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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2003-03-17SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2003 AT 8:00 P.M. Regular Meeting: San Rafael City Council Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager Gus Guinan, Assistant City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk OPEN SESSION — COUNCIL CHAMBER — 7:00 PM: None CLOSED SESSION — CONFERENCE ROOM 201 —7:00 PM: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor Gary O. Phillips, Vice -Mayor Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember Barbara Heller, Councilmember Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember Absent: None 8:11 PM a) Re: Gerstle Park Improvements: - File 12-5 x 9-3-65 x 9-3-66 Zany Rumon distributed a packet which included a petition signed by 62 people concerned with the proposed plans for improvements to Gerstle Park. While anxious to have improvements to the park, she indicated they did not enter the process early enough to address certain issues of concern. She requested the City Council direct staff to develop new plans reflecting the desires of these signatories. Ms. Rumon stated that since the petition was signed, several dozen people had approached her offering support for the efforts to save the tot lot. For those unfamiliar with the park, she explained there is an upper area designated as a tot lot which is separated from the lower area where older children play. She indicated the contention was that there was insufficient room in the upper tot lot for tot lot equipment. Referring to a map provided by the City, she stated it demonstrated that the size of the tot lot as it is currently located, is almost the same size as that proposed. In essence, she believed the problems put forward with regard to refurbishing the tot lot in its current location are negligible and could be worked through very easily. Concerning the proposed placement of a restroom, Ms. Rumon requested that this be moved to the back of the playground area. Regarding the additional $40,000 - $50,000 cost, she stated Gerstle Park was a gem and should be maintained in its current aesthetic beauty, and if a restroom were necessary, it should be appropriately located. Hugo Landecker, President, Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association, stated that his Board of Directors had reviewed the plans and made recommendations from the beginning of the project. He indicated that last October, Chandra Murphy and Melissa Daly, both of whom act as neighborhood liaisons with the Park and Recreation Commission, presented the plans to their membership at the annual meeting. Comments were solicited in the Fall Newsletter; however, no opposition was ever encountered; however, there was now a petition. Mr. Landecker reported that many of those who signed the petition were mailed notices of the February Park and Recreation Commission meeting; however, no one attended to express concern, with the exception of Zany Rumon. He stated that Ms. Rumon had previously presented her concerns to the Community Services Director, and at two Park and Recreation Commission meetings, and having listened, the Park and Recreation Commission approved the plans almost a month ago, with minor changes. Speaking personally, Mr. Landecker stated he had reviewed the plans and the site and believed the current plan to be a good one. With due respect to Ms. Rumon, he expressed the belief that her concerns did not warrant City Council action. Mr. Landecker thanked both Chandra Murphy and Melissa Daly for their efforts in this project, noting San Rafael needed more people like them. Chandra Murphy, Gerstle Park Board Member, indicating she was present as a parent, stated she liked the redesign of the toddler park. She recognized there were some concerns regarding the bathroom; however, she was under the impression these had been taken care of when addressed at a special meeting. As a parent and having visited a lot of parks in Marin County, she indicated she recognizes what does and does not work and believed this plan works. SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 1 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 2 Councilmember Phillips inquired whether Ms. Murphy could reconcile the fact that 62 people signed the petition with what appeared to be an informed opinion. Indicating she was not clear on this, Ms. Murphy stated the petition was not brought to the Board until after the Park and Recreation Commission meeting in February. Noting it had been going on since December, 2002, she indicated she was not aware of it until February, when the Park and Recreation Commission finalized approval of the plan. Until then, no opinions on the park were voiced. Anita Treash, Gerstle Park resident and regular park user, stated she belongs to the Healing Arts Foundation, which has been conducting tai -chi and chi-gung in the park for over ten years on a regular basis. She concurred with Zany Rumon's views that the opinions of frequent users and those residing closest to the park were not being considered. She stated she had not had a chance to sign the petition as she did not have the information. Ms. Treash requested the City Council direct staff to address the concerns of