatement.
RESOLUTION NO. 8675 - DENYING THE APPEAL OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION'S DECISION REQUIRING THE PROPERTY OWNER
TO RESTORE THE TRANSOM FACADE TO THE ORIGINAL
LEADED FROSTED GLASS AT 917-919 FOURTH STREET AND
ORDERING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LEADED GLASS
TRANSOM WINDOWS PURSUANT TO THE ORIGINAL
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL OF ED86-71, AP #11-263-08
(within 90 days or be
referred back to Council for abatement)
AYES:
Mayor Boro
NOES:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCILMEMBERS: None
15. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
DELETING CHAPTER 10.28, "BILLIARD ROOM AND POOL HALLS" IN ITS ENTIRETY
FROM THE MUNICIPAL CODE (Pl) - File 13-8 x 1-5
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Page 9
Mayor Boro declared the Public Hearing opened.
Planning Director Pendoley gave a brief explanation of the Ordinance,
stating Chapter 10.28 of the Municipal Code requires a special permit
for billiard halls, with the same requirement in the Zoning Ordinance,
except that the Standards in Chapter 10.28 state there cannot be
billiard tables on the second floor of a building. He stated they
have to be visible from the outside. He noted the Police Department,
after discussion with the Planning Department, felt there was no need
for this kind of provision, as well as Chapter 10.28. They were
satisfied with the Zoning Ordinance which allows the Department to
review these on a case-by-case basis.
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Page 10
Mr. Pendoley stated this question was brought up to the Council
because the City has had a very good proposal for a billiard hall
downtown at 1300 Fourth Street. He stated this appeared to be a very
up -scale operation and, according to other similar operations in the
Bay Area, they attract a very good of crowd for the downtown area.
Mayor Boro clarified a portion of the staff report where the Planning
Commission stated that in light of the fact this is currently being
contained in the Zoning Ordinance, that a use permit would be required
for each use and would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Mr.
Pendoley responded affirmatively.
Councilmember Breiner stated her concern about the hours of operation
of the billiard hall, mainly closing at 2:00 A.M., in that there are
affordable housing units within the vicinity and wanted to be assured
that control of the hours would come back to the Council if there were
any complaints. Mr. Pendoley stated the Planning Commission and
Police Department raised the same issue, the concern about noise. He
stated for this reason, this permit has to be reviewed after the first
six months of operation and a condition of the permit is that the
Chief of Police may call it up for public hearing at the Planning
Commission at any time.
Mayor Boro asked for any responses from the audience, with no
response. Mayor Boro closed the Public Hearing.
The title of the Ordinance was read:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL DELETING CHAPTER 10.28,
'BILLIARD ROOMS AND POOL ROOMS,' FROM THE MUNICIPAL CODE"
Councilmember Shippey asked Mr. Pendoley if there was any age
restriction anywhere in either Ordinance on use of the pool hall. Mr.
Pendoley responded negatively, however, in the Use Permit there is an
age limit and people under 18 years old are not allowed in the room
during school hours.
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to
dispense with the reading of the Ordinance in its entirety and refer
to it by title only, and pass Ordinance No. 1618 to print by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
Mayor Boro
NOES:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCILMEMBERS: None
16. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE SAN
RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 2.37 - PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ZONING, LAND USE AND OTHER VIOLATIONS OF THIS CODE
(PW) - File 13-8 x 10-3 x 10-6 x 9-3-32 x 9-3-40
Mayor Boro declared the Public Hearing opened.
Public Works Director Bernardi explained the purpose of this Ordinance
was to follow-up the Ordinances that were previously adopted by the
City Council which gave staff enforcement power for the various zoning
and land use issues that come before the City from time to time. He
stated this particular Ordinance sets forth penalties for violation of
those Ordinances and he recommended passing the Ordinance to print.
Councilmember Thayer stated she had feedback from the North San Rafael
Coalition indicating they are very much in favor of this particular
Ordinance. She stated that in the past, there are zoning violations
which have been very difficult to follow-up on and to punish, even
when they were done intentionally. She stated she was happy to see
this, as well as the Neighborhood Association.
There being no further input, the Public Hearing was closed.
