HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1996-12-16SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1996 AT 8:00
PM
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Cyr Miller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 PM - CONFERENCE ROOM 201
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
8:00 PM
RE: COMPLAINT OF FIRE CODE VIOLATION -- NEW CONSTRUCTION AT 31 UPPER FREMONT (FD)
- File 100 x 9-3-31 x 1-6-4
Victoria DeWitt, 40 Fremont Road, stated she and a group of residents accompanying
her wished to address the issue of a Fire Code violation at 31 Upper Fremont. She
stated that on November 26, 1996 the Public Works Department issued a Stop Work
Order on the construction of a house at 31 Upper Fremont because the contractor
was in violation of Uniform Fire Section 901 .3, which requires that water is available
for fire protection during the time of construction. She reported that on December
2, 1996 a modification was made to the Stop Work Order, requiring an above -ground,
four inch hose be attached to a fire hydrant at Clorinda Avenue or Terrace Avenue,
which was documented by a written memo signed by the Contractor. Ms. DeWitt stated
since December 2, 1996 the residents were unaware of any further modification to
the Stop Order; however, they have been getting conflicting information from Public
Works and the Fire Department, none of which appears to be documented. She reported
the construction site now had an empty 2,500 gallon tank sitting on the property
with no fire hose. She stated the Fremont Avenue and Upper Fremont Avenue area
is known for its steep, winding, sub -standard roads, noting the roads vary in width
from approximately seven feet to ten feet, and there are nine hairpin turns to reach
the top of the hill, with no turnaround and no access out. She stated the one fire
hydrant located at the corner of Fremont Avenue and Upper Fremont Avenue has no
pressure, and results in virtually no fire protection for this hillside area.
Ms. DeWitt stated if anyone thought a fire could not occur at this time of year,
they were forgetting the two alarm fire in Belvedere, which made the front page
of the Marin Independent Journal on Thursday, December 12th. She noted it took
300,000 gallons of water to put out that fire, and now our City has a construction
site with an empty 2,500 gallon tank. Ms. DeWitt stated the residents were concerned
that the City could be liable for not enforcing the Fire Code regulations, and noted
they would like one person in the City that they could talk to, who would provide
the residents with correct and current information.
Fire Chief Marcucci stated one important point had been forgotten, which was that
when the Contractor has completed the project, meaning the structure is built and
the water main is put in, we will have better fire protection in that area than
we have right now. Chief Marcucci acknowledged Ms. DeWitt was correct in stating
this was a very difficult place to get to. Chief Marcucci reported the Contractor
went through the building process, and had gone through the Planning Commission,
and noted the neighborhood had an opportunity to come before the Council on an appeal.
He stated the Contractor had obtained his Building Permit, and noted the City was
operating under the conditions where the City placed a Stop Work Order on the building.
Chief Marcucci reported there was nothing to burn except the foundation right now,
noting the Contractor would not be placing one piece of wood on this structure until
the water tank is filled with water, and before he occupies that building, a water
main and a fire hydrant will be installed. Therefore, Chief Marcucci stated he
did not know what else the City could say or do at this point, noting he and Public
Works Director Bernardi have been in communication regarding this issue. Chief
Marcucci pointed out one of the conditions is that when this house is constructed
it contain an automatic sprinkler system.
Mayor Boro stated it was his understanding Chief Marcucci was stating that what
is currently taking place at the site is not in any way degrading the existing
condition that is already there, what is there has always been there, and the
construction of the new home will add better water service than they have today;
however, he noted there seemed to be a communications issue between the community
and staff. Mayor Boro asked who would be the one person Ms. DeWitt and the residents
of this area should contact, who would provide them with answers? Chief Marcucci
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 1
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 2
stated he would be happy to be the contact person for the residents. Mayor Boro
asked Chief Marcucci to meet with the residents within the next few days to discuss
this issue with them.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to approve the
following Consent Calendar items:
ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Approval of Minutes of Special Joint Meeting Approved as submitted.
of Wednesday, November 13, 1996, and Regular
Meeting of Monday, December 2, 1996 (CC)
2. Monthly Investment Report (Adm. Svcs.) Accepted report.
- File 8-18 x 8-9
3. Acceptance of Redevelopment Agency Accepted and approved
the
1995/96 Audit and Annual Report (RA) annual report and audit from
- File 140 x (SRRA) R-62 the San Rafael Redevelopment
Agency; to be forwarded to the State Controller.