the actual users of the park, and especially those who live directly across the street (she is not one), with regard to the restroom at the entrance, to ascertain what could be worked out. Krystyna Barron, Gerstle Park homeowner and Vice -President of Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association, on her own behalf and that of her husband, requested that the City Council direct staff to put on hold any action regarding the proposed plans, pending further discussion of the issues raised by Zany Rumon and the 62 petitioners. She stated that a petition of 62 persons was significant and appeared to have been overlooked in this case. Many lived around the park and it was possible, if not factual, that they represented a greater number of people voicing an opinion than those who had seen the plans and made no comment. Ms. Barron stated that although the plans were reviewed by the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association Board and the GPNA membership at a meeting held last November, this only represented approximately 25 people in total. She understood only a small amount of people attended the public hearings; therefore, at best guess, approximately only 40 people evaluated the plan and made no comment. She noted that 62 people signed the petition with comment and objections. Ms. Barron indicated that she and her husband liked the present structure of the park. Alternatively, they would like to see the existing tot lot preserved and upgraded, with the lower part made ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), compliant. She indicated they objected to a conversion of this area to a picnic area. Ms. Barron requested that Council consider this request and their objections. Mayor Boro stated this had obviously gone through an extensive process, both at community and Park and Recreation Commission levels, and Council could not become involved in what did or did not work. It appeared as though staff had worked with the community and neighborhood and there now were, for some reason, people who did not participate at that time. Mayor Boro stated he did not believe it fair for the entire process to start all over again and suggested that Community Services Director Carlene McCart and her staff hold a meeting with those represented by the petition in an attempt to address their issues. At award of contract, should there be changes, they could be considered by the City Council at that time. b) Re: General Plan 2020 — Loch Lomond Marina: - File 115 (2020) David Tattersall, President, Bayside Acres Homeowners Association, stated they had been actively involved in attempting to provide a vision of how Loch Lomond Marina might be developed. He indicated a number of members had been involved through the General Plan 2020 focus groups, the Charettes, and by attending Steering Committee meetings. He reported there was concern in the neighborhood that while they were being heard, they were not being listened to. Although having very constructive meetings with the developers, Mr. Tattersall indicated they believed there was an influence projecting ideas for developing the site that were contrary to the views of the neighbors and associations, who while expecting the property to be developed to a degree, wished to keep that development consistent with what is presently there. He stated the City Council would receive copy of a letter of response to the developers, and indicated other associations would address Council at future City Council meetings. Mayor Boro assured Mr. Tattersall that Council was well aware of the issues regarding this site, as well as others throughout the City, and the concerns would be heard. SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 2 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 3 Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to approve the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION Call for Applications to Fill Three Four -Year Approved staff recommendation: Terms on the San Rafael Board of Library a) Called for applications for Trustees, Due to Expiration of Terms of Robert appointments to fill three, four - Barnett, Elizabeth H. Grasham and Charles year terms on the Board of Stuckey (Terms to Expire End of April, 2007) Library Trustees to the end of (CC) —File 9-2-3 April, 2007; b) Set deadline for receipt of applications for Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at 12 noon in the City Clerk's Office, Room 209; and c) Set date for interviews of applicants at a Special City Council meeting to be held on Monday, April 21, 2003, commencing at 6:00 p.m. 2. Resolution Authorizing the Application for Grant RESOLUTION NO. 11275 — Funds from the Code Enforcement Grant RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE Program for Coordinated Housing Code SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT Compliance (CD) — File 13-16 x 240 APPLICATION AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO SECURE A CODE ENFORCEMENT GRANT (CEGP) IN THE AMOUNT OF $106,897.00 FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 3. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF Approved final adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 1799 - An Ordinance of the Ordinance No. 1799. City of San Rafael Approving, Authorizing And Directing Execution of a Site and Facilities Lease and a Property Lease Relating to the San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 2003 (Public Parking Project) and the Financing of a Public Parking Garage Located on the North Side of Third Street From C Street To B Street (CM) — File 2-9-26 x 9-3-87 x 12-14 x 9-3-11 x FA -5 4. Resolution Certifying Project Budget, Local Funding RESOLUTION NO. 11276 — Commitment, Supplemental Funds and Public RESOLUTION CERTIFYING PROJECT Library Operation for State Library Bond Act 2000 BUDGET, LOCAL FUNDING Grant Application (CS) — File 9-3-65 x 9-3-61 x 116 COMMITMENT, SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS, AND PUBLIC LIBRARY OPERATION FOR STATE LIBRARY BOND ACT 2000 GRANT APPLICATION 5. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF Approved final adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 1800 - An Ordinance of the Ordinance No. 1800. City Council of the City of San Rafael Amending Section 1.08.020 of the San Rafael Municipal Code to Add a Definition for Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices, and Amending Chapter 5.34 of the San Rafael Municipal Code to Prohibit the Use of Such Devices on Designated Sidewalks and in Other Designated Public Places (PW) — File 11-7 x 13-8 x 9-3-40 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 3 6. Resolution of Appreciation to Bob McEachern, Shop/Equipment Supervisor, Retiring After 41 Years of Service (PW) — File 102 x 9-3-40 7. Resolution of Appreciation to David M. Bernardi, Public Works Director, Retiring After Over 33 Years of Service (PW) — File 102 x 9-3-40 8. Resolution Authorizing the Temporary Closure of City Streets for the Weekly Downtown Farmers' Market Festival on Thursday Evenings from April 10, 2003 to September 25, 2003 (RA) — File 11-19 x (SRRA) R-181 x R-140 #8 9. Resolution Authorizing Street Closures for the 16th Annual May Madness Classic Car Parade on Saturday, May 17, 2003 (RA) — File 11-19 10. Resolution Authorizing Street Closures for the Italian Street Painting Festival 2003, on June 14 — 15, 2003 (RA) — File 11-19 x (SRRA) R-181 x R-140 #8 12. Resolution of Appreciation for Mehdi (Mike) Madjd-Sadjadi, Retiring Marin County Public Works Director (PW) — File 102 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 4 RESOLUTION NO. 11277 — RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO BOB MCEACHERN, SHOP/EQUIPMENT SUPERVISOR, RETIRING AFTER 41 YEARS OF SERVICE RESOLUTION NO. 11278 — RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO DAVID M. BERNARDI, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, RETIRING AFTER OVER 33 YEARS OF SERVICE RESOLUTION NO. 11279 — RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CITY STREETS FOR THE WEEKLY DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET FESTIVAL ON THURSDAY EVENINGS FROM APRIL 10 —SEPTEMBER 25, 2003 RESOLUTION NO. 11280 — RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CITY STREETS FOR THE 16TH ANNUAL GREG BORRELLI'S MAY MADNESS CLASSIC CAR PARADE ON MAY 17, 2003 RESOLUTION NO. 11281 — RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CITY STREETS FOR THE YOUTH IN ARTS ITALIAN STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL 2003 ON JUNE 14-15,2003 RESOLUTION NO. 11282 — RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO MEHDI (MIKE) MADJD-SADJADI, RETIRING MARIN COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Mayor Boro: 11. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A BELOW MARKET RATE HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN SIGNATURE (a- REDWOOD VILLAGE, LLC AND THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RE: REDWOOD VILLAGE (RA) — FILE 229 x 4-10-333 x 10-3 Mayor Boro excused himself from this item as he had a conflict of interest due to the fact that he owned stock in PG&E, the owner of the property. He turned the meeting over to Vice -Mayor Phillips and left the Council Chamber. Economic Development Coordinator Stephanie Lovette expressed pleasure in presenting a below market rate (BMR) housing agreement for Signature Properties. She explained that the 26 unit BMR agreement was one of the largest in the City of San Rafael in a number of years. Signature Properties had worked very hard with the neighbors on this development and also with the coalition for housing through the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Lovette reported that the units would be coming in at sale prices of between $205,000 and $299,000 for two and three bedroom units. She indicated that the properties would be available for anyone meeting the income standard and currently living or working in Marin County. A third of the units would be first priority for City of San Rafael employees and the remainder for anyone living or working in the County. She indicated these were all townhouse projects; the remainder of the project would be single- family homes and other townhomes. SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 4 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 5 Noting that ground would be broken on this next month, Councilmember Heller inquired as to when the project would be completed. Ms. Lovette explained that the project would be constructed in phases and it