HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1999-06-21SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, JUNE 21, 1999 AT 8:25
PM
Regular Meeting: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Paul M. Cohen, Vice -Mayor
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Patricia J. Roberts, Deputy City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 PM
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE:
PM
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
8:25
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the
following Consent Calendar items:
ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Approval of Minutes of Special Joint Public Minutes approved as
submitted.
Hearing Regular Meetings of Monday,
June 7, 1999 (CC)
2. Call for Applications for Appointments to Fill
Approved staff
recommendation:
Two, Three -Year Terms on the
Strategic and
a) Called for applications
to
Financial Advisory Board, Due to Expiration
to fill two, three-
year terms
of Terms of Judy Denning and
Mick Spilsbury
on the Strategic &
Financial
(CC) - File 9-2-48
Advisory Board, due to
expiration of terms of
Judy Denning and Mick
Spilsbury, with
applications due by
deadline of Tuesday, July
13, 1999 at 12:00 Noon in
the City Clerk's Office,
Room 209;
b) Set date for interviews
of applicants at a Special
City Council meeting to be
held on Monday, July 19,
1999, commencing at 6:00
PM, to fill two, three-
year terms to the end of
July, 2002.
3. General Municipal Election -
November 2, 1999:
(CC) - File 9-4
a. Resolution Proposing a
General Municipal
a. RESOLUTION NO. 10423
Election, Including the San Rafael RESOLUTION 1)
PROPOSING A
Elementary School District and the San Rafael GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION,
High School District General Election; INCLUDING THE SAN
RAFAEL
Requesting the Board of Supervisors to ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DISTRICT AND
Consolidate With Any Other Election Conducted THE SAN RAFAEL HIGH
SCHOOL
on the Same Date; and Requesting Election DISTRICT GENERAL ELECTION:
Services by the County Clerk 2) REQUESTING THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO
CONSOLIDATE WITH ANY OTHER
ELECTION CONDUCTED ON THE
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 1
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 2
SAME DATE;
3) REQUESTING ELECTION
SERVICES BY THE COUNTY
CLERK.
b. Resolution Reaffirming Policy Regarding b. RESOLUTION NO. 10424
Number of Words in Candidate's Statement RESOLUTION
REAFFIRMING POLICY
of Qualifications, and Providing that the REGARDING NUMBER OF WORDS
IN
Cost of Printing and Handling of Candidate's CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT
OF
Statement of Qualifications Shall Be Borne QUALIFICATIONS, AND
PROVIDING
by the Candidate and Paid For at the Time THAT THE COST OF
PRINTING AND
Nomination Papers are Filed HANDLING OF
CANDIDATE'S
STATEMENT OF
QUALIFICATIONS
SHALL BE BORNE BY THE
CANDIDATE AND PAID FOR AT
THE
TIME NOMINATION PAPERS ARE
FILED.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued):
C. Resolution Requesting the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Marin to
Permit the County Clerk to Consolidate
Precincts and Polling Places Relating
to the San Rafael General Municipal
Election
C. RESOLUTION NO. 10425
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE
COUNTY OF MARIN TO PERMIT
THE
COUNTY CLERK TO
CONSOLIDATE
PRECINCTS AND POLLING
PLACES RELATING TO THE SAN
RAFAEL GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION.
4. Acceptance of Statement of Disclosure for Bruce Accepted Statement of
Friedman, Newly Appointed Member of the CitizensDisclosure for Bruce
Advisory Committee on Redevelopment (CC) Friedman, Member of
the
- File 140 x R-140 IVB
5. Summary of Legislation Affecting San Rafael
- File 9-1
Citizens Advisory
Committee on
Redevelopment.
(CM) Approved staff
recommendation:
AB 1410 (Margett), Public
Government Contracts. Late
Payments: OPPOSE; SB 266
(Chesbro), Public
Contracts. Bids: OPPOSE;
AB 385 (Knox) , Tax
Disclosure, Franchise Tax
Board. Local Agreements:
SUPPORT; AB 539 (Papan),
Workers' Compensation:
Cancer: Firefighters and
Peace Officers: OPPOSE; SB
430 (Alarcon), Building
Code Enforcement: SUPPORT;
SB 1064 (Perata), Building
Standards: Residential
Conversions: SUPPORT.
6. City Work Plan Review - File 237 Accepted report.
7. Resolution Appropriating Unappropriated Revenue RESOLUTION NO. 10426
and Amending 1998/99 Appropriation Limits and RESOLUTION
APPROPRIATING
Resolution Establishing 1999/2000 Appropriations UNAPPROPRIATED REVENUES
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 2
8.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 3
Limit (MS) - File 8-5
Resolution Authorizing the City of San Rafael
FOR 1998/99.
RESOLUTION NO. 10427 -
RESOLUTION APPROVING
1999/2000 APPROPRIATIONS
LIMIT.
RESOLUTION NO. 10428
to Open and Maintain an Account with Mischler RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE
Financial Group, Inc. for the Purpose of CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO
OPEN
Purchasing, Selling, Dealing and Trading in AND MAINTAIN AN
ACCOUNT FOR
Various Securities, and Authorizing the THE PURPOSE OF
PURCHASING,
Execution and Delivery of Certain Documents in SELLING, DEALING AND
TRADING
Connection with Same (MS) -
File 8-13-10 x 9-3-20 IN VARIOUS
SECURITIES, AND
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION
AND DELIVERY OF CERTAIN
DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION
WITH SAME.