Mayor Boro stated the maximum fine was $500.00 and asked Mr. Bernardi
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why they did not put in a progressive fine, i.e., a specific amount
per day vs. a flat fine. Mr. Bernardi stated the bail schedule was
not part of the Ordinance. He stated this would go out to a trio of
judges that review bails for various jurisdictions. Mr. Bernardi
explained the bail schedule: 1) $50.00; 2) $100.00; and, if it occurs
on the third consecutive day, 3) $150.00; and the last step 4)
$500.00.
Councilmember Breiner suggested this should be publicized possibly
through the newspapers, to give the public a chance to comply with the
law.
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The title of the Ordinance was read:
"ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD
CHAPTER 2.37 - PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ZONING,
LAND USE AND OTHER VIOLATIONS OF THIS CODE"
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to
dispense with the reading of the Ordinance in its entirety and refer
to it by title only, and pass Charter Ordinance No. 1619 to print by
the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
17. PRESENTATION AND REPORT FROM COUNCIL FORMED TASK FORCE ON WILDLAND
URBAN INTERMIX THREAT ANALYSIS (FD) - File 13-5 x 9-3-31 x 1-6-4
Mayor Boro announced that Fire Chief Marcucci had an accident this
weekend and would be unable to present this item. He stated it will
be rescheduled, possibly for the next Council meeting on July 6, 1992.
18. APPROVAL OF COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEE AND TIMELINE RE DESIGN OF BOYD
COURT 31 -UNIT CONDOMINIUM PROJECT (Pl) - File 5-1-322 x 10-7
Mayor Boro stated the staff report was self-explanatory. He stated
the Planning Commission has already appointed two people, and noted he
wanted to appoint, with the approval of the Council, himself and
Councilmember Cohen. He asked Planning Director Pendoley if the
Design Review Board had acted yet. Mr. Pendoley answered they had
not, but they would be meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, 1992.
Mayor Boro stated Mr. Pendoley had recommended Lionel Ashcroft as a
representative of the Cultural Affairs Commission, and suggested the
Council might want to consider this. He also stated this would make
up a total of nine (9) on the Committee. Mayor Boro asked Council for
opinions on the representatives from the area. He stated Council had
received one letter tonight from Dan Southard indicating his interest
in wanting to serve.
Councilmember Breiner asked with regard to the statement, "Interest
letters from other residents are attached" on Page 2 in the staff
report, that there were none attached. Mr. Pendoley stated that was a
mistake, because he thought they had received letters, but had not.
Councilmember Cohen stated he had received a letter of interest and he
suggested Emil St. Augustine who is a resident of the neighborhood and
one of the signers of the Appeal, to be an area representative. He
also supported staff's suggestion that Dr. Scher be asked to serve on
this committee. He stated he felt the Council's and Planning
Commission's support for affordable housing has been well expressed
and will be well represented.
Councilmember Thayer moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to
approve the work program and the composition of the Committee, which
includes Option 1 in the staff report including Lionel Ashcroft as a
member of this committee.
Mayor Boro asked Mr. Pendoley to contact Mr. Southard and tell him he
has not been selected for this committee, but we will apprise him of
when the workshops will be held which will be public meetings.
Chris Craiker, Architect for the project, stated he had no argument
with the way the committee was being made up, but felt the two other
people who have volunteered to be on the committee should be
considered to keep the balance in the committee right. He indicated
there were other people in the area who are not against this project
and he felt they should have representation, too.
Mayor Boro stated there were seven people representing agencies of the
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City - Planning Commission, Public Works, Cultural Affairs, Design
Review and City Council. He stated that, hopefully, with those
individuals plus the two from the public at large, there should be a
good balance of opinion there.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
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19. VERBAL REPORT ON STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF LIBRARY (PW) - File 9-3-61
x 9-3-40
Public Works Director Bernardi stated they did not have a staff report
for the meeting because information was developing as late as 5:00 PM
this afternoon. He stated that when this was brought to the Special
Meeting of May 14, 1992, the City Council gave his staff some charges
to bring back information to this meeting with regard to the temporary
structural repairs to brace the building, and analyze this in terms of
cost and how quickly it could be accomplished, and whether or not this
would make it feasible to reopen the Library during the time that the
permanent repairs were being designed and implemented. He stated they
were to compare this information with available rental space in the
downtown area, which was preferable to some other area. He stated
during the last week his staff had been very busy looking for
available spaces, noting they looked at four different locations in
the downtown. He stated Library Director Stratford would be giving
them a description of these spaces. Mr. Bernardi stated he thought
the preferred space will be the "E" Street School building in the old
gymnasium.
