HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2004-12-06SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Pagel
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2004 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
OPEN SESSION — COUNCIL CHAMBER — 7:00 PM:
None
CLOSED SESSION — CONFERENCE ROOM 201 — 7:00 PM:
None
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Cyr N. Miller, Vice -Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: 8:00 PM
1) Pickleweed Expansion: - File 267
Melany Kramer, 1476 Lincoln Avenue, San Rafael offered congratulations to Mayor Boro and all those
involved in the fundraising so far on the Pickleweed Community Center Expansion Project.
2) "Operation Mom" — File 9-1
Melany Kramer stated that should anyone be interested in making ongoing contributions to "Operation
Mom", an organization active, primarily in the East and South Bay, in putting together packets for
distribution to troops in Iraq, Dottie, the local representative could be reached at 925-706-1736 or through
Ms. Kramer at 454-2172.
3) Budget: - File 8-5
Ms. Kramer believed cities and counties needed to find a way to take back their rights to the revenue the
state skims off. She believed the idea of having to cut services in order to accommodate Sacramento was
ridiculous.
For clarification, with respect to the state, Mayor Boro stated the voters did approve Proposition IA, which
would prohibit the state in a year from taking monies from cities.
4) House Joint Resolution #20: - File 9-1
Beth Carus read Tamara's Petition to amend House Joint Resolution #20 to end Strike First Policy.
Natasha Corso requested Council, through Congresswoman Woolsley, to urge Congress to amend
House Joint Resolution #20.
John Jenkel, sought Council support in ending Strike First Policy.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar, as
follows:
ITEM
Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of
Monday, November 15, 2004 (CC)
2. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 1831 — An Ordinance of the
City of San Rafael Amending the San Rafael
Municipal Code Title 14 — Zoning, Various
Chapters, and Amending the Zoning Map (CD) —
File 10-2 x 10-3 x 115 (2020)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Minutes approved as submitted.
Approved final adoption of
Ordinance No. 1831.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 1
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 2
3.
Resolution Authorizing Amendment to
Item removed from agenda at the
Agreement with General Plan 2020
request of staff.
Environmental Consultant Nichols Berman
Environmental Planners for Services Ending
January 31, 2005 (P00-7) (CD)
File 4-3-382 x 115 (2020)
4.
Resolution of Appreciation to Evelyn Buchwitz,
RESOLUTION NO. 11673 —
Contract Planner for the San Rafael General
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO
Plan 2020 Project (CD) — File 4-3-376 x 102
EVELYN BUCHWITZ, CONTRACT
PLANNER FOR THE SAN RAFAEL
GENERAL PLAN 2020 PROJECT
5.
Resolution Approving Agreement with Emanuels
RESOLUTION NO. 11674 —
Jones & Associates for Legislative Advocacy
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Services (CM) — File 4-3-354 x 113 x 9-3-11
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO RENEW
THE CONTRACT WITH EMANUELS
JONES & ASSOCIATES FOR
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES
ON BEHALF OF THE MARIN COUNTY
COUNCIL OF MAYORS AND
COUNCILMEMBERS FOR THE
PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2005
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2005
6.
Resolution Approving a Contract Amendment
RESOLUTION NO. 11675 —
(GLTK-4052 Amendment 01) with the
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND
Department of Education to Provide Extended
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
Day Child Care (Latchkey) Services in the
TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO A
Amount of $103,473.00 and Authorizing the City
CONTRACT (GLTK-4052) WITH THE
Manager to Sign Contract Documents (CS) —
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR
File 4-10-238 x 9-3-65
EXTENDED DAY CHILD CARE
SERVICES (LATCHKEY)
(COLA increase of $2,435.00 for total
amount of $103,473.00)
7.
Resolution Approving a Contract Amendment
RESOLUTION NO. 11676 —
(GPRE-4191, Amendment 01) with the
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND
Department of Education to Provide State
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
Preschool Services in the Amount of $155,349
TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO A
and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign
CONTRACT (GPRE-4191) WITH THE
Contract Documents (CS) —
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR
File 4-10-238 x 9-3-65
STATE PRESCHOOL SERVICES
(COLA increase of $3,656.00 for a
total amount of $155,349.00)
8.
Resolution Approving a Contract (FIMS-4319)
RESOLUTION NO. 11677 —
with the Department of Education to be Used for
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
Preschool Instructional Materials in the Amount
CITY MANAGER TO SIGN
of $973.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS (FIMS-
Sign Contract Documents (CS) —
4319) WITH THE CALIFORNIA
File 4-10-238 x 9-3-65
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $973.00
9.
SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF
Approved final adoption of
ORDINANCE NO. 1832 — An Ordinance of the
Ordinance No. 1832.
City Council of the City of San Rafael, California,
Amending Chapter 3.34 of the San Rafael
Municipal Code Establishing a Fee and Service
Charge Revenue/Cost Comparison System, by
Revising Section 3.34.040 (MS) —
File 9-10-2 x 9-3-20 x 9-3-87 x 240
10.
Monthly Investment Reports for Months Ending
Accepted Monthly Investment
September and October, 2004 (MS) —
Reports for months ending
File 8-18 x 8-9
September and October, 2004, as
presented.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 2
11. Resolution Approving Use of Office of Traffic
Safety Grant Funds in the Amount of
$158,715.57 for AVOID Program Outreach
Coordination (PD) — File 9-3-30
12. Resolution Approving Final Map of Subdivision
Entitled "Map of Lands of Trinity Community
Church" (PW) — File 5-1-356
13. Acceptance of the Annual Report, Including a
Blight Progress and Agency Owned Property
Reports, from the San Rafael Redevelopment
Agency (RA) — File 8-18 x 8-9 x (SRRA) R-62
14. Resolution Accepting Assignment and
Assumption of Resale Restriction and Option to
Purchase a Below Market Rate Unit from Marin
Housing and Authorizing the Economic
Development Director to Exercise the Option to
Purchase (Northview) (RA) — File 13-16 x 229
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 3
RESOLUTION NO. 11678 —
RESOLUTION APPROVING USE OF
OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY
GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$158,715.57 FOR AVOID PROGRAM
OUTREACH COORDINATION
RESOLUTION NO. 11679 —
RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL
MAP ENTITLED "MAP OF LANDS OF
TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH",
SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
Accepted Annual Report, Including a
Blight Progress and Agency Owned
Property Reports, from the San
Rafael Redevelopment Agency.
RESOLUTION NO. 11680 —
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING MARIN
HOUSING AUTHORITY'S
ASSIGNMENT OF OPTION TO
PURCHASE A BELOW MARKET
RATE UNIT AND AUTHORIZING THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR TO EXERCISE THE
OPTION TO PURCHASE (Northview
Subdivision)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAINING: COUNCILMEMBERS: Phillips (from item #s 1, 2 and 9, due to absence
from meeting of 11/15/04)
PUBLIC HEARING:
15. Public Hearing - 1600 MISSION AVENUE, 2 COTTAGE AVENUE, AND 1540 FIFTH AVENUE
(MARIN ACADEMY); CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCE RE
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN
REVIEW PERMIT, AND USE PERMIT AMENDMENT IN ORDER TO: 1) CHANGE THE
GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING LAND USE DESIGNATIONS OF 1540 FIFTH AVENUE
FROM FIFTH AND MISSION/RESIDENTIAL OFFICE (5M R/O) TO PUBLIC/PUBLIC QUASI -
PUBLIC (P/QP); 2) RENOVATE THE EXISTING SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
LOCATED AT 2 COTTAGE AVENUE; AND 3) DEMOLISH THE EXISTING MEDICAL OFFICE
BUILDING LOCATED AT 1540 FIFTH AVENUE IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A NEW TWO-
STORY 16,820 -SQUARE -FOOT LIBRARY/CLASSROOM BUILDING; APNS: 011-161-13;
011-193-04,011-195-01, AND 011-195-03; P/QP AND 5M R/O DISTRICTS; MARIN
ACADEMY, OWNER; MICHAEL JOYCE, APPLICANT; FILE NOS.: GPA04-001, ZC04-055,
ED04-068, AND UP04-035 (CD) — FILE 10-3 x 10-5 x 10-7 x 115 (2000)
Mayor Boro declared the public hearing opened.
Micah Hinkle, Associate Planner, stated this was the Marin Academy Library/Classroom
building project. He indicated the application included:
• General Plan 2000 amendment and zone change of 1540 Fifth Avenue from Fifth and
Mission Residential Office to Public Quasi -Public;
• Lot merger to combine 1540 Fifth Avenue and 2 Cottage Avenue;
• Environmental and Design Review Permit to: 1) Renovate 2 Cottage Avenue; 2)
Demolish the medical office building at 1540 Fifth Avenue in order to construct the new
Library/classroom building; and
• Update to the Use Permit to include the library building and modified parking plan.
