HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1997-02-18SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1997 AT
8:10 PM
Regular Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Paul M. Cohen,
Absent: Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
(Absent through Agenda Item #22)
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
OPEN SESSION - 7:00 PM:
Mayor Boro announced Closed Session items.
CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 PM:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
a. Case Name: Johanna Trevino v. Daryl Gates, et al., U.S. Supreme Court Case
No. 96-1079 (Request for City of San Rafael participation as amicus party).
City Attorney Ragghianti announced the Council voted unanimously (Councilmember
Cohen absent) to participate as amicus party.
b. Case Name: Zel Bauer v. City of San Rafael, et al, Marin County Superior
Court Case No. 169549.
No reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
8:00 PM
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the
following Consent Calendar items:
ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION
3. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Approved as
submitted.
Monday, February 3, 1997 (CC)
4. Summary of Legislation Affecting San Rafael (CM) Approved staff
recommendation.
- File 9-1
5. Resolutions of Appreciation to Carol Dillon RESOLUTION NO. 9789 -
Dennie Dyer, Barbara Heller, Cyr Miller, and RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO
Tom Obletz, Volunteer Program Advisory CAROL DILLON, VOLUNTEER
Committee Members (CM) - File 102 x 235 PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEMBER.
RESOLUTION NO. 9790 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO DENNIE DYER, VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER.
RESOLUTION NO. 9791 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO BARBARA HELLER, VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEMBER.
RESOLUTION NO. 9792 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO CYR MILLER, VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER.
RESOLUTION NO. 9793 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO TOM OBLETZ, VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER.
6. Recommendations for New Volunteer Program
recommendation,
Approved staff
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 1
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 2
Committee (CM) - File 235 appointing Linda Bellatore, Kara
Birkenstock, Jesus Campos, Christine Chun, Carol Dillon, Jenny Ellinwood,
Elizabeth Grasham, Vickie Hatos, Rusty Kostick, Barbara Mortkowitz, and Tom
Obletz.
7. Resolution Authorizing Extension of Agreement RESOLUTION NO. 9794 -
with Renaissance Risk Management for Workers' RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Compensation Claims Administration Services SIGNING OF AN AMENDMENT
(Current Agreement Ends February 28, 1997) (CM)TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
- File 7-1-31 x 9-6-3 RENAISSANCE RISK MANAGEMENT FOR
WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES (3/1/97 - 2/28/99).
8. Resolution of Appreciation to Sharon Andrus, RESOLUTION NO. 9795 -
Employee of the Quarter Ending 12/31/96 (CM) RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO
- File 102 x 7-4 x 9-3-11 SHARON ANDRUS, EMPLOYEE OF THE
QUARTER ENDING 12/31/96.
9. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE
adoption of
NO. 1706, Entitled "An Ordinance of the City of
San Rafael Amending the San Rafael Municipal Code
to Reorganize the Code Enforcement Program, by
Amending Sections 1.08.020 and 6.10.050, by
Repealing Sections 1.08.130, 1.08.140, 1.08.150,
1.08.160, 1.08.170, 1.08.180, 1.08.190, 1.08.200,
and 1.08.210, by Repealing Section 1.12.010, by
Redesignating Section 1.12.011 as Section 1.12.010,
by Retitling Chapter 1.12, by Repealing Chapters
1.16, 1.20, 1.30, 2.36, and 2.37, and by Adding
Chapters 1.40, 1.42, 1.44, and 1.46 (CA)
- File 240 x 9-3-16
10. Monthly Investment Report (Admin. Svcs.)
- File 8-18 x 8-9
11. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
("CAFR") 1995/96 Annual Audit (Admin. Svcs.)
- File 8-1 x 8-9
Approved final
Ordinance No. 1706.
Accepted report.
Accepted report.
13. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Annual RESOLUTION NO. 9796 -
Certificate of Compliance (Year 1995) for RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
McInnis Park Apartments for BMR Rental EXECUTION OF A CERTIFICATE
Agreement (RA) - File 229 x 13-16 x (SRRA) R-173 OF COMPLIANCE (Year 1995)
FOR McINNIS PARK APARTMENTS FOR BELOW MARKET RATE RENTAL UNIT AGREEMENT.
14. Request for Partial Closure of Fifth Avenue Approved staff
recommendation.
and "D" Street Parking Lot for T&B Sports
Event on March 1 and March 2, 1997 (RA)
- File 11-19 x 11-8
15. Approval of Street Closure on Fourth Street, Approved staff
recommendation.
Between "A" and "B" Streets, From 10:00 AM
to 1:30 PM, on February 27, 1997 for Start
of Demolition of Rafael Theater (RA)
- File 11-19
16. Resolution Supporting Bike Lane Over RESOLUTION NO. 9797 -
California Park Hill (PW) RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
- File 9-3-65 x 9-3-40 x 11-16 CONSTRUCTION OF A BICYCLE
PATH ON CAL PARK HILL (By California
Department of Transportation).
17. Resolution of Appreciation to Richard Douglas, RESOLUTION NO. 9798 -
Retired Police Captain, for Services Provided RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO
to San Rafael Police Department and Businesses RICHARD DOUGLAS, RETIRED
of San Rafael (PD) - File 102 x 9-3-30 POLICE CAPTAIN, FOR
SERVICES PROVIDED TO SAN RAFAEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND BUSINESSES OF SAN
RAFAEL.
18. Resolution of Appreciation to Hewlitt-Packard RESOLUTION NO. 9799 -
Corporation for Donation of Specialized Computer RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO
System (TRAK) Which Will Assist With Recovery HEWLITT-PACKARD
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 2
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 3
CORPORATION
of Missing Children and Adults (PD) FOR DONATION OF SPECIALIZED
- File 102 x 9-3-30 COMPUTER SYSTEM (TRAK) WHICH
WILL ASSIST WITH RECOVERY OF MISSING CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen
The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion:
12. SINGLE AUDIT ACT REPORT FOR 1995/96 (Admin. Svcs.) - File 8-1 x 8-9
Councilmember Phillips noted the staff report referred to appropriation
limitations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995, and asked if that
should actually be for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996? Administrative
Services Director Ken Nordhoff stated fiscal year ending June 30, 1995 was
correct, explaining the auditors actually review the prior year's
calculations.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to accept the
report as submitted.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
19. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO SHARON ANDRUS, EMPLOYEE OF
THE QUARTER ENDING 12/31/96 (CM) - File 102 x 7-4 x 9-3-11
Mayor Boro presented a Resolution of Appreciation to Sharon Andrus, who was
selected by her fellow employees as the Employee of the Quarter ending
12/31/96. Mayor Boro explained that each quarter the City's employees select
one person as Employee of the Quarter, and the employee is also awarded $100;
then, at the end of the year, one of the four employees selected as Employee
of the Quarter will be awarded $500 and named Employee of the Year.
