HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1999-02-01SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1999 AT
8:00 PM
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Vice -Mayor
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember
Absent: Gary O. Phillips
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
OPEN SESSION:
Mayor Boro announced Closed Session item.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. Conference with Real Property Negotiator (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property Address: 1000 East Francisco Boulevard, San Rafael
(Scotland Car Yard site) APN 08-102-04
Negotiating Parties: San Rafael Redevelopment Agency and Claire
Engleberg, property owner, and Snorre Grunnan,
business owner of Scotland Car Yard
Under Negotiation: Eminent domain action to acquire property
City Attorney Gary Ragghianti announced no reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
PM
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
8:00
Mayor Boro stated he had a question regarding Agenda Item #7, concerning the
Management Letter from the Auditor; however, he did not want to remove the item
from the Consent Calendar, rather he would wait and discuss the issue during
Agenda Item #13, the Mid -Year City Budget Review.
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the
following Consent Calendar items:
`a
4
ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approval of Minutes of Special (Closed Session) Minutes approved as
submitted.
and Regular Meetings of Tuesday, January 19, 1999 (CC)
Confirmation of MCCMC Adopted Plan and Approval
of Joint Services Coordinator Re: Marin
County Joint Powers Authorities (CM)
- File 244 x 239 x 113
5. Resolution of Appreciation to Tom Smiley,
Traffic Sergeant, Employee of the Quarter for
Period Ending December 31, 1998 (CM)
- File 102 x 9-3-30 x 7-4
Approved staff
recommendation:
Council confirmed the
adopted
plan dated August 10, 1998
for
coordination of Marin
County Joint Powers
Authorities, and directed
Councilmember Heller to
call for the hiring of the
Joint Services Coordinator
to be funded in the first
year from Metricom
revenues.
RESOLUTION NO. 10360
RESOLUTION OF
APPRECIATION TO
TOM SMILEY, TRAFFIC
SERGEANT,
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
FOR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 1
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 2
31, 1998.
6. Monthly Investment Report (MS) Accepted Monthly
Investment
- File 8-18 x 8-9 Report for period
ending December, 1998, as
submitted.
7. 1997/98 Financial Audit; 1997/98 Single Audit Accepted reports.
Act Report; GANN Appropriation Limit Report,
and the Management Letter (MS)
- File 8-1 x 8-9
8. Resolution Amending Agreement for Professional RESOLUTION NO. 10361
Services with DKS Associates to Design a Traffic RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Signal System for Interim Solution for the EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT
TO
Intersection of Lucas Valley Road and SouthboundTHE AGREEMENT FOR
PROFESSIONAL
101 Ramps in the Amount of $2,558.35 (PW) SERVICES WITH DKS
ASSOCIATES
- File 4-3-215 TO COVER ADDITIONAL
SERVICES TO COMPLETE
DESIGN PLANS FOR A TRAFFIC
SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR INTERIM
SOLUTION FOR THE
INTERSECTION OF LUCAS
VALLEY ROAD AND SOUTHBOUND
101 RAMPS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$2,558.35.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Phillips
The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion:
3. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT TO FILL ONE UNEXPIRED TERM ON THE
PLANNING COMMISSION TO THE END OF JUNE, 2001, DUE TO RESIGNATION OF TERESA
SMITH ON DECEMBER 30, 1998 (CC) - File 9-2-6
Councilmember Cohen stated he had discussed the issue of noticing with the
City Clerk, and since Council would be considering people they were not
going to interview, he believed the Notice that was to be posted should
indicate this in some fashion, not necessarily listing the names, but
stating that in addition to those interviewed, the Council would be
considering people who had recently applied for a previous vacancy.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to call for
applications, as recommended.