Mr. Bernardi stated he would be dealing with the temporary bracing
issue. He stated that he and City Manager Nicolai met with Harold
Engle on the emergency seismic bracing. He stated Mr. Engle had
developed a couple of options, one of which was termed "minimum
temporary bracing" and which was estimated at $100,000. The other
option was "maximum temporary bracing" and would cost approximately
$170,000. He stated about one-half of the cost of the second option
could be salvaged in permanent repair of the structure so that all
that would be built with the temporary bracing would not be thrown
away. He explained the City would probably save approximately $50,000
to $75,000 and be able to utilize this in the permanent repair
process. He explained temporary bracing provides enough reinforcement
in the building to anchor both ends of the building which would then
allow the building to be reopened. He stated for either option, the
maximum timeline would probably be four one-half to five months to
fully implement and get in place. Mr. Bernardi stated the maximum
deals with providing an interim bracing between both ends of the
building at two separate locations. He stated there would be a
triangular shaped brace coming out of the building onto Mission
Avenue, but it will not extend out into the right-of-way, but there
will be some large triangular towers adjacent to the Library.
Mr. Bernardi stated he was recommending only the minimum bracing at
this time, depending on the information regarding rental space
available.
(City Manager Nicolai arrived at the meeting.)
City Manager Nicolai stated they have been spending a lot of time
during the last four days in attempting to locate a building which
could be used for a temporary library site. She stated her concern
with regard to the triangular braces which would be used in the
maximum bracing option. She recommended against doing the temporary
bracing at this time. She understood that if this could be done
quickly, the Library could be kept open during this construction time.
She stated they looked into portable buildings which could be placed
on City property and compared this cost to some of the sites in the
downtown area which might be rentable along with the temporary bracing
alternative. She stated there were a couple of issues which were
critical in this evaluation: 1) Handicapped accessibility, and 2)
whether the floor load can accommodate shelves and the weight of
books. She stated their recommendation at this time was to rent a
temporary site, and they were looking at one which might be
appropriate. She noted there were some minor details which needed to
be worked out. Another alternative they were looking at was adding a
new entrance to the old building, in front of the Carnegie Building.
She stated there were some definite problems involved in this.
Ms. Nicolai stated that a move, either into a portable or rental site,
would cost approximately $20,000, both the move out and the move back
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in because it requires a lot of work moving the books and tearing down
shelves.
Ms. Nicolai discussed the funding of this. She stated that because
the main library building will not be used for at least eight months,
there should be a savings of utilities, as well as the reduced staff
during this time. She stated that the site they were considering does
not have as much space and will, therefore, be less costly.
Ms. Nicolai stated they have not been able to get the movers'
estimates in a timely manner and she was not able to give any
information on that.
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Mayor Boro commended Ms. Nicolai and Mr. Stratford, along with his
staff, for the work they have done within the last few days in looking
at various sites and getting this information together.
Councilmember Shippey asked Ms. Nicolai since they did not have a
lease signed yet, could she give them a time estimate of how long it
will take to move into a temporary facility. Ms. Nicolai stated there
were some things which needed to be done before they can move into
this site, noting that between 2 to 3 weeks the move could probably be
done. Mr. Shippey asked if a structural engineer had looked at the
new temporary location and Mr. Bernardi answered affirmatively and
that it was the same engineer being used in the Library itself.
Mr. Shippey asked when Council could get something to review with
regard to the permanent fix to the Carnegie building. Mr. Bernardi
estimated six weeks.
Councilmember Cohen stated his concern that this work would be done in
an architecturally desirable manner, noting it would be worth the time
taken to do this right.
Ms. Nicolai stated that the other six they originally talked about
would not entail any exterior change in the appearance. The only
exterior change would be putting the bracing on if done in a temporary
way. She said this does not compare with leasing space in the
interim.