5. Resolutions of Appreciation to Merritt Hewitt, Jr. RESOLUTION NO. 9755 -
and Dr. Michael Sexton, Kaiser Hospital (FD) RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
FOR
- File 102 x 9-3-31 MERRITT HEWITT, JR., BATTALION
CHIEF FOR CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RESOLUTION NO. 9756 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR DR. MICHAEL SEXTON, KAISER HOSPITAL.
6. Resolution Accepting Proposal for Services RESOLUTION NO. 9757 -
and Authorizing Execution of Contract With RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE
Robert Bein, William Frost and Associates for PROPOSAL AND AUTHORIZING THE
Phase I Environmental Consulting Services AGREEMENT FROM ROBERT BEIN,
(Pre -Application Environmental Review) for the WILLIAM FROST AND
ASSOCIATES,
Mahon Creek Conceptual Restoration Plan and the INC. FOR PHASE I
ENVIRONMENTAL
Fair, Isaac Office Complex (Pl) CONSULTING SERVICES (PRE-
- File 4-10-296 x (SRRA) R-368 APPLICATION ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW)
FOR THE MAHON CREEK CONCEPTUAL RESTORATION PLAN AND FAIR, ISAAC OFFICE CAMPUS
PROJECTS.
AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL ERS: None
ABSTAINED: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen (from the minutes of November 13, 1996 only, due
to absence from meeting).
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion:
4. ASSIGNMENT OF CITY HOUSING FUND LOAN TO AGENCY FOR PAYMENT OF $100,000 FROM
AGENCY HOUSING FUND (RA) - File 13-16 x 115 x (SRRA) R-173
Councilmember Phillips asked for background information on this item, particularly
with regard to the loan, stating they were looking at $100, 000 to satisfy a $52, 000
obligation, and he did not understand the tie between the two. Economic
Development Director Jake Ours stated the Agency was purchasing, as an investment,
a $100,000 loan which the City In -Lieu Housing Fund has outstanding. He stated
they would pay $100,000 to the City from Agency funds, and of that money, $52,000
would go to the Regional Housing Shelter. He noted the remaining portion would
stay in the City In -Lieu Housing Fund. Mr. Phillips asked why they were not making
this only a $52,000 loan? Mr. Ours stated the loan the City In -Lieu Housing Fund
has now is a $100,000 loan, and they would be purchasing that loan, and as the
loan matures it will actually be a positive investment for the Redevelopment
Agency.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 9758 -RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ASSIGN TO THE REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY UNDER LOAN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE
CITY AND MARIN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 2
AYES: COUNCIL ERS:
NOES: COUNCIL ERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 3
Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
None
None
7. RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CHILD
DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, FOR ONE-TIME ONLY FUNDING OF $1,500 FOR INSTRUCTIONAL
MATERIALS (Rec)
- File 4-10-297 x 9-3-65
Councilmember Phillips stated he was unclear on the opening statement of the report,
which states, "As an eligible child are contractor". Recreation Director Sharon
McNamee reported this was a typographical error, and should read, "As an eligible
child care contractor".
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 9759 -RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A CONTRACT WITH
CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR $1,279 FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
AND SUPPLIES (CONTRACT GIMS-6266)
AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
8. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION TO MERRITT HEWITT, JR., AND DR.
MICHAEL SEXTON, KAISER HOSPITAL (FD) - File 102 x 9-3-31
Mayor Boro introduced San Rafael Fire Department Battalion Chief Ritt Hewitt,
reporting that Battalion Chief Hewitt had recently represented the City on a very
significant effort, the Fire Flow program which was voted on recently by the
community of Marin.
Mayor Boro recalled several years ago when he was asked by Marin County Supervisor
Hal Brown to be a member of that committee, they were looking for someone who
had technical knowledge and could work with the lay people on that committee,
and Fire Chief Robert Marcucci made Battalion Chief Hewitt available to the
committee. Mayor Boro stated Battalion Chief Hewitt had been extremely helpful,
noting he was the representative of the entire fire community.