9. Second Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance Approved Final
Adoption of
No. 1739 - An Ordinance of the City Council Ordinance No. 1739 -
of the City of San Rafael Amending Chapter 10.3611AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Relating to Card Rooms, to Add a New Section COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN
10.36.130 Adopting Regulations Required for RAFAEL AMENDING
CHAPTER 10.36
Compliance with the State Gambling Control Act, RELATING TO CARD
ROOMS, TO
and to Delete Section 10.36.070 Relating to a ADD A NEW SECTION
10.36.130
Prohibition of Alcoholic Beverages (CA) ADOPTING REGULATIONS
REQUIRED
- File 9-10 x 9-3-16 x 9-3-20 FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
THE STATE GAMBLING CONTROL
ACT, AND TO DELETE SECTION
10.36.070 RELATING TO A
PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES".
11. Request for Closure of Downtown City Streets Approved staff
recommendation:
From 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Connection with the Partial Closure of
Fourth,
San Rafael Cycling Classic on Sunday, July 11, Fifth, Julia, "A",
..8.. "C"
f
1999 (RA) - File 11-19 "D"and "E" Streets
from
7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on
Sunday, July 11, 1999.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued):
13. Resolution Authorizing the Director of Public RESOLUTION NO. 10429
Works to be the Signatory for the 1998 STIP RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE
Augmentation Funding for State Master Agreement PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TO BE
No. 000043 and Program Supplement No. 0024 Rev.OTHE SIGNATORY FOR THE 1998
for Pavement Rehabilitation of Various Streets in STIP AUGMENTATION
FUNDING FOR
San Rafael (PW) - File 11-16 x 171 THE STATE MASTER
AGREEMENT NO. 000043 AND
PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO.
0024 REV.O FOR PAVEMENT
REHABILITATION OF VARIOUS
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 3
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 4
STREETS IN SAN RAFAEL.
14. Resolutions of Appreciation to North San Rafael RESOLUTION NO. 10430
Promenade Designers (CD) - File 102 x 9-2-52 RESOLUTION OF
APPRECIATION TO DON
BLAYNEY, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10431 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO CHRIS CRAIKER,
PROMENADE DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10432 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO ANN CREW, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10433 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO PAUL CURFMAN, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10434 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO JOHN EELLS, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10435 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO RICHARD HANNUM,
PROMENADE DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10436 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO ANNE LAIRD-BLANTON,
PROMENADE DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10437 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO TOM LOLLINI, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10438 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO JOHN MERTEN, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10439 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO LARRY PAUL, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10440 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO PAUL TUTTLE, PROMENADE
DESIGNER.
RESOLUTION NO. 10441 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
TO JEAN VON BARGEN,
PROMENADE DESIGNER.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued):
15. Resolution Authorizing an Extended Day Care RESOLUTION NO. 10442
(Latchkey) Contract for Fiscal Year 1999/2000 RESOLUTION TO ENTER
INTO A
with the Department of Education to Provide CONTRACT WITH THE
DEPARTMENT
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 4
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 5
Child Care Services in the Amount of $87,592
(CS) - File 4-10-238 x 9-3-65
OF EDUCATION AND
AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO
SIGN CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
FOR EXTENDED DAY CARE
(LATCHKEY) SERVICES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $87,592.00.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for further
discussion:
10. RESOLUTION EXTENDING EXISTING AGREEMENT FOR SECURITY SERVICES AT THIRD AND
"A" STREETS PARKING STRUCTURE WITH BRIGHT STAR SECURITY, INC. (RA)]
- File 4-3-282 x 2-1-20
Councilmember Cohen stated he acknowledged the comments in the staff report
concerning the results, in terms of the reduction in the number of
instances of vandalism and break-ins. However, referring to his recent
experience when he parked in this garage, Mr. Cohen reported that when he
parked and exited the structure, the guard was standing outside in the
alley, where fees are collected. When he left the restaurant and walked up
to the Farmers' Market, the guard was standing in the alley, and when he
returned from the Farmers' Market, retrieved his car and exited the parking
structure, the guard was, again, in the alley. Mr. Cohen wondered if
perhaps he had just happened to see the guard each time he was out in the
alley, and all the rest of the time the guard was patrolling the parking
structure, although that had not been the impression he was left with. Mr.
Cohen acknowledged this may have been the individual officer, or it may
have been an off -night. He asked if there was anything in place to keep an
eye on that, noting he felt it could be somewhat uneven, depending on the
individual who was there, particularly during the 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM time
period, when the City has an on-site guard.
City Manager Gould stated this was the first he had heard of that type of
behavior, noting that in addition to Bright Star providing its own
supervision of their guards, the City also relied on word of mouth from
patrons of the parking structure, and what the City's employees observe,
from time to time. Mr. Gould stated there have been very few, if any,
complaints about this company.
Mr. Gould noted it would normally be time to rebid this contract; however,
because the City was currently anticipating a study of all aspects of
Parking Management in San Rafael, including security, staff felt it was
best to simply extend the current contract for one year, noting the City
might choose to provide security in a different manner in the future, based
on the findings and recommendations of the study. Mr. Gould stated staff
believed it would be better to extend one more year with Bright Star, and
then reassess the entire security arrangement for that parking garage, as
well as other structures around town.