Mayor Boro noted he shares the same office with Ms. Andrus, and sees her
everyday, stating she is a wonderful person and a great employee, and has
done a great job for the City of San Rafael. He stated he was very proud she
was selected Employee of the Quarter, and on behalf of the Council and the
City of San Rafael, Mayor Boro congratulated Ms. Andrus, and thanked her for
all her fine work.
20. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION TO CAROL DILLON, DENNIE DYER,
BARBARA HELLER, CYR MILLER, AND TOM OBLETZ, VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEMBERS (CM) - File 102 x 235
Mayor Boro explained that several years ago a committee was formed to work with
the volunteers within the City, after having seen how well volunteers had
worked in the Police Department and the Library. He reported Lynn Emrich had
been hired as the City's Volunteer Manager, and a steering committee of five
people was initially formed to work with Lynn. He stated the Council had
just taken action on the Consent Calendar which restructured the committee to
a new group of eleven members, four of whom are students, and noted those
eleven members would serve staggered terms over the next two years.
Mayor Boro stated it was his pleasure to present Resolutions of Appreciation to
the five members of the original steering committee, and on behalf of the
Council, he thanked them for making this dream and vision of a strong
community based volunteer program come to life. He stated there had been
some great programs to date, and there would be more as we go forward.
Mayor Boro presented Resolutions of Appreciation to Dennie Dyer, Tom Obletz,
Councilmember Barbara Heller, and Councilmember Cyr Miller.
Mayor Boro stated one of the members, Carol Dillon, had been unable to attend
the meeting, but he thanked her publicly, noting she had put a lot of work
into this program.
Volunteer Manager Lynn Emrich presented each of the committee members with a
commemorative cup.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 3
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 4
21. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RICHARD DOUGLAS, RETIRED
POLICE CAPTAIN, FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO SAN RAFAEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND
BUSINESSES OF SAN RAFAEL (PD) - File 102 x 9-3-30
Mayor Boro introduced Richard Douglas, stating Mr. Douglas had been a member of
the San Rafael Police Department for a number of years, before retiring with
the rank of Captain. He stated several years ago, when the City had some
special work that needed to be done in the area of white collar crime, Mr.
Douglas came back to work for the Police Department.
Mayor Boro stated over the past two and a half years Mr. Douglas had done an
outstanding job, pulling the City out of a problem area when we did not have
help. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Boro stated the City appreciated Mr.
Douglas' help very much, thanked him for all of his fine work, and extended
best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.
22. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO HEWLITT-PACKARD CORPORATION
FOR DONATION OF SPECIALIZED COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH WILL ASSIST WITH RECOVERY
OF MISSING CHILDREN AND ADULTS (PD) - File 102 x 9-3-30
Mayor Boro reported Council was presenting a Resolution of Appreciation to
Hewlitt-Packard for work they had done for the City in providing a special
computer system, called TRAK, to assist in the search for missing children.
Mayor Boro noted no one from Hewlitt-Packard was able to be present to accept
the Resolution, but he thanked them for their contribution to the City, and
thanked the San Rafael Police Department for having pursued this particular
grant.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTION:
2. INTRODUCTION AND SWEARING-IN OF POLICE CHIEF CAMERINO SANCHEZ (CM) - File
9-3-30
a. CITY MANAGER INTRODUCED POLICE CHIEF SANCHEZ
City Manager Rod Gould introduced Police Chief Camerino Sanchez, noting Chief
Sanchez had begun his career in law enforcement with the Los Angeles Police
Department, where he held a variety of assignments including Patrol Officer,
Vice Officer, Homicide Detective, and an assignment at the Police Academy,
stating he was immediately slated for rapid advancement. Mr. Gould reported
that at the time of the Rodney King beating, Chief Sanchez was assigned to
the Foothill Division to quell the disturbance, and to rebuild trust with the
residents and businesses of that torn section of Los Angeles, pointing out
the level of trust in him was so high that he was given this assignment, and
he was very successful.
Mr. Gould reported Chief Sanchez went from Sergeant in the Los Angeles Police
Department to Chief of the Hollister Police Department, where he had served
for the past four and a half years. Mr. Gould stated in Hollister Chief
Sanchez took a Police Department that was in need of professional upgrading,
a middling Department that needed an infusion of energy and professionalism,
and in that short period of time, Chief Sanchez turned the Department around.
Mr. Gould stated Chief Sanchez made the Department much more effective, took
a huge bite out of crime, and the level of enforcement increased. He noted
Chief Sanchez was out in the neighborhoods meeting with the residents and
business owners, forming partnerships, improving the level of professionalism
on the Police Force, and supporting the men and women of the Hollister Police
Department in their mission.
Mr. Gould reported Chief Sanchez was recognized in the Law Enforcement community
as a highly skilled executive manager, and someone who has a real vision of
policing. Mr. Gould stated that when Council began the search for a Police
Chief three months ago, they engaged the services of a professional
recruiter, noting they had wanted to look widely for the most qualified
candidate. He reported the Council had also met with members of the
community and asked what they wanted to see in the new Chief, as far as
traits and characteristics, and they also met with members of the Police
Officers' Association for their thoughts as to what they felt would be
necessary in the new leader of our Police Department during the next century.
Mr. Gould reported over sixty applications were received for this position, and
Chief Sanchez' application quickly floated to the top. He stated what the
City heard from those who have worked with Chief Sanchez is that he is a
leader of vision, and someone who has a zeal for law enforcement. Mr. Gould
pointed out Chief Sanchez was not that far from being a Patrol Officer, and
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 4
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 5
often rides along with the Officers to see what is going on in the field, and
to support them.
Mr. Gould stated Chief Sanchez is heavily engaged with the community, and is
very comfortable meeting in people's homes at night, meeting with community
groups and businesses to address issues of crime and incivility in the
neighborhoods. Mr. Gould reported Chief Sanchez was a staunch supporter of
the men and women who form the law enforcement community, and spends much of
his time explaining to the members of the community what the Police Officers
do.
