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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1996-06-17SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1996 AT 8:15 PM Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember Barbara Heller, Councilmember Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember Absent: None Others Present: Suzanne Golt, Assistant City Manager Gus Guinan, Assistant City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk OPEN SESSION - 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBER Mayor Boro announced Closed Session items. CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 PM - CONFERENCE ROOM 201 1. 0 Conference with Labor Negotiator (Government Code Section 54957.6) Negotiators: Suzanne Golt/Daryl Chandler/Dick Whitmore • Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9 (a)): a. Christensen v. City of San Rafael, Marin County Superior Court Case No. 141588 Assistant City Attorney Guinan stated no reportable action was taken. 2. SWEARING IN OF NEW CITY MANAGER ROD GOULD (CC) - File 9-3-11 x 9-1-2 City Clerk Leoncini swore in new City Manager Rod Gould. Council accepted Affirmation of Confidentiality of Closed Sessions signed by City Manager Rod Gould. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: CONGRATULATIONS TO CITY OFFICIALS - File 102 8:15 PM Tom Obletz, President of Federated San Rafael Neighborhoods, addressed the Council, thanking Suzanne Golt, Acting City Manager for her fine work on behalf of the City, welcoming new City Manager Rod Gould, and announcing that it was Vice -Mayor Cohen Is Birthday today. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Boro asked that Item #14 be removed from the Consent Calendar, as there are two members of the audience who wish to speak on this item. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to approve the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION 3. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Monday, May 6, 1996, Special Meeting of Monday, May 13, 1996, Regular Meeting of Monday, May 20, 1996, and Special Joint Meeting of Tuesday, May 28, 1996 (CC) 5. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1698 -- An Ordinance of the City of San Rafael Adding Chapter 8.36 to the San Rafael Municipal Code, Restricting the Display of Material Harmful to Minors (CM) - File 13-8 x 13-1 Approved as submitted. Approved final adoption of Ordinance No. 1698. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 1 6. Resolutions Authorizing: (CM) - File 4-13-97 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 2 a. RESOLUTION NO. 9617 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT a. City Manager to Execute Agreement with WITH COUNTY OF MARIN FOR County of Marin for City's MIDAS CONNECTION TO MIDAS NETWORK. Connection. b. Expenditure Not to Exceed $7,500 b. RESOLUTION NO. 9618 - to Purchase Hardware and Software RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN for City's MIDAS Connection EXPENDITURE NOT TO EXCEED $7,500 FOR THE PURCHASE OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL MIDAS CONNECTION. 7. Monthly Investment Report (Fin) Accepted report. - File 8-18 x 8-9 8. Renewal of Excess Workers' Compensation RESOLUTION NO. 9619 - Insurance with National Union Fire Insurance RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE Company Through Johnson & Higgins - from CITY MANAGER TO CONTRACT July 1, 1996 through June 30, 1997 (CM) FROM JULY 1, 1996 THROUGH - File 9-6-3 x 7-1-31 JUNE 30, 1997 FOR EXCESS WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE WITH NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY THROUGH JOHNSON & HIGGINS. 9. Resolution Appropriating Unappropriated Revenues for 1995/96 (Fin) - v;io Q -R 30, 1996. 12. Resolution of Findings Granting Appeal of Disabled Access Requirements - COUNCIL 1118 Fourth Street (Rafael Theater) (Partial Relief) (PW) - File 13-1-1 RESOLUTION NO. 9620 - RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING UNAPPROPRIATED REVENUES AS OF JUNE RESOLUTION NO. 9621 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL (IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE BOARD OF APPEALS) GRANTING: a. Partial Relief from State Access Requirements; and b. Relief from Uniform Building Code, Section 1011 at 1118 Fourth Street (Rafael Theater) 13. Resolution to Direct Staff to Submit RESOLUTION NO. 9622 - a Joint Application with the County RESOLUTION TO DIRECT STAFF of Marin to CALTRANS to Extend the Operating TO SUBMIT A JOINT APPLICATION Hours for the Northbound and Southbound High WITH THE COUNTY OF MARIN Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (PW) TO CALTRANS TO EXTEND THE - File 11-16 OPERATING HOURS FOR THE NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES (to expand southbound operating hours to 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and northbound operating hours to 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). 