HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2010-10-04SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2010 AT 8:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Also Present: Ken Nordhoff, City Manager
Robert F. Epstein, City Attorney
Esther C. Beirne, City Clerk
Members of the public may speak on Agenda items.
OPEN SESSION — COUNCIL CHAMBERS — 9:15 PM
Mayor Boro announced Closed Session item.
CLOSED SESSION — CONFERENCE ROOM 201 — 9:15 PM
Public Employment — Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Damon Connolly, Vice -Mayor
Greg Brockbank, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Marc Levine, Councilmember
Absent: None
Mayor Boro announced at 10:15 p.m. that no reportable action was taken.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: 8:42 PM
Davidson Middle School Shadow Dav:- File 9-1
Reporting that October was the Month of the Young Adolescent, Dr. Harriet MacLean, Principal, Davidson Middle
School, invited the City Council and members of the public to participate in the school's next Community Shadow
Day, to be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. She presented Mayor Boro with a
framed photograph commemorating his attendance at last year's event and noted Councilmember Connolly also
participated.
Mayor Boro stated that last year's Community Shadow Day at Davidson Middle School was very impressive and
he complimented Dr. MacLean on her great work.
Councilmember Connolly moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as
follows:
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of
September 20, 2010 (CC)
Call for Applications to Fill One City of San
Rafael Advisory Member Position on the
Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste
Management Joint Powers Authority Local
Task Force (CM) — File 4-13-96
4. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City
Clerk to Execute an Agreement Between
the County of Marin and the City of San
Rafael Regarding the Marin Literacy
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Minutes approved as submitted.
Approved staff recommendation.
a) Called for applications to fill one City of San
Rafael Advisory Member Position on the Marin
County Hazardous and Solid Waste
Management Joint Powers Authority Local Task
Force;
b) Set deadline for receipt of applications for
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. in the
City Clerk's Office, Room 209,City Hall; and
c) Set date for interviews of applicants at a Special
City Council meeting to be held on Monday,
November 1, 2010, commencing at 6:30 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 13063
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF MARIN AND THE CITY
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010
Program / General Services (From
7/1/2010— 6/30/2011) (Lib) — File 4-13-86 x
9-3-61
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010 Page 2
OF SAN RAFAEL REGARDING THE MARIN
LITERACY PROGRAM/GENERAL SERVICES
(FROM 7/1/10 — 6/30/11)
Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City
RESOLUTION NO. 13064
Clerk to Execute an Agreement Between
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
the County of Marin and the City of San
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT
Rafael for Literacy / F.L.A.G.SHIP Services
BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF MARIN AND THE CITY
(From 7/1/2010 — 6/30/2011) (Lib) — File 4-
OF SAN RAFAEL FOR LITERACY/F.L.A.G.SHIP
13-86 x 9-3-61
SERVICES (FROM 7/1/10 — 6/30/11)
Accept Completion of the Safe Routes to
Schools (SRTS) Happy Lane Pedestrian
Improvements Project, City Project No.
11121, Federal Project No. SRTSL -
5043(028), and Authorize the City Clerk to
File the Notice of Completion (PW) — File 4-
1-617
Adopt Plans and Specifications for the
Lifeline Transportation Program Canal
Street Pedestrian Access and Safety
Improvements Project, Federal Aid Project
#CML 5043(029), City Project #11122, and
Authorize the City Clerk to Call for Bids
(PW) — File 4-1-625
Approved staff recommendation.
Approved staff recommendation.
Resolution Awarding Contract for the Street RESOLUTION NO. 13065
Resurfacing 2010-2011, City Project RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE
#11162, to Ghilotti Bros. Inc., in the STREET RESURFACING 2010-2011, CITY PROJECT
Amount of $1,368,787.95 (Bid Opening #11162, TO GHILOTTI BROTHERS INC., IN THE
held on Wednesday, September 29, 2010) AMOUNT OF $1,368,787.95
(PW) — File 4-1-624
Resolution Authorizing the Temporary RESOLUTION NO. 13066
Closure of City Streets for the Sixth Annual RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY
International Festival & Business Fair 2010 CLOSURE OF CITY STREETS FOR THE SIXTH
(RA) —File 11-19 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL & BUSINESS
FAIR, OCTOBER 24, 2010 FROM 8 a.m. TO 7 p.m.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Brockbank, Connolly, Heller, Levine & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS:
10. UPDATE ON THE DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE EVENT ON OCTOBER 12.
2010 (CD) — FILE 9-3-30
City Manager Ken Nordhoff stated that Lt. Pata had been working with City staff and Maureen Keefe,
Dominican University, and her staff, and would provide a verbal update and answer questions, as would
Ms. Keefe.