Approved staff recommendation: a) Called for applications to fill one
unexpired term on the Planning Commission, due to resignation of Planning
Commissioner Teresa A. Smith, with deadline for receipt of applications set
for Tuesday, February 23, 1999 at 12:00 Noon in the City Clerk's Office,
Room 209, City Hall; b) Set date for interviews of applicants at a Special
City Council meeting to be held on Monday, March 1, 1999, commencing at
6:00 PM, to fill one unexpired term to the end of June, 2001; c) Those
applicants who recently applied for a vacancy in December, 1998 will not be
interviewed again, but will have their applications included for
consideration along with new applicants in the interview process. In
addition, Kirk Black, who applied in December, was unable to be
interviewed, as he was out of town. If still interested, Mr. Black will be
interviewed along with other applicants who may apply; d) The Notice
calling for applications shall include the following wording: "At that
time, the City Council will also be considering five applicants who were
previously interviewed on 12/21/98, when making their decision to fill
vacancy".
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Phillips
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
9. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO TOM SMILEY, TRAFFIC SERGEANT,
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 2
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 3
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER, FOR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998 - File 102 X
9-3-30 x 7-4
Mayor Boro announced Sergeant Smiley had been unable to attend the meeting,
due to illness, and the Resolution of Appreciation would be presented to
Sergeant Smiley at the Council meeting of February 16th.
10. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES - File 9-3-20 x 9-3-85 x 9-3-65 x 9-3-30
MANAGEMENT SERVICES: Mark Rinkel, Systems Manager
Assistant City Manager Ken Nordhoff introduced Mark Rinkel, Systems Manager
for the Information Systems Division. He noted Mr. Rinkel was really
working for the Information Services Division, but was dedicated full-time
to working in the Police Department, specifically on technology issues.
Mr. Nordhoff stated Mr. Rinkel would be involved in the Police Department's
system conversions, their radio replacement, and a host of other things,
noting the Officers would look to Mr. Rinkel for his expertise in
technology. Mr. Nordhoff reported Mr. Rinkel had previously worked for the
City of Woodland, in their Information Systems Department.
Mayor Boro welcomed Mr. Rinkel to San Rafael, and on behalf of the Council,
presented Mr. Rinkel with a City of San Rafael pin, wishing him luck in his
new position with the City.
Mr. Nordhoff stated new employee Jim Slaughter, Network Administrator, had
been unable to attend the meeting.
COMMUNITY SERVICES: Renee Hoyer -Nielsen, Youth Services Supervisor
Community Services Director Carlene McCart introduced Renee Hoyer -Nielsen,
Recreation Youth Services Supervisor. Ms. McCart reported Ms. Hoyer -
Nielsen had previously worked for the City of E1 Cerrito, where she had
over fifteen years of service in Recreation Administration. She stated Ms.
Hoyer -Nielsen would be the driving force behind the City's Day Camps, Teen
Programs, Youth Programs, and Pre -School Programs. Ms. McCart noted Ms.
Hoyer -Nielsen had been with the City for a month, and already her impact
had been dynamic, and there were a host of new things Community Services
would be offering this summer, as a result of having her onboard. Ms.
McCart reported most of the new programs would be showcased on April 17th,
and invited everyone to attend the preview of summer programs Ms. Hoyer
Nielsen would be directing.
Mayor Boro welcomed Ms. Hoyer -Nielsen to the City of San Rafael, presenting
her with a City of San Rafael pin, and wishing her much success in San
Rafael.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Gregg Martin, Building Inspector I
Community Development Planning Manager Sheila Delimont introduced Gregg
Martin, Building Inspector I, reporting Mr. Martin had ten years experience
working for the cities of Danville and Menlo Park. She noted with all the
building activity in Downtown San Rafael, she was very glad to have Mr.
Martin onboard.
Mayor Boro welcomed Mr. Martin to the City of San Rafael, noting he was
going to have a "full plate"; however, he pointed out Mr. Martin would have
a lot of help, and Mayor Boro believed he would enjoy his job. Mayor Boro
presented Mr. Martin with a City of San Rafael pin, stating he was happy to
have him working for the City.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Kathy Calleja, Parking Enforcement Officer
Dan Fink, Police Officer
Lynne Ohlson, Administrative Analyst
Mark Oliveira, Police Officer
Steven Piotter, Police Officer
Mayor Boro asked if the Police Department was currently at full strength?
