HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1993-07-19SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 7/19/93
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IN CONFERENCE ROOM 201 OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, JULY 19, 1993, AT 7:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF LITIGATION AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS - File 1.4.1.a
No. 93-13(a) - #1 - De Anza Assets, Inc. vs. City of San Rafael
No. 93-13(b) - #7
(City Council reconvened in Closed Session at the end of the City Council Meeting)
No reportable action was taken.
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, JULY 19, 1993, AT 8:00 PM
Regular Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Dorothy L. Breiner, Councilmember
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Michael A. Shippey, Councilmember
Joan Thayer, Councilmember
Absent: None
Others Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE
RE: TREE TRIMMING COMPLAINT - File 100 x 11-6
Louise Wilson, resident of 1130 Mission, the "Old Mission Mansion"; stated her goal in
speaking to the Council tonight was to save a tree that was over 100 years old. This tree
is described as a California Grand Camphor Tree and is situated between two apartment
buildings where the landlord of the adjacent building insisted the tree's over -hanging
branches be trimmed, resulting in severe damage to the tree. She suggested the
possibility of the City adopting a "Heritage Tree" Ordinance.
Mayor Boro referred this to Assistant Public Works Director Strom who responded that since
it was on private property, there was nothing legally the City's Public Works Department
could do to prevent this, but they could take a look at the tree and Mayor Boro stated
they could make suggestions to the property owners about the value of these trees.
Councilmember Breiner suggested staff might point out in a letter, to be signed by Mayor
Boro, that the cost of removal of this type of tree if it should die would be far more
than any measure that might be taken to attempt to preserve it.
At the request of City Council, staff to again look into the possibility of a Heritage
Tree Ordinance and obtain Heritage Tree Ordinances from other cities.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to approve the recommended
action on the following Consent Calendar items:
ITEMS RECOMMENDED ACTION
3. a. Call for Applications to Fill Vacancy on Approved staff recommendation to:
the Park and Recreation Commission Due to a. Call for applications to fill
Resignation of Commissioner Bruce Raful one unexpired term on the Park
(CC) - File 9-2-4 & Recreation Commission to the end of May,
1994, due to the resignation of
Commissioner Bruce Raful;
b. Set deadline for receipt of
applications for Tuesday, 12:00
Noon, August 10, 1993, in the City
Clerk's Office, Room 209, City Hall;
c. Set Special Meeting for 6:30 PM,
8/16/93, in Conference Room 201,
City Hall, to interview applicants.
b. Resolution of Appreciation to Commissioner ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8983 -
Bruce Raful (Rec) - File 102 x 9-2-4 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO BRUCE
RAFUL ON HIS RESIGNATION FROM THE
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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4. SECOND READING AND FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE Approved final adoption of Ordinance
NO. 1647 - ADDING SECTIONS 14.02.020) AND No. 1647.
15.04.080 TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE PERMITTING
STREAMLINED REVIEW OF PROJECTS WITH MULTIPLE
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS (Pl) - File 10-3 x 10-2
5. Resolutions of Appreciation to Design Review
Board Members: (Pl) - File 102 x 9-2-39
a. Phillip Abey
b. Howard F. Itzkowitz
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner,
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8984 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO
PHILLIP ABEY FOR EIGHT YEARS OF
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ON THE DESIGN
REVIEW BOARD
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 8985 -
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO HOWARD
ITZKOWITZ FOR FIVE YEARS OF
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ON THE DESIGN
REVIEW BOARD
Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion:
2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 21, 1993 (CC)
Councilmember Shippey stated that during the Oral Communications of an Urgency Nature,
after Mr. George Orr, representative of the Friends of Munson Park, spoke with regard
to Item #2, Mr. Shippey wanted the Minutes to reflect that he did make the
recommendation to the Council that they remove Munson Park from the list of possible
relocation sites for the relocation of Fire Station #6.
Councilmember Cohen stated with regard to the discussion of the sewer easement, Page 5,
the fifth paragraph, it quoted him as saying, ". . if they do two separate trenches,
do one side of the street at a time", and stated the point he was attempting to make
was in response to Mayor Boro's comment that if they do two separate trenches, they
have to do them one at a time in order to maintain at least one lane of access up and
down that street, which was a point of concern.