Mr. Hinkle indicated that no major issues had been brought forward throughout the public
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 3
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 4
process given the project would not increase student enrollment, and additional permit parking
had been provided at 1513 Fifth Avenue. He noted some project highlights as follows:
• The proposed General Plan 2000 amendment and zone change would be consistent
with the recently adopted General Plan 2020;
• A Negative Declaration was prepared for the project and no significant impacts were
identified;
• The proposed library building was designed to be consistent with the existing structure
at 2 Cottage Avenue;
• The heritage oak tree at 1540 Fifth Avenue would remain;
• The Design Review Board reviewed the project and recommended approval;
• A neighborhood meeting was held on September 30, 2004, during which no major
issues were raised;
• Staff received positive neighborhood feedback on the Marin Academy Parking and
Traffic Plan; and
• The Planning Commission recommended approval of the project with minor
modification.
Based on the analyses contained in the staff report, Mr. Hinkle stated staff recommended that
the City Council approve the project.
Bodie Brizendine, Head of School, Marin Academy, stated this project represented part of the
continuing campus renovation over a nine-year period. She indicated it had been very
successful in meeting their goal of preserving and restoring their school while securing its safety
and honoring the history and beauty of San Rafael. Ms. Brizendine stated their tireless
architect, Fred Starkweather, would answer any questions about the project.
From her point of view, Ms. Brizendine stated that the project represented no change in
enrollment, which remained at the Use Permit of 400. It represented a parking advancement
allowing them to move from their current rental situation at Elks Lodge to a place closer to
home, with an additional four spaces. She indicated it also represented no change in their
successful parking plan and noted it also enhanced dramatically the safety and seismic work of
a building that had not been restored or touched since the early 1920s. Ms. Brizendine stated
that last but not least, it greatly enhanced the aesthetics of their campus while honoring the
history of a place that had been a school since 1890. She recalled that throughout their nine-
year work on campus, restoration had always been their goal whenever possible.
Taking an excerpt from an 1890 edition of the Marin Independent Journal, celebrating the first
school opened at Marin Academy, Ms. Brizendine quoted: "San Rafael is soon to open a first-
class boys' Academy. It will reach out and assist everything in this town. It will make it more
attractive to desirable people to settle here. It will sell our lots, our water, our gas, build homes
here, strengthen our churches, and eventually make its mark on our ferry schedules. Let us
regard it and treat it as a friend." This, she indicated, was the relationship they believed they
had with San Rafael — a friend.
Fred Starkweather, architect for the project, stated he was prepared to make a formal
architectural presentation should it be Council's desire; otherwise, he was available to answer
questions.
Mayor Boro indicated that Council had received the material, including drawings, and all
Councilmembers were familiar with the site, noting this was a continuation of the excellent job
done to date.
There being no further comment from the audience, Mayor Boro closed the public hearing.
a) Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to adopt
the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11681 — RESOLUTION ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION
FOR A GENERAL PLAN 2000 AMENDMENT, ZONE
CHANGE, LOT MERGER, ENVIRONMENTAL AND
DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT, AND USE PERMIT
AMENDMENT IN ORDER TO AMEND THE GENERAL
PLAN 2000 LAND USE AND ZONING DESIGNATION OF
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 4
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 5
1540 FIFTH AVENUE FROM FIFTH AND MISSION
RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE TO PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC;
MERGE THE PARCELS LOCATED AT 2 COTTAGE
AVENUE AND 1540 FIFTH AVENUE; RENOVATE THE
EXISTING SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
LOCATED AT 2 COTTAGE AVENUE; AND DEMOLISH
THE EXISTING MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED
AT 1540 FIFTH AVENUE IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A
NEW TWO-STORY 16,820 SQUARE -FOOT
LIBRARY/CLASSROOM BUILDING WITH ASSOCIATED
PARKING, LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING FOR MARIN
ACADEMY (APNs: 011-161-13, 011-193-04, 011-195-01,
and 011-195-03)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
b) Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt
the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11682 — RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
SAN RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2000 (GPA 04-001) TO
AMEND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE LAND USE
ELEMENT RE -DESIGNATING LAND LOCATED AT 1540
FIFTH AVENUE (MARIN ACADEMY) FROM FIFTH AND
MISSION RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE TO PUBLIC/QUASI
PUBLIC (APN 011-195-03)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
c) The title of the Ordinance was read:
Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
None
None
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING MAP (ZC04-005) TO RECLASSIFY
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FROM FIFTH AND MISSION RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE
(5MR/0) DISTRICT TO PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC (P/QP) DISTRICT AT 1540 FIFTH
AVENUE (MARIN ACADEMY) APN 011-195-03"
Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to dispense with the
reading of the ordinance in its entirety and refer to it by title only, and pass Charter
Ordinance No. 1833 to print by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
d) Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt
the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11683 — RESOLUTION APPROVING A LOT MERGER,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT, AND
USE PERMIT AMENDMENT IN ORDER TO MERGE THE
PARCELS LOCATED AT 2 COTTAGE AVENUE AND
1540 FIFTH AVENUE; RENOVATE THE EXISTING
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING LOCATED AT 2
COTTAGE AVENUE; AND DEMOLISH THE EXISTING
MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 1540 FIFTH
AVENUE IN ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A NEW TWO-
STORY 16,820 SQUARE -FOOT LIBRARY/CLASSROOM
BUILDING WITH ASSOCIATED PARKING, LIGHTING
AND LANDSCAPING FOR MARIN ACADEMY (APNs:
011-161-13, 011-193-04, 011-195-01 AND 011-195-03)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Boro congratulated the Marin Academy
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 5
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 6
representatives, not only for the great job they had done, the great facility they run and the
contributions made to the community, but also for the outreach to neighbors. He noted the
fact that neighbors were not in attendance this evening was an indication of their success.
Councilmember Cohen requested that the Marin Academy representatives communicate
the City Council's congratulations to their outstanding Girls' Volleyball team.
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
OLD BUSINESS:
16. Consideration of:
1) RESOLUTION AMENDING FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 BUDGET (MS) — FILE 8-5
2) RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT FOR FIRE
PROTECTION SERVICES WITH THE MARINWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES
DISTRICT, DATED APRIL 6, 1998, AND DIRECTING THAT NOTICE BE GIVEN OF
SUCH TERMINATION (MS) — FILE 4-10-130 x 8-5 x 9-3-31
Assistant City Manager Ken Nordhoff issued a reminder that amending the budget had been a
three-year process and he noted that having been in a downward cycle, the news typically was
not very good.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that Council had taken actions totaling millions of dollars, particularly over
the last year and a half, to bring the 2004-2005 fiscal year budget into balance, and some of
these items were delineated on the first and second pages of the staff report. He noted a table
at the bottom of page 2 indicated that 30 positions were cut from the budget, particularly as it
related to the General Fund, and most of the actions Council had taken reflected reductions in
expenditures and programs on approximately a 3:1 ratio. Mr. Nordhoff stated that a handout at
the back of the staff report delineated in more detail where some of these actions had occurred.
Referring to page 3 of the staff report — State Financial Status — Mr. Nordhoff recalled that when
the budget was adopted this year there was great uncertainty about how the state would take
local revenues, either from the City or the Redevelopment Agency, and redistribute those. He
reported they did, in fact, take money statewide from cities, counties and special districts,
totaling $1.3 billion for this and next year's, a lot of which was wrapped up in Proposition 1 A,
passed last month by the voters. For the City, Mr. Nordhoff explained a loss of $993,000 had
already been built in for this year and it was likely a similar number would be built in next year.
He believed those revenues going forward beyond that were protected, and no more would be
shifted; however, he noted that Redevelopment Agencies were not protected under Proposition
1A, and being aware of how things go in Sacramento, it was conceivable there could be a lot of
new suggestions brought forth in the coming months that could cause the Redevelopment
Agency some dire fiscal pain. Mr. Nordhoff noted the state's budget was uncertain in that it
could be $6.7 billion, according to his report. It was a huge structural problem and put a lot of
items at risk.
Regarding the City's situation, Mr. Nordhoff stated that overall, essentially what staff projected
as of July 1St was being done. Revenues were largely on track and expenses were in line with
projections, at least through the end of November. He indicated he had included separate
schedules in the staff report to delineate specific adjustments to revenues and expenses.
In connection with Revenue, Mr. Nordhoff reported that the City received some Homeland
Security Grant money once again and this amendment was included in the budget. (This is both
a revenue and appropriation.) He noted that some additional franchise fees from the northern
part of the City had been projected; however, as there was no resolution yet on the Las Gallinas
Valley Sanitary District issue, he was removing approximately $110,000 for the year, due to the
delay in the anticipated October start.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that overall, the City was adjusting fees and taxes up by slightly over
$300,000, some of which was based on prior year's property tax when there was a strong
performance, in the area of approximately 6%. He indicated that last month the Master Fee
Schedule was updated and appropriate adjustments made, particularly in the development
related areas, together with some fire fees.