15. Resolution Approving State Department of Education Child Care Contracts: (Rec) - File 4-10-238 x 9-3-65 CARE CONTRACTS GPRE-6121 FOR a. GPRE-6121 for $58,914 (State Preschool Renewal) b. GLTK-6051 for $78,089 (Latchkey Renewal) C. GSAC-5038 for $16,571 (New Latchkey) RESOLUTION NO. 9623 - RESOLUTION APPROVING STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CHILD $58,914 (STATE PRESCHOOL RENEWAL), GLTK-6051 FOR $78,089 (LATCHKEY RENEWAL), AND GSAC-5038 FOR $16,571 (NEW LATCHKEY). 16. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Renewal RESOLUTION NO. 9624 - of Agreement with CURRENT VENTURES for Rental RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 2 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 3 of Police Department's Satellite Office at SIGNING OF A RENEWAL OF A 97-D Louise Street for One Year, from 7/1/96 LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CURRENT through 6/30/97, at $500.00 per month (PD) VENTURES FOR RENTAL OF THE - File 2-9-18 OFFICE AT 97-D LOUISE STREET FOR ONE ON JUNE 30, 1997, FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE YEAR. POLICE DEPARTMENT'S SATELLITE YEAR, STARTING ON JULY 1, 1996, AND ENDING $500.00 PER MONTH AND TOTALING $6,000 FOR AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion: 4. RENEWAL OF THREE-YEAR COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF MARIN RE: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS (CDBG), EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 (CM) - File 4-13-38 X 147 Councilmember Phillips cited that portion of the report which states, "No city in Marin meets the 50,000 population threshold required to qualify as an entitlement city", and stated he thought San Rafael had exceeded 50, 000 in terms of population. Acting City Manager Golt stated she believes San Rafael does, in fact, exceed the 50,000; however, the problem, as it was explained to her, is that the number in excess of 50,000 is not an official part of the census at this point. Mayor Boro stated the official census is based on census information from 1990, although they have estimated that the City is beyond 50,000, but that is still unofficial. Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt a Resolution renewing the three-year cooperation agreement with the County of Marin. RESOLUTION NO. 9625 -RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF MARIN (Three-year Agreement 9/30/96 through 9/30/99) AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None 10. RESOLUTION APPROVING 1996/97 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT (Fin) - File 8-5 Councilmember Phillips stated there is a limitation on the appropriations limit, calculated at $27,941,557, although approximately $28,826,000 was being appropriated out of the General Fund. Finance Director Coleman stated that was correct, but the Gann Limit only applies to the proceeds of taxes, so only that portion of the budget that is funded by taxes, rather than by fees or other revenue sources, would be part of the Gann formula, noting that portion is currently estimated at approximately $4 million below the approved limit. Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to adopt the Resolution amending the 1995/96 appropriations limit and establishing the 1996/97 limit. RESOLUTION NO. 9626 -RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1995/96 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT AND ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR 1996/97. AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None 11. RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH BRIGHT STAR SECURITY SERVICES AT 3rd & "A" PARKING STRUCTURE - FROM JULY 1, 1996 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1997 (RA) - File 4-3-282 x 2-1-20 Councilmember Phillips stated he had no problem with the service that is being SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 3 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 4 provided, but was curious as to whether or not this service was subject to a bidding process, since it is such a long term contract? Acting Redevelopment Executive Director Ours stated this was an extension of the original contract, and the Agency did not seek competitive bids this time. Mr. Ours stated staff feels Bright Star offers a better product than any of the other security firms, and they were far and away the lowest bidder last time, noting they are not raising their rates for this renewal. Councilmember Cohen stated the Council has talked, from time to time, about expanding the coverage, and asked if staff has spoken with Bright Star about week -end coverage greater than just the random drive-throughs? Mr. Ours stated Bright Star is quite willing to do that if the City wishes; however, Mr. Ours stated it does not appear as though it is necessary at this time, as there have been no reported incidents on the weekends, and the current coverage seems to be working very well. He stated almost all of the incidents in the parking structure had to do with things that happened after school and in the early evening, mostly involving kids skateboarding, and the after lunch crowd from St. Vincent's having too many cocktails. He noted those things seem to have been taken care of, and there are no longer any ongoing problems. Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt a Resolution renewing the contract for security services with Bright Star Security, Inc. RESOLUTION NO. 9627 -RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXTEND THE EXISTING AGREEMENT FOR SECURITY SERVICES FOR THE THIRD & "A" PARKING STRUCTURE WITH BRIGHT STAR SECURITY, INC. (from 7/1/96 through 6/30/97 for a fee not to exceed $36,000). AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None 14. RESOLUTION ENDORSING IN CONCEPT THE SOUTHBOUND HOV LANE ALTERNATIVE FOR THE PROPOSED US 101 GAP CLOSURE PROJECT (PW) - File 11-16 Bob Cooper, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee for CalTrans, addressed the Council, stating he was speaking not as a representative of the Committee, but as an individual and member of the community. Mr. Cooper stated, knowing Fair, Issac to be a caring company, and understanding its importance to our community, he does not believe Fair, Issac would want to sidestep the public or the public process in its relocation to San Rafael. Therefore, Mr. Cooper stated he felt there needed to be a clarification on exactly what was being endorsed by this Resolution. He stated the project has been described as a southbound alternative, and asked if the Council is endorsing design variation "A" or design variation "B" of that alternative? Mr. Cooper submitted a portion of the draft newsletter, which CalTrans and the Committee have been working on, and will be sending out in the near future. He noted one of the issues he was concerned about was highlighted in the first column, quoting, "Modifications of this section will eliminate the existing off and on ramp to south of the 580 flyover, and replace those movements with a new connection of West Francisco". Mr. Cooper asked for clarification on that statement, as he felt this was a critical area. Mayor Boro stated the Council is not endorsing any of the specifics or making any choices on the alternatives, noting they are simply stating a reaffirmation of the City's support of the Gap Closure. He explained the Council is aware, from both public meetings and what they have read in the press, that CalTrans has come up with what they call the "southbound only alternative", and he noted the Council is stating they support this in concept, and that is not precluding the Council, when they have comments, to come up with suggestions or changes, or suggest new ideas as they arise. As far as Alternative "A" versus Alternative "B", Mayor Boro stated that when he discussed Alternative "A" with CalTrans, which involves reducing the northbound access from Mission Avenue, he told them that was unacceptable from his point of view, but noted these are the types of issues they will discuss when they get into the EIR process. He stated it was not the intent of the Council to discuss those issues at this meeting because they are dealing with the concept of trying to assure Fair, Issac that this issue, which is important to them, is also important to the Council. Mayor Boro stated he did not think it would be fair to get into that level of detail at this time. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 4 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 5 Mr. Cooper stated this would impact the residents in different ways, and Mayor Boro agreed. Mr. Cooper requested the public and impacted residents have the opportunity to publicly review the southbound HOV lane alternatives which are being proposed as part of this project. Scott Kaplan, Vice -Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee for CalTrans, addressed the Council, stating his first concern was that the Council not paint themselves into a corner, noting that before they adopt this Resolution, he felt they should jointly and separately make it clear that this is only based on the information they have to date, and that if there is more money available in the future, or if a new design alternative is put forward, this might be a very different story, even though those possibilities might seem very far fetched. Mr. Kaplan stated his second concern is with public perception, noting his wife had read the packet of information that had been sent to him in the mail, and her reaction was to ask if this meant the City Council did not want the Committee' s input, or that they felt the Committee's business was finished. Mr. Kaplan stated this was the first impression of an outsider, and felt perhaps this presented the opportunity to refocus what the function of the Citizens Advisory Committee should be, which is to be of service to the Council and the public. Mayor Boro stated that when the Committee was formed, it was told the policy of the Council and the City was to proceed with the Gap Closure, so the main thrust of the Committee is to ensure that as the City gets into the environmental process, and all the hearing processes, that the public is