Councilmember Cohen stated on Page 6, under Item 6, in the third paragraph, ". . that
while he did not believe that he had a conflict of interest on this matter, he has
discussed this with the City Attorney and it was his belief that in order to avoid
any appearance of in -fighting . . .", this should read, it was his belief that
in order to avoid any appearance of conflict. ".
Councilmember Shippey moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to approve the Minutes of
the regular meeting of 6/21/93, as amended.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
6.RESOLUTION APPROVING BELOW MARKET RATE (BMR) AGREEMENT AND HOUSING FUND LOAN FOR 1 "H"
STREET, AP #010-291-18 (RA) - File 229 x 13-16 x (SRRA) 173
Councilmember Breiner stated her concern was the discussion of households earning 800 of
median income and a one -bedroom rent being approximately $799.00, which is really
market rate instead of below market rate rental. She stated she did not see any
advantage to this, noting with some of the proposals that have come before the
Council in the past, they have attempted to have the household income below the 800,
or have a percentage of them for very low income, and she did not see any very low
income households in this agreement.
Assistant Executive Director Ours responded utilities were included in this figure for the
rental agreement, as shown in the staff report. He stated this was calculated at $30
for a studio, $35 for a one -bedroom unit and $45 for a two-bedroom unit, which was
not shown in the staff report. Councilmember Breiner asked if this was in Exhibit B
of the staff report, and Mr. Ours responded this rental price includes an allowance
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for utilities, as described, which he felt made this more palatable. He stated the
costs in this report were the actual costs to rehabilitate the building and then it
was decided this was a fair profit for the developer. Mr. Ours stated that when they
put $100,000 of City money into this, he felt this was a very interesting example of
leveraging funds which had been discussed in the past. He noted the $100,000 of City
money buys this project an affordability for 16 units at $200 per month, which over
the 30 year financing period is more than $1 million. It also reduces the water fees
paid into a project because it is public money, either $28,000 or $32,000, and it
reduces the school fees by $12,000. He stated all of these issues go into
calculating how much the rents will be, but they were taken off because the Agency
put its money into it, and their special financing is a whole percentage point lower
for the $3 Million. He noted as you look at the total package of what the costs are,
you come up with the rents shown and the project works. He stated the simplest
explanation is you can take some at 70% and some at 900, but the basic 80% works for
this project that the developer can build and you get all these other good things and
it is a very affordable project. However, if it was a market project, they would
not have this number of units at this price. He noted we would have considerably
higher priced units instead, above market rate. He stated this is a rehabilitation
of an existing building which is very expensive.
Mayor Boro stated Mr. Our's statement says that the project will provide 51% of 20 units
affordable to low income households earning 80% of median income or less and he
asked, of the 20 units, how many would be at 80%, and are there some to be at 70% or
60%? Mr. Ours responded that the tenants will need to qualify and they will be
making 80% or less of the median income. Mr. Ours stated the 80% was the target
figure for this project; however, if another prospective tenant is making less and
qualified in their total housing cost, they will be accepted, but this is the target
range set up. Mayor Boro then asked if Mr. Ours was saying that by putting up this
$100,000 it has allowed us to achieve these 20 units? Mr. Ours responded
affirmatively and stated it has reduced the rent on 16 units to $200 per month.
Mr. Pendoley stated this property far exceeds the requirements of the General Plan to
qualify for such things as density bonuses and has been on the market for
approximately five years. They have heard many proposals on this project, some
residential and many not residential, but everyone had extreme difficulty making it
work. This was the first project that finally went all the way to term on
applications.
Mr. Pendoley stated there have been some very innovative things done on this project,
particularly in the way of providing underground parking; they developed a very
clever parking plan that squeezes in the absolute maximum better than anyone else has
done before, and they have proven to the City that it works. He stated there is a
high level of amenities in terms of common recreation areas including outdoor space.
He stated staff felt this is very high quality housing.
Councilmember Thayer asked if the leases had rent increases built in, according to CPI
adjustments, or how is this figured into these agreements? Mr. Dick Bornholdt,
housing consultant to the Redevelopment Agency, responded the BMR agreement allows
the rents to be calculated at 30% of an income level, in this case 80% of the median.
He stated the incomes are adjusted annually by HUD and to the degree that HUD
adjusts
the incomes up, then the rents can be adjusted upward, as well. He stated they will
always be the maximum of 30% of the income. Mrs. Thayer stated then this does not
take into account the particular circumstances of a tenant, such as the recession
we are all experiencing now and some people's salaries may not go up commensurately
with the CPI for the year and yet there may be a rent increase. Mr. Ours responded
this was possible, but was discretionary on the part of the owner. He noted he
has seen projects that are subject to an allowable rent increase where there has
not been one, and he has seen one where there has not been an increase.