In the areas of expenses, Mr. Nordhoff stated that the Household Hazardous Waste budget
had been adjusted to be in line with the Joint Powers Authority (JPA). He indicated the Solid
Waste JPA confirmed this was not a General Fund cost, rather a cost that is passed through.
Adjustments had been made to the cost of running the pool, together with operating expenses
at Falkirk and Community Center facilities. There now was a better handle on the cost of health
insurance, which changes on a calendar year basis, hence an increase in the budget of
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 6
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 7
approximately $142,000, $57,000 of which falls in the General Fund
Mr. Nordhoff reported that post adoption of the budget, as Council was aware, the City entered
into a Settlement Agreement with the Department of Justice regarding ADA (Americans with
Disabilities Act). He noted some proposed appropriations - $250,000 from the General Fund, a
small portion of which was for specific consulting related expertise, which had been very
valuable to the City, and the majority to remove barriers to programs and facilities. As this was
the first year of a ten-year cycle, Mr. Nordhoff stated this was a down payment of what probably
would be at least $2 — 3 million of items to be accomplished. He indicated staff also proposed
that $50,000 come out of the Parking Fund; therefore, in the event of ADA deficiencies in
parking operations, the General Fund was not being requested to bear this cost.
Indicating that the Marinwood Community Services agreement had been brought in line with the
costs submitted (these figures were not available at the time of adopting the budget in June),
which brought the appropriation for that service this year to approximately $394,000.
Regarding the approval of some reorganization in the Community Development Department,
Mr. Nordhoff explained that the cost of an additional position for Land Development Engineering
had been accounted for. Some of the cost of engineering in the parking structure project had
been absorbed, which was delayed several months; therefore, there was a netting effect of
adding a position and pushing some engineering costs off to this project, which was
appropriate.
Referring specifically to some Fire Department issues, Mr. Nordhoff reported that as staff went
through the budget process, the first significant action taken by Council in relation to reducing
the Fire Department's expenses was to reduce the number of people on vacation relief. He
explained that three firefighters are assigned specifically to be in attendance on days when staff
is scheduled to be on vacation. There was agreement with the Fire Association that this would
be reduced to two, limiting the number of people off, which saved approximately $300,000 in
the budget.
Aware that this was a one-year opportunity, Mr. Nordhoff stated staff's task was to work with the
Fire Chief and Fire Association to ascertain whether a longer term solution could be generated.
He reported that in a Study Session some months ago, Fire Chief Martin presented to Council
the idea of going to constant staffing, which would involve not only continuing the elimination of
these first three vacation relief positions, but six additional positions, and these vacancies were
presently in place. Mr. Nordhoff stated that the department's overtime would have to be
increased to the extent that it would be necessary to have people work additional shifts or be
called back, as the case might be, to fill in the necessary spots. Staff believed that should it be
possible to work out some operational issues with the Fire Association, those $300,000
savings could permanently be achieved. Mr. Nordhoff indicated this was one of the direction
actions staff would like from Council this evening, which would memorialize the first cut in the
Fire Department budget.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that last spring as staff attempted to solve a further $2.2 million of the $6
million plus problem, an additional $300,000 was taken from the Fire Department through a
combination of reducing overtime and some one-time monies that had been accumulated in the
Hazardous Materials Fund. He indicated that, again, staff sought permanent solutions about
how these figures could be memorialized. Council provided direction to have the City Manager
and Fire Chief meet with the Marinwood Community Services District to ascertain whether
anything could be done to reduce costs; however, to date, staff had nothing to offer that would
indicate these costs would decrease or be eliminated in any way.
By separate resolution (revised resolution distributed this evening), Mr. Nordhoff stated staff
proposed that the City Council authorize the City Manager to begin the termination process for
those services. He noted Fire Chief Martin would be happy to answer any specific operational
or service response questions.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that subsequent to starting the Marinwood discussions, Fire Chief Martin
had been meeting with his counterpart in the Novato Fire Protection District, and there was
evidence of some opportunities for savings. He noted they had some vacancies in positions, as
did San Rafael, that staff believed could bear out perhaps $1 million or more between the two
agencies, which could produce a real savings in the next budget. Indicating this could be very
beneficial to the City, Mr. Nordhoff stated staff would like Council's direction this evening to
continue those discussions and ascertain whether some of those changes in service could be
codified, with the savings being shared between the two agencies.
Reporting that a Study Session took place in September, 2004, which attempted to forecast a
little longer than the year under discussion, Mr. Nordhoff stated staff anticipated a $2.7 million
deficit beginning next fiscal year, and upwards of $3 million the following year. He indicated
that therefore, these discussions with Novato Fire Protection District would be particularly
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 7
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 8
helpful to solving that problem
Mr. Nordhoff stated there would be a lot of work to be done. A structural problem existed that
had not been addressed and some very difficult decisions needed to be explored. He
acknowledged Council was aware of how much had been taken away in the areas of Public
Safety, Public Works and the Library. With the easy choices done, he noted there would be
some very difficult decision-making to come, and it was staff's intention to meet with Council as
frequently as necessary to make those decisions, involving the community in the entire process
In closing, Mr. Nordhoff stated the funds as amended were in balance and staff projected to
have positive fund balances. He indicated that between now and June, 2005, it was quite likely
staff would return to Council on at least one or two occasions with further amendments to the
budget. He stated he would be happy to answer specific financial questions and Fire Chief
Martin would provide the expertise on the fire issues.
Regarding the Fire Dispatch Center project, Councilmember Heller requested an update on
status.
On the financial aspect, Mr. Nordhoff stated staff was attempting to capture the entire cost of
the project. Additional monies would be received from MERA (Marin Emergency Radio
Authority), together with the State Office of General Services, and that was paying for a lot of
equipment, system and 911 related items that would be going into the building, and these were
the amendments identified in the budget. He deferred to Fire Chief Martin on the timeline.
Fire Chief Martin stated Fire Department staff anticipated moving in on December 15, 2004. He
explained that the new 911 computer system, dispatch computer and telephones had been
installed. Training of dispatchers and relief dispatchers was underway and staff believed they
would achieve the December 15th goal.
Regarding the ADA Settlement Agreement, Councilmember Heller stated that traditionally, the
City put $100,000 into curb cuts and ADA upgrades, etc., and inquired whether this $250,000
was in addition. Mr. Nordhoff confirmed it was in addition to the $100,000 traditionally
contributed for restroom projects, curb ramp projects and a variety of projects from over the last
ten or twelve years.
Councilmember Heller inquired whether Council would receive an updated list from the
committee as to which projects they wished to start on. Mr. Nordhoff explained the City was
governed by a lot of the due dates in the Settlement Agreement, about which the committee
was fully aware. Two meetings had taken place and the committee was in the process of
helping to prioritize, particularly the curb ramps (approximately 800), at a cost of approximately
$2 million. He indicated the committee was convinced that they wished to focus those in groups
or clusters to be efficient with the money to be spent, and not have a lot of staging time by
scattering them all over the community. Further, Mr. Nordhoff indicated the committee had
requested Public Works, through him, to evaluate areas with high probable use of people with
disabilities, i.e., around hospitals, service providers, and high foot traffic areas. He indicated
this would be shared with the City Council at some point in the next couple of months.
Under the Revenue section with regard to a duplication of entries of $1,157,000 presented both
in the Capital Projects and Operating Revenue, Councilmember Phillips requested that Mr.
Nordhoff expand on this.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that in looking at the entire revenue base for the City, staff tends to break
these down into Operating Revenues or Capital Revenues, and inadvertently, the gas tax
revenues and storm water fees were treated as both, resulting in a duplicate posting. The
monies in the Capital area had already been committed to projects, specific street paving or
storm water projects; therefore, it was simply a bookkeeping/ housekeeping error.
Because it was presented twice Councilmember Phillips questioned whether revenues had
been planned for in both categories.
Mr. Nordhoff agreed that revenues had been placed in both categories and this inflated the
projected ending balances of those funds that normally would not have had any money left. He
confirmed the fund balances were zero.
Mayor Boro invited City Manager Gould to comment on the discussions to date with Marinwood,
and to some degree, Novato. Subsequently, Fire Chief Martin would discuss the operational
issues, particularly as they pertained to Marinwood.
Expounding on Mr. Nordhoff's comments, Mr. Gould stated that as indicated, the City of San
Rafael was in its third year of serious budget cutting, due to a combination of losses of
revenues at the hands of the state, weak revenue growth and rising costs. As a result, he
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indicated the City Council had been forced to make decisions over three years to lower service
levels in all operating departments. Resources in every department, including staffing and
service levels, had been reduced, and with regard to the Fire Department, Council made an
initial determination to achieve the $300,000 savings mentioned through changes to vacation
relief. As indicated, Mr. Gould stated staff was pleased to work with the Fire Association to
come up with an interim fix, and tonight, a longer-term fix was being proposed.