Councilmember Cohen felt that made sense, noting he would not question that
decision, or call for the contract to be rebid, based only on his one
experience. However, he asked that staff keep an eye on the situation, and
make certain the City continues to get the good service we have received in
the past.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution renewing the contract for security services with Bright Star,
Inc. for one year.
RESOLUTION NO. 10443 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXTEND THE
EXISTING AGREEMENT FOR SECURITY SERVICES AT THE THIRD
& "A" STREETS PARKING STRUCTURE WITH BRIGHT STAR
SECURITY, INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $39,150
(THROUGH JUNE 30, 2000).
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 5
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 6
12. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH FLEET COUNSELOR FOR THE VEHICLE
REPLACEMENT STUDY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,960 (PW) - File 4-10-310
x 9-3-40
Councilmember Heller asked for an explanation concerning the type of
problem the City was experiencing with the fund, and why staff was asking
for an additional study? Public Works Director Bernardi explained that in
the not too distant past, because of budgetary restrictions, the Vehicle
Replacement Fund was either not funded, in order to meet the City's
financial needs, or it was funded by half of what would normally be put in.
Consequently, the City has been going from year to year replacing the
vehicles staff has programmed for replacement; however, over the long-term,
staff was not sure the program was funded appropriately. He stated the
recommendation would be for the consultant to do an analysis, and inform
staff whether the program was funded appropriately, whether we are spending
too much money repairing the vehicles we have, and investigate a program
whereby the City could get more out of its vehicles that we currently are.
Councilmember Heller asked when the study would be completed? Mr.
Bernardi stated it would likely be completed in three to six months. He
explained staff would be bringing this issue back to Council, noting they
were also going to be looking at different ways for each department to pay
for its vehicles.
Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution authorizing an agreement with Fleet Counselor Services, Inc. for
a Vehicle Replacement Study.
RESOLUTION NO. 10444 - RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FLEET
COUNSELOR SERVICES, INC. FOR VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT
REPLACEMENT STUDY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,960.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
16. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION TO NORTH SAN RAFAEL PROMENADE
DESIGNERS (CD) - File 102 x 9-2-52 x 9-3-85
Mayor Boro first presented Anne Laird -Blanton with a Resolution of
Appreciation, in recognition of her work on this project, noting she had
taken part in a workshop on May 1, 1999, working as a volunteer. Mayor
Boro stated the City appreciated the work she had done, particularly with
the organization and preparation of the workshop, and her effort to sketch
creative design ideas for the promenade project.
Mayor Boro presented a Resolution of Appreciation to Tom Lollini for his
work on this project, noting he has volunteered on community projects in
the past. On behalf of the City, Mayor Boro thanked Mr. Lollini for the
work he has done, particularly in the area of the future transit station
and landscape improvements in the Civic Center Drive area. Mayor Boro
stated the City very much appreciated Mr. Lollini's efforts on this
project, as well as all his time and effort, to date, on behalf of the
City.
Mayor Boro presented Larry Paul with a Resolution of Appreciation, stating
Mr. Paul was one of the City's "Super Volunteers", in many categories.
Mayor Boro stated Mr. Paul has been very helpful to the City of San Rafael,
working on the Downtown Vision and the North San Rafael Vision, noting Mr.
Paul was a member of the VIA Committee (North San Rafael's Vision in Action
Committee). Mayor Boro reported Mr. Paul had also attended the North San
Rafael Promenade Committee meetings, working very hard on the concepts,
contributing much time and effort, particularly in the areas of creative
design ideas for the Promenade project, and specifically for incorporating
palm trees, as well as his work in the area of Scotty's Market and the
Freitas Parkway and Del Ganado Road intersection.
Designers Don Blayney, Chris Craiker, Ann Crew, Paul Curfman, John Eells,
Richard Hannum, John Merten, Paul Tuttle and Jean Von Bargen were unable to
attend the meeting. Mayor Boro expressed the Council's thanks to these
designers for their work during the May 1st workshop.
Mayor Boro indicated Agenda Item #17, the Presentation of Results from the
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 6
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 7
North San Rafael Promenade Design Charette, would be heard at this time.
17. PRESENTATION OF RESULTS FROM NORTH SAN RAFAEL PROMENADE DESIGN CHARETTE
(CD)
- File 9-2-52 x 9-3-85
Community Development Director Bob Brown stated a major element of the
North San Rafael Vision was the promenade. He pointed out it was a rather
bold concept, trying to retrofit a very auto -oriented community into one
that creates alternatives for those who want to bicycle or walk between
activity centers. Mr. Brown stated that moving from vision to reality was
going to be a very long and expensive proposition; however, he believed
they had made a major step forward on May 1st, with the A.I.A.
(Architectural Institute of America) Design Charette, organized to help the
City move from a written vision to one with graphic representation.
Mr. Brown explained staff had two goals within the process: the first was
to involve the public, and stimulate them with these ideas; the second was
to use the drawings and concepts in applying for grant funds. Mr. Brown
reported there was a great deal of grant funding available for the concept
of liveable communities, and staff believed this would greatly help them
compete for those funds; therefore, Mr. Brown noted staff was greatly
indebted to the architects and landscape architects who assisted with the
Charette.
Mr. Brown expressed particular appreciation to Anne Laird -Blanton for
pulling together all her colleagues, and to Associate Planner Chantry Bell
for her organizational efforts in pulling everything together.