informed, noting he was aware the Committee was working on the newsletter. Mayor Boro stated this is the main goal and purpose of the Committee. He noted he had been invited to the Committee' s August meeting, and would be happy to address the goals at that meeting. Councilmember Cohen stated he agreed it should be pointed out that the Resolution before the Council was to endorse, in concept, the southbound only HOV lane. He stated, clearly, the Council had to take that vote based on the facts as they know them today, noting that if something came to light as part of the EIR process, that could not be mitigated, the Council would need to rethink their position; similarly, if $60 million suddenly appeared on the table, in addition to the $38 million they already know about, then the Council would obviously look at the issue based on new facts, to see if there was another alternative that was better, based on the increased funding that was available. Mr. Cohen stated that if there was a new design process, it might be too late to make it into the EIR process, and the Council would have to weigh whether or not they wanted to see the whole process delayed for an additional design. He acknowledged the additional money is not likely to appear, but felt it was worth noting the Council is taking this action based on what they know at this time, and if new information comes to light, they will certainly have to discuss and assess where that puts them in terms of policy. Referring to Mr. Kaplan's wife's comments about the packet he received, Mr. Cohen stated there is an issue of public perception the Council must deal with and clarify, noting he felt there continues to be a tremendous need to ensure that CalTrans has a public process, and has an open process and disseminates the information so that everyone can look at it. Mr. Cohen stated that, to him, has been the main charge of the Committee, and that is clearly going to be necessary. Mr. Cohen pointed out the City of San Rafael is not the lead agency on this project, noting CalTrans is the lead agency, and CalTrans has to do the EIR, present the alternatives, and come to the final decision, noting someone needs to help the City make sure that CalTrans does this in a public fashion. Mr. Cohen stated he looks to the Committee to help the City do this, noting there is clearly a role for the Committee, and it is in no way being finished or being shunted aside by the policy statement being made by the Council. Carol Dillon, member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for CalTrans, addressed the Council, thanking Councilmember Cohen for clarifying the last responsibilities of the Committee for Mr. Kaplan, noting it had been ambiguous to her. Ms. Dillon stated she believed the City and the Committee needed to be very gentle with CalTrans until we get the EIR, noting it has been one thing after another, and CalTrans does not seem to have enough help. She stated CalTrans is very lacking, noting the help is not there and the money is not there. She stated there have been nothing but complaints, and the EIR has continually been postponed, noting the Committee is hoping it is prepared by September. Councilmember Cohen referred to an article in this morning's San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper reporting on HOV lanes, and how they are hated by the people stuck in single occupied vehicles. He stated the most dramatic description was what SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 5 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 6 happens on the Bay Bridge, where four toll booths carry the volume of commuters that nineteen toll booths carry for single occupant vehicles. He noted in that particular case they have the three person limit, so there is a bigger impact than anything we would see here. Mr. Cohen noted one of the things that struck him was the fact that they went around the Bay Area and looked at several segments where there are HOV lanes, and looked at time gained by using the HOV lanes. He stated that out of the ten segments that were listed, the one where there was negligible benefit from using the HOV lane was Highway 101 south, the morning commute, from Greenbrae to the Richardson Bay Bridge. Mr. Cohen stated it was pretty clear why, for anyone who knows the area, noting the traffic is coming from the north, and the bottleneck is at Puerto Suello Hill. He stated that when looking at the graphic, it is interesting that we have what could be one of the longest segments of HOV lanes in the Bay Area if we could connect Novato and the Richardson/Bay Bridge. Mr. Cohen stated, clearly, the money is not there to close the Gap both ways, and noted he has not seen the EIR, but stated this appears to be the project that is feasible with the money that is realistically going to be there, and he felt is was reasonable for the Council to make that statement at this time, noting it also ties into Fair, Issac' s concern about the commute and getting over Puerto Suello Hill. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the Resolution as a refinement to the policy already in place, supporting the Gap Closure Project. RESOLUTION NO. 9628 -RESOLUTION ENDORSING IN CONCEPT THE SOUTHBOUND HOV LANE ALTERNATIVE FOR THE PROPOSED HIGHWAY 101 GAP CLOSURE PROJECT. AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None OLD BUSINESS 17. REPORT ON BID OPENING AND AWARD OF CONTRACT - ANDERSEN DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT (PW) - File 4-1-478 X 9-3-40 X (SRRA) R-359 X R-246 Public Works Director Bernardi stated the report being presented to the Council is the result of ten years' worth of work on the part of staff and the consultants to prepare this project for Council's consideration. He noted the Council had authorized a call for bids on this project, and a bid opening was held on May 1, 1996. Mr. Bernardi noted the project is divided into four volumes; first is the Road Project, Andersen Drive Extension; the second is the Irwin Street Drainage Improvement, which is being funded by the Redevelopment Agency; third is the Andersen Drive Water Transmission Line, which is being funded by the Water District; and the fourth is the Andersen Drive Sanitary Sewer Improvements, which is being funded by the San Rafael Sanitation District. Mr. Bernardi reported the reason those projects were combined is because it makes it easier for the City to manage the various components of the work, rather than bid them separately, as it would be too confusing to manage four contractors, and this way the City will manage only one contractor whose responsibility it will be to arrange and coordinate his sub -contractors. Mr. Bernardi stated that when the bids were received and opened, in looking at the raw numbers, Maggiora and Ghilotti was the apparent low bidder, but after staff crunched the numbers, it turned out that Ghilotti Construction was the low bidder in terms of the City's specifications for the actual line items to be added up. Mr. Bernardi stated that as a result, Maggiora & Ghilotti, who at first was the apparent low bidder, filed a protest regarding the award of contract to Ghilotti Construction Company, the actual low bidder. Mr. Bernardi reported the City Attorney's office reviewed the protest, and felt the issues raised were insignificant, and recommended the Council deem them insignificant and award the contract to the actual low bidder, Ghilotti Construction Company. Mayor Boro asked if the Council was required to vote separately on rejecting the protest prior to voting on the bid? Mr. Bernardi stated that rejecting of the protest is included in the Resolution. Councilmember Heller referred to the amount the Engineers had estimated, and then the amount of the low bid we received, and asked why there was an approximate SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 6 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 7 $1 million gap? Mr. Bernardi stated that in the Engineer's Estimate more money had been estimated for the storm drainage improvements, noting they had felt they would cost more because they are relatively deep, it is a big project, and will take up most of the street. He stated they had felt that the physical act of digging the hole, which will be fifteen feet wide and fifteen feet deep, was going to cost more than it actually is. Councilmember Phillips asked Mr. Bernardi if he was comfortable that Ghilotti Construction Company can perform on this project? Mr. Bernardi stated that he was, noting they have had extensive discussions with Ghilotti Construction Company concerning their ability to perform the work, and stated they are very confident that they can perform the work for the amount that they have bid, so we recommend you award the contract. Councilmember Cohen stated as an observation, first of all, if you have a situation where you have received bids and one bidder is well below the pack, so to speak, you might want to really look at that; however, he thought in this case a dispute arises because the gap between the two low bidders is relatively narrow, and clearly they both sharpened their pencils, noting the City is probably the beneficiary of that. Mr. Cohen stated he is not convinced that on a re -bid that would necessarily be the case. Mr. Cohen stated one question he had was based on a discussion he had with Mr. Bernardi, and wanted it on the record, and is referenced in City Attorney Guinan Is letter, wanting to be clear that the issue here is that when we reviewed the bids, based unit pricing, Ghilotti Construction's numbers came out, after the sub -total, the blanks were filled in, and some math errors were corrected based on unit pricing, Ghilotti Construction came out the low bidder, and our policy clearly states, and the bid documents clearly stated, that unit prices govern. Mr. Bernardi stated that was exactly right. Mr. Cohen stated he felt based on that, the argument about the Public Contracts Code, Mr. Bernardi makes exactly the right point, one-half of one percent or $10,000, whichever is greater, the $10,000 limit is not going to apply on this project. That is for small projects and is not applicable here. Mr. Cohen stated the other is the question that, and given that it is our stated policy, he thought our course is clear to go ahead and award the contract. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt a Resolution awarding the contract for the Andersen Drive Project to Ghilotti Construction Company in the amount of $8,844,574.55, denying the appeal from Maggiora & Ghilotti. RESOLUTION NO. 9629 -RESOLUTION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR ANDERSEN DRIVE PROJECT TO GHILOTTI CONSTRUCTION, INC (lowest responsible bidder, in amount of $8,844,574.55). AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None NEW BUSINESS 18. ACCEPTANCE OF NORTH SAN RAFAEL VISION PROCESS AND STEERING COMMITTEE COMPOSITION (P1) - File 238 x 9-2-51 Principal Planner Jean Hasser reported that in January the Council approved the development of the North San Rafael Vision for those neighborhoods north of Puerto Suello Hill, and pointed out those neighborhoods on a map. Ms. Hasser noted North San Rafael is approximately one-third of the City in terms of population and geography. Ms. Hasser stated this Vision will provide the opportunity for North San Rafael residents and business interests to identify what the future of North San Rafael should be. Ms. Hasser stated that in April the Council defined the charge for this Vision, which was to develop a broadly supported Vision for the future of North San Rafael which addresses all of the essential elements of community. She noted this process is to address incorporated City neighborhoods, and involve residents, business interests, and property owners. She stated the Vision will be the primary basis for updating our City policies and programs affecting this area, and will establish an ongoing environment for collaborative activities by both the neighborhoods and the City. Ms. Hasser reported the Vision is to be completed within a year. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 7 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 8 Ms. Hasser noted the Council had decided the best way to design the process for this Vision was with a representative community group, and in April a fourteen member start-up group was established and began that process. Ms. Hasser reported the start-up group met with staff and consultants four times during the past two months to complete the Council's charge of recommending the composition of an ongoing Steering Committee, and also putting together an open, manageable Vision process with an anticipated budget. She stated an open community meeting was held, which was attended by nearly seventy people, to solicit additional ideas for the process, and for suggesting other groups that needed to be included. Ms. Hasser referred to the Proposed Vision Plan Process chart, which is contained in the staff report. She stated that after the first phase of notifying people and inviting them to participate, the Exploration and Visioning phase will include talking with a wide variety of partner groups and schools, followed by a Vision Festival. She reported there will be many activities at the Festival, which is expected to be held in October, including community tours, youth murals, and a workshop, at which they will actually begin to draft the Vision itself. Ms. Hasser noted Phase III will be working sessions to discuss issues, strategies, actions, and priorities, and then there will be a celebration event at the end, when a draft plan is produced, followed by ongoing implementation by the community and the City. Ms. Hasser stated the Steering Committee will be very important to the process, noting they will be meeting at least once a month to oversee its development. She noted the start-up group' s objective for the Steering Committee was to obtain a committed group of people who will have multiple interests and will provide broad community representation. Ms. Hasser stated it has been recommended the Committee have twenty-five members, at least nine residents, nine business interest representatives, four City and school representatives, and three from Youth, Environment, or other organizations. She noted the Committee will also specifically include representatives from both the East and the West sides of Highway 101. To provide adequate notice to those who might be interested in applying, Ms. Hasser reported Steering Committee invitations were sent out last week to over 200 groups and individuals in this area, and a press release will be sent out tomorrow. She stated they have already received eight applications for the Steering Committee, noting the application period runs through July 5th, and the Committee is expected to be appointed July 15th. Ms. Hasser reported the proposed budget has been reduced from approximately $130,000 to $87,600, primarily by relying more heavily on City staff to produce written materials and to help organize events. She stated this approach will also rely on the Steering Committee and volunteer assistance