As part of the budget determinations last spring, Mr. Gould reported that the City Council
requested Fire Chief Martin to do some modeling to determine where further reductions in
services would have the least impact on San Rafael residents and businesses. As the Fire
Department budget was already very lean, making further reductions in services would
necessitate getting into staffing and service levels. Mr. Gould reported Chief Martin's modeling
indicated that rather than closing any one station or eliminating a single engine, adjustments to
the Marinwood contract would have the least impact on service levels. The Council took that to
heart but requested that before making any changes to the Marinwood contract, staff should
engage in discussions with them, and prior to making changes, it would be necessary to give
Marinwood a year to work through and adjust to this. Mr. Gould stated that as part of the 2004-
2005 budget, a $300,000 ongoing savings attributed to fire suppression had yet to be worked
out. He noted the Fire Chief proposed one-time sources of funding to get through this one-year
period; however, beyond that, there was nothing to offer.
Mr. Gould reported that at Council direction, staff met with their counterparts, Mr. Horne and
Fire Chief Roach, both of whom were in attendance this evening, to discuss research and
findings. Fire Chief Martin provided the information seen by Council at a Study Session, which
was also attended by some Marinwood officials, and invited them to comment. This produced
good productive discussions and San Rafael had no issues with its counterparts from
Marinwood.
With regard to alternatives to the City continuing to provide, at the time $320,000, now
$390,000, of support for Marinwood's Fire Services, Mr. Gould reported that only one source of
possible new revenue could be identified. It was hoped to engage in discussions with San
Rafael's elected counterparts from Marinwood; however, none were forthcoming.
Mr. Gould reported that simultaneously, Fire Chief Martin suggested opening up a line of
dialogue with the City's counterparts at the Novato Fire District. This was done with the idea
that perhaps there were ways to share overhead costs and resources, and save considerable
money, while at the same time, provide the same level of services to residents and businesses
in both Novato and San Rafael. Mr. Gould stated that Mayor Boro and Councilmember Cohen
agreed to serve as the Council's sub -committee, along with Chuck Daniels, Chair of the Fire
Commission, to oversee those discussions. He indicated that the direction given to staff was to
meet and talk but not drag the issue out. Should there be an indication that something
considerable could be done in San Rafael that maintained services and saved real money, staff
favored going forward; however, if not, they favored moving on and putting it aside.
Reporting that an initial meeting took place approximately two and a half months ago, Mr. Gould
stated that Fire Chief Martin and Chief Meston, Novato Fire, subsequently met on a number of
occasions. Staff had met with the sub -committees of both Novato and San Rafael a couple of
weeks ago and presented the attachment (included with this evening's staff report) which
identified a number of areas, not just avoided personnel rehirings, but also new revenue options
whereby both the District and the City Fire Department could realize real savings or additional
revenues. Mr. Gould believed there were plenty of reasons to continue these discussions
towards implementation in July, 2005. Staff further believed that closer cooperation with Novato
Fire could help the City mitigate any changes necessary should the City no longer maintain its
support for Marinwood.
Recognizing this was December, Mr. Gould stated that to realize a change in the contract with
Marinwood, it would be necessary to give the six months' notice required under the contract.
Therefore, staff suggested the City give that six months' notice, Council direct staff to meet with
the Marinwood elected officials and staff, and perhaps also engage with Novato to ascertain the
best way amongst twelve stations (Novato, San Rafael and Marinwood) to provide fire
suppression and emergency medical services to the entire area. Mr. Gould noted it would
require some level of change; however, between the three agencies he believed there were
opportunities to make the most efficient use of the joint resources and arrive at a win, win, win
situation.
Mr. Gould reiterated the recommendation was to give the notice as required under the contract,
engage in discussions in earnest with the leadership in Marinwood, and continue discussions
with Novato Fire District.
Explaining the operational effects of the Marinwood agreement, Fire Chief Bruce Martin stated
that the Marinwood Community Services District serves a portion of North San Rafael, providing
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the same response services as San Rafael units do. He indicated that the two Departments
work pretty seamlessly on a day-to-day basis, both serving the citizens of the Marinwood
District, together with the citizens of San Rafael.
Fire Chief Martin stated that terminating the agreement reverted the City's operational practices
back to the 1979 agreement, which essentially, had Marinwood providing the same type of
services west of Highway 101, but not east of Highway 101, for single-engine type calls. He
indicated that agreement still had them coming in for fire calls; therefore, the type of responses
under consideration were single-engine, usually medical emergencies in nature. Fire Chief
Martin noted the Paramedic Ambulance Service was not changed under this, the Paramedic
Ambulance from the Terra Linda station was still responding with the same response time.
Regarding the computer modeling referred to by Mr. Gould, Fire Chief Martin explained that in
evaluating the impact of stopping services at all of the stations in turn, it showed that
terminating the agreement with Marinwood was the least impact option. Two major
components, response time and workload, were evaluated. In terms of response time, this was
the zone of the City suffering least, and it also had the lowest workload. Fire Chief Martin
stated it was also important to note that this area could be served by two other fire stations from
San Rafael and another from Novato, and in considering other areas of the City, these options
were not available. He indicated, therefore, that in looking at the smallest amount of impact and
mitigating factors, this option rose to the top.
Cameron Case, #614, 2500 Deer Valley, stated he wished to speak on three points, and
recommended that the City Council not approve the recommendation of staff:
1) Risk: Longer response time could mean life or death to the residents east of Highway 101,
and possibly, west of Highway 101 for those residents in the area currently serviced under
this agreement. Giving an example, Mr. Case stated that today, this contract area activity
included:
A cardiac situation in Deer Valley - Marinwood received a call at 9:38 a.m., were on the
scene at 9:40 a.m., with the ambulance arriving at 9:49 a.m.;
• A fire at Silveira Parkway — Marinwood received a call at 10:37 a.m., were on the scene
at 10:41 a.m. Engine 56, Terra Linda, did not respond, being in training in San Rafael,
and Engine 57, Civic Center, was on the scene at 10:46 a.m.
2) Awareness: As a current resident, Mr. Case stated he spoke on behalf of as many of
those east of Highway 101 as possible. Having spoken with some of these people today,
he indicated that most were unaware of the events and the possible resolution and
recommendation under consideration this evening. As an awareness issue, he believed it
incumbent upon the City Council to reach out to those communities to effectively advise
them of the potential risk to the residents under this termination.
3) Economics: Mr. Case stated his figures were perhaps not up-to-date, as he used a
budget of $350,000 at Marinwood, which apparently, should have been $390,000. He
understood that the San Rafael Fire Department's budget was $16 million, and with 6,200
total calls (medical and fire) in the last year, this amounted to $2,500 per call. In
Marinwood, the San Rafael Service Area that provided calls by the Marinwood Fire
Department had 468 calls and a budget of $350,000, now going to $390,000, working out
at slightly more than $800 per call. Mr. Case stated that should that agreement be
terminated and those 468 calls were made by the City of San Rafael, at an average of
$2,500 per call, the net cost would increase from $390,000 to $1.2 million.
Mayor Boro stated he would invite Fire Chief Martin, at the conclusion of the input, to discuss
these numbers ; however, he believed Mr. Case had forgotten the cost to the Marinwood
Department itself. He explained that the $390,000 was the money the City of San Rafael was
paying to Marinwood for a third person on the engine and not the total budget for that
department.
Mr. Case agreed and stated he was addressing just the calls Marinwood made into the City of
San Rafael Service Area.
Dave Mitchell, Marinwood CSD Board Member, stated that with regard to the discussions
between Novato and San Rafael, and themselves also, they were fully supportive, and
personally believed long-term consolidations were probably the direction in which they would
go. He believed it unfortunate the point had been reached where a cancellation was faced, as
they did not consider they had received a fair approach on a negotiating basis and this backed
them into a corner, which was not a good way to conduct future business.
In terms of the basic numbers, Mr. Mitchell stated that over their entire system, between 800
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and 900 calls per year, each call cost approximately $1,900, as opposed to San Rafael's, at
approximately $2,600 per call, based on the $16 million budget. He indicated that the $390,000
paid for approximately 460 to 470 calls, more than the calls Marinwood serviced in the
Marinwood and Upper Lucas Valley areas, which were in the 350/360 range, and for which they
(Marinwood/Lucas Valley) paid approximately $1.2 - $1.3 million. He reiterated that San Rafael
was paying $390,000 for over half the calls Marinwood made and they (Marinwood) were
funding their part at $1.2 million, which they had always viewed as a very unfair arrangement,
where Marinwood was basically subsidizing San Rafael. Mr. Mitchell stated this was the reason
they found it very difficult when invited to consider reducing the price of the contract even more.