Police Captain Tom Boyd reported two Police Officer candidates had accepted
conditional job offers, pending professional testing procedures, noting if
they complete the testing process and come onboard, the Police Department
would be at full strength.
Captain Boyd introduced Kathy Calleja, Parking Enforcement Officer. He
reported Ms. Calleja was born and raised in San Francisco, and has lived in
Sonoma County for the past eight years. He noted Ms. Calleja had been a
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SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 4
Parking Enforcement Officer for the City of San Francisco, and finds San
Rafael a much nicer environment to work in.
Mayor Boro welcomed Ms. Calleja, and presented her with a City of San
Rafael pin.
Captain Boyd introduced Police Officer Dan Fink, noting Officer Fink had
been one of the "charter" Code Enforcement Officers in the new Code
Enforcement Department. Captain Boyd reported Officer Fink had graduated
from the Santa Rosa Police Academy in December, and was currently in the
first phase of the Department's FTO (Field Training Officer) Program, where
he was doing very well. Captain Boyd noted Officer Fink had previously
worked as a seasonal firefighter and then as a Police Technician for the
City of Santa Rosa, and currently lives in Rohnert Park. Captain Boyd
stated Officer Fink had a lot of experience, and was doing well.
Mayor Boro welcomed Officer Fink, and presented him with a City of San
Rafael pin.
Captain Boyd introduced Lynne Ohlson, Administrative Analyst. He stated
she had a lot of experience in this area, having done the same type of work
for nine years with the Sacramento Police Department, and she fit very well
into the Police Department's team. Captain Boyd explained Ms. Ohlson was
scheduled to work on budgeting, grant development, administration, and
special projects, noting there were a lot of special projects coming up,
and she would be kept very busy. Captain Boyd reported Ms. Ohlson had a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Sacramento State, she was an instructor in
Records Management at the Statewide Dispatchers Academy, and was a member
of many automation and computer committees for the Sacramento Police
Department. Captain Boyd stated Ms. Ohlson brought a lot to the
Department, and everyone was looking forward to having her work for the
City.
Mayor Boro welcomed Ms. Ohlson, presenting her with a City of San Rafael
pin.
Captain Boyd introduced Police Officer Mark Oliveira, the Department's
newest Police Officer, after graduating from the Napa Police Academy.
Captain Boyd noted Officer Oliveira was born and raised in Napa, and still
lived there. He stated Officer Oliveira was in the Phase One level of the
Department's FTO program, and was doing excellently, noting everyone was
pleased to have him as part of the Police Department.
Mayor Boro welcomed Officer Oliveira, and presented him with a City of San
Rafael pin.
Captain Boyd introduced Police Officer Steven Piotter, noting he had
previously spent four years working as a Police Service Aide for our Police
Department. He stated Officer Piotter had gone through the Police Academy
with Officer Fink, graduated in December, and was also currently in Phase
One of the FTO Program and doing well. Captain Boyd reported Officer
Piotter, who lives in Terra Linda, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Criminal Justice Studies, and is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserves,
where he is an MP (Military Police) Investigator.
Mayor Boro welcomed Officer Piotter, presenting him with a City of San
Rafael pin.
11. ANNUAL REPORT AND COMMITTEE PRESENTATION BY THE VISION IN ACTION COMMITTEE
(CD)
- File 9-2-52 x 238
Planning Manager Sheila Delimont acknowledged Associate Planner Chantry
Bell and Senior Planner Linda Jackson for their work on this project, and
for their help in getting this Committee off to such a fine start.
Ann Crew, Co-chair of the Vision in Action Committee for North San Rafael,
referred to the movie "Field of Dreams", in which a voice states, "If you
build it, they will come", and noted they have built the Vision, and people
are coming. She stated they began their work in April, and had a
wonderful, diverse Committee of people who live in North San Rafael. She
reported they had taken a tour of North San Rafael, educating new members
of the Committee, and had also reviewed a lot of projects that have come up
in North San Rafael, giving approval to those that fit the Vision.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 4
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 5
Ms. Crew noted they had a brief "starting up" process, and were still
educating themselves in the things they would like to do; however, they had
already identified three major topics they would like to focus on:
developing a Town Center in North San Rafael, which was very high on their
list; looking at the gateways to the northern part of the City, and how
they might enhance and beautify them; and building a promenade among the
various spots they have found to be important in their part of the City.