Mayor Boro stated this was not a Public Hearing, but invited the
public to talk to the Council with any questions.
Joseph Strickler, a 37 -year resident of San Rafael, stated his concern
with regard to the Reference Section of the Library. He asked when
and how much of the Section would be moved. He stated he was a
practicing accountant and needed this Section to do his work.
Library Director Stratford explained they were planning to move a
small part of the Reference Section, with the Business area a primary
component of this.
Robert Neuhouse, a 45 -year resident of San Rafael, asked why it took
so long to discover this problem when the large earthquake was in
1989? Mayor Boro responded that the Architect who designed the
addition to the Library which was built in the late 1950's happened to
be in the Library about a month ago and happened to notice some cracks
in the ceiling. He explained once these were found, they brought a
structural engineer in to look at the problem. Mr. Bernardi stated
they went through the building and there was nothing obvious, based on
their physical inspection of the building. He explained that the
cracks which are occurring are not related to any earthquake, but were
related to how the building was constructed. He explained that the
roof beams were pre -cast at a factory and brought in to the site with
post -tensioning in them. He stated what happens over time was they
tend to shrink and because of that compression in the beam tends to
tear it apart. He stated what is occurring is because of the length
of time these beams have been here as opposed to an earthquake.
Mr. Neuhouse then asked about the possibility of using warning signs
on these buildings. Councilmember Breiner stated they did not want to
put the employees working in the building at risk. Ms. Nicolai stated
this has been done with buildings downtown that are unreinforced
masonry. She stated in those buildings it can be the judgment of the
property owner, but in this instance a structural engineer has stated
that the structural problems with this particular building are more
hazardous than the unreinforced masonry building, in that the whole
building could collapse. She stated the engineers were very clear
that the earthquake would have to be very significant and the
epicenter would have to be quite close.
Mayor Boro stated they had a verbal report, and asked Ms. Nicolai to
come back to the Council in two weeks for the next meeting, June 15,
1992, with the specifics on the potential lease and asked for a
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procedure for this during the interim. Ms. Nicolai asked for
authorization to negotiate the pending lease and proceed with making
arrangements for the move.
Councilmember Cohen stated he wanted to go on record stating he
opposed an unnecessary special meeting on this subject. He also
stated his concern for the portion of the Children's Library which
will be moved to the temporary location.
Councilmember Shippey stated his concern also, with regard to the
Children's Library.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to 1)
Authorize the City Manager to sign a lease for a temporary building to
move part of the Library during the renovation, when an acceptable
building is found, and 2) To close the Library until the permanent
work has been completed, with an appropriate timeframe of eight
months, and to return to Council with a report in two weeks at the
June 15, 1992 meeting.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
20. STATUS REPORT ON WEST FRANCISCO STORM DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN (PW) -
File 12-9 x 9-3-40
Public Works Director Bernardi brought the Council up to date on what
has been accomplished in the last three or four years. He stated they
have been working closely with CalTrans on this project, in that
CalTrans will be paying most of the bill for this. He stated they
would continue to update Council as the project progresses.
Councilmember Shippey asked where the list of alternatives was from
which this was selected in terms of who was better qualified for this
project. Mr. Bernardi stated this had a double benefit of not only
being the best alternative, but they are also paying for it. Mr.
Bernardi stated that in the Bret Harte Preliminary Drainage Report a
number of alternatives were listed from Plan "A" to "D2", with their
varying prices.
Councilmember Thayer asked if the recommended Plan "D2" would be less
susceptible on the subsidence which they had problems with prior to
this time. Mr. Bernardi stated it will be designed with subsidence in
mind so that the system will be deep enough at the onset to take care
of any projected settlements of the upstream system in the future,
which should resolve any problems.
Councilmember Breiner asked Mr. Bernardi if the unsightly pump near
the harbor center would be demolished if they go forward with this
plan. Mr. Bernardi responded that it would not go away completely,
but can be greatly reduced. Mrs. Breiner asked for assurance from Mr.
Bernardi that the new pump station will be better looking.
Councilmember Shippey moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to
accept the status report.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
22 SAN RAFAEL HOMELESS AREA TASK FORCE REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL (CM) -
File 13-16
(Taken out of order per Mayor Boro's request.)