Mr. Gould noted Chief Sanchez was skilled in the modern management techniques of
law enforcement, and very much a supporter of what is known as "community
policing". Mr. Gould reported that in Hollister Chief Sanchez took a Police
Department that was brand new to this concept, and raised it to a level where
it was beginning to become a model for other communities in the region.
Mr. Gould explained these were many of the traits, characteristics, and
expertise the Councilmembers sought when they began the search for a new
Police Chief. He noted that after a comprehensive background check, as well
as a trip to Hollister with two members of the City Council to interview
people on-site, the Council unanimously agreed Camerino Sanchez would be the
next Chief of Police in the City of San Rafael. Mr. Gould noted Chief
Sanchez had been to San Rafael several times since then, had met with his
Command Staff and other members of the Police Department, moved into his new
office, and began service to the community on February 17, 1997.
b. POLICE CHIEF SANCHEZ SWORN -IN BY CITY CLERK
With great pleasure, Mr. Gould welcomed new Police Chief Camerino Sanchez, and
asked City Clerk Leoncini to administer the Oath of Office.
City Clerk Leoncini administered the Oath of Office to Chief Sanchez.
Mayor Boro congratulated Chief Sanchez, and presented him with his shield.
Chief Sanchez acknowledged the large attendance by members of the Police
Department and the community, thanking them for being present. He noted
whenever he is asked what makes a successful Police Chief, he always responds
that it is being smart enough to surround yourself with outstanding people.
Chief Sanchez stated that was how he worked, and that was how he could,
today, give his loyalty to the Police Department, and to the people he will
be working with.
Chief Sanchez noted five years ago he had been working in a Police car, so he
was not that far removed from the field. He stated he was a "street cop" who
happened to be sitting behind a Chief's desk now, but that did not make him
any better than anyone else in the organization.
Chief Sanchez thanked everyone for attending the swearing-in ceremony, and for
this great opportunity, stating he was honored to be the Police Chief, and
honored to be working with the Department and the community in keeping San
Rafael the kind of community they want it to be. He stated that was his
obligation to everyone, and he pledged his loyalty toward that end.
Chief Sanchez thanked Mayor Boro, City Manager Gould, and the City Council for
their confidence in him, and his ability to carry out that pledge. Chief
Sanchez stated he also wished to thank his staff, noting the position called
for critical thinking and visionary thinking, and he was looking forward to
working with the entire community and the staff in making some of the dreams
and visions come true. He stated he would not be able to do this alone, as
leadership was not a solo act, and he noted he had already told the members
of his Department that he was depending on them to help him toward that end,
noting that together they would definitely succeed.
Chief Sanchez stated he looked forward to working with everyone in the City for
many, many years, and thanked everyone very much. He stated his family had
not been able to be present, but they had asked him to express their
appreciation to those who had made them feel so important during the last
several weekends they had been visiting in San Rafael. Chief Sanchez stated
he appreciated that very much, because his family would not be able to join
him in San Rafael for the next few months, and it would be just himself and
the wonderful staff he felt so blessed to have inherited.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 5
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 6
Chief Sanchez thanked everyone, stating he would wear his shield with much
pride.
Mayor Boro announced a reception would be held in the lobby to welcome Chief
Sanchez, and recessed the City Council meeting.
(Councilmember Cohen arrived during reception).
Mayor Boro reconvened the City Council meeting.
MONTHLY REPORT:
23. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (CM) - File 9-3-11
City Manager Gould stated he and the City Council were very heartened to learn
the Board of Directors of Fair, Isaac had voted on a second option to
purchase the former P.G. & E. site from Village Properties, noting that
although the project was now technically two months behind, it was moving
forward very smartly, and he appreciated the intervention by Mayor Boro to
keep the discussions going.
Mr. Gould acknowledged the Fire Department for beginning the Disaster Training
for the City's residents, through the DART (Disaster Area Response Team)
training, which was now in its fifth week. Mr. Gould stated this was a new
experience for the Firefighters who were acting as trainers, and he felt they
were doing a very fine job. He noted this program would be refined and
brought forward in different methods to various citizens groups in the near
future.
Mr. Gould noted there had been an alumni reunion of the Citizens' Police
Academy, and over eighty people attended, which showed the great interest in
law enforcement which exists within our community.
Mr. Gould reported the Andersen Drive Project was moving forward, and now that
we were getting out of the rainy season, we would see construction step up
again. Regarding the issues with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Mr.
Gould reported a hearing has been set for the end of April, at which time the
City will argue the merits of our application before the PUC for the right to
cross the rail line. Mr. Gould pointed out this involved an agreement with
the County and the Bridge Board, to make provisions for separating the grade
between the road and the rail line when rail service is restarted in Marin.
Mr. Gould stated the City was confident the PUC would see the wisdom of this,
and the City will have its application granted so it does not hang up the
project any further.
Mr. Gould stated the City had been receiving very good remarks from members of
the community regarding the City's first Newsletter, which was distributed
last week. He noted the comments were running approximately 9-1 in favor of
the Newsletter, and people were very pleased to see the information all in
one place, and commended the City for reaching out.
Mr. Gould stated discussions had begun with staff regarding the concept of a
Community Development Department, and those members of the Planning
Department and Public Works Department who would be affected have been
providing their thoughts and ideas as to how this might work, and how it
might all come together. Mr. Gould stated he was cheered to see the level of
cooperation and interest in this reorganization plan.
Regarding recruitment, Mr. Gould stated he was pleased to see the City had
received over eighty applications for the Code Enforcement Officer positions,
noting the lists have been established for both the Code Enforcement Officer
position and the two assistants, noting we had some very qualified candidates
to fill those positions. Mr. Gould also reported Director of Administrative
Service Ken Nordhoff had identified the person he believed would best serve
as Information Systems Manager for the City, as we phase out our contract
with Business Records Corporation (BRC), and move to our own in-house
Information Systems Division.