Anne Laird -Blanton, American Institute of Architects (Marin Task Force),
referred to the maps and renderings highlighting proposals for the
promenade. Ms. Laird -Blanton stated she had been involved in meetings for
this project from February until May, and noted the VIA Committee had held
many meetings prior to her involvement, to discuss what they wanted to see
happen in the promenade. There was also a large community meeting in
April, prior to the workshop, where they received a lot of input from the
community. Ms. Laird -Blanton stated they had asked community members to
fill out file cards, indicating what they felt needed to happen, noting
their comments were represented in seven specific areas highlighted in the
maps, which they used to break down the community.
Ms. Laird -Blanton stated the first key area was the Terra Linda Recreation
Center/Scotty's Market area, near the intersection of Freitas Parkway and
Del Ganado Road. She explained this location was what the people in the
community felt was "downtown" North San Rafael; therefore, it was important
to make that statement visually, so others knew it was downtown North San
Rafael. Ms. Laird -Blanton reported one of the things they wanted to do in
the area near Scotty's Market was to open it up to the community, pointing
out that currently, all the buildings faced inward toward the parking lot,
so people did not have a sense of being welcomed if they were on foot or
bicycle. She stated they had looked at opening up that corner with an
outdoor eating area, or a plaza area, with signage and landscaping to
invite people into the shopping center.
Referring to the issue of Del Ganado Road and "the ditch", Ms. Laird -
Blanton acknowledged this was not a popular thing in North San Rafael, and
the ditch definitely needed to be improved. She noted they had discussed
traffic calming and slowing down the traffic on Del Ganado Road, by going
to single -lane traffic in each direction, rather than double -lanes;
widening the ditch and landscaping it, either by covering it over with a
culvert, or leaving it and creating more of a water feature, which people
could actually enjoy, while at the same time, providing for bike paths and
sidewalks, as well as good lighting, so people could use it during the
evenings. Ms. Laird -Blanton noted they had also discussed defining the
pedestrian areas in terms of pavement, as illustrated in some of the
renderings. She explained they had discussed doing something different on
the pavement near the intersection of Del Ganado Road and Freitas Parkway,
whether in brick or some other material, something that would say, "people
walk here, this is people friendly, not just car friendly".
Ms. Laird -Blanton referred to the second area, which she described as
coming down Freitas Parkway, toward Northgate. She pointed out that was
predominantly a residential area, and there was already bike and pedestrian
access on the north side of Freitas Parkway; however, one of the comments
had been that it would be appropriate to delete some of the parking on the
south side, as it was not used very much, and create wider pedestrian and
bike access on that side of Freitas Parkway. Ms. Laird -Blanton referred to
a rendering of this area, pointing out there was already a mid -block set of
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 7
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 8
pedestrian and bike paths, north of Freitas Parkway, and they wanted to
emphasize those paths, and make more use of them. In addition, the paths
tied -in to Munson Park, and by creating a pedestrian overpass, people would
not have to walk on Freitas Parkway, and would be able to get over the
ditch and have access across Freitas. She noted one of the biggest
concerns was how much the traffic on Freitas Parkway divides the area, and
if they had a pedestrian bridge, people could come down Trinity Way to St.
Isabella's, keep going, and end up along the school yard at Vallecito. She
noted that would be an almost auto -free path of travel for pedestrians and
bicycles, which would be great for people who wanted to get over to
Northgate.
Another issue in section two was cleaning up the intersections,
particularly at Las Pravadas and Las Gallinas Avenues, where she reported
there was currently a little island of landscaping. She noted they
proposed getting rid of the island, creating
a turn lane, and putting more of the landscaping on the inner block, which
would make that corner more inviting, and would not create a place for
people to get stranded.
Ms. Laird -Blanton reported the third area referred to Northgate One, and
pointed out part of the pedestrian path coming down Nova Albion, tying in
to Vallecito School, and then behind Northgate One. She stated there had
been different perspectives on how to use Northgate One; one possibility
was to open up the rear of some of the businesses, so they were pedestrian
friendly, and not an eyesore. Other aspects were to develop fountains,
seating, or a small plaza out in front. Ms. Laird -Blanton believed what
was really crucial was for people to be able to get there, and she felt the
key to the entire plan was being able to get across Freitas Parkway, so the
whole area north of Freitas Parkway was not isolated from everything south
of it. Key to being able to do that was an area which she stated really
needed to be studied from a traffic perspective, pointing out the corner of
the Northgate One Plaza Area, which was currently just parking. She
referred to another rendering which depicted three large retail buildings
with a plaza in between, open at the corner, and very inviting, noting the
idea, as with the area around Scotty's Market, was to bring people in. She
stated the parking that would be eliminated could be housed in a parking
structure with retail on the first floor, so it would still be pedestrian
friendly.
Ms. Laird -Blanton stated they needed to look at the traffic directions, and
change how traffic flows in that area, noting people getting off buses have
a very hard time going against traffic to get into Northgate. She also
felt people at Northgate One were taking their lives in their hands trying
to cross over to get to the Northgate Shopping Center. She reported they
had looked at turning part of it into a one-way street, closing off another
part of the street except to buses, and moving the main entrance to
Northgate; however, they had not resolved the issue. She believed this was
a key issue, and certainly needed to be looked at.