Summarizing what they have done in these areas, Ms. Crew first referred to
the idea of a Town Center, reporting Macerich, the developers of the
Northgate Shopping Center, were considering doing a major upgrade of the
Center, which she felt was a wonderful thing for those interested in the
Town Center concept. She noted that in conversations with representatives
from Macerich, and members of the Town Center sub -committee, they discussed
what they would like to see as a Town Center. She noted when Macerich had
first talked about putting in a Rite-Aid Drug Store at the foot of Del
Presidio Boulevard, near the corner of the Macy's parking lot, they had
envisioned something greater, believing if there was a Rite-Aid Drug Store,
there might also be a restaurant, and perhaps a bookstore, outdoor seating,
and a place where people could gather and have little shows. She reported
they had made that proposal to Macerich, asking them to take this into
consideration, and make that little corner a very special spot in North San
Rafael. Ms. Crew pointed out some things were actually happening there,
such as Chili's Restaurant, a new gathering place in North San Rafael, and
City Hall at the Mall, which they were eagerly awaiting.
Referring to the issue of gateways, Ms. Crew pointed out there was a new
gas station, which added a little bit of pep to that corner. She stated
they were still exploring the issue of entryways and gateways, noting it
was one of the topics they would be discussing this month, and they
believed it would be a very exciting issue.
Addressing the concept of a promenade, Ms. Crew stated the Committee had
looked at other cities to see what they have done, noting they were
particularly concerned with pedestrian walkways and bike paths and how
these might circulate. She reported they expected the route to be from
Scotty's Market and the Terra Linda Shopping Center, through Northgate One
and the Northgate Mall, across the new bridge (Merrydale Overcrossing), and
over to the Civic Center, and perhaps even winding around to the P.G. & E.
site. Ms. Crew stated in the Spring they were planning to
have a design workshop with the Marin Task Force of the American Institute
of Architects, to discuss and develop graphic ideas of what might happen on
the promenade. She noted they would be considering such things as walking,
biking, and places to sit and chat, perhaps with chessboards.
Ms. Crew noted there were a lot of other things going on that had been part
of the Vision, and since they we already happening, the Committee had to
address them, as well. She stated the hottest issue right now was the
P.G.& E. property, noting the signature property owners and developers had
spoken with them, and they were in the process of organizing a workshop in
February or March, under the auspices of the Committee, to discuss what
might happen there. Ms. Crew stated they have also been working with
representatives from the Freitas Park area, and were very excited about the
upgrades, noting the Committee had supported this, sending people to their
meetings and looking over their plans, which the Committee felt were great.
Ms. Crew reported there was also a skateboard park sub -committee, and the
members have spoken with the Community Services Department, making the
recommendation that such a park be located behind Vallecito School, near
Kaiser. She stated they were also looking forward to the surveys
concerning the Library, and hoped that in their Town Center they could have
a branch Library. Ms. Crew reported they had heard from representatives of
the Farmers' Market, and they hoped that if it becomes necessary to
relocate the Farmers' Market, it might be in their part of the City.
Ms. Crew stated they were building their Vision and hoped it was coming,
noting they looked forward to next year, and having a real action plan to
make things happen.
Mayor Boro thanked Ms. Crew, stating her enthusiasm was contagious.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 5
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Councilmember Heller referred to the skateboard park, asking if they had
been getting a lot of interest, and if the kids from the school were coming
forward to help plan it? Ms. Crew deferred to Associate Planner Chantry
Bell, who has taken the lead on this issue. Ms. Bell reported high school
students were not yet involved with the sub -committee; however, she noted
someone in southern San Rafael had expressed an interest in becoming
involved with the design and implementation of a skateboard park. Ms. Bell
stated that at the next VIA Committee meeting, to be held next Wednesday,
the sub -committee would be putting together a slide show for the entire
Committee, and the individual who expressed interest in doing this would be
invited to attend the meeting. Ms. Bell reported the two teens on the VIA
Committee had not, at this point, expressed interest.