City Manager Nicolai stated Councilmember Breiner and Assistant City
Manager Golt are on the Task Force. She requested Council accept
their report tonight and refer it back to her Department because Ms.
Golt is on vacation this week and she, herself, has not had the chance
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Page 18
to pull all the information together due to the emergency Library
problem. She stated she talked with Mr. Dan Paicopulos who would like
to present the Task Force report tonight.
Councilmember Breiner commended the Committee on their leadership,
hard work and good attendance. She stated the community comments were
listened to and heeded and she felt this was one of the best
committees she has served on.
Dan Paicopulos, Co -Chair of the San Rafael Task Force on Homelessness,
gave a brief explanation of the origin of the Task Force. He stated
they were formed with the support of the Homeless Commission, as has
Novato. He stated they were to implement the recommendations of the
Blue Ribbon Committee on Homelessness. He stated the recommendations
made tonight were only for the San Rafael area. He stated the Task
Force was formed from a true cross-section of the neighbors in the
community, which is why it worked so well. This included private
citizens, members of the business community, members of the
Homelessness Commission, Councilmember Breiner, service providers and
neighborhood associations. He stated there were approximately 10
meetings over a period of six months between October and April. There
was a large participation with people who voiced their concerns, and
yet supported the Task Force very well. He stated the committee tried
to incorporate all of the concerns into the committee's
recommendations. Mr. Paicopulos stated they recognized they have done
a poor job in the other committees, in terms of outreach and
education. So the committee went to these groups, including the
Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants' Association.
Mr. Paicopulos stated at the conclusion, they came up with the same
response and they were proud of the leadership shown in San Rafael
with this issue, far more than anyone else in this matter, and they
are also first to bring implemental recommendations to a council. He
stated they primarily tried to minimize the impact on any one
neighborhood and share the opportunity throughout the community. He
stated their recommendations relied on the existing resources and the
expansion of these existing resources, rather than suggest the
creation of another large facility in this County, and they felt they
could expand and minimize the impact of existing facilities. He
stated the committee was urging a faster timeframe due to the fact
that funds are needed. Winter is coming, this process has been going
on for 7-8 months and it is time to let the homeless people and
service providers know that they are ready to take some action. He
asked for action on two things: 1) Acknowledge the dedicated and
committed work that the Task Force performed; and 2) Act on the
creation of a Homeless Advisory Board. He stated that with regard to
the misunderstanding regarding the "Day Services" piece, City
employees will not have to park on the existing vacant P.G.& E. lot.
He stated this was not true.
Bob Blumnfeld, Co -Chair of the San Rafael Task Force on Homelessness,
briefly stated there is currently a feeling of "urgency" from both the
community and the homeless. The businesses have this same urgency in
that the homeless are in front of their stores and it is hurting this
community. He urged the Council to speed the process and give a
concrete signal to the rest of the County that there are actions which
can help the situation.
Bruce Raful, representative of the Task Force working on the Day
Service Center, stated his job for this was to find the real estate
for the Center. He stated he felt it was critical that the Council
recognized the sub -committee to locate a site for the Job Service
Center spent a great deal of time walking and driving around town
looking for the right site for this. He also stated it was critical
not to understate the work that Councilmember Breiner did on the
Committee. He also commended Ms. Nicolai and Mr. Pendoley for sending
Ms. Golt and Ms. Jackson to assist them. He stated they were very
helpful.
Kathleen Magnuson, Canal Area Business and Property Owners'
Association, stated they represented 1,400 property and business
owners in the Canal area. She stated they sent a survey out
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approximately one month ago asking about many problems they are facing
now. She stated 770 of the respondents indicated they did not want a
homeless shelter in the Canal. She indicated that in the General Plan
of May, 1990, there is a section which states, "the size and number of
facilities located in East San Rafael shall be limited to serve the
neighborhood needs only". She stated that the Canal area did not have
a homeless problem at this time, but did have crime and density
problems. She stated their concern was that this increase from 30
beds to 40 beds is going to act as a magnet for more homeless people
to go there. She felt it would not be a temporary but a permanent
facility 24 hours a day. She stated that with regard to the other
problems in the Canal area, they are concerned about the increased
facility in the Canal.