Mayor Boro stated perhaps one of the most significant contributions, which really
got the attention of a lot of people in the community, was when Battalion Chief
Hewitt pointed out the water tanks in Marin County were not able to supply water
to fight fires because there were no fittings to do that, noting the committee
immediately took action to resolve that problem. He noted Battalion Chief Hewitt,
in working with the engineers and other departments, also came up with the
requirements, needs, and priorities for Fire Flow, and as a result this was
presented to the public, and the issue was passed by approximately 63% of the
vote.
Mayor Boro presented Battalion Chief Hewitt with a Resolution of Appreciation,
thanking him on behalf of the City of San Rafael.
Mayor Boro then introduced Dr. Michael Sexton of Kaiser Hospital. Mayor Boro
reported Dr. Sexton was the original medic interacting with the City's paramedic
service when it was formed in 1979, noting Dr. Sexton not only helped through
Kaiser Hospital, working with our Fire Department and bringing the service on-line,
but also assisted in the selection and criteria for the Paramedic Unit. The
program began with six paramedics and one piece of equipment, and we now have
sixteen paramedics and four more in training, two dedicated fire units, and at
least one spare unit. Mayor Boro stated this has been a very vital service to
our community, and one that has certainly been well received by the people in
San Rafael.
On behalf of the Council, Mayor Boro thanked Dr. Sexton for all his efforts, expressing
his appreciation for the fine work Dr. Sexton put into this project.
Dr. Sexton stated he was honored by the Resolution, noting it was very humbling,
and he was greatly appreciative. Dr. Sexton noted this was a bittersweet moment,
sad because he is no longer the Medical Director of the San Rafael Paramedic
Program. However, he stated there was a lot of joy in a moment like this, because
he can take time to reflect on the wonderful years he has spent working with a
number of people in the San Rafael community. Dr. Sexton acknowledged Fire Chief
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SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 4
Marcucci, stating the City of San Rafael had a wonderful asset in Chief Marcucci,
and noting he was the driving force behind the development of the Paramedic Program.
Dr. Sexton stated that throughout the many years he himself had spent with the
program, he always knew that all he ever needed to do was to pick up the telephone,
and Chief Marcucci would be there anytime there was a need for his help. Dr.
Sexton also expressed his appreciation to Dr. Pat Kendall, Medical Group
Administrator at Kaiser
Hospital, noting he and Dr. Kendall had first gotten together twenty years ago,
when just a handful of doctors and nurses in the County voluntarily got together
and created the emergency medical system, which has now evolved into one of the
best emergency medical systems in the State of California. Dr. Sexton stated
not only was Dr. Kendall influential in the initial days of the program, she also
offered wonderful counsel through the years.
Dr. Sexton expressed his appreciation for the wonderful paramedics of the San Rafael
Fire Department, stating it has been through their dedication and hard work, and
their commitment to the people in our community, that he had been able to derive
the pride he has in being associated with this program. Dr. Sexton thanked the
members of the San Rafael Fire Department, the Battalion Chiefs, the EMT's
(Emergency Medical Technicians), and the administrative staff, noting they have
all been extremely helpful, along with the nurses and other physicians at Kaiser
Hospital who gave him support throughout the years.
Dr. Sexton thanked his wife, Luanne, stating that through the years, no matter how
high the obstacle was or how tough the challenge that faced him, she was always
there with a ready ear to listen to whatever he wanted to talk about, providing
good, plain common sense. He also thanked his children, Ryan and Tess, noting
they spent a lot of nights wondering where their father was.
Dr. Sexton stated that while the Council was honoring him, he considered this a
wonderful opportunity to reflect upon these years, and thanked the Council for
giving him that opportunity.
Mayor Boro introduced San Rafael Fire Department Paramedic Steve Takamoto, who read
a prepared statement, and presented Dr. Sexton with two mementos.
Mr. Takamoto explained to Dr. Sexton the first item was only a replica of what they
are eventually going to present to him, once the Postal Service delivers it.
He showed Dr. Sexton a replica of a leather fire fighter helmet, which will be
white and say, "Medical Director, SRFD 550". Mr. Takamoto then presented Dr.
Sexton with a hat he could wear when he goes fishing. Mr. Takamoto stated
everyone believed Dr. Sexton's wife, Luanne, deserved special recognition because
of all her efforts and the support she has given to him, and on behalf of the
San Rafael Fire Department, Mr. Takamoto thanked Dr. Sexton and his wife.