Indicating this put them in a very difficult position, Mr. Mitchell stated that as mentioned by Fire
Chief Martin, they would revert to the 1973-79 agreement; however, they did not believe there
was an automatic reversion. Noting this agreement served Mont Marin and San Rafael Park,
he indicated that cutting back in this fashion could make it difficult for them to continue. He
indicated that some discussion had taken place at Board level, with no decision being reached,
and they would have to further evaluate should they end up losing firefighters.
Noting this was not the first occasion this subject had come before Council, Mayor Boro stated
that when discussed in June, one or two people from Marinwood were in attendance. Staff met
with the Marinwood manager and Fire Chief. The Fire Chiefs had subsequent meetings and
reported back; however, nothing happened and San Rafael had no contact concerning meeting
with the City Council or the Marinwood Board. Tonight's action was not canceling the service,
rather putting the clock into motion that should the situation not be resolved by July 1, 2005,
cancellation could be possible. Mayor Boro stated the City contacted Novato, the Fire Chiefs
and City Manager met and immediately, the Board and City Council agreed to meet. (Mr.
Mitchell indicated they had to agree to do the same thing with Novato. Mayor Boro stated that
while he understood that, Novato was not providing service to them and they had not indicated
they wished to meet).
Mayor Boro stated that the recommendation in June was to submit the letter to Marinwood that
evening and he, along with the City Council, agreed this would not be fair as at least a year
should be given to work the issue out, first with six months of meetings and should there be no
resolution, in the second six months, the notice would be issued. Reiterating that Marinwood
had had six months to hold discussions, Mayor Boro stated this was the first time the City had
heard from them. From a Board perspective, Mr. Mitchell stated he was completely unaware of
this. Mayor Boro suggested Mr. Mitchell speak with his manager as he had been meeting with
Mr. Gould and he (Mayor Boro) assumed the Marinwood manager kept the Board informed as
San Rafael's City Manager kept the City Council informed. Mr. Mitchell indicated they were
unaware the City intended to keep to a tight schedule. Mayor Boro stated the City was in very
tight financial straits and had to, as far as possible, meet its needs and requirements. He
indicated the City hoped to continue to work with Marinwood and hopefully, over the next
several months arrive at some agreement. He reiterated he wished to make it understood that
tonight was not the first occasion on which this subject was addressed.
Mr. Mitchell stated he also wished to make it understood that from their perspective the
arrangement was very unequal. Acknowledging this had been alleged over the years, Mayor
Boro noted he and Councilmember Cohen were the designated representatives from the City
Council and indicated they would be happy to discuss the issue, albeit not this evening.
Craig Yates, Marin County Committee on Disabilities, stated their concern related to the fact
that this was a risk factor for all concerned, noting 42,850 people in Marin County fell under the
term "Disabled." He questioned whether the City could utilize the money from Homeland
Security for this shortfall, as he saw it as a Homeland Security issue that would be brought to a
point of danger should the need arise for security services and firemen were not available to
secure those services. He assumed, therefore, the funding could come from the budgets of
Homeland Security of Novato, San Rafael and Marin County, as a joint venture.
Bruce Anderson, Marinwood Community Services District Board member, distributed a copy of
his presentation to Mayor Boro and Councilmembers.
Mr. Anderson indicated the first page discussed the contract, and the basic reason for the
service was that as San Rafael closed a station, it wanted to provide a reasonable service to
that area. He stated that the original contract in 1973, expanded in 1994, provided for the City
affording some dispatch services in return for other services from Marinwood, and also covering
one of the firefighters. He noted Marinwood saved the City $750,000 annually on closing that
station and they were paying for the paramedic unit, together with additional mutual aid
agreements.
Referring to an article where Mr. Gould indicated that the proposed municipal service tax
increase in North San Rafael would be used to cover municipal services, Mr. Anderson stated
that at the same time, the City indicated it would cut municipal services in North San Rafael and
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this in a sense was double dipping into the North San Rafael area.
In terms of the fairness quality, Mr. Anderson stated the agreement was made in 1973 and
modified over the years. He noted Deer Valley, the convalescent home, McInnis Park and
some new homes in Mont Marin had been added, all without any changes to the contract in
terms of additional compensation for additional square -footage added into the area.
Mr. Anderson stated that Marinwood firefighters were efficient; however, were the lowest paid in
the County. A reason for the increase this year was the attempt to bring them to at least near
Sausalito's level.
Referring to a subsequent page and the current call volume, Mr. Anderson stated that the cost
of $354,000 represented the revenue, $390,000 for 2005, for the 468 calls. As mentioned by
Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Anderson stated that in looking at those costs, 300 calls were going for
approximately $1.2 million, whereas Marinwood's charge to San Rafael for approximately 60%
of their calls was $350,000.
With regard to response times, Mr. Anderson stated the biggest consideration for those living in
the area was that response time would reduce by at least one minute, and possibly more, and
from an example today, it could have been worse had Marinwood not been the first responders.
Mr. Anderson stated it was determined that San Rafael's cost per call was approximately
$2,500 per call, compared to Marinwood's $820 per call, and while recognizing there were fixed
costs included, this was a big difference. He indicated that they could do this more efficiently
and provide a better service.
Mr. Anderson stated he personally was very disappointed that the San Rafael Fire Department
indicated this was a negotiation ploy. He explained that they did not play games with people's
lives and properties and this should not be a negotiation ploy, rather it should be worked on
together.
Indicating that in Marinwood they provide a faster and cheaper response for the residences and
businesses in the effected area, Mr. Anderson stated that in instead of canceling, San Rafael
should be looking at a fair compensation for the services Marinwood provides.
Tad Jacobs, Lucas Valley, stated that presently San Rafael Fire Department was attempting to
save approximately $400,000 from a $16 million budget, approximately 2.5%, and the proposal
was to cut Marinwood's Fire Department's budget by 25%. He agreed there would be a
reduced amount of service, not only for the areas covered in North Marin, but for those living in
Marinwood, Lower Lucas Valley, Upper Lucas Valley and Bridgegate, which now would be
served by a two instead of a three-person crew. Mr. Jacobs stated that the legalities in
firefighting would limit the services those firefighters could perform. He explained that should
they arrive at a burning structure with people inside, they would be required to wait for a further
engine to respond. In addition, should someone from station #7 already be responding in North
San Pedro, he questioned how long it would take them to get to the Contempo Marin area in
North San Rafael, and he believed this would be more than the minute and a half reported. Mr.
Jacobs stated this should be taken into consideration.
Mr. Jacobs pointed out that in 1994 when the City was encountering budgetary problems, it
approached the Marinwood Fire Department for their help, and by helping to close down station
#3, Marinwood had assisted in saving the City $7.5 million over the last ten years. With a
problem of $300,000, the City was willing to cut 25% of Marinwood's budget, which Mr. Jacobs
believed was not fair or right.
Ron Marinoff, Advisory Council for County Service Area (CSA) #13, Upper Lucas Valley, with a
seat on the Marinwood Fire Commission, stated that in their contract with the Marinwood Fire
Department over the years of the current JPA (Joint Powers Authority) they paid on average
$100,000 more per year than did San Rafael for services from Marinwood. He indicated that
the City of San Rafael was responsible for approximately 50% of the calls responded to by
Marinwood and CSA 13 was responsible for approximately 5%, and up to this year they had
been paying approximately $100,000 more for that service. He stated it was not a question of
whether they were paying too much, rather that San Rafael was paying too little for the amount
of service received.
Regarding the San Rafael Dispatch Center, Mr. Marinoff stated he attended a meeting in this
Council Chamber where he heard the City's new Dispatch Center had cost $600,000 so far, and
subsequent to spending the $600,000, a study was commissioned to ascertain dispatching
needs. He noted the study recommended that over the next two -three years, the City go to the
Marin County Communications Center, which would obviate the need for this $600,000 facility.
Mr. Marinoff believed that accelerating switching to the Marin County Communications Center
would save the City six figures annually which could fill a great deal of the $300,000 shortfall.
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Noting a reluctance to discuss the issue, he reported having asked the Fire Chief about it, he
addressed the Fire Commission and spoke with a Councilmember separately; however, did not
hear a rationalization from anyone for spending the money and continuing to spend money on
this when a less expensive option was available. Mr. Marinoff pointed out that the Novato Fire
Protection District had the County doing their dispatching, yet the document presented by Fire
Chief Martin tonight contained nothing regarding a projected savings on dispatch facilities.
Rather, it identified a projected $1 million to $1.2 million savings, and although wonderful, he
questioned the absence of $200,000 or more which would be saved by going to the County, as
to operate with Novato in some fashion, it did not make sense to have two dispatch systems.
Melany Kramer, 1476 Lincoln Avenue, stated that as much as she sympathized with people in
the audience, the last thing they should be doing was vilifying the staff who had done a super-
human job in dealing with budget cuts.
Aware that Proposition 1 A passed, Ms. Kramer stated her feeling as an observer of state
politics for approximately 35 years was that with the State of California, the hand you thought
was patting you on the back was the same one picking your pocket. She seriously doubted
Proposition 1A would stand untouched and was very concerned about what could happen.