OLD BUSINESS:
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 6
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 7
24. CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL BY PELL DEVELOPMENT TO FULFILL THE PPP
CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IN 1991 AND
APPROVED AGAIN IN MAY, 1996 (REGENCY II CHILD CARE PROPOSAL) (P1) - File 115
(PPP) x 10-2
Planning Director Robert Pendoley noted Council had last considered this issue
in May, 1996, when they authorized the project to proceed. He noted part of
the approval to construct an office building at the Regency II site was to
provide a child care facility for 60 - 75 children. However, as it turned
out, after a good
deal of work by both the applicant and the City, as well as the reviewing
process, we learned that would not be feasible on this site because of
contaminated soil conditions. He reported staff and Pell Development brought
this back to Council, who directed Pell Development to attempt to find an
equivalent site.
Mr. Pendoley stated the proposal now being presented was for a Head Start
Program for 28 children, at the First Congregational Church off San Pedro
Road. He stated in economic terms, staff clearly felt this proposal was
equivalent to the original proposal, noting there would now be a permanent
investment in the building, whereas the original proposal was for a temporary
one. He reported the level of cash contribution toward the scholarships was
much higher, and this proposal would clearly reach deeper into the market in
terms of service available for low and moderate income people.
Mr. Pendoley stated the two services, while both aimed at children, were simply
different. He reported the original proposal was for day care, while this
proposal was for a Head Start program. He noted Head Start was a very
enriched educational program, sometimes for children with disadvantages.
Mr. Pendoley stated staff recommended Council accept this proposal as an
equivalent offer, and allow it to proceed.
Cecilia Bridges, attorney, stated she was representing Pell Development Company
for the Regency II Office PPP Condition. She reported they had made many
contacts in searching for a new child care site, noting they had first gone
to the School Districts, but had no results. She stated they next went to
the churches, and after some delay, they found a very good working partner in
the First Congregational Church, located at 8 San Pedro Road. She noted this
was the same church the City worked with on Pilgrim Park Housing many years
ago, and noted they had supplemented this partnership with the Marin Child
Care Council and Marin Head Start.
Ms. Bridges introduced Pastor David Ray of the First Congregational Church, John
Starkweather representing Pilgrim Park, Stephanie Stewart-Mogel of the Marin
Child Care Council, and Cynthia Klock of Marin Head Start, noting they had
all worked very hard on this project.
Ms. Bridges explained this proposal had three components; first, Pell
Development would provide improvements to an existing church building, which
would enable that building to adequately support a 28 child program. She
reported the size of the building and available outdoor area was basically
what ruled the number of children allowed, as there were State regulations
regarding how much space was required for each child. Ms. Bridges noted the
improvements made to the building would belong to the First Congregational
Church; second, Pell Development would pay rent to the First Congregational
Church, for a minimum of five years, and possibly up to ten years, depending
on when the Interchange is constructed; third, a scholarship program of
$100,000 would be funded to the Marin Child Care Council, for which their
mission would be to provide that money to make affordable child care
available in San Rafael.
Ms. Bridges stated she agreed with staff's recommendation, and asked for
Council's support of this proposal.
Mayor Boro asked if he understood correctly that the money for the scholarship
program would not go toward this project, but for child care within the City
of San Rafael for people in need? Ms. Bridges stated this had been purposely
left innocuous, because it was possible that by funding the entire thing at
one time, Marin Child Care might earn interest on this money, and they would
end up with more than $100,000 over the ten year period. Ms. Bridges stated
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 7
they definitely wanted some of
Park to extend the Marin Head
would be a year long program,
scholarship, as thought of in
to make child care affordable,
throughout all of San Rafael,
to do that.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 8
the money to go toward working with Pilgrim
Start program throughout the summer, so it
noting this was somewhat different than a
the past. She stated the funds were to be used
possibly first at this site, but also
noting there should be more than enough funds
Councilmember Cohen stated he supported staff's recommendation, but in charting
the course that has led to this proposal, one of the issues that came about
was Neighborhood Serving Use at the site. Without wanting to be overly
restrictive on the grant, he stated he kept looking for benefits to North San
Rafael, because that was where the traffic impact was. He noted the original
thought was that Neighborhood Serving Benefit was a mitigation for the
traffic impact of the area of the City that was going to suffer. Mr. Cohen
pointed out the report stated the proceeds from the $100,000 would go to
create affordable child care in San Rafael,
and asked if it would be possible to place first priority on residents of the
northern part of the City? Mr. Cohen stated the first priority for this
money should be the residents in North San Rafael, and if a fair share of
those needs are met, then the money could be freed up for other needs in San
Rafael. Ms. Bridges stated Marin Head Start's existing program is located in
Novato, and when discussions first began it was made very clear to them that
this program would be for San Rafael residents. She stated they had a
waiting list of San Rafael residents who were unable to come to Novato, so
this would not be a problem. Ms. Bridges pointed out the new center would be
in North San Rafael, and noted they had restricted themselves to looking only
at locations in North San Rafael.
Councilmember Heller asked if Pell Development were to cease paying rent at the
end of five years, would the First Congregational Church be financially able
to continue the program, or would we see it fold at that point? Ms. Bridges
noted Pell Development's obligation was to provide a space for a minimum of
five years, and up to ten years, depending on the Interchange improvements.
She stated as long as there was an operator, then they would continue to
lease the space to provide the child care service, but noted Pell Development
could not guarantee there would be an operator, or that the federal
government would not change the funding for Marin Head Start. However, Ms.
Bridges stated the Marin Head Start program was one of the most successful
federal programs, and she did not believe there would be a problem. Ms.
Bridges pointed out that while they could not guarantee there would be an
operator interested if Marin Head Start decided to go somewhere else, that
was not any different than the situation they would have been in if they had
built the day care center at the Regency II site.
Mayor Boro noted Ms. Heller's concern had been that if the Interchange was built
after five years, then the program would have to be self-sufficient, or would
need another source of funding. Ms. Bridges stated the program would have to
be self-sufficient, but it would already have an improved facility, and would
have access to the $100,000 funds at the Marin Child Care Council.
Councilmember Heller asked if the two entities, the Church and the child care
provider, had sat down and discussed what would happen in five years, and
whether or not they would be able to fund the program on their own? Pastor
Ray stated the First Congregational Church was very committed to this idea,
and to seeing things through.
Ms. Bridges reported one of the things that had made this happen so quickly, and
that Pell Development really appreciated, was that the First Congregational
Church had a proven interest of going out and "making it happen", and she
stated there was nothing to lead them to believe this program would not be in
existence, just like Pilgrim Park is today after twenty-five years.