9. INTRODUCTION OF OFFICE SUPERVISOR FOR PUBLIC WORKS RICHARD LANDIS AND TRAFFIC
ENGINEER LINDA ZENG (PW) - File 9-3-40
Public Works Director David Bernardi introduced the two newest employees in the
Public Works Department, noting they had just begun working for the City.
Mr. Bernardi introduced Linda Zeng, noting Ms. Zeng had earned her Bachelor of Science
and Civil Engineering degree in 1982 from the Northwest Chou Tong University in
China, which is near Beijing, and then worked as a Civil Engineer in China until
1990, when she then came to the United States and began her Master' s Degree program
at San Jose State. Mr. Bernardi stated Ms. Zeng obtained her Master's Degree
in Civil Engineering in 1993, with an emphasis in Traffic Engineering and
Transportation Engineering. He reported that as Ms. Zeng's project for her
Master's Degree, she worked on an analysis for two-lane highway capacity analysis,
which has been incorporated into the Highway Capacity Manual, which the Public
Works Department uses as their "bible", and noting it is used all over the United
States. Mr. Bernardi stated Ms. Zeng had worked as a Transportation Planner for
the City of Medford prior to coming here, and there she set-up, ran and analyzed
that city's traffic model, and performed other traffic engineering duties. He
stated Ms. Zeng comes to the Public Works Department well prepared for our traffic
situation here in San Rafael, noting we have a nice model she can work on, and
she has already gotten into some of the basics of the model. Mr. Bernardi stated
the Council would be hearing more from Linda in the future.
Mr. Bernardi introduced Richard Landis, Public Works Office Supervisor, noting Mr.
Landis had begun working for the City approximately a week ago. Mr. Bernardi
reported Mr. Landis received his degree in Political Science in 1970 from the
State University in New York, and has a Master's Degree in Public Service
Administration. Mr. Bernardi also reported Mr. Landis had served as the Director
of Operations and Director of Program Development for the Massachusetts Department
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 4
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 5
of Mental Health.
10. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO GARY GIACOMINI, RETIRING MEMBER,
MARIN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (CM) - File 102
Mayor Boro introduced retiring Marin County Supervisor Gary Giacomini, and presented
him with a Resolution of Appreciation, noting San Rafael was blessed in that three
of the five members of the Board of Supervisors each have an area of San Rafael
for which they are responsible, and Mr. Giacomini has been responsible for the
Canal area.
Mayor Boro stated it was great to have a majority of the Board to worry about our
City, but the key was to make sure they do worry about the City. Mayor Boro noted
Mr. Giacomini has always been a great help to the City of San Rafael, and the
Council was most appreciative.
Mayor Boro then recited two quotations from Harry Truman; "I am proud that I am
a politician, a politician is a man who understands government, and it takes a
politician to run a government. A statesman is a politician who has been dead
ten or fifteen years", and then a quote on politics, "Politics is a fascinating
game because politics is government, it is the art of government". Mayor Boro
stated Mr. Giacomini really practiced the art of government, and on behalf of
the Council, Mayor Boro thanked and congratulated Mr. Giacomini.
Mr. Giacomini noted he first wished to thank the Paramedics who saved his life a
few months ago, stating they are incredible and provide the best service in the
world.
Mr. Giacomini stated he has enjoyed his years as a member of the Board of Supervisors,
and enjoyed representing the City of San Rafael. He recalled that when he came
to the Board of Supervisors in 1972, prior to the redistricting, he represented
many more areas of the City of San Rafael, including Old Town, all of Downtown, and
the Bret Harte area. Mr. Giacomini stated it had been a joy to represent San
Rafael, stating the City is progressive, has enormous courage, and is blessed
with brilliant members of the City Council. Mr. Giacomini stated he represented
areas within five different cities, and San Rafael has unbelievable distinction,
noting its strength, courage, and the services it provides to the citizens, are
all things the City should indeed be proud of. He stated it has been a joy for
him to be able to share in representing the same people.
Mr. Giacomini thanked Mayor Boro and the Councilmembers for the Resolution of
Appreciation, noting he would miss them all.
Mayor Boro announced that a brief reception for those just honored would be held
in the lobby, and recessed the Council meeting.