Rocky Birdsey, representing Marin Center for Independent Living, expressed their deep
concern regarding the proposed termination of the Marinwood Fire Service's contract and
Paramedic Services contract. He indicated it was their understanding that the mutual services
contract benefited both San Rafael and Marinwood residents by improving response times. He
noted that prior to the contract being initiated, 10% - 15% of all paramedic calls were not
responded to because the paramedics were on other calls, and when the contract with
Marinwood was initiated, this changed.
Mr. Birdsey noted that the Joseph Court station was closed, transferring six firefighting positions
to paramedic positions funded by the Paramedic Tax, with a saving to the City of San Rafael of
approximately $600,000 annually, $300,000 of which went to the Marinwood Services JPA, thus
saving the City of San Rafael approximately $3 million over a ten-year period.
Noting 70% of all calls in San Rafael and Marinwood were medical in nature, Mr. Birdsey stated
they were concerned about this, believing police, fire safety and medical responses should
come first.
Quoting from the San Rafael Fire Department's website, Mr. Birdsey stated: "The largest group
of paramedic customers are people over 56 years old. With a population of aging residents, the
expectation is that there will be an increased demand for paramedic services in the next twenty
years. By the year 2020, one in every three people in Marin County will be over 60 years old."
Mr. Birdsey stated there was a need to maintain and also plan for the increased demand in
paramedic services in San Rafael and Marin County, and not cut this contract on the basis of
money.
Reporting that according to a 2001 study conducted by the San Rafael Fire Department, 1,881
responses by fire companies involved two or more engine companies, Mr. Birdsey stated that
495 times responses involved three or more engine companies. He indicated he had inquired
of Mayor Boro, the City Council and staff as to how many times Engine Company #57 at the
Civic Center Station and Engine Company #56 at Del Ganado Station were unavailable due to
responding to calls involving two or more engines.
Mr. Birdsey indicated that in 2003 the Marinwood Fire Department responded to 481 calls, of
which approximately 357 were medical in nature in the San Rafael Service JPA contract.
Approximately 300 of these individuals went to the hospital; therefore, again, the question was
response times. Mr. Birdsey pointed out also that the cancellation of the JPA contract put a
second contract with the Marinwood Fire Service in jeopardy, namely, the service area
encompassing Las Gallinas, Lucas Valley Road and Northgate Drive areas. It also affected
Marinwood residents and Marinwood Fire Department which currently had three firefighters on
an engine, and without this contract there would be two.
Together with operational concerns, Mr. Birdsey stated there was the added concern of a
situation where with two firefighters on an engine, one entered a burning building while the
other manned the engine, resulting in no safety net for these individuals; therefore, he believed
it was morally beneficial to Marinwood and San Rafael to retain this contract.
Regarding response times should the contract be terminated, Mr. Birdsey stated that the
American Heart Association had indicated that a 6 — 8 minute response time was needed to
avoid brain damage or death to a heart attack patient. He stated the Marin Independent Journal
reported that the response times would be approximately 5 — 6 minutes with Stations 56 and 57;
however, not included was the approximately one minute it took to take the call in Dispatch and
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the minute to roll the vehicle out, and added to the six minutes, this resulted in a response time
of 8 minutes, plus congestion.
Questioning whether lives should be risked for a savings of $300,000, Mr. Birdsey stated there
had to be a better way.
LouAnn Jackman, Executive Director, Marin YMCA, stated she respected the City Council and
staff for the decisions made and empathized with them for having to make such difficult
decisions.
Ms. Jackman explained that the Marin YMCA has approximately 7,000 members, of which
2,658 were over 55 years old, which was a significant group for potential calls to the
paramedics and Fire Department. Reporting an approximate attendance of 1,000 — 2,000
people daily in their building, she stated there had been a number of serious events over the
last few years, some of which had positive results and some not; however, they had great
response and had a profound respect for the firefighters and Marinwood Fire District. She
noted that anyone responding would be great; however, they could get there in three minutes
as a result of which lives had been saved.
From her perspective as a staff person and looking at her staff as first responders, Ms. Jackman
stated it made her a little nervous to think they would have to keep these situations from
becoming worse for longer than the three or four minute response time they usually received.
Ms. Jackman stated she wished to ensure that as the City Council considered this they
remember how often they (YMCA) call and have to have an emergency response. She stated
that in the last six months, the Marinwood Fire District transported eight people, and in the last
six years they had eight serious cardiac and stroke instances. She indicated they were a
facility and business that would continue to perhaps be a drain and need the services.
Ms. Jackman stated they had a great relationship with the City of San Rafael and the
Marinwood Fire District and she respected all of them, and felt in her position, it was important
to ensure the City Council remembered this was a large business with lots of people in
attendance daily who could need services a little different from a normal neighborhood.
Wishing the City Council good luck with their decision, Ms. Jackman stated she was confident
they would ensure the safety of her staff and members.
Susan Adams, Marin County Board of Supervisors and Marinwood resident, stated she was
glad to be speaking from the other side of the podium this evening and understood the dire
fiscal situation the City was facing.
Supervisor Adams reported having received numerous telephone calls today to her office, many
from Contempo Marin and some from the Smith Ranch Estates, expressing concern about a
longer response time. As a Marinwood resident and nurse, she stated she was also concerned
about the implications from the difficult decision to be made this evening. Should the City
Council choose to go forward with this tonight, Ms. Adams requested they consider monitoring
morbidity and mortality of people taken by paramedics to the hospital, i.e., what happened to
them on arrival. She noted that should this not occur for six months, this period was available
to conduct a baseline assessment before any action was taken. She indicated she supported
100% continuing discussions between Novato, Marinwood and San Rafael to attempt to reach
some type of resolution. Recognizing all to be people of good hearts and concern for the
community, Supervisor Adams stated she was confident they would do the right thing, and to
that end, should there be anything she could do to support that process, she was happy to be of
assistance.
Darren Holiday, Maintenance Supervisor, Deer Valley Apartments, stated he was present on
behalf of the residents of the 171 units at his community, together with the elderly home around
the block and the various adjacent apartment complexes. He encouraged both sides to work
something out as people's lives were at stake because of the longer response times.
Regarding longer response times creating an increase in risk, Fire Chief Bruce Martin stated
this was accurate; however, quantifying it was a challenge. He indicated that, unfortunately, in
the 911 Services it was impossible to predict where calls would take place or exactly where
units would be when those calls happened; therefore, during peak demand hours, units are
typically moved around to cover the areas where most calls are experienced, and when there is
a gap in the City, no matter what, units are moved around. Fire Chief Martin stated that even
today, should there be a flurry of calls north of Puerto Suello Hill, units would be brought from
the southern part of the City north to cover and optimize response times.
Fire Chief Martin reported that the response times are annual averages, and are idealized
based on responding from a Fire Station. During the day units are all over town within their
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districts conducting a variety of non -emergency activities; therefore, it was fair to say there were
times where the response time was less than the goal, and others where it was longer when the
second or third due unit was coming in.
Regarding economics, Fire Chief Martin reported that quantifying fire service economics was
tough and was probably an "apples and oranges" discussion to look strictly at the Marinwood
budget and the San Rafael budget. Taking the gross budget number and dividing it by the
number of calls to ascertain the cost of fire protection as that simple quotient was probably
unfair. He explained that the San Rafael Fire Department provides a variety of services and
activities and pays for them, which the Marinwood Community Services District does not, or
these are provided by other agencies of the County. For example, he stated San Rafael runs a
Fire Dispatch Center and Fire Prevention Bureau which charges fees, and the $16 million gross
budget included 43% revenues. The City runs a full Paramedic Transport Service with third -
party billing, a Paramedic Tax, which is factored into the budget, a full—time Fire Mechanic,
office staff, Training Officer, Fire Marshal, etc. Fire Chief Martin stated it was not purely an
apples and oranges comparison and to try to do a direct analysis was probably not accurate.
Regarding the comments on several of the calls that occurred, even today, Fire Chief Martin
agreed there were a number today, which again returned to the tough part of predicting where
business would be. He reported a handful of calls today before noon in the area of North San
Rafael, while tomorrow there could be none. He indicated that staff attempts to mitigate that
and should the Marinwood action be proceeded with, other ways would be evaluated to mitigate
this, probably by moving some of the response units around during peak demand hours to
ensure they were closer to predicted calls. Fire Chief Martin reported that the cardiac event that
occurred today was mitigated by an on-site nurse, an employee at the Deer Valley residence,
who used an on-site emergency defibrillator. He indicated this was what the community had
been trained to do for years and which staff wished to continue, to make people as self-reliant
as possible in the early moments of an emergency.
Regarding the handout provided by Marinwood and the contract, Fire Chief Martin explained
that San Rafael provides Marinwood with the balance of a first alarm assignment to a fire in
their jurisdiction. He explained that should there be a fire in North San Rafael, Marinwood
sends their engine as part of the response, and with a fire in Marinwood, San Rafael sends two
engines, a ladder truck, ambulance and chief officer, as part of the reciprocal arrangement.