Councilmember Breiner stated in the past the City has generally had Marin Housing
Authority overseeing the selection of the tenants and asked whether this was being
done in this case? Mr. Bornholdt responded there are two Below Market Rate
agreements that the City had entered into, one is like this one for rental projects
and one is for sale. He stated the Housing Authority is involved in the for sale
units and selection of the tenants and the rental developments are up to the owner of
the property. He noted all the Housing Authority does is to make sure they are, in
fact, low income, and that the proper rents are being charged, but neither they nor
the Housing Authority select the tenants. Mayor Boro asked if Agency Attorney
Rosenthal has a non-profit list run for him? Mr. Bornholdt responded negatively, but
there will be a private management company doing this part of the project.
Mrs. Breiner asked how does Mr. Bornholdt make sure that he is meeting the goal of what
they want? Mr. Bornholdt stated the developer is required to submit reports and
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certifications to the City that show that, for example, the tenants in Unit 13 are
low income, below whatever the income limit is, and that their rent meets the
guidelines in the BMR agreement, so they check those. Mayor Boro asked if they are
checked before the units are rented? Mr. Bornholdt responded they are required to
submit these to them after they are rented. Mrs. Breiner asked if there was any
follow-up? Mr. Bornholdt responded affirmatively. Mr. Ours stated this is an annual
report that is sent to the Agency every year with all the tenants who live in those
units and their incomes. Mrs. Breiner then asked if the Agency was checking to see
that the information they were receiving was correct? Mr. Ours responded
affirmatively and stated that they have called individual tenants. Mrs. Breiner
asked if there have been any problems? Mr. Ours responded negatively and stated the
only discrepancies he has heard of have been people who have not been reporting all
their income.
Mayor Boro noted that Mr. Ours stated in his report that the loan for the City was due in
40 years and the loan on the property was 30 years and asked why the City's loan was
40 years? Mr. Ours responded the City's restrictions were these units have to be
affordable for 40 years.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 8986 -AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A BELOW MARKET RATE (BMR) RENTAL
UNIT AGREEMENT FOR 1 "H" STREET IN SAN RAFAEL, CA, BETWEEN
THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AND 1 "H" STREET ASSOCIATES
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
7.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONVEYANCE OF TEN (10) OPEN SPACE PARCELS TO THE MARIN COUNTY
OPEN SPACE DISTRICT (PW) - File 2-1-79 x 4-13-84 x 13-14-1 x 9-3-40
Councilmember Breiner stated in August, 1991, the City Council approved the agreement
calling for the transfer of this land and she wondered why it took almost two years
to do this? Assistant Public Works Director Strom responded he did not have all the
details, but it was his understanding that this was coming from the County who took
responsibility for clearing the title on all of these parcels. He noted he thought
this was not a high priority with the County due to the fact that they have been
short staffed in the Real Estate Section at the Civic Center. Mayor Boro asked if
some of these parcels had been cleared? Mr. Strom responded affirmatively.
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 8987 -AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT DEED FOR CONVEYANCE OF TEN (10)
OPEN SPACE PARCELS TO THE MARIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
(AP #165-010-08, 09, 40, 43, 67, 68 & 70, 165-123-19 & 20
AND 165-171-38)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
8.RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPOSAL FROM CH2M HILL FOR PHASE II OF THE ENGINEERING SERVICES
FOR FREITAS INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS (PW) - File 4-3-259 x 11-15 x 11-1
Councilmember Shippey asked, with regard to the possible traffic impact of this project,
if there were to be further studies done for the approximately $188,000 by CH2M Hill?
Mr. Strom asked Mr. Shippey if he would rephrase his question. Mr. Shippey stated
his first concern was about the signalization and whether traffic might back onto the
freeway, specifically on the northbound off -ramp, which is not signalized now. Mr.
Shippey stated his second concern was about traffic farther to the west on Freitas
Parkway, eastbound onto the freeway, which is now stacking up in the right-hand lane
because of people wanting to get onto the freeway and he noted from the drawings it
looked like that might exacerbate that problem.