was anticipated that the models in the first phase would be completed by this Fall. Councilmember Heller inquired whether the first phase would include any of the 26 BMR units. Doug Park, Signature Properties Project Manager, explained that models would probably open in the early Fall, indicating that the units would be inter -mixed in the phasing. He stated the buildings would be eight and ten-plexes with BMR units interspersed. The townhomes would be the first phase. Noble ("Rocky") Birdsey, Marin Center for Independent Living, inquired whether there would be accessible, affordable housing in this component of the townhomes, and whether there would be any accessible single-family homes. Ms. Lovette responded in the negative, explaining that should this be a project with public money invested, i.e., the Redevelopment Agency had funded it or it had tax exempt bonds, accessibility would have been required; however, as it was not a publicly funded project, accessibility was not required. She indicated she could not answer for the single-family homes portion, however. Mr. Park reiterated Ms. Lovette's statement concerning private versus public funding, indicating it was not specified in the Conditions of Approval for the project. He stated he was not quite sure about the single-family units; however, he did not believe they were ADA compliant. He indicated he would check with the Architect and report back. Vice -Mayor Phillips welcomed this and suggested Mr. Birdsey check with Ms. Lovette for further clarification. Mr. Birdsey noted that townhomes were a significant and growing source of affordable housing in California; however, multi -family townhomes continue to be built around the State, yet none were accessible to persons with disabilities. He stated it was important to note that most Californians would need some type of affordable, accessible housing units as they age, noting Marin County was ten years above the average. Mr. Birdsey referred to Senate Bill 1025 and Assembly Bill 1400 which address the needs for accessibility in townhome construction of ten units or more, or a certain percentage thereof, and requested clarification from staff. As this was beyond the scope of this evening's agenda, Vice -Mayor Phillips suggested that Mr. Birdsey contact staff on the issue. Mr. Birdsey indicated he wished to make the City Council aware of this and hoped their support was forthcoming. Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to adopt the resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 11283— RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A BELOW MARKET RATE HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN SIGNATURE @ REDWOOD VILLAGE, LLC AND THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RE: REDWOOD VILLAGE AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller and Vice -Mayor Phillips NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT/ DISQUALIFIED: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Boro Mayor Boro returned to the Council Chamber. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: 14. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO BOB MCEACHERN, SHOP/EQUIPMENT SUPERVISOR, RETIRING AFTER 41 YEARS OF SERVICE (PW) - FILE 102 x 9-3-40 Mayor Boro stated Bob McEachern started with the City on January 16, 1962 and had a little over 41 years of service, which he believed was pretty close to a record, noting it was good to see people still work for so long with one organization. Mayor Boro stated the Resolution of Appreciation indicated that Mr. McEachern started out as an entry-level mechanic and worked in the Vehicle Maintenance Division in the Public Works Department. He noted Mr. McEachern had done a great job for the City and had been very SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 5 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 6 helpful to a lot of people. On behalf of the City Council and the people of San Rafael, Mayor Boro congratulated and thanked Mr. McEachern for being such a great employee and for his wonderful contribution to the City of San Rafael. Commenting on the changes that had taken place in the City of San Rafael, Mr. McEachern stated in his time, there had been three City Corporation Yards and two City Halls. He stated it had been an honor and privilege to have worked with everyone in the City. 15. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO DAVID M. BERNARDI, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, RETIRING AFTER OVER 33 YEARS OF SERVICE (PW) — FILE 102 x 9-3-40 Mayor Boro reported that Mr. Bernardi started with the City of San Rafael in 1970 as a Junior Civil Engineer. He indicated that all Councilmembers had known and worked with Dave at City Council meetings, and some had worked with him at Planning Commission meetings. On reading the Resolution of Appreciation, Mayor Boro noted that Mr. Bernardi was the Incident Commander during the devastating floods of 1982 and won the recognition and respect of everyone involved with his control and leadership of the situation. He indicated it goes on to address the many things Mr. Bernardi had done and the millions of dollars of capital projects he had initiated, guided and brought to completion for the City of San Rafael, specifically, the new Corporation Yard. Mayor Boro congratulated and thanked Mr. Bernardi for his great leadership and friendship, and wished him and his wife, Rita, a great retirement. Mr. Bernardi stated this was his last Council meeting "on that side of the counter," noting he had attended approximately 500 City Council meetings in his 23 years as Public Works Director, probably 150 Planning Commission meetings when he was staff to the Planning Commission, and he was the 7t" Public Works Director in the 135 -year history of the City. He stated he was very proud to have served the City Council and thanked all for their trust and support, indicating they were a pleasure to work for. 13. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MACERICH/NORTHGATE MALL TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE SAN RAFAEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT (CM) — FILE 102 x 104 x 2-9-21 x 247 x 9-3-30 x 9-3-31 Sandra Kim, accompanied by Jennifer Cicionne, Macerich/Northgate Mall, stated that every Holiday season they sell photographs with Santa, and this year were very pleased to be able to present the proceeds of those sales, $2,500 each, to the San Rafael Police and Fire Departments, to support the community program. Fire Chief Bob Marcucci accepted on behalf of the Fire Department and Captain John Rohrbacher accepted on behalf of the Police Department. Mayor Boro thanked Ms. Kim and Ms Cicionne on behalf of Macerich. Mayor Boro recessed the City Council meeting and invited all to enjoy cake and coffee in the lobby. Mayor Boro then resumed the City Council meeting. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: 16. a) Parking Authority Bond Ratings: - File 2-9-26 x 9-3-87 x 12-14 x 9-3-11 x FA 5 City Manager Rod Gould reported that the bond ratings for the Parking Authority Bonds received yesterday were: Moodys AA- and Fitchs AA. He indicated that this puts San Rafael in the top twenty agencies in California and demonstrates the strength of the City's finances and financial practices. b) MERA (Marin Emergency Radio Authority): - File 4-13-102 x 9-3-30 x 9-3-31 x 9-3-40 Mr. Gould reported that the MERA Executive Board met on Friday and a decision was made to appeal Judge Dufficy's decision. Simultaneously, a negotiating team was appointed to negotiate with the Town of Tiburon and the two property owners in an attempt to generate a Southern Marin solution. Mr. Gould stated the Board would be moving ahead with the appeal and at the same time, conducting environmental studies on a dozen different sites in Southern Marin in an attempt to complete the loop. He reported the good news for San Rafael was that the engineers for MERA indicate that by reorienting two of the towers that have been approved and are in place, Southern Marin could essentially be cut out and the system lit up by August 1. SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 6 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 7 Mr. Gould indicated that the Police Department would be the first agency, to be followed by Public Works and subsequently, Fire. Novato would follow immediately thereafter and he believed half the County could be receiving the benefits of the new emergency radio system by the end of August, or early September, with the remainder following as soon as a Southern Marin solution is found. Mr. Gould confirmed for Councilmember Heller that most of the equipment had been manufactured and the antenna sites were more or less built. He confirmed that most radios were in the warehouse awaiting installation in vehicles, hand-helds were coming in and training would take place throughout the summer. Although San Rafael would be the first up, should there be problems with the system, San Rafael would also be the first to experience these; however, he believed the City would have the full attention of all the Motorola technicians, which should make for the smoothest possible transition. Councilmember Heller inquired as to the antenna situation at West Marin. Mr. Gould stated that Bolinas residents made the decision some years ago not to have the antenna on their firehouse. He indicated his position representing the City on the Board was that this would be fine if the County wished to fund a different antenna site and it did not slow anyone else down; however, he did not favor the remaining members paying for Bolinas changing its mind. Councilmember Phillips reported having had a long discussion with Supervisor Adams in connection with this issue, informing her of the City's impatience and his anxiousness to see San Rafael, at least, have it turned on; therefore, he was pleased with Mr. Gould's report. He inquired whether any significant additional costs would be incurred by repositioning the antennas. Mr. Gould stated there was a one-time cost of approximately $60,000 to do the engineering and reposition the antennas; however, there was no increase in operating costs. He believed it was important to go up on these frequencies and begin to use them because this was the final extension with the FCC. He felt the MERA Board would vote this Thursday to permit the reconfiguration of the system and go up by the end of the summer. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: 17. a) Peace Maintenance: - File 9-3-30 Councilmember Miller reported a process whereby a number of high school students wish to express their views in terms of the maintenance of peace in this country. In the first protest grouping he noted Marin Academy High School worked very well; however, Drake High School did not work so well. He announced a further gathering was scheduled and in this connection, representatives from Marin Academy, San Domenico, Redwood, Drake, San Rafael and Terra Linda high schools met with Police Chief Cronin, Sergeant Arnie Juge, San Anselmo Commander, Corporal Harry Barbier and himself on Sunday last to discuss expectations. Councilmember Miller reported the meeting was very communicative and respectful and he complimented Police Chief Cronin on his expertise. He stated it would be a collaborative police effort and the march would reach the San Rafael Library at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2003. Councilmember Miller reported that a San Anselmo Police Officer handed out leaflets on Greenfield Avenue informing residents of the proposed march. Mayor Boro expressed concern at the proposed extensive overtime costs. b) Canal Family Support Program: - File 9-3-65 x 9-1 Councilmember Miller distributed information on the Canal Family Support Program, known as the "Kids Club." He reported they were now going back for funding, explaining the usual funding is in the neighborhood of $140,000, $30,000 of which was a grant CYO had received; however, the grantor passed away and his heirs did not wish to continue it. Having pursued every avenue possible for operational funding, Councilmember Miller stated they now were dealing with the local Community Foundation. Councilmember Miller distributed material which explained the Mission Statement, benefits provided by the program, ethnic breakdown, etc. He explained that in the event a program was not funded, Item # III outlined the consequences. He noted this particular program centers round a number of agencies and funding sources and this is why the key funding from the Community Foundation is so necessary. Noting difficulties in the funders' understanding of the role of the CYO, Councilmember Miller explained they tended to look at it as a CYO program; however it was emphasized that the CYO is operating as an agent of the City. SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 7 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 8 A further difficulty related to the fact that the project officer tended to understand only that this is a school -linked service; however, Councilmember Miller stated it is not, explaining it is a community -owned project in which the people themselves develop their own assets. He indicated that negotiations would soon commence with the Community Foundation to clear up some issues and perhaps even attain greater support. Mayor Boro recalled reading that the issue with Dominican University is floundering, due to lack of interest. Responding, Councilmember Miller reported there was some difficulty in that the Dominican students were very busy and he indicated a further push was needed. He stated that in the meantime, through the San Francisco Foundation, someone was hired to conduct tutoring for high schools on three days per week. He stated the program would commence without the Dominican students; however, it was hoped they would come on board later and the program could be expanded. c) Golden Gate Transit: - File 170 x 112-2 Councilmember Heller reported that Golden Gate Transit was evaluating definite bus service cuts to take effect in the Fall. To follow through on this, she had requested a one- page fact sheet, which she would distribute to Councilmembers and staff, to be in a position to monitor such cuts, especially with regard to local transit, and to enhance necessary services. Mayor Boro expressed the hope that in the area of local Marin transit, which is paid for and provided by the District at the direction of the Transit Agency, they would stand up for what they want and maintain the self-funded heavily used routes. He explained that some of these routes should not be in jeopardy at all because if the money was there to fund them, Golden Gate District would run them all day. Rather, it should only apply to shared runs where ridership is way down. He expressed the hope that Marin County would not sacrifice some of the heavily used routes that pay for themselves. Mayor Boro found it staggering that over 4 million people per year were carried intra -Marin County. 1 '/2 million are funded from the Marin County Transit Agency, with the remaining 2 '/2 million using existing Golden Gate busses, and this he believed, is where the squeeze would come from. d) Peacock Garden Club: - File 109 Mayor Boro reported the Peacock Garden Club would hold their 21St Annual Arbor Day Tree Planting on April 9, 2003 at Davidson School at 10:00 a.m. e) Traffic Issues on D Street: - File 11-1 Mayor Boro reported that he, Public Works Director Dave Bernardi and City Traffic Engineer Nadar Mansourian met with three representatives, Krystyna Barron, Hugo Landecker and Andrea Eneidi, of the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association this morning to discuss traffic issues concerning D Street and its effect on the neighborhood. They discussed some police patrol