Ms. Laird -Blanton stated there were three primary "nodes", Scotty's Market,
Northgate, and the Civic Center. She noted once they had gotten around
Northgate, the real issue was getting across Highway 101, which was the
other major divide in North San Rafael. She stated to those involved in
the Design Charette, as well as those involved with the North/South Bike
Paths, the Railroad tunnel was crucial, noting they would like to have the
area adjacent to it. Referring to one of the renderings, she pointed out
where the existing railroad tunnel goes through, noting the location of the
supports, and where the hill slopes up. She stated if they were able to
carve out a separate area for pedestrians and bicyclists, it could get
people across Highway 101, link them up to McInnis Parkway, and take them
to San Pedro Road and out to China Beach, which would be incredible. She
noted people could get all over the County on a bicycle, if they wanted to,
and if they were really into walking, they could do the same thing. She
stated they had not found this to be impossible, noting if light rail were
to come along, then it would be even better, because it would encourage
people to take their bikes and use mass transit.
Ms. Laird -Blanton reported they had also looked at signage and general
visual improvements, in terms of landscaping. Citing what they believed
was another key issue, she stated if a transit center were developed for
the light rail lines, it would be ideal, because one would come through the
tunnel and be at a transit stop. She stated there would be a real
connection, and real reasons for people to be moving back and forth. She
pointed out an area where parking could be developed, noting it was a
gorgeous area, near the beautifully landscaped Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Ms. Laird -Blanton stated they felt the "end" of the promenade area, which
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 8
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 9
was the beginning of the Civic Center, should also make another statement.
She noted one member had pointed out that Frank Lloyd Wright had
originally designed an archway at the entrance, to make a bold statement.
Tom Lollini stated one of the things they had looked at were multiple
paths, with multiple destinations. He agreed that getting across Freitas
Parkway, as a pedestrian, was probably the biggest issue. He noted one
section of Freitas Parkway where there was nowhere to cross for nearly a
half a mile, and at Los Gamos, where many people come out and have nowhere
to easily cross over the street, without going to the freeway interchange.
Ms. Laird -Blanton stated they addressed how people move in and out of the
community, noting they took key locations of places people went, such as
Scotty's Market, the Bernard Hoffmann soccer fields, Vallecito School,
Terra Linda High School, Northgate, and the Civic Center, and then looked
at how far they could walk, and what people's patterns might be. She
stated it was very interesting to see how much of the area could be
covered, and how much the patterns overlapped, which went along with Mr.
Lollini's comments about pathways interconnecting and criss-crossing, and
having more than just one single promenade, but a lot of places for people
to go on foot or by bike.
Councilmember Cohen noted the people in San Rafael Meadows, and those who
have been following the process at the 17 acre P.G.& E. site, have talked
about the promenade, and somehow linking their neighborhood to the rest of
North San Rafael. He asked if there had been any discussion about trying
to extend it down to that part of the community? Ms. Laird -Blanton stated
they had discussed the parking availability in the area of the train
tunnel; however, the President of the San Rafael Meadows Homeowners
Association had stated he was hesitant about having a parking structure
there, as he felt there would be a lot of traffic coming in and out of San
Rafael Meadows; however, the Association did like the idea of being brought
into the loop. Mr. Lollini noted the diagram showed there were multiple
ways to come into that crossing, some of which came from both existing and
future neighborhoods.
Mayor Boro thanked Ms. Laird -Blanton and all those who took part in the
Charette, noting this project was something everyone would be watching,
experiencing and enjoying as time goes on. Mr. Lollini stated Associate
Planner Chantry Bell also deserved praise for pulling the Charette together
as fast as she did.
OLD BUSINESS:
18. RESOLUTION APPROVING CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TWO-YEAR BUDGET FOR 1999/2001 AND
APPROVING CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES (MS) - File 8-5 x 9-1
Assistant City Manager Kenneth Nordhoff reported that after three public
hearings and numerous discussions regarding not only the financial
structure, but also the goals, objectives and performance measurements
related to the City's first two-year budget, the final budget was being
presented to Council. Mr. Nordhoff noted that at the meeting of June 7th,
Council had been presented with a lengthy list of Service Enhancements,
which staff felt codified information from the poll that had been conducted
in February, information gathered at the six San Rafael Choices meetings,
and several items staff felt were good, prudent financial and
administrative management. He noted he had included the list of items
Council had approved on June 7th.
Mr. Nordhoff reported in fiscal year 1999/2000, the budget would be just
slightly over $49 million, and in the second year $47.4 million, noting
part of that decline related to the fact that there are a number of Capital
projects funded in the first year, which are not shown in the second year,
as well as some costs related to the Millennium Party, which also show up
in the first year, but not in the second.
Mr. Nordhoff stated staff had put together what they believed were all of
Council's directions, including ongoing services, as well as the use of
some one-time funds, and he asked for approval of the Council Priorities.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve
the City Council Priorities for 1999 through the year 2001.
Mayor Boro invited public comment on this item, and there was none.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 9
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 10
The Councilmembers voted unanimously to approve the City Council Priorities
for the years 1999 through 2001.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution approving the two-year Budget for 1999/2001.
RESOLUTION NO. 10445 - RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL
YEARS JULY 1, 1999 - JUNE 30, 2000 AND JULY 1, 2000 -
JUNE 30, 2001 AND PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATIONS
AND EXPENDITURE OF ALL SUMS SET FORTH IN SAID BUDGET
(IN THE AMOUNTS OF $49,071,981 AND $47,497,785
RESPECTIVELY).