Mayor Boro called the City Council meeting back to order.
PUBLIC HEARING:
11. PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL OF BUILDING OFFICIAL'S NOTICE AND ORDER FOR APN
14-162-02, 616 CANAL STREET (PURSUANT TO SECTION 401.2 OF THE UNIFORM CODE FOR
THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS) (HOLIDAY MAGIC BUILDING) (CA) - File 3-3-53
x 1-6-7
Mayor Boro announced this Public Hearing had already been opened, and was being
continued from previous Council meetings.
City Attorney Ragghianti reported this matter had resulted in an agreement being
reached between the City and owners of 616 Canal Street, noting the terms of the
agreement were outlined in the letter of December 12, 1996 from Attorney Perry
Litchfield. Mr. Ragghianti stated the completion of all items listed in the letter
would remove all of the public safety concerns the City had, and would make it
unnecessary for the City to proceed with any hearings in connection with the
contentions the City made regarding the condition of the building. Mr. Ragghianti
pointed out Mr. Litchfield and one or both of his clients were in the audience,
and Mr. Ragghianti thanked Mr. Litchfield and his clients for the posture they
adopted in connection with the negotiations. Mr. Ragghianti also thanked staff,
particularly Fire Marshal Keith Schoenthal, Fire Chief Robert Marcucci, and Senior
Civil Engineer Fred Vincenti, without whom it would have been impossible for the
City to have come to this agreement.
Perry Litchfield, attorney for the property owners, stated Mr. Ragghianti was correct
that the letter of December 12, 1996, which Mr. Litchfield had drafted, set the
agreed upon remedial work for this property. He noted a considerable amount of
time had been expended with staff members and the City Attorney' s office in coming
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 5
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 6
to an agreement as to what should become of the property pending its renovation
or redevelopment. Mr. Litchfield reported a full investigation clearly showed
that demolition of the property was not necessary, or justified under the
circumstances, and that the owner would do the remedial work which was set forth.
Mr. Litchfield noted that pending the filing of an application for renovation or
redevelopment, which they felt would happen in the near future, he wanted to express
appreciation for the cooperation of the City in working toward the resolution
of the problem, and hoped to see the same spirit of cooperation through the planning
process they envision will be occurring in the near future.
Councilmember Heller noted Mr. Litchfield's letter indicated they would be filing
an application for redevelopment of the property, and asked if that was private
redevelopment, or if they would be talking to the City about redevelopment of
the property? Mr. Litchfield stated they did not envision involving the City
in the redevelopment of the property, other than from the traditional standpoint
of accepting an application for a use of the property. Ms. Heller stated she
assumed they already had a prospect or some idea of what they wanted to go into
this location, and asked what would happen if that fell through? Mr. Litchfield
stated that presently it was his clients, Mr. and Mrs. Carrico, who are planning
to carry this forward. He noted there were other people who had expressed interest
in the site, and they are being talked to, but the agreement is not dependent
upon a third party coming into this. Mr. Litchfield noted he could not give Council
any assurances that something will be done, but stated they are hoping it will
be done within the next 180 days. He stated they are pressed toward getting an
application on file, and they hope they will be in a position to have that approval
in a quick fashion. Mr. Litchfield acknowledged one of the problems in the past,
and something he knew the City has been concerned about, was the non-use of this
site for a considerable amount of time, noting his client had experienced
frustration and perceived lack of cooperation on the part of the City. He stated
what he and his client want at this point is to move forward, with some indication
from the City and staff that there will be cooperation in looking toward a mutually
acceptable use. Mr. Litchfield stated it was in the best interest of the property
owner to redevelop or renovate this site, noting it has no economic benefit
remaining empty.
Mr. Ragghianti stated it was his recommendation to remove the Appeal Hearing from
the Council Agenda and simply accept the agreement, subsequent to the conditions
that are set forth in it.
Councilmember Phillips stated he assumed the City would revisit the property at
the end of 90 days and make a determination as to whether or not each and every
one of the points had been complied with, and he requested a report back to the
Council at that time. Mr. Ragghianti stated Items #1, #2, and #5 were required
to be accomplished within 30 days, and completion was required within 90 days.