work the City does, had done, and could do more of, etc. He indicated the idea surfaced this morning that in the event D street was converted to two-way from Second to First streets, it could remove a lot of the pressure. Mr. Mansourian agreed to evaluate this. Mr. Mansoruian is also working on traffic signals at two locations and it was agreed that a further meeting, to be attended by Councilmember Cohen also, to report status, would be held in 60 days. f) San Rafael Choices: - File 8-5 Mayor Boro announced that the San Rafael Choices series of meetings commences on March 19, 2003 and he encouraged as many Councilmembers as possible to attend the meetings. He noted Lydia Romero, Assistant to the City Manager and Ken Nordhoff, Assistant City Manager had been working diligently on this. While the story was different from last time, Mayor Boro indicated the input was important to provide guidance as to the public's level of tolerance in the event of cuts. g) Reconstitution of North San Rafael Coalition of Homeowners' Associations: - File 9-1 Councilmember Phillips reported that he and Councilmember Cohen attended the reconstitution meeting of the North San Rafael Coalition of Homeowners' Associations meeting last week, under the initiation of Peter Martin. Of the approximately 20 Associations represented, one-third were from Marin County, with the balance from the northern part of San Rafael. He announced a fundraiser would take place at the Terra Linda Pool on May 24, 2003, to raise additional money for the ditch, noting $75,000 of the $100,000 had been raised so far. SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 8 SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 9 h) Visit to Sacramento: - File 9-1 Councilmember Cohen reported having spent the past several days in Sacramento, noting he had lunch with Senator Torlakson who is carrying a bill that would reduce the threshold required on a transportation sales tax for local taxes to 55%. Realizing he will not get this, Senator Torlakson intends to put a group together and place this item on the ballot next year. This would be a State measure to lower the threshold for local taxes. Councilmember Cohen reported having talked with Governor Davis concerning transportation spending, informing him that although times were tough, cutting back drastically on transportation spending, both short and long term, was not the best thing to do, and he urged the Governor to evaluate this. Councilmember Cohen reported that Governor Davis indicated having had some meetings and was beginning to rethink that strategy. Having dined with Earl Steinburg, Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, who is carrying a bill to trade sales tax for property tax, Councilmember Cohen reported having informed Mr. Steinburg he knew this "really bright young guy running a decent sized city" and they would like to sit down with him some day to discuss the entire notion of sales tax. As Assembly Member Steinburg concurred, Councilmember Cohen suggested he and City Manager Gould should arrange a trip to Sacramento. i) Water Transit Authority: - File 258 x 9-1 Mayor Boro reported on a recent editorial that blasted the Water Transit Authority for not giving money to Marin County ferries. He explained that the monies in question are those that would come from the potential $3 toll on State bridges, and indicated that each of the transit agencies and counties got together to decide how this money would be divided. He stated that the Water Transit Authority requested and received $1 million to study Port Sonoma and they also requested money for expansion of existing ferry routes based on surveys conducted that indicated more people would want to use the Larkspur and Sausalito ferries. Mayor Boro reported that Golden Gate Transit did not support this because of other needs, nor did the County of Marin, resulting in no money being allocated for ferries. He explained that Golden Gate Transit had issues in San Francisco to deal with and the County of Marin requested money to go to SMART, Route 40, and some other express bus service. Mayor Boro indicated that unfortunately, one of the Board members, who is also a representative of the Boatman's Union and a Board member of the WTA, attended the last meeting of the Congestion Management Agency requesting that money be allocated for ferries since the WTA had not done so, and this raised some confusion. Mayor Boro stated that to the best of the CMA's knowledge, it did attempt to get money; however, the Golden Gate Bridge District, along with the County of Marin, did not support expanded ferry service; therefore, it was dropped. He indicated this was not to say that in the future, through sales tax or other measures, more funds could not be sought. He stated that Marin County had not thought about supporting ferry service to date, as it had been pretty well supported by Golden Gate. There being no further business, Mayor Boro adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:31 p.m., and announced that Council would proceed to a Special Study Session in the Large Conference on the Third Floor. JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12003 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SRCC Minutes (Regular) 03/17/2003 Page 9