Police Lieutenant Raffaello Pata reported that he had worked with staff and the Dominican University team.
Meetings were held with neighbors, including a Town Hall meeting on September 30, 2010, hosted by
Dominican University.
Recalling his remarks at the last City Council meeting that the UC Davis Gubernatorial Debate was not
necessarily a template but a working understanding of this type of event, Lt. Pata reported that the event on
September 28, 2010 was much different from Dominican University's in that the campus was open and not
surrounded by city streets. Indicating he attended as an observer, Lt. Pata reported that the Dominican
University representatives in attendance made contacts and conducted outreach; he believed the
attendance to have been between 200 and 500 rather than the anticipated 4,000.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010 Page 3
As a result of this experience and having reevaluated plans for the Dominican University event, Lt. Pata
stated he felt comfortable and appreciated the authority and flexibility afforded him by Chief of Police
Odetto.
Lt. Pata reported that subsequent to a discussion with Polly Elkin, Dominican resident, regarding traffic in
the downtown and Montecito areas, ideas were relayed to the traffic sergeant for consideration regarding
the traffic plan. He also reported that constructive feedback emanated from the town hall meeting on
September 30, 2010.
Lt. Pata reported that on the Police Department side the following modifications had been made:
• 22 Police Officers to be assigned to traffic duties only;
• Security plan in place for dealing with protesters, etc.
• Northbound lane of Grand Avenue from Acacia Avenue to Locust Avenue to be secured for
protesters, leaving the southbound lane for emergency vehicles, etc.
Councilmember Heller inquired whether any protest groups had been in touch with the university or the San
Rafael Police Department.
Lt. Pata reported that Dominican University was working very closely with these groups and he had spoken
with Green Party representatives.
Recalling reports estimating as many as 1,000 protesters anticipated at the Dominican event, and noting
considerably less than that at the UC Davis event, Councilmember Brockbank inquired whether Lt. Pata
had a sense of whether this would invoke a greater or lesser response.
Characterizing the UC Davis protest as similar to a pep rally, Lt. Pata noted that when the debate began at
6:00 p.m. two-thirds of the demonstrators left to watch.
Regarding the block off of traffic at Jewell and Grand Avenues and Linden Lane and Grand Avenue, which
were through streets, Councilmember Brockbank inquired whether consideration had been given to using
the simple detour of Jewell and Palm Avenues.
Lt. Pata reported that these were included in the new intersections identified behind the campus, in an
attempt to keep traffic flowing, and an abundance of caution was the reason for increasing the number of
police officers from ten to twenty-two working on traffic alone.
Councilmember Levine inquired as to feedback from the Fresno State debate.
Reporting that he had not heard how the debate went, Lt. Pata stated that Fresno police officers were in
attendance at the UC Davis debate and requested some of San Rafael's materials.
Councilmember Levine expressed concern that since the Fresno State debate, the tone of the campaign
had changed, which could impact the type of demonstrations that could occur.
Lt. Pata stated these types of scenarios had been built into the plans for the Dominican University debate
Maureen Keefe, Dominican University, reported that she had provided additional materials to the City Clerk
for distribution to the City Council, including:
PowerPoint presentation shared with neighbors which included a map identifying the street
closures;
Card mailed to 3,000 households surrounding the Dominican area alerting them to the street
closures, no parking signs, etc., and informing them that extra copies could be secured by
contacting the university or the City of San Rafael. Presenting this card at Linden and Grand
Avenues or Jewell and Grand Avenues would permit residents to proceed.
She indicated that guests with tickets would receive parking passes; no one could enter without a resident
or parking pass, and these passes could be attached to rear-view windows.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010 Page 4
Regarding protesters, Ms. Keefe reported that three groups had conducted site visits: the Green Party, the
California Nurses' Association and the Iron Workers. As a result of distributing her business card liberally
at the UC Davis event she had received telephone calls from other groups, all of whom suggested similar
numbers would attend the Dominican event and expressed gratitude for the information on street closures
— all had been given Lt. Pata's contact details.