Mr. Strom responded to the first question regarding the queuing of traffic back onto
the freeway, noting this is the number one concern of CalTrans, and staff has been
working with them and they have approval on all the drawings, and have reviewed
all the traffic analysis, which is one of the reasons why staff had to do widening
in order to have adequate storage. One of the other issues when the
signalization is installed is that the loops are placed back toward the end of the
ramp where it connects, and if traffic starts backing up onto the freeway
there is a pre-empt built into that to clear it out. Mr. Strom stated again this
was a main concern of CalTrans that they do not want traffic queuing onto
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the freeway at this location. He stated they are at the preliminary stages now, so
as they go through and the design gets refined this will be reviewed throughout
the entire project.
Mr. Strom further responded to Mr. Shippey's second question by stating that this project
should not have any affect on that other intersection, which is Del Presidio, and the
southbound on-ramp where there is difficulty in the queuing and weaving of the
traffic. He stated he saw them as completely divorced and did not see this project
as having any particular beneficial affect on either as he felt they were totally
unrelated. However, the construction of the Merrydale Overcrossing should provide
some relief in that area, which is one of the reasons why the Merrydale Overcrossing
was designed to help take some of that traffic seeking to get onto the northbound
Highway 101 and give them an alternative route rather than always having to go
through Del Presidio. Mr. Shippey asked whether that will be a "smart" signalized
light intersection in the sense that it has positive feedback? Mr. Strom responded
it will all be fully actuated with vehicle detector sensors, etc.
Councilmember Thayer asked how this was going to be coordinated time -wise, not only with
the Merrydale Overcrossing, but with the northbound ramp because she felt that it is
the northbound ramp that is going to obviate some of the difficulties that had taken
place at Freitas, and this particular alternative will close off access for those who
are taking that difficult turn -around onto Highway 101, so the northbound ramp has to
be in place prior to this change. Mr. Strom responded affirmatively. He stated all
of the signals in the Terra Linda Valley area are coordinated through a telephone
reassign system to a master computer housed across the street from City Hall in the
Redevelopment building. He stated staff coordinated the signals to the greatest
extent possible. He stated the intersection with the future Merrydale Overcrossing
on Civic Center Drive are far enough apart that coordination should not be an issue
between the two of them and that they will probably operate fully actuated and
independent, but staff does have the capability, if they find that there is some
special need there, for coordination that will be built into this project.
Mrs. Thayer asked if the northbound ramp is delayed, would that endanger the ISTEA funding
for this particular project? Mr. Strom responded they have ISTEA funding for both
projects.
Councilmember Shippey moved and Councilmember Breiner seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 8988 -ACCEPTING PROPOSAL FROM CH2M HILL FOR PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING
AND FINAL DESIGN FOR THE FREITAS INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $188,800 AND APPROVING PROJECT AS BEING
CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
9.PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION TO PHILLIP ABEY AND HOWARD K. ITZKOWITZ,
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEMBERS - File 102 x 9-2-39
Mayor Boro and the Councilmembers presented the Resolutions of Appreciation to Phillip
Abey and Howard K. Itzkowitz simultaneously at the podium, thanking them for their
years of service.
10.PUBLIC HEARING RE: BAYPOINT LAGOONS LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT: (PW)
a. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT AND LEVYING ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1993-94 - File 6-48
Mayor Boro declared the Public Hearing opened.
Assistant Public Works Director Strom stated that at the July 6, 1993 meeting the
Engineer's Report and the Resolution of Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments
were placed before the City Council, who set this date for the Public Hearing for any
interested citizens to make any comments or protests.
Mayor Boro closed the Public Hearing after no response from the public.
Councilmember Thayer moved and Councilmember Breiner seconded, to adopt the Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 8989 -CONFIRMING DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT AND LEVYING ASSESSMENT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1993-1994, BAYPOINT LAGOONS LANDSCAPING AND
LIGHTING DISTRICT (Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting
Act of 1972)
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AYES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
Breiner,
NOES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
None
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
None
ABSTAINED:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
Shippey
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 7/19/93
Cohen, Thayer & Mayor Boro
(who stated that since he had not listened
to the tape of the July 6, 1993 meeting, he
felt he was not able to vote on this issue)
11.ADOPTION OF 1993-94 BUDGET (Fin) - File 8-5 x 7-8-2 x 9-3-31
City Manager Nicolai gave a brief summary of the staff report, noting the issues were
removing the furloughs, $20,000 added to the City Attorney's budget for the parttime
Deputy City Attorney position, $60,000 added to the Capital Improvement Budget for
Fire Station #6 rebuilding project, $190,000 added to Capital outlay to reflect a one
time transfer of funds from the State as outlined in the City Manager's memo and
verbal report, and $136,500 added for improvements at Pickleweed Park using funds
from the sale of an easement. She stated $3,600 has been added to the Recreation
Budget for the Adopt -A -Park Program and $4,000 was added to the Personnel Budget to
reclassify that position to a Personnel Technician position.