Councilmember Phillips noted this program would serve 28 pre-school children,
and the original proposal for the Regency II development had been planned to
serve 60 - 75 children. He asked Recreation Director Sharon McNamee, who is
overseeing the City's child care, if going from 60 - 75 children to 28
children was indicative of not meeting the needs which were considered to be
necessary? Ms. McNamee stated the reason this proposal had been reduced to
28 children was a question of space, and of not finding a location where they
could fit 60 children, noting they had exhausted all the school
possibilities, She stated they would have accommodated more children at the
Church if there were more space, but regulations specify so many square feet
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 8
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 9
of indoor space for each child. Councilmember Phillips asked if Ms. McNamee
was comfortable that all avenues had been explored, and this was not just an
arbitrary reduction out of convenience? Ms. McNamee stated she believed they
had really attempted to find a location which would accommodate more
children, and the size reduction was not a matter of convenience. She noted
in the past the City has had discussions concerning the need for pre-school
services in the Terra Linda Valley, and she believed this was a good start.
Mr. Phillips asked if Ms. McNamee had any idea what the demand for the
scholarships would be? Ms. McNamee stated the City's child care program
provides approximately $100,000 per year for scholarships, and noted we could
easily double that, for both elementary and pre-school. Mr. Phillips asked
if she felt the Terra Linda/North San Rafael area could absorb the $100,000
in scholarships? Ms. McNamee stated that would easily be absorbed.
Ms. Bridges noted the $100,000 was not an annual amount, it was an amount to be
spread over a ten year period. Mr. Phillips asked if the City would be
receiving reports on how the scholarship money was being spent, and the names
of the recipients? Ms. McNamee stated she could request that information
from the Marin Child Care Council, and provide that information to the
Council. Ms. Bridges stated she had discussed with Ms. Steven-Mogel of Marin
Child Care Council that some administrative costs would be required in
administering this money, and that was one of the reasons they came up with
the $100,000 figure, as that more than doubled the amount that had originally
been pledged for scholarships, and provided $15,000 - $16,000 for
administration.
Councilmember Cohen stated he recalled the child care facility planned in the
original proposal at the Regency II site had been referred to strictly in
terms of space, with no identification of an operator, or who would run the
facility. He also noted he did not believe they had discussed affordability.
Ms. Bridges stated the original proposal had been to provide a building for
five to ten years, which was adequate to hold between 60 - 75 children,
noting the number of 60 - 75 children was specified because there are
different space requirements for different ages of children. She reported
the second part of the proposal was that in order to address affordability,
that building be rented to an operator at Below Market Rate.
Councilmember Cohen stated he did not feel it was fair to look back and note
that we had been going to provide child care for 60 - 75 children, while now
we will only be providing for 28 children, because now we are talking about
affordable child care for the 28 children of the Head Start Program, and
there was a qualitative difference in what was being provided.
Councilmember Cohen noted Council was being asked to adopt this Resolution in
concept, subject to approval of the Use Permit, and subject to Terms and
Conditions described in Ms. Bridges' letter. He stated, in the unlikely
event that this program was not successful at this location, prior to the
expiration of the five to ten year commitment period, the lease payments
would then become moot, because the program would not be there for Pell
Development to pay the lease. He asked what would happen then? Ms. Bridges
stated the obligation was to pay the lease, and they assumed the First
Congregational Church would go out and find another operator for the child
care center, because that is what they want there, noting they would have the
improved facility, and it would make no sense to turn it into an office at
that point. Councilmember Cohen felt this should be the first choice, but if
the Head Start program does not continue, and the church is unsuccessful in
finding another operator, he suggested we propose that the value of the lease
payments Pell Development would be making would then be paid to Marin Child
Care Council for the remainder of the obligation period, noting if the First
Congregational Church were unable to find another operator, Pell
Development's obligation should not, therefore, cease. Mr. Cohen stated Pell
Development was making a commitment for the next five to ten years to pay
lease payments that have an economic value and if, for whatever reason, that
was no longer an option, either for the Head Start program or for another
child care provider at that location, he would like to have an assurance that
there was a fallback position, and that an equivalent of that money would
then go the Marin Child Care Council. Ms. Bridges stated they could
certainly agree to that; however, she noted if an operator could not be found
for a facility that had already been improved, and had no rent, then there
may not be a need. Mr. Cohen stated he felt these stipulations were probably
unlikely, and he expected this to be a very successful program.
Councilmember Phillips asked, in dollars, if the developer was going to be
behind or ahead with this new proposal, as compared to what had originally
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 9
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 10
been agreed upon? Planning Director Pendoley stated they had done an
analysis regarding this very question, and concluded the cost to the
developer was essentially identical, in terms of dollars laid out. However,
they also concluded this was an irrelevant point to make to Council, because
Council's concern was not what it was going to cost the developer, but the
service that was going to be provided to the community. Mr. Pendoley stated
the most relevant comparison was between the two services, noting one had to
begin by acknowledging they are different. He pointed out the original
proposal was for 60 - 75 child care slots, and the current proposal was an
educational service for a particular need group, with a very urgent need
which would otherwise not be met with conventional day care. Mr. Pendoley
stated this was the most relevant comparison to make in terms of the question
Council must ask when reviewing the PPP, "Does this meet a Neighborhood
Need"? Mr. Pendoley stated there was an urgent Neighborhood Need for Head
Start services, and the same could be said for conventional day care.
Councilmember Phillips asked if the monetary value of this second proposal was
equal to the value of the original agreement? Mr. Pendoley stated Ms.
Bridges had made a very convincing case that the two proposals had the same
cash value, simply meeting different needs. Mr. Phillips asked if staff was
comfortable that Ms. Bridges' analysis was reasonable? Mr. Pendoley stated
they were. Ms. Bridges reported the important difference was that at the end
of the five or ten year period, with the original proposal, Pell Development
would have had an asset, and with the current proposal, the asset would
belong to the First Congregational Church. She noted another clear
difference was that under the first proposal, sixty spaces were to have been
made available, with six of those being Below Market Rate; the Head Start
program will address a much greater need for affordable child care, and is a
full family program, addressing much more than just child care.
Mayor Boro recalled that a couple of months ago he and Councilmember Phillips
had met with the Superintendent of Schools and a representative from the Head
Start
program, and discussed the need for a second Head Start program. He noted at
that time they could not imagine where the funds for such a program would
come from, or where they would find a site. He stated there was quite a
demand for this type of service, noting it provided a very good start for the
children in their educational development, and involved the entire family.