In anticipation of classes being suspended from 12:05 p.m., Ms. Keefe stated that non-essential staff, non-
event personnel and volunteers would be encouraged to leave the campus at Noon to minimize cars and
the parking situation on campus.
Noting residents would receive a total of three pieces of mail, and that 2,000 notices had been distributed
for the town hall meeting, Mayor Boro reported that the approximately 30 people in attendance at the town
hall meeting had great questions and provided feedback, which helped Lt. Pata to refine his plan. As the
day progressed the Police Department would react accordingly to an increase or decrease in the numbers
of demonstrators in attendance.
Ms. Keefe clarified that in addition to the ticket and parking pass, the first sentence of a one-page
informational sheet suggested allowing at least 60 minutes additional travel and parking time.
Councilmember Brockbank stated he got a slight impression from some Green Party protesters who
attended the City Council meeting two weeks ago that some blame was being ascribed to Dominican
University and the City of San Rafael for approving this so-called undemocratic debate. He believed this
blame would be incredibly misplaced as he assumed confining the debate to two candidates was a non-
negotiable demand on the parts of the Republican and Democratic nominees and he inquired whether this
misguided blame had dissipated.
Ms. Keefe explained that blogs containing this verbiage had been addressed on the university event
website. She stated that in announcing the debate last spring it was clarified that the polls from USC and
the Los Angeles Times of candidates who had 10% of the vote would be used, and this was standard
protocol with debates. In response to Green Party questions on whether these numbers were current, Ms.
Keefe stated that she receives weekly reports and could respond with the candidates' standings vis-a-vis
those polls, and other polling devices had also been used. Should numbers change, the debate would be
adjusted accordingly.
Believing the debate to be a great coup for Dominican University and a bonus for the City of San Rafael,
Councilmember Brockbank thanked Ms. Keefe and the university for their hard work, vision and inspiration.
Ms. Keefe expressed appreciation for the City of San Rafael's participation.
Mayor Boro thanked Ms. Keefe and Lt. Pata for their updates, great work and partnership.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
11. Pacific Gas & Electric: - File 9-3-11
Mr. Nordhoff reported that approximately twelve staff members met with four PG&E representatives today -
two from Governmental Affairs and two who specifically work in the gas line inspection repair and
replacement group.
Noting gas lines were made up of both transmission and distribution lines, Mr. Nordhoff explained that
transmission lines carry 60 pounds or more of pressure while distribution lines carry less than 60 pounds of
pressure. The focus of most of the meeting was on transmission lines, which run from Canada and various
places, working their way through Napa and Sonoma Counties and running through central San Rafael.
Maps were provided identifying the lines, copies of which staff requested both electronically and on paper.
Shut-off valves and other locations were not identified for security reasons.
Regarding Item #22 on the top 100 list — not a ranking order of need or situation with the lines — Mr.
Nordhoff reported staff was informed this was a ten -inch line, installed in 1946. The segment under
inspection runs from the San Rafael Corporate Center, south of Second Street to Woodland Avenue;
PG&E would spend the next couple of months completing a full engineering assessment and inspection of
the line. They issued an assurance that nothing hazardous existed associated with that line; however,
should such a condition exist in San Rafael or any other place, staff would be on 24-hour duty to deal with
the situation immediately.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010 Page 5
Mr. Nordhoff reported that annual inspections of these lines to date included an aerial fly -over using a
sensor to detect problems, and this was complemented by a walking assessment. PG&E would provide
the inspection results, including any necessary repairs or replacements to the City and the public. Noting
this had been a common practice over decades, Mr. Nordhoff stated that although the list of 100 could
seem like a new idea, it was customary to inspect major transmission lines on a regular basis.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that as part of additional regular monitoring and maintenance efforts, they also
completed a survey of the lines throughout San Rafael to check for hazardous leaks - none were found.
Some non -hazardous leaks would require additional repairs which are scheduled within company
standards and regulations put forth by the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission). PG&E would
provide additional mapping and information and representatives were available to make a presentation at a
public meeting, should the City Council so choose.
Councilmember Levine inquired as to the depth of the line.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that PG&E indicated the lines were typically installed with a minimum five-foot cover;
however, over time, through settlement or construction, sometimes the lines are discovered not necessarily
to be at a five-foot depth, and he believed the inspection of this particular line would dictate the situation.