Mayor Boro stated he felt the staff report should include any problems
or complaints they have had from previous facilities to help determine
the possible problems or lack thereof. Ms. Nicolai stated the
expansions should not be voted on tonight because they need to go
through a use permit process.
Elissa Giambastiani, Executive Director of the San Rafael Chamber of
Commerce, stated their Executive Committee did look at the proposal
and is very supportive of it. She stated they wanted to commend the
Task Force for its hard work and sensitivity to the community's
concerns and lent their support to this effort.
Mayor Boro stated his pleasure on the work and effort made by this
Task Force and that San Rafael is so far ahead and he agreed with the
City Manager that the rest of the activities should go through the
normal use permit process. He stated, in his opinion, the strongest
thing needed in this City is the Day Service Center to offer the
homeless people shelter during the day and at the same time should
diffuse some of the problems occurring in the Downtown with them.
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to give
approval for Item #5 for the Homeless Advisory Board. She stated this
group would act as an Ombudsman and would not require City staff
attendance, and this would be very helpful to the leaders of the Task
Force in achieving the next step.
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Mayor Boro summarized this by stating the Council will get a report
back discussing the six options in the report and what needs to
happen, and then advertise to determine who will serve on this
Advisory Committee. He then stated they would look to the providers
to come up with applications to the City so the Council could begin
the process to implement these recommendations.
Ms. Nicolai asked with regard to their recommendation about the seven
members and the representation, did the Council agree with the way the
Task Force has recommended it be made up. Mayor Boro responded
affirmatively.
Councilmember Thayer asked with regard to the seven member committee,
if it would include the various churches in the area who have been
concerned about the homeless situation. She then commended everyone
who has served on the Committee, in that it was a very difficult
committee to serve on, and commended both Mayor Boro and Councilmember
Breiner for her outstanding work.
Councilmember Cohen agreed that Item #5 should be expedited because it
does preclude several of the other items and should be in place before
the Day Service Center can be pursued, if they accepted the proposal.
He stated he would like to see staff move as quickly as possible to
implement this recommendation and identify what committees are to be
made up and ask for applications. He asked if this could be done
within the next two weeks. Ms. Nicolai stated her recommendation was
to include the neighborhoods in the general area, so they could
monitor the actual implementation. Mayor Boro stated the new entity,
The Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, could provide
representatives to this group.
Councilmember Shippey agreed with this. He wanted to clarify that
Council was only voting tonight on accepting the report in concept
and, specifically, the Homeless Advisory Board composition. He stated
they will not be voting on any additional or increased homeless
facilities. Mayor Boro stated this was correct. Mayor Boro stated
the staff will come back to Council with a process for them as to how
this might happen. The providers will then initiate this and go
through the process.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Cohen then moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to
give Resolutions of Commendation to the members of this Committee for
their hard work on this project.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer &
Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
21. REPORT ON COUNTYWIDE TRAFFIC MITIGATION FEE PROGRAM (CM) - File 191-
A x 11-1 x 10-2
Mayor Boro introduced Farhad Mansourian, County Public Works
Department, as the speaker for this item.
Farhad Mansourian, Deputy Director of County Public Works, in his
capacity as Manager of the Congestion Management Program, introduced
Mr. Bill Dietrich as the principal owner of DKS, a traffic engineering
firm who has been retained by the Congestion Management Agency to
assist with this program.
Mr. Mansourian gave a brief summary of the proposed Traffic Fee
Ordinance. He stated the concept of this is to be able to come up
with an adequate share of the ability to improve Highway 101. He
stated they were still working on this Ordinance and were not in
entire agreement on this yet.
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Mr. Mansourian then gave a brief summary of the Ordinance and the
Administrative fees involved in this report. He stated this was not a
final product.
Councilmember Breiner asked for clarification on the statements that
there was no exemption for public entities, no credit if a company
relocates, and no provision for exempting nonprofit, and she asked
what the fourth item was. Mr. Mansourian responded that originally
there was no credit for affordable housing, but they did include this
within these items. Mrs. Breiner stated she believed public entities
should have access to exemptions and, if a company relocates, this
should be worthy of a credit.