Mayor Boro felt this program would provide a whole new dimension, and one
that everyone would benefit from.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution to approve the proposal by Pell Development to fulfill their PPP
conditions, with the stipulation that if the Head Start program does not
continue, and the First Congregational Church does not find another operator,
that Pell Development make a commitment to pay an amount to the Marin Child
Care Council, equal to the amount of lease payments which would have been
made during the five to ten year period.
RESOLUTION NO. 9800 -RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL BY PELL DEVELOPMENT TO
UNDERWRITE A HEAD START PROGRAM TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PRIORITY
PROJECTS PROCEDURE.
AYES: COUNCIL ERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCIL ERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
25. BERNARD HOFFMAN SCHOOL SITE PURCHASE (Rec) - File 4-7-28 x 220 x 9-3-65 x
9-3-66
Recreation Director Sharon McNamee reported the Dixie School District had
decided to surplus these ballfields, giving the City notice and asking if we
wanted to exercise our rights under the Naylor Act, which would enable the
City to purchase the property at reduced rates. She noted Council and the
Park and Recreation Commission had reviewed this, and found it was a High
Priority matter under the General Plan requirements, and spoke to Dixie
School District and requested further time to review the issue. She stated
they conducted an appraisal and learned the property was valued at $1.4
million, which meant the City could offer $350,000 to purchase the property.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 10
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 11
Ms. McNamee reported the next hurdle was to figure out where to get the money
for the purchase. She stated some members of the community had been involved
in the initial decision of whether or not the City wanted to look into
purchasing the property, and Ms. McNamee spoke with the Girls' Softball and
Soccer organizations, noting they were very interested in preserving the
fields, but stated they did not have the capital, nor did they perceive that
they could generate this kind of capital in the near future. Ms. McNamee
reported they had also explored the possibility of private development on the
site, and whether or not this would be legal, noting they had determined this
could be a possibility. She stated they also looked at some type of joint
public/private development, such as child care, or the County Schools sharing
the property, generating partners and capital in that manner. However, this
did not prove feasible at this time.
Ms. McNamee stated the Joint School Board Subcommittee met and reviewed these
ideas, and discussed the various options but, unfortunately, the City only
has approximately $100,000 in Unrestricted Funds available at this time. Ms.
McNamee reported that at the last Subcommittee meeting it did not seem as
though there was any way to obtain the addition $250,000 which would be
needed to purchase the property; therefore, the Subcommittee recommended the
City waive its Naylor rights at this time. She reported discussions were
held with the School District regarding what this would mean, and what
options we could look at in the future as a community, with the School, the
City, and community groups possibly replacing those fields at another site,
or the School District exercising the option of doing development on the
site, and possibly preserving one of the fields as they pursued a developer.
Ms. McNamee stated the Resolution before Council was to waive the City's option
to exercise its Naylor rights to purchase the Bernard Hoffman ballfields, and
to inform the Dixie School District so they can take their next steps.
Mayor Boro noted he and Councilmember Phillips had been meeting with
representatives of the Dixie School Board, along with Ms. McNamee and City
Manager Gould, to see if they could find a workable alternative, including
the placement of child care at the site. However, he noted none of the
alternatives proved to be financially feasible. He stated that when they
concluded their meetings with the School Board members last week, the City
recommended that if they sold the site at anywhere near current
market value, hopefully some of the proceeds could go into the fields at Santa
Margarita, and the City would certainly participate in that activity. He
stated one of the suggestions was running the reclaimed water line hook-up
from wherever it is now out to Santa Margarita. He stated the School Board
members were receptive to turning that field into a use for the community.
Mayor Boro stated that regardless of what happens with the Bernard Hoffman
site, this might still be something the City might want to pursue, because if
we had the funds to make that happen, it might happen sooner, rather than
later.
Councilmember Heller stated she was concerned when reading this report,
acknowledging the committee had worked very hard to try to find the ability
to keep these fields. She asked, if the Council adopted this Resolution and
waived the City's right to purchase this property, would we be able to work
with the Dixie School District, and would the San Rafael School District be
able to participate in something here, as this was in the Terra Linda High
School District's area? She asked if there was some way we could work
together with them and get something moving so these fields are not lost?
Mayor Boro stated the property was not lost until it was sold, but assuming
it was going to be sold, and some other use was going to be put to it, he
proposed the City move forward on the rehabilitation of the Santa Margarita
field. He noted the School District had indicated they would not be opposed
to doing that, and he felt we should work with them in attempting to do this.
Councilmember Phillips stated if the City could put something together with the
School District to use the field at Santa Margarita as an alternative for
community recreational needs, he felt the community actually came out ahead,
as he felt it was a better facility, noting the field at Santa Margarita was
large and flat, conveniently located, and much more conducive to both soccer
and softball. He stated that while it would be unfortunate to lose the
fields at Bernard Hoffman School, he felt enhancement of the Santa Margarita
field would be a solution the community could live with.
John King, San Rafael School District, thanked the Council for looking at this
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 11
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 12
issue as quickly as it had, noting he understood Dixie School District's
financial situation, and the pressure they were feeling, from a facilities
point of view, noting they had a real need for classrooms, and the funding to
build them. Mr. King stated he did not want to do anything to drag this
issue on unnecessarily. He reported it had come to his attention there was
one "last ditch" look at a public/private partnership that the soccer leagues
and Girls' Softball were interested in, which might be worthwhile.
Mr. King asked Council to put this item over to the meeting of March 3rd, even
though he did not really feel this would have any impact on the Dixie School
District's ability to actually move forward in a timely fashion. He noted if
that did not work out, then perhaps the City could put some kind of timetable
in place which would allow the San Rafael School District to study what it
would take to move forward and preserve a field in that section of town for
use by those organizations, and the public in general. He noted three years
ago the San Rafael School District worked with the Dixie School District to
preserve and create a field behind the Dixie School District's office, on
land they own, but which the San Rafael School District continues to use for
their Terra Linda High School Girls' Softball. Mr. King felt the Dixie
School District would likely be willing to work with the City, and noted the
San Rafael School District, as a user of the fields at Bernard Hoffman, might
also be able to contribute a small amount of funds to attempt to put a
mechanism in place to preserve a field for those organizations. He suggested
perhaps the field behind the Dixie School District's office might also be
made available to more organizations. He asked the City to take the lead in
putting a time table together, so if the Bernard Hoffman fields are sold for
another purpose, we could make sure another field was in place for the public
if that eventuality comes to pass.