Councilmember Cohen noted Council had recently approved changes to the
former Commerce Clearing House building, including the implementation of a
shuttle service. He noted this was a concept that had been very well
received, and was also part of the Vision. He asked if there had been any
further discussion concerning this, and perhaps exploring whether the
service might be expanded. Ms. Crew stated this was something they would
be discussing at their next meeting, noting they were hoping the members of
the Committee would perhaps go out and recruit other businesses to buy into
the shuttle concept. Councilmember Cohen stated he believed that was a
good idea, noting this was a real opportunity for us, to have someone
providing the seed money. Mr. Cohen believed if other businesses,
particularly some of the retailers, were to realize this was a concept that
was supported by the community, and was going to be well received, they
might be more interested in participating in this, particularly if they
believed it was going to be used, and would bring them more customers. Mr.
Cohen acknowledged what was currently being proposed was more work related;
however, he noted it would be interesting to see whether or not, by
building upon that base, it could be expanded to cover additional hours,
which be believed might be where we would get some interest from the
retailers. Ms. Crew stated that was something they were definitely
supporting, and an area where they were being very proactive.
On behalf of the Council, Mayor Boro thanked Ms. Crew and the members of
the VIA Committee. He noted Council receives the minutes of their
Committee meetings, and was kept apprised by staff, and knew they were
doing a great job. He also thanked Ms. Bell and Ms. Jackson for their fine
work, noting someone had recently mentioned to him that when going to these
meetings, people were impressed that City staff also participates, showing
the City is truly behind this, along with the citizens. Ms. Crew stated
the Committee members also enjoyed working with Ms. Bell and Ms. Jackson.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Miller seconded to accept the
Annual Report, as presented.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Phillips
OLD BUSINESS:
12. RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMENCEMENT OF AN EMINENT DOMAIN
ACTION TO ACQUIRE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1000 EAST FRANCISCO BOULEVARD,
APN 08-102-04 (SCOTLAND CAR YARD SITE) (RA) - File 3-6 x 11-1 x 11-14 x
(SRRA) R-140 #8
Senior Redevelopment Specialist Nancy Mackle explained a year ago the
Council approved the East San Rafael Traffic Improvement Plan, and part of
that plan required building turn lanes off East Francisco Boulevard onto
Bellam Boulevard. However, in order to do that, the City needed to acquire
the property at 1000 East Francisco Boulevard. She noted this property is
owned by Claire Engleberg, and is currently leased to Scotland Car Yard
auto dealership.
Ms. Mackle stated staff had the property appraised, and in August made an
offer to the property owner of $365,000. She noted she met with the
property owner and her representative, and they verbally countered with an
amount of $712,000. Ms. Mackle stated staff reviewed their offer,
determining it to be way out of line with the appraisal price. She
reported staff made a second offer of $389,000, which equated to a value of
$29 per square foot, noting that was quite a good price compared to
comparable properties. Ms. Mackle stated staff did not receive a written
or verbal response to the second offer, which has now expired.
Ms. Mackle reported the property owner had informed her that she had hired
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SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 7
another attorney, James Berg, of the law offices of Berg, Anderson, Parker,
LLP, and staff has since been working with Mr. Berg, sending all paperwork
to his attention, and directing telephone calls to him. Ms. Mackle stated
they have tried to follow-up several times to get some kind of response;
however, the only response so far was a voice mail received in December,
which stated his client was going to need more money, and he needed more
time. Ms. Mackle stated staff had given this a lot of time, trying to work
out and negotiate an agreement, but to this point they have not been able
to do so. Therefore, staff was bringing to Council a Resolution of
Necessity to purchase the property via Eminent Domain.