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Boro thanked City Manager Gould, Assistant City Manager Nordhoff, and
their staff for their great efforts, noting this two-year budget was a real
step forward, and he felt it was a good, solid budget.
Councilmember Cohen suggested staff arrange for a press release regarding
the City Council Priorities, and also present them to the public in the
City's next newsletter.
NEW BUSINESS:
19. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL INDICATING ITS DESIRE TO STRONGLY
CONSIDER USING RULE 20A FUNDS TO UNDERGROUND UTILITY WIRES ON FREITAS
PARKWAY (PW)
- File 12-18 x 9-1-2 x 238
Public Works Director Bernardi reported that during the preparation of the
North San Rafael Vision, and as part of the comments received in the San
Rafael Choices Budget Outreach meetings, staff had been asked to prepare a
Resolution which indicated Council's recognition of a community goal in
North San Rafael. Mr. Bernardi pointed out the Resolution was non-binding,
although it did contain a strong recommendation to any future City Council
to consider committing Rule 20A funds toward the undergrounding of
utilities on Freitas Parkway. Mr. Bernardi stated the Resolution had been
reviewed by the City Attorney's office, and was appropriate for adoption,
should Council so choose.
Councilmember Phillips stated he would like to amend a portion of the
wording of the Resolution. He reported that after considerable discussion
with members of the Santa Margerita Neighborhood Association, he believed
the Resolution should be passed, as it sends a clear statement, and while
not binding, it is a clear statement of intention of something that is
considered highly desirable, in that particular area, for its visual
improvements. However, he stated he was recommending an addition to the
wording on the second page, with the first paragraph changed to read, "NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Rafael that it
recognizes the desirability of undergrounding overhead utility lines in
North San Rafael along Freitas Parkway, extending to Terra Linda Rec
Center, and referred to as the Promenade by the Vision in Action
Committee". He stated this wording would further define the Freitas
Parkway, to be more in context with the thinking of the Promenade, and its
extended area.
Councilmember Cohen noted, with regard to the reference to the Promenade,
there were a couple of ways to look at that. One would be that Council was
clarifying that they were not designating all the way up Freitas; and
another was that Council was suddenly specifying a much larger project,
because based upon the earlier presentation to Council, if Council referred
to the Promenade, they were not just talking about Freitas, they were
talking about a stretch that runs all the way from Scotty's Market, to the
Terra Linda Rec Center, and to the Civic Center. Councilmember Phillips
stated he had meant to define it as Freitas Parkway extended to the Terra
Linda Rec Center, noting he would provide the wording to better define that
intention.
City Manager Gould cautioned Council to remember that utility
undergrounding was extremely expensive, costing $400 to $500 per linear
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 10
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 11
foot; therefore, while he believed it was good to define a significant
project, he pointed out that even in the year 2003, the City may not have
sufficient Rule 20A funds to complete a project of that size. He noted it
might be that the Council, at that time, would choose to stage it, phase
it, or perhaps postpone it until the City can accumulate enough funds to do
it properly.
Councilmember Heller stated she understood the group wanted to be included
in this, and asked if there was any general way the Council could state the
City would include as much of Freitas Parkway as it possibly could, given
the circumstances, and if the word "desirability" would cover that? She
stated she did not like binding a future Council to something, even
implicitly, which this Council has stated it might do, and then have it
become a problem for them.
Councilmember Phillips stated he respected City Manager Gould's concern;
however, he pointed out that throughout the Resolution the concern was
explicitly expressed regarding the Council obligating future Councils,
which it cannot do. He noted this Council has been part and parcel of the
Vision in Action Committee, and that Committee had clearly defined the
Promenade to include the area he was referring to. He believed the
extension was in context with the community's feelings, with regard to the
significance of the Promenade, and was Council's signal that the City
believed it was desirable. He felt it was appropriate for the Council to
send the clear signal that it was in support of the community that had so
defined this significant area. Mr. Phillips noted if the Promenade became
a reality, it would be recognized that the Council felt it was appropriate,
and be in the next queue with regard to these funds. Therefore, he
believed his recommendation was in context with the community, and the
message Council was trying to send, and although he acknowledged there were
financial considerations that would have to be addressed by future
Councils, it would be a statement by this Council, at this point in time,
recognizing the Vision in Action Committee and their strong desire to have
the entire Promenade included.
Mayor Boro stated his only concern was with the definition of the
Promenade, as it had a lot of different extensions, pointing out, by one
definition, it was all the way over to the Civic Center Post Office;
therefore, while he was not opposed to what Mr. Phillips was suggesting,
Mayor Boro stated he was not certain he wanted to use the word "Promenade",
suggesting instead the wording be changed to, "...up Freitas Parkway to the
Terra Linda Rec Center". Councilmember Phillips stated that was to have
been his suggestion if there was a reluctance to his first recommendation.
He agreed the Promenade was not clearly defined, and no one knew exactly
what it would be at a later date. Therefore, he felt they would be stating
the same thing, in a more definitive sense, if they stated, "....the
utility lines in North San Rafael along Freitas Parkway, and extended to
the Terra Linda Rec Center". Councilmember Cohen agreed with this wording,
pointing out it would be further refined, particularly when they knew what
the cost was. He pointed out it was going to be a future Council that made
the decision, and they would fine tune it based upon what the Promenade
looked like.
Mayor Boro invited public comment regarding this issue.