In connection with the savings related to the closure of Station #3, Fire Chief Martin reported
there were no net savings to the City. He explained that in 1994, the City took some of the
General Fund expenditure from staffing Station #3 with pure firefighters, turned them into
paramedics, moved them into the EMS fund and staffed a badly needed ambulance north of
Puerto Suello Hill. He indicated this was probably a very good operational decision; however,
looking at the City budget in total, he argued that there really were no net savings.
Regarding the notion that the City was taking away municipal services north of Puerto Suello
Hill, Fire Chief Martin explained that in their analysis staff realized none of these options were
consequence free. In looking at the options, what remained was that two-thirds of the
population and calls for Fire Department service were south of Puerto Suello Hill, which is
where two-thirds of the stations and resources were located, with one-third of the calls and
resources north of the hill, together with one paramedic ambulance north and south. He noted
that during the day as calls demanded, they engage in a choreography of moving fire engines
and ambulances north and south to wherever the holes were.
Fire Chief Martin reported that the contract was annually adjusted based on the cost of a
Marinwood firefighter, which was where this year's increase occurred. While not under San
Rafael's control, the Marinwood firefighters' salary is reported to the City on an annual basis.
He noted that this year the Marinwood firefighters received a raise and enhanced retirement
package (3 at 50), which drove the $80,000 increase in the contract. According to the terms of
the contract, he stated the City simply responds and increases the payment.
On the issue of call volumes, workload and efficiencies, Fire Chief Martin reported that the
Marinwood contract pays purely for emergency response services. The other engine
companies in San Rafael do a variety of non -emergency tasks, community fire servicing
activities, hydrant maintenance, business inspections, etc., and, in fact, the City's units conduct
those activities in the areas served by Marinwood for emergency purposes.
Fire Chief Martin reported that the response times were accurate based on a number of studies
conducted over the last ten years. Stressing that staff endeavors to cover the holes in the City,
he stated there was a phenomenon called "call queuing" where calls happened simultaneously,
which could not be avoided. As mentioned earlier, some years ago on 1,881 occasions there
were two simultaneous calls, and 495 times, three simultaneous calls. He noted that should the
predetermined point be reached where the City was empty, neighboring engines would be
called in for help in an effort to maintain service levels.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 15
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 16
Regarding the Dispatch Center, Fire Chief Martin reported that in the final recommendation to
Council staff quantified and clarified the option of going to County communications. While the
City had made an investment in the Dispatch Center, moving to the County was not without
cost. Fire Chief Martin stated that staff determined, according to the bid and information
submitted by the Sheriff's Office, that it could be possible to save $50,000 annually in
operational costs, i.e., the cost of a dispatcher every year; however, to achieve this, the County
Communication Center required between $250,000 and $500,000 of upfront costs to transition
into the County Communication Center. On balance, therefore, it did not make financial sense
and staff's recommendation to Council was to move forward with San Rafael's Dispatch Center,
based on the cost already expended and what the County required.
Mayor Boro noted that former Fire Chief Marcucci worked very diligently with the County several
years ago to try to open up a Joint Dispatch Center, and he invited City Manager Gould to
comment.
Mr. Gould reported that when San Rafael became a signatory to the Marin Emergency Radio
Authority (MERA) contract to build the new emergency radio system, it was understood that the
new Motorola consoles would not fit in the current Fire Dispatch Center; therefore, the Fire
Dispatch Center needed to be moved. It was also recognized that the current Fire Station was
not seismically sound and the desire was to locate the Fire Dispatch into an area seismically
strong enough to withstand an earthquake. Having explored the most economical way to do
this, Mr. Gould stated that as mentioned, former Fire Chief Marcucci sought alliances with other
fire districts for joint provision of Fire Dispatch and was unable to consummate any of those
agreements. With MERA coming on, Mr. Gould stated the City had to be in a position to move
onto this system as early as next spring; therefore, a decision was necessary. He indicated it
was possible to lease the property immediately adjacent to Fire Station #1 and retrofit it for fire
dispatch at a fairly low rate, for the next sixteen years.
As budget problems worsened, Mr. Gould stated the City Council directed staff to ascertain
whether there were further options for consolidation, whether it made sense to consolidate
Police and Fire Dispatch or consolidate with other fire agencies. He indicated that Fire Chief
Martin conducted those studies with conclusions as reported. Mr. Gould stated staff believed
that someday within five years should the County set up a new stand-alone Public Safety
Communications Center, San Rafael wished to be a part; however, in the interim, it was
necessary to Dispatch and in a seismically safe location, hence the investment was not lost;
rather well spent.
Regarding not seeing Dispatch in the Novato cost saving opportunities, Fire Chief Martin
explained that on initial analysis it did not rise to something that could be achieved by July,
2005. He indicated it clearly would be evaluated, albeit, was not something that fit in the initial
study. He was aware that the Novato Fire Chief and personnel were very interested in looking
at San Rafael's Dispatch Center.
In connection with the 10% to 15% of calls not responded to, Fire Chief Martin stated these
were when there was just one ambulance, and this was part of the driving factor in the Station
#3 Rescue 56 other paramedic rig evolution discussed. He indicated that the $600,000 annual
savings to the City did not manifest themselves in that way. When the ambulance was
established, third -party billing was initiated and some costs for services were recovered through
Medicare and insurance company billing that allowed the cost to be offset.
Fire Chief Martin stated that 70% of calls were emergency/medical service in nature. Marin
being faced with an aging population, he stated this was a phenomenon of almost national
importance and occurrence. In looking at the EMS model it was evident that the 911 system
nationwide was tapped with providing basic medical care to a number of people in the
community, and San Rafael was looking at non-traditional ways to do this. He stated that to
become too reliant on 911 to provide basic medical care to the homeless, those not
economically in a position to afford it or the aged who did not have the same access, was
problematic at best, and was essentially running the system down. Believing there were other
ways to do this, Fire Chief Martin stated that initial forays had been made under former Fire
Chief Marcucci and through different programs to provide preventative and caretaker service to
the elderly in the community. Although not a substitute when there was a need to dial 911, it
was another way to look at the problem more holistically.
In looking at the map of the area and more specifically, the reference to the number and cost of
calls, Councilmember Phillips inquired whether or not this was a fair representation.
Responding, Fire Chief Martin stated he could not argue with the figures, other than the budget
figure. He indicated this was a situation of the Marinwood Community Services District and
their Fire Department. The City has a Joint Powers Agreement with them that includes a fiscal
consideration and an exchange of services. They (Marinwood) have a separate agreement with
County Service Area #13, over which the City has no control.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 16
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 17
Councilmember Phillips inquired whether there were additional costs San Rafael was incurring
in servicing these calls or other related calls. Elaborating that when San Rafael responds to the
area, he inquired whether this was a cost the City was incurring.
Fire Chief Martin stated that for a basic emergency medical service call, the City sends an
ambulance with two firefighter paramedics. Therefore, if Marinwood is the first unit on a fire call
to an area in San Rafael, San Rafael also sends the balance of the first alarm assignment, i.e.,
two additional engines, a ladder truck, ambulance and chief.
Councilmember Phillips inquired whether Fire Chief Martin had any sense of what the City's
commitment to the service area might be.
Fire Chief Martin stated it could be over simplistic to take the number of calls in that area and
divide it into the total Fire Department budget; therefore, it would take more analysis to provide
the answer. He stated there were approximately 450 calls annually from that area.
Commenting that there was probably more to this than had been presented, Councilmember
Phillips stated that presumably, this would be worked out in whatever negotiations took place
over the next six months.
Fire Chief Martin noted that the cost of Dispatch was not quantified, nor was the cost of fire
training conducted by San Rafael or that provided to Marinwood.
Councilmember Cohen stated that it was not possible to just take San Rafael Fire Department's
budget and divide it by the number of calls to indicate a per call cost. He explained there were
a lot of services provided and paid for, (and sometimes revenue was received for), by San
Rafael, and not reflected here, that Marinwood did not provide, that were not appropriately
charged to responding to a call. He did not accept the simple math presented to the City
Council this evening and did not wish to request the Fire Chief to pin down a number on the fly.
Councilmember Phillips stated there clearly were two issues, this being one. The other issue
was whether or not this was a fair representation of all of the costs incurred in responding to
these calls. It appeared to him that this was not the case as this was only the number of calls
within the San Rafael area the City was writing a check to Marinwood for, while not reflecting
costs of running engines, ambulances and all related services.
Mr. Gould stated that the City did not wish to recommend any reductions in fire services, rather
it was simply that San Rafael could not afford to continue the level of public safety protection
that its residents and businesses have enjoyed for many years because of the fiscal situation.