Ms. Mackle pointed out this Resolution did not affect the business, only
the property, noting Scotland Car Yard was a separate issue. She explained
staff intended to purchase the property and lease to the business owner, on
a short-term basis, while staff goes through the process of designing the
improvements. She noted staff needed to actually get onto the property to
test and measure. In the meantime, they would lease to the business owner,
and work with him to help him relocate to another location, hopefully in
San Rafael.
Mayor Boro asked Ms. Mackle to describe how that might work, as far as
reimbursement to the owner of the car lot. Ms. Mackle explained if they
could find him another location in town, then the City would help him pay
for the physical cost of relocating his building and automobiles, and
producing new business cards and the like. She noted if there was some
reason the new site was not as good, or the rent was higher, the City would
help in making -up the cost difference, and try to keep him whole.
Councilmember Heller asked what the timeline would be? Ms. Mackle stated
staff would move forward to complete the acquisition as soon as possible,
noting she expected it would take a couple of months. She noted the City
would want to have a lease with Scotland Car Yard, which would allow us to
get onto the property to test and measure, and then it would depend upon
how long it took the Public Works Department to design and get ready to go
out to bid for the project.
Tina Yesson, resident of San Rafael, asked how long Scotland Car Yard's
remaining lease was with the current owner of the property, as she wondered
why the City would want to underwrite his business to any extent if he did
not have a long-term lease with the owner? Ms. Mackle reported ten years
remained on the current lease. Councilmember Cohen pointed out the issue
relative to the business was a separate action, noting perhaps when that
issue comes up, Council could discuss it a little more. However, since
that was not before Council at this time, he did not wish to discuss it
now.
Councilmember Cohen asked if Ms. Mackle was satisfied staff had done
everything it reasonably could do, and if the City had done everything we
were required do to under the law, to attempt to negotiate with this
property owner? Ms. Mackle reported we had, noting she had even told the
property owner the City was getting ready to do this, and that she would
try to get in touch with her attorney because he had not responded.
Therefore, the property owner was aware the attorney had not responded, and
at this point, there was nothing else the City could do. Mr. Cohen asked,
even if the City were to take this action, was there anything that would
prevent us from proceeding to negotiate an agreement if the property owner
or her attorney came forward with a response, and not have to pursue this
action in Court if we can reach agreement? Ms. Mackle indicated there was
no reason this could not be done.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution of Necessity authorizing commencement of Eminent Domain action
to acquire the property at 1000 East Francisco Boulevard.
RESOLUTION NO. 10362 - RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE PUBLIC NECESSITY
REQUIRES THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 1000 EAST FRANCISCO BOULEVARD, SAN RAFAEL,
MARIN COUNTY (APN 08-102-04, Scotland Car Yard).
NEW BUSINESS:
13. MID -YEAR CITY BUDGET REVIEW (MS) - File 8-5
Assistant City Manager Ken Nordhoff stated each year the Management
Services Department reviews the status of the City's budget half -way
through the fiscal year, and prepares a report for Council. He reported,
most importantly, when the budget was put together, over 700 individual
goals and objectives were laid out for the various Departments, and noted
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 7
that, by and large, all of those were
fiscal year. He stated approximately
the staff report, but given the level
laid out, he felt this spoke well of
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 2/1/99 Page 8
on track to be met by the end of this
twenty exceptions had been noted in
of success with all that has been
the level to date.
Mr. Nordhoff reported they had reviewed all the numbers, including all the
City Operations, and any actions that might have required budget
adjustments to be made since last July. He stated the report also included
some additional recommendations, noting the largest adjustment to Revenues,
which totals $2.7 million, was the increase in Sales Tax, pointing out that
adjustment was approximately $963,000. He explained this was due, in part,
to the actual results received last year, which were not in at the time the
budget was prepared, as well as the results that have been seen through the
first six months of this year. He stated we were very much in an "up
mode", and would probably be approaching close to $14 million this year in
Sales Tax, a new record for the City of San Rafael.
Mr. Nordhoff stated other adjustments had been made with respect to grants,
and the report also included revenues and related expenses for the
Millennium party, explaining $500,000 had been incorporated on each side
of the ledger, so there were matching funds in the General Fund to cover
that cost. He noted, in reality, the City would collect money much sooner
than we spend it, so to the extent that we have those funds on hand at the
end of the year, they will be held and carried forward to next year, to
complete any expenses related to that celebration.