City Manager Gould reported Dixie School District had put the City on notice
that we had a certain period of time in which to exercise our Naylor rights,
or to forfeit them. He noted the District had allowed us to extend the
deadline three times, to explore various alternatives. Mr. Gould stated he
believed, if pressed, the Dixie School District would allow a little bit more
time; however, the kinds of options being discussed would likely take more
than two weeks. He stated he would not want to presume for the School
District, and his recommendation to Council would be to formally pass on the
Naylor option, but express Council's interest in working with the residents
and the Dixie School District to find a way to either retain or replace the
fields lost at Bernard Hoffman.
Councilmember Heller asked City Manager Gould if we could go back and
restructure the Naylor option if something came up within the next two weeks?
She stated she saw no harm in waiting for two weeks if the community wanted
to attempt to find a solution. Mr. Gould agreed there was no harm in waiting
two weeks, but felt it would take more than two weeks to come up with an
alternative. He stated he had heard the Dixie School District express an
interest in working with the community, and with the City, so these fields
could either be preserved or replaced, and he felt the City needed to take
them at their word.
Mayor Boro stated if someone truly had a proposal and could bring it to life in
the next two weeks, and they put the Dixie School District on notice, he did
not think the School District was just waiting for the Council to vote "No"
so they could run out and sell the property quickly. However, he pointed out
the City had postponed this many times, and the School District has been
asking for our position, noting they had been told at a recent meeting that
although the Council had not voted on this issue, it appeared as though the
City would have to waive its Naylor rights. Mayor Boro stated the fact that
the City was waiving its rights did not mean we could not rescind that action
if someone had a proposal, and if the Dixie School Board was willing to
accept it. Councilmember Heller asked if we could rescind such a decision,
and Councilmember Cohen stated it did not sound as though we could.
City Manager Gould reported the School District had to make a decision to
dispose of the property, and he did not know if they had made that decision
public as yet. He stated they floated the option of the Naylor proposal to
the City, and gave us a certain period of time to decide whether or not we
wished to exercise that option, noting that after the City acts, it will be
up to the District to decide whether or not, and how, to dispose of the
property. However, Mr. Gould stated he believed this was the first time this
issue had been publicly brought to light, and he would expect that as the
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 12
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 13
community becomes aware of the District's interest in disposing of this
property, more and more people will come out and approach the District Board,
and ask them to consider how to replace these fields. Mr. Gould stated it
would be good for the City to go on record as indicating its willingness to
work with the residents and the School District to do that.
Mayor Boro stated the important thing was that when we respond to the School
District, in addition to stating the action taken by the Council, the letter
should also state the City was very interested in assuring there would be a
playing field of similar type, once this one is gone, and that the City would
like to work with the District in making that happen, and would even be
interested in starting that process sooner, rather than later.
Councilmember Heller noted she did not want the City to be left completely out
in the cold by passing this Resolution, and if it appeared that doing so
would preclude the City from being able to structure a Naylor rights
agreement, then she did not want to pass this Resolution.
Councilmember Phillips felt if the City were to pass this Resolution, then the
option would be in the School District's hands, and the City would have lost
that control. He did not think anyone should be mistaken in thinking the
City could change its mind and go back and exercise our Naylor rights if we
pass this Resolution. He stated if the Council waives these rights, then the
property passes to the School District to do whatever they wish.
Councilmember Cohen agreed with Councilmember Phillips, stating if the City
passes on an option to purchase, then we cannot say we want the option back.
However, he noted Mayor Boro and City Manager Gould had made the same point,
that while the City had been discussing this issue for six months, the Dixie
School District had not made this issue public, and he asked how they could
put the City on notice if they had not taken action that was part of the
public record? Ms. McNamee reported the property was already listed on the
surplus list, and they did not have to take further action.
City Manager Gould stated the City had received formal written notice from the
District that they intended to sell this property, and offering us a specific
period of time, under the law, to decide whether or not to exercise our
Naylor rights. He reported the City had extended this three times, with the
agreement of the School District; therefore, the City has been put on notice,
and the timing was now dictated by law.
Councilmember Cohen pointed out if he were a parent in the Dixie School
District, and the City asked to take the Naylor option back, as a parent he
might tell the District that if they were going to sell the property, he
would want them to get full market value for it, and since the City did not
take the School District up on the offer of purchasing the property for 25%
of fair market value, then the School District needed to sell the property
for the fair market value of $1.4 million, and
spend the money on his child, noting the District had a fiduciary responsibility
to do so. As a parent of a child in that School District, he would tell the
trustees they had an obligation to get the most money they could and apply it
to education, which is their primary task.
Mr. Cohen stated he was concerned that the City did not have anything, other
than comments made by members of the committee representing the School
District, indicating the Dixie School District would work with the City and
community groups on an equivalent replacement for these fields, or the
enhancement of other fields which might replace them in terms of utility.
City Manager Gould stated that unless Council decided to dip into General Fund
Reserves, the City did not have the money to buy the Bernard Hoffman fields
for $350,000 under the Naylor Act. He stated staff had examined a lot of
different options, such as partial development, and transferring some of the
rights, but on the simple issue of whether or not the Council wants to
exercise our Naylor rights, it does not appear the City has the resources to
do so.
Councilmember Cohen asked, under the law, could the City exercise its option and
purchase this property for $350,000, and then at some unspecified point in
time choose to sell half the property? City Attorney Ragghianti stated the
City could not do that, noting the property would have to be used for a
specific purpose. He reported his office had initially been consulted on
this issue, with respect to the potential to make some type of arrangement,
and found it could not be done.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 13
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 14
Mayor Boro stated another element to this was that there might be people who
live within the Dixie School District who might tell the District they need
recreation uses, and the District is taking that away by selling this site.
He noted the two representatives of the Dixie School District he had met with
seemed very sensitive to the recreational needs of the community, and seemed
to want to do something about this. Mayor Boro stated the City could not
require them to do it, but he felt they were willing to do it, and if someone
were to come up with a proposal that was very definitive, and the money could
be raised, then he believed the Dixie School District would look at the
proposal. He stated it was true that if the City gave away its rights, then
we could not control this, but on the other hand, the City could not ask the
School District to wait while we look for one more solution, noting we had
already gone through a number of creative ideas, but nothing had come to
light.