Greg Knell, San Rafael Meadows Neighborhood Association, stated the
residents felt it was important to have this issue addressed by the
"Millennium Council", noting the Council had done a good job with the rest
of the City, and they wanted Council's endorsement of the Vision process to
be part of their legacy. He stated Rule 20A funds had to be used for a
community entranceway, which Freitas Parkway was, and had to be set-up by
the City Council, and the residents believed this was a first step toward
that. He stated they did not want this to include all of Freitas Parkway,
just along the Promenade, and he understood the Resolution would not
include the word "Promenade", as that could mean undergrounding all the way
to the Civic Center, which was not their intention. Mr. Knell urged
Council to vote for the Resolution, as modified by Councilmember Phillips,
noting the residents would be very grateful for that show of support from
Council.
Councilmember Miller stated he would vote in favor of the Resolution;
however, he did so reluctantly, because he did not believe it was the role
of this Council to purposely influence a future Council. He stated another
reason he was reluctant to vote for the adoption of this Resolution was
because he did not feel the use of the money, for this particular purpose,
had been sufficiently bedded for the common good. He explained there was
only so much money, and perhaps there would be somewhere else in town that
was even more important, when they looked at the concrete needs of the City
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SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 12
at that time. However, because he believed in the overwhelming need for
this Council to support the Vision, and the Visioning process, he would
vote to approve the adoption of this Resolution.
Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to adopt the
Resolution, as amended.
RESOLUTION NO. 10446 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN RAFAEL INDICATING ITS DESIRE TO STRONGLY CONSIDER
USING RULE 20A FUNDS TO UNDERGROUND UTILITY WIRES ON
FREITAS PARKWAY (as amended; first paragraph on the
second page to read, "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
by the Council of the City of San Rafael that it
recognizes the desirability of undergrounding
overhead utility lines along Freitas Parkway in North
San Rafael, extending to the Terra Linda Recreation
Center...").
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
20. a. MCCMC JOINT SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE - File 113 (Verbal)
Councilmember Heller reported the MCCMC's (Marin County Council of
Mayors and Councilmembers) Joint Services Oversight Committee would
be meeting with each of the Joint Powers Agencies, as part of their
review of the overall use of the JPA's. She noted, to date, they had
reviewed four JPA's: Animal Control, MariNet, Major Crimes Task
Force, and the Supplemental Law Enforcement Oversight Committee,
which was not technically a JPA. She reported the Street Lights JPA,
and its functions, would be reviewed in July. Ms. Heller noted the
City's assistant in this matter, assigned by the County, was
Assistant County Administrator Marty Nichols. She explained that for
each of the JPA's the Committee would be looking for the staff person
responsible for Oversight, the reporting mechanism and who they
report to, and also whether there was any elected official oversight
and reporting mechanism. She believed the Committee would be working
on this for the next few months.
b. SIDE -STREET LANDSCAPING - File 11-15 x 238 (Verbal)
Councilmember Phillips reported a couple of weeks ago he met with
Public Works Director Bernardi, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Tom
Rothenberger, Greg Knell and Mike McGuire (of the Santa Margerita
Neighborhood Association) regarding side -street landscaping near
Collins Gas Station and Scotty's Market, something the Santa
Margerita Neighborhood Association has been working on for a long
time. Mr. Phillips stated this was truly a partnership, and
underscored that cooperation of the two bodies, when joining forces,
could create something that was desirable for the City itself. Mr.
Phillips stated he believed the project would be completed through
the physical efforts of the Santa Margerita Neighborhood Association
and the City, and modest funding, with approximately $3,000 raised by
the Neighborhood Association, as well as that contributed by the City
to make this happen. Mr. Phillips stated staff was to be
complimented, particularly for their cooperative effort.
C. U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS - File 9-1 (Verbal)
Mayor Boro reported he had attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors,
and there had been quite a discussion regarding the Internet, and its
impact on sales tax. He noted Congress apparently had a moratorium
in place until October, 2001, and had formed a Commission to review
this issue. Mayor Boro stated the concern was that some of the
conservative members of Congress saw this as a new tax, and they were
very opposed to any kind of tax; therefore, they were concerned about
taxing sales on the Internet. Mayor Boro announced Ralph Grossi,
from West Marin, was now head of the American Farmlands Trust,
reporting the Trust had entered into an agreement with the U.S.
Conference of Mayors to have an initiative this year to save
farmlands in urban areas. Mayor Boro reported Congress had not yet
decided whether or not they were going to continue to refund the
C.O.P.S. Program, and that was in jeopardy. He noted if the City
received requests for letters in support of the C.O.P.S. Program, we
would certainly respond.
Mayor Boro stated the most alarming discussion was from General Barry
McAffrey, President Clinton's point person on drug issues in the
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SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 13
Country. Mayor Boro reported General McAffrey's statistics had
really gotten their attention, beginning with the fact that the
United States makes up 6% of the world's population, and 60% of
world's drug usage is in our Country. Mayor Boro stressed this was a
very serious problem. He noted there had also been a lot of
discussion about safe and drug-free schools, with emphasis on the
time period between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, which was a crucial time to
interact with kids and have things for them to do, so they do not get
into trouble. Mayor Boro stated he had also attended a workshop on
Community Policing, and complimented Chief Sanchez and his department
for the manner in which they were entering into the whole effort of
Community Policing, stating it had certainly been validated by other
Mayors and Police Chiefs who attended the workshop, and who have been
into the Community Policing concept. They also pointed out it was
not just one person's effort that makes it happen, it was the entire
Department that had an attitude and spirit about Community Policing.
