Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRA Minutes 1994-02-22SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 2/22/94 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994, AT 7:30 PM Regular Meeting: San Rafael Redevelopment Agency Present: Albert J. Boro, Chairman Barbara Heller, Member Joan Thayer, Member David J. Zappetini, Member Absent: Paul M. Cohen, Member Also Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, Executive Director Gary T. Ragghianti, Agency Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, Agency Secretary CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 PM - CONFERENCE ROOM 201 1. DISCUSSION OF LITIGATION AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS - File R-140 #8 x (SRRA) 1.4.1.a No. 94-5(a) - #4 - Not discussed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE RE: RAFAEL THEATER - File R-324 Irving "Whitey" Litchfield, San Rafael resident, asked for communication regarding $350,000 that was allocated from the Beach Park Road fund and given to the Rafael Theater. He asked where the remainder of the money was coming from and also requested information regarding the Northern California Film Institute. Mr. Litchfield stated the issue of the Rafael Theater should go before the voters for approval. CONSENT CALENDAR Member Thayer moved and Member Zappetini seconded, to approve the recommended action on the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM 2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 7, 1994 (AS) 3. Request for Partial Closure of 5th & D Parking Lot for T&B Sports Event on March 5 & 6, 1994 (RA) - File R-140 #8 X (SRCC) 11-19 RECOMMENDED ACTION Approved as submitted. AYES:MEMBERS: Heller, Thayer, Zappetini & Chairman Boro NOES:MEMBERS: None ABSENT: MEMBERS: Cohen AGENCY CONSIDERATION Approved staff recommendation. 4. REPORT ON THE FARMER'S MARKET AND APPROVAL OF OPERATION CONTRACT WITH MORAN AND ASSOCIATES (RA) - File R-309 x R-181 Assistant Executive Director Jake Ours reported that this is the fifth year since the inception of the Farmer's Market, which has been very successful. He recommended we continue in the same manner as before and that authority be given to sign the contract with Moran and Associates for the 1994 Market. Mr. Ours noted that the SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 2/22/94 Page 1 SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 2/22/94 Page 2 reason for the success of the Market is largely due to Moran and Associates. Brigitte Moran, Moran and Associates, stated that last year's Market was attended by 7,000 - 10,000 people and 35 farmers. Ms. Moran noted they are educating the commu- nity by broadcasting Farmer Reports on radio stations, indicating which produce is in season. This year there will be a new merchant, Great Faces, a local sports store who will be bringing basketball players in so families and kids can get autographs. Ms. Moran presented each Agency Member with last year's T-shirt and described the 1994 T-shirts. Member Thayer commented on how popular the T-shirts are and commended Ms. Moran on the fantastic job she is doing. She asked about upgrading some of the non -produce items such as arts and crafts. Ms. Moran stated that according to Board rules, there is no criteria what can or cannot be sold as long as it is a merchant who is selling, with the exception of no used items. She stated they are trying to help the vendors market themselves better and trying to get the stores to stay open on Thursday nights to take advantage of all the people who are there. Member Zappetini asked for an explanation of the fees. Mr. Ours explained that this year's contract is $1,000 more than last year's. The contract covers the Moran and Associates staff of 3, for a full 12 month period. He explained that although the most intense work is done during the months of the market, it requires work all year long. Previously, Moran and Associates was being paid more in the summer and less during the rest of the year. However, Ms. Moran has had to lay off employees during the off-season. By paying the same amount each month, they would be able to keep the employees all year long. Ms. Moran noted that of the $15,000 original loan, only $3,000 is left to be paid, which will be done this year. Member Zappetini asked what the City will receive once that money is paid off. Ms. Moran stated the Board gave holiday banners to the Downtown, and they anticipate there will be money at the end. Mr. Ours explained they have talked about giving back to Fourth Street, such as street cleaning, holiday decorations, or things that we as a City cannot find the money to do. Chairman Boro congratulated both Brigitte Moran and Jake Ours for the job that has been done with the Farmer's Market. He stated he attended a conference several months ago of Mayors of Western States, and when they heard we had a nighttime Farmer's Market, it was a phenomenon they had not experienced and were quite intrigued. Chairman Boro also stated that it is bringing attention to Downtown San Rafael and fulfilling the Vision to have 100 events a year. Member Zappetini moved and Member Thayer seconded, to approve the operation of the Downtown Farmer's Market Festival from April 7, 1994 through October 13, 1994 and to adopt the Resolution authorizing execution of the contract. RESOLUTION NO. 94-6 - AUTHORIZING THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE CONTRACT WITH MORAN AND ASSOCIATES TO OPERATE THE DOWNTOWN FARMER'S MARKET FESTIVAL FOR 1994 (for a fee not to exceed $60,800) AYES:MEMBERS: Heller, Thayer, Zappetini & Chairman Boro NOES:MEMBERS: None ABSENT: MEMBERS: Cohen SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 2/22/94 Page 2 SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 2/22/94 Page 3 5. REPORT ON CONDITION OF STREET LIGHT FIXTURES ON 4TH STREET (PW) - File R-140 #8 x (SRCC) 4-4-6 x 11-4 Assistant Executive Director (Public Works) David Bernardi reported that recently the contractor for the street light Joint Powers Authority conducted an inspection of the light standards on Fourth Street and found two of them so severely rusted that they were ordered removed immediately before they fell down. Mr. Bernardi stated that the contractor has been asked to conduct an intense and thorough inves- tigation of all the rest of the lights on Fourth Street to assess their physical condition. He noted that eventually all of the lights will have to be replaced because they are all fabricated the same way. The basic problem is that they have rusted out at the bottom which is part of the structural integrity of the poles. They have lost their support where they come into contact with the sidewalk. Mr. Bernardi stated this is an opportunity for us to review some issues that the Down- town Vision Committee has raised, namely to change the character of the Downtown. Staff recommends this item be forwarded to the Downtown Vision Committee to look at different lighting standards that might be recommended to the Agency for considera- tion once the report is received back from the contractor. He stated he does not anticipate a lot of others will be rusted out right now, but it is something the Agency will have to look at in the near future. Member Thayer asked if we would get the same type of street lights that we got for the area in front of Macy's. Mr. Bernardi stated that was one possibility, but what is important is to make sure we duplicate the same light intensity. Member Heller asked how long we have had these street lights and how much it will cost to replace them. Mr. Bernardi answered we have had them about 40 years, and he had no idea what the cost would be. Ms. Heller asked if we would have to replace them all at once. Mr. Bernardi stated if we replace the them all at once, we would probably get a better price. Member Zappetini asked if there was any immediate danger. Mr. Bernardi stated those that were the most hazardous have been removed. Mr. Zappetini asked why some are worse than the others. Mr. Bernardi said he had no idea, but it could have been something as simple as water ponding on the sidewalk and they rusted. Mr. Zappetini asked if there was some type of preventive maintenance that could be done at this point. Mr. Bernardi stated he would not know until the inspection is completed. Member Thayer moved and Member Heller seconded, to accept report and refer the item to the Downtown Vision Committee for a recommendation for new street lights on Fourth Street. AYES:MEMBERS: Heller, Thayer, Zappetini & Chairman Boro NOES:MEMBERS: None ABSENT: MEMBERS: Cohen 6. AGENCY MEMBER REPORTS: None. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Agency Secretary SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 2/22/94 Page 3