She stated the other staff report dealt with a specific dollar amount for the Fire
Department Budget which was discussed with the Firefighters' Association prior to
submitting it to the City Council tonight, and included an alternative to closing a
Fire Station which had to do with a two -person company at Stations #2 and #3. She
stated the Firefighters' Association, after staff's meeting with them, had a general
membership meeting and her staff report outlines the fact that they preferred the
option of going to the two -person engine company over the closure and within her
report there are various issues which needed to be done within the Fire Department
budget to accommodate that as an option. She stated attached to her report is a
Letter of Agreement that was signed by the leadership of the Firefighters'
Association, outlining the alternatives as now incorporated in the proposed Budget.
Councilmember Cohen asked with regard to Ms. Nicolai's report on the discussion with the
Firefighter's Association, in particular the Letter of Agreement, about a word he
felt was probably a typographical error. He noted in Item #2 it states, "This total
will include 2 paramedics formally housed at Station #1). . ." should read "This
total will include 2 paramedics formerly at Station #1). .".
Mr. Cohen then asked with regard to Finance Director Coleman's report, whether the
replacement of the tape recording equipment used for City Council meetings is
incorporated into this Budget. Ms. Nicolai responded negatively. City Clerk
Leoncini stated she has received two proposals to date and would rather wait for more
information before bringing this information forward. Mr. Cohen requested that this
be pursued.
Councilmember Shippey stated, with regard to the Fire Department Budget, at the last
meeting they had discussed the 1965 Pumper and stated he would feel better if they
were going to retain the replacement allocation if they rename this to Fire
Department vehicle replacement in the same amount, just because there is so much
uncertainty about what that vehicle eventually will become. Ms. Nicolai stated staff
did not intend to purchase this and what was before Council was a list of vehicles by
year and by definition that as of this year would normally be scheduled for
replacement. She stated before this would occur, staff would come back to the
Council for authorization to call for bids and staff has no intention of replacing
that engine if it is going to be unnecessary. She stated she felt that until that
decision is made, it is still scheduled for replacement until a decision is made by
the Council not to replace it.
Mayor Boro asked with regard to the Letter of Agreement from the Firefighters'
Association, Item #5, which states, "Ultimately it is the City's goal to close
Station #3 and contract with Marinwood." He asked Ms. Nicolai to put some parameters
around what that ultimately means as far as time frames, how she sees this and what
her perspective is. Ms. Nicolai stated in their discussions with the Firefighters'
Association the City's desire was to close the Fire Station and they did not have a
particular time frame associated with it. She stated she felt that what they wanted
to do was to pursue various options and, depending on any number of circumstances,
their real desire was to close the station and contract out with Marinwood Fire
Department and reconfigure the way this is operated. She stated the maximum length
of this agreement is one year and the Letter of Agreement has the same authority as
an item that would be part of an MOU, and for this period it has the life of one year
at the most. She stated her feeling was this would be an outside idea of the length
of time that staff would be dealing with this particular configuration and it is
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staff's hope and intent that maybe within
closed, but there are too many factors now
stating staff's intent would be hopefully
an agreement on this issue.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 7/19/93
this fiscal year that station would be
involved in this. Mayor Boro clarified by
during this year that the City would reach
Councilmember Shippey stated he wanted to confirm that, just as it states in the agreement
that "This agreement. . .does not waive the Association's ability to meet and confer
on the impact of the City exercising its right to close a station.", it also does not
interfere with or impede the City's right to close a station at any time, as long as
they do meet that particular requirement. Ms. Nicolai responded affirmatively and
stated the Council has the full authority to make that decision, but what the staff
assured the Firefighters' Association was that if the Council chooses to make that
decision at some point in time, this agreement does not waive their right to have us
meet and confer on the impact, and that was not our intent.
Councilmember Breiner stated she hoped there could be a way of monitoring the assign-
ments as referred to in Item #3 which states, "It is the City's belief that with the
Association's cooperation in most cases three firefighters will be assigned to this
station." Ms. Nicolai responded affirmatively, this would definitely be monitored.