Councilmember Cohen asked if there was any way the City could ask the Dixie
School District to make some kind of public statement, with regard to their
willingness to address replacement of this recreational facility, before we
let the Naylor option go altogether? Mayor Boro noted he and Councilmember
Phillips had discussed this, and Mayor Boro stated he did not feel the
Council could tell the School District to do that. He reported when meeting
with the Dixie School District, they had indicated they would be willing to
do this, and the best way to get that on the record would be to acknowledge
that discussion in the transmittal letter the City sends, and stating the
City was willing to step forward and work with them to either enhance this
site through the development process, or a new site at Santa Margarita
School, noting the City would like to start working as soon as possible.
Councilmember Phillips stated Councilmember Cohen's earlier analysis was correct
regarding the fiduciary responsibility of the Trustees to provide education
to the District. However, he did believe that if the City were to come in
with a proposal for a specific amount of money, such as $100,000 to hook up
water and provide for the development of those fields, that would have a lot
of appeal to the School District, because many of the students who will be
using Santa Margarita field are Dixie School District students; therefore,
there will be a lot of political and parental pressure involved in a
partnership such as this. Mr. Phillips stated he felt the City could
actually end up with a potentially better situation, stating the Santa
Margarita field, if developed, would be better than the fields at Bernard
Hoffman.
City Attorney Ragghianti reported he and Recreation Director McNamee had
prepared a memorandum several weeks ago, which noted the Municipal Code
contained certain mechanisms under which the City could acquire the property,
and then at some point declare that the property was no longer necessary to
be used as open space or for recreational purposes. He believed it would
then have to be offered back to the School District, and if the District did
not want the property, it could then be developed for purposes other than
recreation or open space. However, Mr. Ragghianti stated the Municipal Code
did not address the initial issue of lack of funds to acquire the property.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution waiving the City's option to exercise its Naylor rights for the
purchase of the Bernard Hoffman ballfields.
Councilmember Cohen stated he would like to see the City state, in writing, to
the Dixie School District, either in this Resolution or in a letter
accompanying it, that part of the reason the City is taking this action is
because we believe a better option is to either work in partnership with the
School District to enhance these fields, or to move the fields to Santa
Margarita. Mr. Cohen stated his concern with the Resolution is that it does
not state anything other than the City does not have the money to purchase
the property, and we are waiving our Naylor rights. He noted there was
nothing else, other than a comment in the staff report which states part of
the reason the City was making this decision was because we felt a better
option would be to work together to address recreation needs in some other
fashion. He noted the City was taking the School District at their word that
they were going to work on this, and he felt the City needed to find a way to
state that for the record, either in the Resolution or in a letter to the
School District, noting this needed to be stated as part of Council's action.
City Manager Gould stated staff would re -write the Resolution and bring it back
before the Council at the next meeting, to be held March 3, 1997.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 14
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 15
Councilmember Heller stated she would be more comfortable having something that
would tell the community the City was certainly going to do its best to
replace the fields, and to give them something as good.
City Attorney Ragghianti suggested Councilmember Phillips and Councilmember
Miller withdraw their earlier motion to adopt the Resolution. Councilmember
Phillips and Councilmember Miller withdrew their earlier motion.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to refer this
Resolution back to staff, to revise the Resolution to reflect the foregoing
discussion, and bring the revised Resolution back to Council in two weeks, at
the meeting of March 3, 1997.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
26. MID -YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS (Admin. Svcs.) - File 8-5
x 8-9
Administrative Services Director Ken Nordhoff stated Council had adopted the
1996/97 Budget last July. He reported that during October Council had taken
action which increased Tax Estimates by $605,000; staff had figured out the
costing of implementing all the new labor negotiation agreements, and
incorporated those figures into the budget; $500,000 was set aside for the
Police Radio System replacement; and Council increased the Equipment
Replacement rates by $300,000. Mr. Nordhoff stated that over the first six
months of this year Council had also taken numerous actions which required
additional appropriations of funds for a variety of programs or special
projects. Mr. Nordhoff reported a special study session had been held to
discuss the mid -period review, noting the City's finances were tracking right
on course for this fiscal year.
Mr. Nordhoff stated the Resolution reflected the amendments to the Budget which
have been taken to date, and also incorporated a couple of additional items.
He reported, based upon the year-to-date collections, Occupancy Tax has been
increased by $50,000; the estimate in the Transfer Tax has been increased by
$75,000; and because of the implementation of the new retirement rates, via
the adoption of those by the Retirement Board, the savings have been
incorporated through the balance of the fiscal year. Mr. Nordhoff stated the
Resolution before Council reflected these changes, and he recommended Council
adopt the Resolution.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to adopt the
Resolution approving the revised 1996-97 Budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 9801 -RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REVISED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR JULY 1, 1996 - JUNE 30, 1997 AND PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATIONS AND
EXPENDITURE OF ALL SUMS SET FORTH IN SAID REVISED BUDGET (IN THE AMOUNT OF
$55,972,281).
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
27. ELECTION OF NEW VICE -MAYOR - File 9-1
Councilmember Cohen noted he and Councilmember Heller had discussed the position
of Vice -Mayor, stating they felt this seat should be one that rotates through
the members of the Council on an annual basis, and that each member of the
Council have the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Councilmember Phillips nominated and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to elect
Councilmember Barbara Heller as Vice -Mayor.
Mayor Boro declared Councilmember Heller Vice -Mayor, by acclamation.
28. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 15
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 16
a. REQUEST FOR APPLICANTS RE: APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC MEMBER TO LAFCO (LOCAL
AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION) - File 149 (Verbal)
Councilmember Heller announced LAFCO was looking for an alternate Public Member,
noting it was important to encourage someone from San Rafael to apply for
this position. She stated LAFCO would be reviewing their policies this year,
including the Dual Annexation Policy, which would impact San Rafael. She
noted this position would not take much time, and the member would only serve
if the regular Public Member could not attend a meeting. Mayor Boro
suggested Ms. Heller contact former Councilmember Breiner and ask if she
would apply, noting Ms. Breiner was a former member of LAFCO, and might be
willing to return.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 10:30 PM.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1997
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/18/97 Page 16