Mayor Boro stated he believed San Rafael was truly going down the
right path. Mayor Boro stated he still believed, based on comments
he had heard at the Conference, and things he had read in the press,
that there was a real concern in the communities about the whole
issue of school violence. He noted this summer he and City Manager
Gould would be working with the two School Districts and the
Superintendent to make certain there is some discussion about this
issue with the parents, as the kids come back to school in the Fall.
City Manager Gould noted the Congressional Republicans were also
taking aim at the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Program.
Mayor Boro reported that in addition to the C.O.P.S. Program, as of
last week they had un -funded the CDBG Program. Mayor Boro stated
programs such as CDBG were important, and noted his eyes had really
been opened when he saw the application which San Rafael could make
with these CDBG dollars within our City. He believed it could
provide San Rafael with a lot of opportunity to enhance some things
we have already been doing, and perhaps give us a whole new source of
funding for other things we have been wanting to do.
d. GOOD DAY SAN RAFAEL - File 119 (Verbal)
Councilmember Cohen reported he had attended the Chamber of
Commerce's Good Day San Rafael, and was particularly struck by the
representatives from AT&T/TCI/Pacific Bell, trying to assure the
business community they were doing everything they could to roll-out
a high band with solutions for Internet connections. Cohen noted
they had now rolled -out fast connection solutions for both cable and
a technology called DSL, which makes use of existing phone lines.
However, there was a lot of concern from the Chamber of Commerce, as
well as the Marin Economic Commission, that Marin, because it was a
fairly small market, tended to lag behind. Mr. Cohen explained this
was important if the City wanted to keep the high tech economy going,
which we now have in Marin, noting if the City does not have a high-
speed connection to the Internet readily available to the businesses
here, we will not have high tech businesses. Mr. Cohen stated the
City was a user of these resources, as well as having an interest in
the health of local economy, and he believed that if the City, along
with educational institutions within the business community,
could continue to put the pressure on these providers, we would be
performing an important service. Mr. Cohen stated he would meet with
the Technology Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and discuss this,
and would report back to Council any ideas they might have concerning
what role the City might play.
e. COALITION FOR BALANCED TRANSPORTATION
- File 116 x 9-4 x 170 x 191 (Verbal)
Councilmember Cohen reported he and Mayor Boro continued to be
involved with a group called the Coalition for Balanced
Transportation, seeking to find solutions to the transportation
crisis that threatens the region, and at their meeting this week they
discussed the State's response to this issue. Mr. Cohen reported
Senator John Burton had introduced a package of bills regarding
transportation measures, one of which would have put a measure on the
ballot that would have allowed for local sales tax transportation
measures to be passed by a simple majority vote. However, Senator
Burton could not get any support from the Republican Senators, and
comments were made that this would be an assault on Proposition 218.
Mr. Cohen reported what Senator Burton had been able to get support
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 13
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for was a "one-time shot". He explained the current proposal was
that there be a ballot measure on the November, 2000 ballot, which
would allow, as a one-time opportunity, a twenty-year sales tax for
transportation. Mr. Cohen stated that if the measure passed
Statewide, by a simple majority, that would allow for the passage of
a local measure in those counties where it had passed by a simple
majority. He explained those counties would be able to have a
companion measure on the ballot, and if it passed by a majority, it
would authorize a local sales tax measure. He stated the counties
that already had such a measure would be able to put a re-
authorization on the ballot, and if the Statewide measure passed by a
majority in their county, and they got a majority vote for their re-
authorization, they would get their sales tax. He stated what that
meant for Marin and Sonoma Counties was that if we were able to put a
measure on the ballot in November, 2000, as a companion measure to a
Statewide measure, both measures would have to pass by a majority in
Marin and Sonoma County for us to be able to get the sales tax. He
explained that if it did pass, it would be a binding measure, and the
County would get away from one of the major criticisms of the measure
last year, which was that any future Board of Supervisors could spend
the money for something else. He noted there would have to be a plan
as to how the money was to be spent, and that would be the allocation
over the twenty years.
Councilmember Heller asked if this meant that Measure A, which the
County had approved in concept, did not count, and we would have to
put a new measure on the ballot? Councilmember Cohen stated his
understanding was that we would have to have something on the ballot
at the same time a Statewide measure was on, which meant we would
have to go back on the ballot; however, it would not have to be a
brand new plan, and we could, conceivably, go back on with Measure A,
although he did not believe that would be prudent. He stated one
question that remained unanswered concerned the portion of Measure A
that was earmarked for Open Space, and whether or not we could make
the nexus between lowering transportation demand by using the money
in that fashion. He stated that was something that really needed to
be investigated. Councilmember Cohen noted the County would let the
Congestion Management Agency be the lead on this. One of the things
that had been discussed was to have CMA go out to all the cities and
towns, and starting with Measure A as a basis, ask what they liked
and disliked about it, and what they would change, then develop a
draft measure, and ask the cities and towns for their input. He
stated they also needed to encourage the media to focus attention on
this issue.
f. MCCMC - File 113 (Verbal)
Councilmember Cohen reminded the Councilmembers that MCCMC (Marin
County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers) would be meeting on
Wednesday, noting he would appreciate their attendance and moral
support for his election as Vice -President.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:30
PM.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1999
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 6/21/99 Page 14