Councilmember Cohen stated he appreciated the hard work that went into this agreement by
all parties involved and hoped that this would set the ground work for what he sees
happening next year, which is working toward agreement about the future of the Fire
Department and the way in which the City delivers service is going to look like. He
stated that was his goal to see this happen over the next year, so that when they get
to the point of deciding on closing a station, that they will have some idea of where
they are going with meeting other identified needs.
Councilmember Thayer asked with regard to the Letter of Agreement from the Firefighters'
Association, in the preamble it states, ". . It is agreed by the parties that a
station reorganization will be implemented. . .with the following criteria" and is
there a correlation between the ultimate closure of Station #3 and the institution of
the broad-based committee and are these two issues inter -related? Ms. Nicolai
responded negatively and stated that was why the committee is not a condition of this
Letter of Agreement, in fact, they are a part of a different package and staff felt
that no matter what, whether this was part of an MOU, that there were things that
would be done and this is why this was not numbered in the Letter of Agreement. She
stated they are basically disassociated from the terms and conditions of
implementation of the reorganization. Ms. Nicolai explained the broad-based
committee is independent. She stated one of the issues the Firefighters' Association
felt strongly about was the second issue with regard to filling vacancies that might
occur during the 1993-94 fiscal year and along with possibly dealing with a
reduction, as they feel they are, would be the idea that the City is not reducing the
Engine Companies to two people and at the same time adding staff that were
unauthorized, which are not in the budget. She stated the first issue about the
broad-based committee was a commitment on the City's part that as they pursue this
issue of Paramedic service, that they would be involved with staff, along with a
citizens' committee and the residents of that area in evaluating this issue. She
stated staff wanted to bring these two issues forward because this was part of what
staff wanted to do anyway. Mrs. Thayer commended the Firefighters' Association and
staff for working closely together to iron out an agreement which will help the
Council through this difficult time and hopefully things will proceed better from
this time forward.
Mayor Boro also commended the efforts of the City Manager, staff and the Firefighters'
Association and also thanked Finance Director Coleman and City Manager Nicolai for
the content, thought and format that was presented to the Council. He noted this was
a very difficult budget to put together and he felt they made the process very
workable for the Council.
Christopher Desmond, representing the San Rafael Firefighters' Association, stated the way
City Manager Nicolai characterized the issues is accurate. He wanted to point out
the desired closure of Station #3 and the broad-based committee to explore how
services would be delivered to that valley and the relocation of Station #6 should be
connected, in the Firefighters' Association's opinion. He stated the separation that
is drawn by management is not something that they think is wise or that they endorse.
He stated they felt that prior to closing Fire Station #3, the relocation issue
should be looked at and resolved to whatever degree it can be and, also, prior to
this closure or relocating Station #6, the broad-based committee process should be
concluded and a long term plan for how that protection in the valley will be
formulated. He stated the separation that he has been hearing is not something the
Association agrees with or endorses. He thanked the City Manager, Fire Chief and
especially the City Council for their support through this difficult time.
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 7/19/93
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SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 7/19/93
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Mayor Boro stated the document before the Council represents what the Association had
agreed upon and though he understood their principles, this is what the Council is
endorsing this evening.
Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Shippey seconded, to adopt the Resolution
approving the 1993/94 Budget, as amended.
RESOLUTION NO. 8990 - APPROVING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1993 -
JUNE 30, 1994 AND PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATIONS AND
EXPENDITURE OF ALL SUMS SET FORTH IN SAID BUDGET (IN THE
AMOUNT OF $38,352,177)
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Shippey moved and Councilmember Cohen seconded, to authorize the City
Manager to sign the Letter of Agreement from the Firefighters' Association.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner, Cohen, Shippey, Thayer & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Cohen stated he felt the best way to resolve any disagreement over the
connection between the analysis of the Long Term Plan and the fire station closure
is to pursue this as soon as possible by establishing this committee, and it was his
hope and expectation that it would not take a year to do this.
12.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
a. FOOT RACE UNITY DAY 1993 AT PICKLEWEED PARK - File 104 x 9-3-66 (VERBAL)
City Clerk Leoncini presented the Mayor and Councilmembers with gifts from the
group that organized this activity.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM, and the City
Council reconvened and returned to Closed Session.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF , 1993
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 7/19/93
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