When Council requested staff to determine how to save $300,000 ongoing on top of the
$300,000 already worked out, Mr. Gould reported it meant losing an engine company and
reducing services, and that was what the computer modeling was about. He indicated it
demonstrated that to do that anywhere in San Rafael, many more people and businesses would
be affected than reducing this contract. Mr. Gould stated that those facts were provided to
Marinwood and no one had any issue that there was a diminution in service, which was of
concern to all. He noted Fire Chief Martin had indicated that if he moved resources around he
could mitigate somewhat the impacts in North San Rafael. Cooperating even more closely with
Novato Fire District could mean further mitigation; however, there would be a loss of service.
This, he stated, was of concern to people, and quite rightly so.
On behalf of the Fire Department, Fire Chief Martin stated that the quality of service enjoyed
from the men and women of the Marinwood Fire Department was exemplary and San Rafael
staff had no problem working in the field. He indicated they worked together seamlessly, with
San Rafael's ambulance and Marinwood's fire engine responding to calls, and this clearly was
not the issue tonight.
1) Councilmember Miller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the
Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 11684 — RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2004-2005 BUDGET
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
2) Mayor Boro stated that while the Resolution included the language "Termination of the April
6, 1998 Fire Protection Services Agreement with the Marinwood Community Services
District", it was very clear the implication was that the clock was being started, and in the
event agreement could not be reached by the time the six months had elapsed, the City
had the option to take the action deemed necessary. He reiterated that this item had been
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 17
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 18
discussed six months ago and over the next six months he and Councilmember Cohen
would be more than happy to meet with Mr. Mitchell, any other Board Member, the Fire
Chief and staff. He indicated the City had nothing they would not share with Marinwood,
including Novato. He reiterated that this Resolution was not terminating the agreement,
rather setting the stage that should Council choose and feel they had no other option, they
could affect that with the next year's fiscal budget.
Councilmember Cohen stated this was a basic failure to communicate. He emphasized
that it was not a negotiating ploy, rather notice that the status quo could not be maintained.
He expressed the hope that there could be a real discussion about a new approach and
believed what had been done for the last ten years was a model of government cooperation
and was how government was supposed to work by looking at ways to work together to
more efficiently provide service to respective constituents. He stated, however, that on
occasion, parties were just too far apart for negotiation to be successful. He noted
Marinwood believed San Rafael paid too little, and based on the alternatives, San Rafael
believed that this agreement could cost too much for the level of service being provided,
where there was no choice but to make service cuts.
Given the view expressed this evening by the members of the Marinwood Board,
Councilmember Cohen stated he could see why they could have thought San Rafael was
not serious, believing it to be a great deal for San Rafael. He stated San Rafael did not
believe that and considered that should something not change by negotiation, it was fair to
say it would change six months from now.
Councilmember Cohen stated that any discussion of cuts in public safety service was very
serious and taken very seriously by the City Council. He recognized there were serious
impacts on Marinwood's ability to provide the level of public safety service in Marinwood
should San Rafael take this action; however, these were also very serious financial times
for the City of San Rafael and Council had an obligation to take serious action to obtain
results. He believed the status quo could not be maintained, and by taking the vote now
meant starting the clock, that would run out, not ending the discussion or the agreement.
He hoped there could be real discussion over the next six months to reach agreement and
a creative way to solve everyone's problem, and hopefully, maintain the high level of
service provided to respective constituents, not spending the time in denial or acrimony and
pointing fingers.
Councilmember Phillips stated he would assume two things in his vote: 1) That attempts
would be made, and presumably, therefore, meetings would occur, to attempt to resolve
the differences; and 2) That either Mayor Boro or Councilmember Cohen, or both, would
report back to the City Council periodically on progress.
Councilmember Heller stated it was necessary to continually reassure the community north
of the hill that the decisions made by the City Council were not taken lightly and attempts
would be made to maintain everyone's service at the same level within the City. She
favored looking to another form of service, which she believed was beginning with the talks
with Novato. As a LAFCO Board Member, she indicated she was delighted to see these
potential mergers move forward.
Councilmember Cohen agreed that residents should be assured this was being taken
seriously by the City Council and that it would be treated as fairly as possible. He learned
from a meeting earlier this evening that perhaps too good a job had been done at shielding
residents from the impact of the millions of dollars in cuts made over the past couple of
years. He believed the point had been reached where they could no longer be shielded
and no matter how this materialized, Council had requested the Fire Department to make
some savings other departments had already shown, and this would result in some impact
on someone's service. Councilmember Cohen stated he did not believe this was
escapable unless Council indicated no changes would be made to the Fire Department's
budget, which they could not afford to do. He stated it was necessary to be clear with all
that the best was being made of a bad situation and Council would make the decision they
believed was the least unpleasant, and they still were faced with a tough choice.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the
Resolution as amended to read Marinwood Community Services District in the first line of
paragraph 4.
RESOLUTION NO. 11685 — RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO GIVE NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF THE APRIL
6, 1998 FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH THE MARINWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES
DISTRICT
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 18
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 19
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
3) Council directed staff to begin the meet and confer process to resolve any issues
related to implementing the constant staffing model, and to work diligently to
implement this model by early January, 2005, or as soon as possible.
4) Councilmember Cohen reported that the subcommittee (Mayor Boro and Councilmember
Cohen) had some meetings with Novato Fire District representatives concerning possible
collaboration and ways that by working together, Novato and San Rafael might provide
services more efficiently. He stated the first meeting had been very positive with basic
agreement reached. He indicated that the respective Fire Chiefs were requested to take 30
days or less to ascertain what they could return with that could be done in the short term to
impact the upcoming budget year, and also (not in 30 days) begin to evaluate things that
could be done beyond that.
Having met that deadline, Councilmember Cohen stated they returned at a recent meeting
with a list of opportunities at least in part, tied to upcoming retirements and a means of
reducing personnel, hence costs, without reducing line staff or having a direct impact on
level of service, either in San Rafael or Novato. He indicated these were listed in the staff
report.
Describing the understanding reached, Councilmember Cohen stated that should all of
these be taken, and the savings the two Fire Chiefs had projected from these steps, it
resulted in a range somewhere between $600,000 and $1 million. He indicated this would
have to be split between the two entities, and the details of how this would work needed to
be arranged. For example, should San Rafael not replace two vacant Division Chief
positions, reassign the remaining Division Chief and some of that service was provided by
Novato, this, he stated, was a savings San Rafael would see immediately. He reiterated
that the savings would be shared all the way down the line.
Councilmember Cohen indicated that San Rafael favored continuing these discussions and
moving quickly on some of the items. He indicated it was agreed that each entity would
return to its respective Board to check in on the issues under discussion. He believed it
was a long way from any type of structural change; however, on getting there, he believed
it could be where the savings were, and it definitely was where the big hurdles and
headaches were.
Councilmember Cohen stated the importance of these steps to him was should it be
ascertained they work, save money and there was no evidence of a serious operational
impact, they could be continued. Should they not work, the City could disentangle itself, fill
the positions and return to the present structure. He believed this was a step towards real
serious cooperation with Novato, much more than a mutual aid agreement. He indicated
that not a lot of time had been spent discussing what happens in the out years and Council
was not being requested to give its blessing to anything beyond what could be achieved in
the next fiscal year; however, some decisions needed to be made quickly to realize those
savings in the next budget year.
He indicated that a further meeting was scheduled and with Council's blessing,
recommendations could be initiated that could turn into action by the San Rafael City
Council and the Novato Fire District shortly after January 1, 2005.
Concurring with Councilmember Cohen's remarks, Mayor Boro added that the negotiating
team had agreed to three principles for both agencies:
1) Continue to provide the same or an improved level of service as a result of any
agreement reached;
2) Achieve significant savings; and
3) This is a discussion between equals.
Mayor Boro stated he felt very positive about the discussions so far. He agreed with
Councilmember Cohen that the City was not interested at this point in going beyond this
first stage, rather see how the Departments worked together. Should they work together as
anticipated, more changes could be explored with respect to structure between the City and
the Special District in Novato. Initially, the question was how to share resources, both
people and equipment, to reduce costs and see some immediate savings.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 19
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 20
Staff was directed to continue the discussion with Novato Fire Protection District
staff and elected representatives to see if some of the proposed cost savings
measures could be codified into a formal agreement prior to the start of the 2005-
2006 fiscal year.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
17. None.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
18. Santa Margarita Creek: - File 4-1-566 x 9-3-40
Councilmember Phillips reported having met with members of the Santa Margarita
Homeowners Association, who together with City partnership had substantially improved the
"Ditch." He indicated they were interested in extending this at a very nominal cost and would
bring back plans for further discussion.
Annual Moose Feed: - File 9-1
Councilmember Cohen issued a reminder of the Annual Moose Feed on Friday, December 10,
2004, at 11:30 a.m., at the San Francisco Marriott, a change of venue.
There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12005
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 12/06/2004 Page 20