Councilmember Levine questioned whether the City was aware of the location of all lines.
Intentionally partitioning transmission and distribution lines, Mr. Nordhoff stated that the distribution system
covers hundreds of miles. With regard to transmission lines, the Fire Department had a good sense of the
location of major lines; however, staff now required mapping as some lines were also on private property
through easements. He indicated it essentially was a north/south line to the Redwood Village area, a line
along the freeway/Lincoln Avenue, a line towards Peacock Gap and two lines around the San Rafael
Corporate Center, reconnecting and going towards Larkspur. Mr. Nordhoff stated PG&E wanted to stress,
and the Fire Department concurred, that most incidents tending to create hazardous situations were
caused by people digging in their front yards or hiring contractors who had not obtained the specific line
mapping.
Councilmember Levine inquired as to the type of process foreseen for public safety to locate shut-off
valves.
Mr. Nordhoff reported that from today's conversations he did not get a sense the City would ever be in a
position to assume a set of responsibilities for PG&E's infrastructure it did not currently have. First
responders had certain responsibilities, as did public safety; however, it was PG&E's infrastructure and
authority to respond to and manage situations and he did not believe anything in that arena would
necessarily change.
Councilmember Levine recalled from the San Bruno incident a lapse of time beyond the explosion where
valves were not turned off. He questioned whether public safety would have the skill set or comfort level to
deal with this type of infrastructure and suggested that this conversation be pursued further.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that, although not specific to San Bruno, PG&E had mentioned that the repercussions
of shutting off lines had to be considered as the remaining gas had to dissipate in the piece of the system
closed down. PG&E had a well-defined process and conducted regular training in the districts.
Councilmember Levine stated it made perfect sense not to assume the liability of creating an emergency by
turning off something.
Recalling an article in the Marin Independent Journal to the effect that a line was found at ground level,
Mayor Boro inquired whether the line from the Corporate Center to Woodland Avenue passed through
PG&E's transmission plant.
Reporting that a segment on the northern end of the line was actually exposed, Mr. Nordhoff stated that
some segments of some gas lines were not all necessarily underground, noting a line was exposed behind
the Corporate Center building. PG&E confirmed this was not uncommon, depending on the type of
infrastructure being crossed in initially laying the lines.
Mayor Boro stated he often heard of telephone cable boxes being dug into by people, interrupting
telephone service, but did not recall gas lines being broken into through construction work locally. If there
was an exposed line, he believed PG&E should do something about it.
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010 Page 6
Noting reports of telephone cable boxes inadvertently being dug into, cutting phone service, Mayor Boro
stated he did not recall gas lines being broken into through construction work locally; however, he believed
an exposed line should be dealt with. Concurring with Councilmember Levine on having joint drills, Mayor
Boro noted it took PG&E one and a half hours to shut the lines off in San Bruno. The San Bruno Fire Chief
indicated that had this happened sooner, public safety could have been reactive instead of being just
defensive. Mayor Boro suggested a drill be carried out between the San Rafael Fire Department and
PG&E to understand how to interact.
Mr. Nordhoff stated that PG&E had an Incident Command system similar to San Rafael's and would be out
in the field with an Incident Command post. Steven Hancock, Emergency Services Manager, attended the
meting and part of the take -away was learning where to better coordinate and communicate efforts.
Noting a series of incidents with PG&E in the Bay Area, particularly San Francisco, Mayor Boro believed it
necessary to be passively aggressive.
Having discussed the issue with Battalion Chief Lydon, Mr. Nordhoff reported that the Fire Department
does respond to gas leak situations, some of which result in nothing; however, on occasion contractors hit
lines creating problems. He suggested that perhaps the Fire Department could provide historical data
collected regarding calls for service related to gas and the types of incidents encountered.
Mr. Nordhoff confirmed that in this situation public safety referred to the Fire Department.
Indicating he did not consider it necessary for PG&E to make a presentation, Mayor Boro believed it would
be beneficial for the City Manager and Fire Department to have an assurance of being kept in the loop and
abreast of happenings.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS / REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: (including AB 1234 Reports on
Meetings and Conferences Attended at City Expense)
12. None.
There being no further business, Mayor Boro adjourned the City Council meeting at 9:12 p.m.
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12010
ALBERT J. BORO, Mayor
SRCC Minutes (Regular) 10/04/2010