in involving schools and partner groups, which was typical during the Downtown Vision process. She stated they would also help in getting the work out, and with community booths and tours at the Vision Session. Ms. Hasser reported Moore Iacafano Goltsman, Inc., is the consultant being recommended for this project, and their budget totals $70,000. She stated this firm was used on the Montecito Vision Project, noting their involvement was critical to the success of that effort. She stated their specialty is public participation projects, and they have helped on several other City projects. Ms. Hasser stated almost all of the budget amount would be expended during the next fiscal year, and noted the budget also includes almost $7,600 in direct costs to be handled by the City, and a $10,000 set-aside for specialized consultants that may or may not be used, depending on need, such as a traffic consultant or economic consultant. Ms. Hasser stated staff is very pleased to present this work program to the Council, noting the North San Rafael Coalition sent a letter on June 11th in support of this program. She asked that the Council accept the start-up group's recommendations, and budget for this project in the upcoming fiscal year. Councilmember Phillips asked if this project was currently included in the budget? Ms. Hasser stated a request for approximately this amount had been submitted as a place holder. Acting City Manager Golt reported $80,000 has been included in the budget. Shirley Fischer, North San Rafael Coalition representative, addressed the Council, stating she believes this is a great idea, and feels the process has been a wonderful experience of bringing people together from various parts of the community. She stated the proposed start-up plan is a great plan, noting there is already a lot of enthusiasm being generated in the community, and she feels this is going to be a great process that will end up with some real basis for the revision of the General Plan, and also for a real community building process in the North San Rafael area. Ms. Fischer urged the Council to endorse this project. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 8 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 9 Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to accept the North San Rafael Vision Process proposed Budget and Steering Committee composition, and recommend this project be included in the 1996/97 budget (requesting $87,600) . AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None 19. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: a. NORTH BAY DIVISION LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES - File 9-11-1 (Verbal) Councilmember Heller reported she had attended a meeting of the North Bay Division League of California Cities on Thursday, June 6th, in Yountville, noting this was the last meeting to be held until September. Ms. Heller stated the speaker Carol Whiteside, Director of the Governor's Office of Inter -Governmental Affairs, made one point which the City should watch for in legislation or any future budgets; this year the Governor's budget is going to freeze the cost of the courts to the counties, and they are recommending the State pick up any growth rate costs at the 1994 level. Ms. Heller stated this may impact on the City at some point if the counties look to the cities to increase their jail booking fees because their costs are not being raised. b. SAN FRANCISCO SEALS BASEBALL AT ALBERT PARK STADIUM - File 9-3-65 x 9-3-66 (Verbal) Councilmember Phillips reported Mayor Boro threw out the opening ball at the San Francisco Seals baseball game at the Albert Park Stadium, with the pitch recorded at 1192 miles per hour" (or 29?). Mayor Boro announced the second game will be held on June 28th, and a letter will be sent inviting other Mayors and City Councilmembers, to make it a Mayors and Councilmembers Night in San Rafael. Mayor Boro urged everyone to bring their families and attend the game. c. SANTA MARGUERITA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MEETING - File 12-9 x 9-3-40 (Verbal) Councilmember Cohen announced the Santa Marguerita Homeowners Association will meet on Wednesday night, noting they are concerned with the ditch (dividing Del Ganado Road) , and what to do about landscaping. Mr. Cohen stated he and Mayor Boro have met with the Homeowners Association a couple of times, and reported Councilmember Phillips and Public Works Director Bernardi will be attending the meeting on Wednesday night, noting there are still members of the group that need to hear that the City does not have excess funds available that they are simply withholding from them, and they need to be told that the City is not going to fund this project. Although he cannot attend the Homeowners Association meeting, Mr. Cohen stated he and Councilmember Phillips and Mr. Bernardi will meet with the Steering Committee on Wednesday morning. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL 1996 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/17/96 Page 9