Councilmember Miller congratulated the attorneys, stating that when they worked
together and worked this through according to law, it showed the finest and the
noblest of their profession, and he complimented them both. Mr. Miller stated he
was very happy with this solution. However, he noted his first feeling
had always been the demolition of this building because of the sign and symbol of
what that building stood for in the community, stating it stood for social and
physical decay, and it put nearby properties at risk, it put people at risk, and
attracted crime in that area for a very long time. Mr. Miller stated the community
suffered through that a great deal, and he was very happy to see, finally, this
issue would be ameliorated, and this cancer would be cut from the body of the
Canal.
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to accept the report,
and to remove the appeal hearing from the Council's calendar.
AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
12. JOINT STATEMENT OF COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIP CONCERNING RELOCATION OF ST.
VINCENT'S FREE DINING ROOM (CA) - File 9-2-49 x 9-3-16
City Attorney Ragghianti reported that as a result of recent meetings conducted
between representatives of the City and St. Vincent de Paul, a Joint Statement
of Cooperation and Partnership has been developed. He stated the original
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document was now being delivered by Sue Brown, Executive Director of St. Vincent
de Paul, attorney Mary Casey and Bob Kunst.
Mr. Ragghianti stated he was very pleased to see this item come before the Council
this evening, noting there were many people responsible for developing this
agreement, including City Manager Rod Gould, and the representatives of the City
who met with those from St. Vincent de Paul, particularly Sue Brown, Mary Casey,
the Marin Legal Aid Society, and Bob Kunst, working on behalf of the dining room.
Mr. Ragghianti stated he was very thankful for the openness with which they
received the City's representatives, and the manner in which the negotiations
took place, noting they were candid and frank, and non -adversarial, and he felt
this was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the dining room and
the City, and a chapter which would be punctuated with cooperation rather than
controversy.
Sue Brown, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul, stated she was honored to
address the Council, and to offer the hope of a partnership in regard to the St.
Vincent de Paul Dining Room, acknowledging the City had worked long and hard on
this issue. Ms. Brown thanked Mr. Ragghianti for the wonderful negotiations which
took place in trying to reach an agreement, noting it had been a pleasure to work
with him, and she looked forward to working in partnership in the future.
Ms. Brown noted the Council had been given copies of the proposed Joint Statement
of Cooperation and Partnership regarding the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room for
review, and she urged them to sign the agreement.
Mayor Boro stated this was a very great event, noting everyone had labored long
and hard. He thanked City Attorney Ragghianti, noting he had taken a real
leadership role, along with City Manager Gould, in developing this agreement.
Councilmember Cohen stated he was delighted to have reached this point, acknowledging
there were still a lot of challenges in front of us, and the spirit of cooperation
was likely to be tested when they begin discussing specific alternatives.
However, he believed everyone was up to the task, and if everyone really does
mean what is being presented in the agreement, and they work in a spirit of
cooperation and partnership, he felt we would resolve this in a way that would
be in the best interest of the dining room, the clients of the dining room, and
the community as a whole.
Mayor Boro stated City Manager Gould would be working with staff and representatives
from St. Vincent de Paul to come up with the criteria for the new location, so
as the City identifies different locations and we go to the public, we can test
the location against the criteria St. Vincent de Paul and the City have agreed
to.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to approve the joint
Statement as presented.
AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Boro and the Councilmembers went to the speakers' podium, and Mayor Boro and
Sue Brown signed the Joint Statement of Cooperation and Partnership.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
13. a. CANAL VOICE MEETING - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1996, PICKLEWEED PARK
- Vi It= 941
Councilmember Miller presented the minutes of the Canal Voice meeting, which included
a breakdown on the statistics of the Canal Voice, stating this had been an excellent
meeting, which really showed how gently community participation is developing
in the Canal, and empowering the people there.
He noted he had also brought other material, which was a follow-up, reporting he
had addressed the Latino Services Project, noting that in order to get the climate
of the people there it was very important for the City to understand the welfare
reform, and what that will mean to the people in the Canal area. Mr. Miller stated
he had obtained a copy of the Welfare Reform Overview, and a copy of the written
questions being asked by the people in the neighborhood. Mr. Miller also included
the requirements for Naturalization, which he stated was also part of the project
that is underway.
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SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 8
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1996
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 12/16/96 Page 8