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Mrs. Breiner asked with regard to Page 5, under "Expiration of
Building Permits", that there should be more time given to submit an
application for a refund of the impact fee instead of the 30 days
given in this Code. She stated her concern about the fairness of the
issue in the same paragraph where any exemption of credit has to be
requested by the fee payer. She stated there should not need to be
two fees paid when an individual purchases property with an approved
development plan which has some credit due. Mr. Mansourian responded
they were trying to keep the administrative part of this to the
absolute minimum. Mrs. Breiner clarified that Mr. Mansourian was
saying the fee payer might not be the same person. He answered
affirmatively. Mrs. Breiner stated the original wording in this was
misleading and should be corrected.
Mrs. Breiner then stated with regard to Page 8, "Change of Use",
something needed to be said about establishing a base. She stated her
concern was that the fee was based on the square footage and whether
or not it is an office or warehouse structure. Mayor Boro summarized
this by saying past experience has been that when someone comes in
initially as a warehouse, which rates smaller traffic, and they pay a
certain fee, and then it is converted to an office, this would
generate more traffic. He asked Mr. Mansourian what they would plan
to do about this. Mr. Mansourian responded that when you go from a
lower traffic generator to a higher one, then an additional fee will
be required. Mrs. Breiner stated her concern was with the third
generation in this building having to pay a fee, too. Mr. Mansourian
stated the third generation would not need to pay a fee. Mrs. Breiner
stated they needed to elaborate on this and change the paragraph for
more clarity.
Councilmember Shippey stated he was surprised that they did not have
more staff report on this item, along with staff reaction to this
report. Mayor Boro stated this was the first draft of this without
action tonight in support or no support. He stated this was just an
overview of what was currently being proposed. He stated that at some
point this would then come back to Council asking for an approval, and
at that point the City's staff would go further. Mr. Bernardi
answered affirmatively. He stated this is the first draft to elicit
comments from Council to go forward to the other entities.
Councilmember Shippey stated he would like to see how the traffic
mitigation fees here would interplay with the current fees for the
City. He also stated that for the exempted groups which were
proposed, he was not sure he understood the rationale behind a
relocating business. Mayor Boro explained his understanding was, when
the term "relocation" is being used, it is when the relocated firm
goes to a new piece of ground which is to be developed - in which case
there would be no exemption. However, if it was going from Building A
to Building B, there would be no fees paid. In summary, Mayor Boro
stated it was on new development, where there is a relocation
involved, that there be no exemption. He stated, in answer to
Councilmember Breiner's question, this is in addition to the City's
fees. Mr. Bernardi stated the City's Traffic Mitigation Fees are now
approximately $2,700 per PM peak trip; this would have to be added to
these numbers.
Councilmember Cohen asked if the Mayor was going to allow comment from
the audience. Mayor Boro answered affirmatively. Mr. Cohen asked for
more clarification on building permits. He stated a concern about the
way the application reads that it needs to be submitted within 30 days
of the expiration of the permit. He stated he agreed with
Councilmember Breiner that this was a very short period of time.
He stated his concern about the statement, "Any exemption of credit no
so requested at the time of reapplication shall be deemed waived by
the fee payer". Her stated he would like to see some language in
there where the fee payer explicitly waives their right to get that
credit. He stated they should not be penalized for this and should be
made aware of this credit.
Mr. Cohen stated his concern about affordable housing. He stated
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affordable housing is very desirable in Marin County to balance out
the job creation in process and will eventually help reduce traffic
congestion on Highway 101. He stated he would like to see a broader
definition of affordable housing. He stated this is very difficult to
achieve at this time when funding is very difficult to get. He stated
he would like to see a goal to support projects that are 1000
affordable and 30% affordable to low income, but these are not coming
along.
Mayor Boro agreed with the comment that the fees are high now, and if
a certain portion of the $510 million is expected to come from
Redevelopment, the shift is going somewhere.
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Councilmember Thayer asked if the fee for a single family detached
dwelling of $5,409.36, was just for improvements along the 101
Corridor. Mr. Mansourian answered affirmatively. Mrs. Thayer asked
whether the City's fee would be about 700 PM peak trips added on to
that, would make it a substantial cost. She also asked about the
disparity between the impact fees for San Rafael and Novato and/or
other jurisdictions. Mr. Mansourian answered by explaining how the
table was derived.