Referring to Expenses, Mr. Nordhoff reported adjustments of almost $8.8
million had been made; however, approximately 75% of that, or $6.4 million,
was taking money that had been accumulated in prior years, which had been
assigned to a variety of Capital Projects, such as street repaving, storm
drain projects, and traffic improvements, and carrying those balances
forward from the prior fiscal year to this year. He noted that was done to
get a proper matching of expenses with the budget, so when we come under
Audit Review at the end of the year, we can see that what Council has
appropriated is in alignment with what we actually anticipate spending.
Mr. Nordhoff reported some of the other changes regarding Expenses included
making appropriate adjustments for Compensation, as outlined in the various
bargaining group agreements, and $142,000 for the new Traffic Safety Grant
for two new Motorcycle Officers, which doubles the City's level of traffic
enforcement. He stated $98,000 had also been added, explaining the Child
Care Division of the Community Services Department would soon be coming
before Council to finalize improvements for restrooms at Pickleweed Park,
which were much needed for the Child Care programs.
Mr. Nordhoff stated he had also made a request to set aside $100,000 to
address the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem. He noted he would present a
more comprehensive report concerning the Y2K problem at the Council meeting
of February 16th.
Mr. Nordhoff thanked Cindy Mosser, of his accounting staff, for her fine
work, noting she deserved a lot of the credit for the preparation of this
report, as did Assistant Director of Financial Services Dennis Shives.
Mayor Boro asked Community Services Director Carlene McCart for an update
on Boyd Park. Ms. McCart stated that while there have been no recent
reports concerning Boyd Park, staff has been working "behind the scenes".
She reported the Engineers had worked with the Conceptual Plans, and were
currently developing first phase plans, so they will be able to install the
playground equipment. Ms. McCart stated they were underfunded at this
point, but she was hopeful that with participation from the Marin
Historical Society, and perhaps some of the Parkland Dedication money that
came in for Zone #2, they would be able to keep this project on track, with
installation this Spring or early Summer.
Mayor Boro asked where the Marin Historical Society's project stood at this
time? City Manager Rod Gould reported he would be meeting with them
tomorrow morning, and would find out the schedule for the application to
begin their project.
Mayor Boro referred to the General Plan Update, noting the report stated it
had been pushed back, and asking for a general sense of what the timeline
now looked like? Ms. Delimont reported at this point staff was doing some
of the background reports, and putting together a data base that would be
needed for a traffic model. She noted they would also have a parcel by
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parcel rundown on land uses and square footage, and would be doing a Trends
Report to evaluate existing General Plans, reviewing what has been
accomplished, and what still needs to be accomplished. Ms. Delimont
explained they had one person working on the background material; however,
with the St. Vincent's/Silveira project going on, they had not been able to
get much further than that. She noted if they could get the data base
together, as well as the background reports, then she believed this Summer
they would be able to appoint the Committee, with activity gearing -up in
the Fall.
Mayor Boro referred to the Finding Letter received from the Auditors,
pointing out it was an excellent letter as far as the shape of the City.
He noted there was the issue of an Internal Control Manual, and asked if a
timeline for that would be included in the goals for next year? Mr.
Nordhoff stated that would definitely be on the "To Do" list for next
fiscal year.
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution approving amendments to the 1998/99 budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 10363 - RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL
AMENDING THE 1998/99 BUDGET.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Phillips
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
14. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES - File 9-11-1
Councilmember Heller reported the League of California Cities was planning
to hold the Mayors and Councilmembers Forum in July, and asked the
Councilmembers to contact her with suggestions or items they felt would be
of interest. She also stated she had been appointed to the League of
California Cities Policy Committee on Transportation, Communications, and
Public Works.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:45
PM.
Mayor Boro announced a Special Study Session would now be held in the City
Manager's Conference Room, to discuss the Paramedic Tax Ballot Measure.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1999
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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