Councilmember Thayer asked with regard to Page 7, why the impact for
nonresidential is based on growth for area, not leasable for area
which contributes to congestion. Mr. Mansourian responded that the
rationale for this was to lower the fees and go with the growth so
nobody could argue about this. He stated this whole thing is based on
what the General Plan would allow.
Councilmember Breiner suggested the committee discuss this with the
Housing Authority to get their comments. Mr. Mansourian stated the
Housing Authority did not attend any hearings on this, even though
they were noticed every time.
Elissa Giambastiani, Executive Director of the San Rafael Chamber of
Commerce, stated the Technical Advisory Committee Mr. Mansourian
referred to has not yet bought off on this particular plan and will
not see it until Friday, and the Congestion Management Committee will
not review it until the end of June. She stated she did not
understand why it is coming up at this time. Mayor Boro responded
that this was just a preliminary familiarization with what is
happening, and after the Congestion Management Committee hears the
plan, Council will need to be brought up to date to instruct the Mayor
on how to vote on this Committee. Mrs. Giambastiani stated this would
have a very prohibitive effect on getting new businesses into downtown
and keeping the current ones here. She stated AutoDesk will pay $5.2
million and Home Depot will have a mitigation fee of $1,800,000. She
also included Sunrise Interiors at $246,000, Honda dealership, and
Kaiser will pay almost $1 million. She stated this will stop any
development in the City and new development will not be able to bear
the cost of this.
Mayor Boro stated, based on congestion management, if the improvements
are not scheduled to go, there will be no development. He stated they
needed to improve the highway congestion problem and, at the same
time, look for reasonable growth to happen.
Councilmember Breiner asked what other communities in Marin County
have Traffic Mitigation Fees at this point. Mr. Mansourian responded
Novato, Larkspur, and Mill Valley, as well as San Rafael. She asked
about the potential of extending Redwood Highway to relieve the amount
of traffic on Highway 101. She asked if this was included for the
community to make some trade-offs on this issue. Mr. Mansourian
answered affirmatively.
Councilmember Cohen stated he felt they needed to proceed cautiously.
He suggested taking Mrs. Giambastiani's comments very seriously with
regard to the effect on the downtown businesses. He also stated if
other counties do not accept this an Marin County does, businesses
will be moving out of Marin County.
Mayor Boro agreed with Councilmember Cohen's comments and asked Mr.
Bernardi to bring back a more complete report on all aspects of the
$510 million to the Council.
Councilmember Breiner stated her concern over the costs and the
effects pointed out by Mrs. Giambastiani. She asked about the
possibility of doing an assessment district or something similar. Mr.
Mansourian responded this was another possibility in lieu of a sales
tax hike. Mr. Bernardi clarified by stating in some areas of San
Rafael, where new development has occurred, assessment districts have
been formed to construct local improvements. He stated this could be
looked at, but he was not sure an assessment district is the right
vehicle to do this. Mayor Boro stated the other reality was that
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there are nine counties in the Bay Area, seven of which have enacted a
sales tax to address this issue, and Marin and Sonoma are the only two
who have not.
Mayor Boro summarized to Mr. Bernardi that when this is brought back
to the Council, all aspects should have been looked at and included to
assist Council in making a decision on this issue.
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23. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
a. MARIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT MEETING - File 151
Councilmember Breiner stated there will be a Water Supply
Workshop put on by the MMWD on Thursday, June 4, 1992 in the
evening, and asked if anyone from the Council would be attending.
City Manager Nicolai stated the Water District was interested in
a Councilmember attending. Mayor Boro stated he and Principal
Planner Hasser would attend.
b. MEETING ON AB939, HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT, THURSDAY MORNING,
JUNE 24, 1992 - File 13-2
Mayor Boro commented on the importance of San Rafael taking the
lead in the County for Hazardous Waste Management and stated
Councilmember Thayer will be attending a meeting on this issue
Thursday morning, June 4, 1992.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
SUZANNE M. DRAKE, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF
1992
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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