HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM General Municipal Election 2009Agenda Item No: 10
Meeting Date: August 3, 2009
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: CITY MANAGER
Prepared by: Ken Nordho City Manager Approval:
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION, SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE
CALLING A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND ORDERING THE
SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSITION OF INCURRING BONDED DEBT FOR
THE PURPOSE OF THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION
OF PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY
OF SAN RAFAEL AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD
ON NOVEMBER 3, 2009
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FINAL REPORT FROM THE CRITICAL
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Ordinance calling for a Public Safety General Obligation Bond to be placed on the
November 3, 2009 Municipal Election, and
Adopt Resolution accepting the Final Report of the Critical Facilities Committee
BACKGROUND:
Back in 2002, the City Council commissioned 2 important facility studies:
Seismic and Modernization Study: Beginning in 2002, the City, working with representatives
from numerous departments, completed two significant studies on our facilities. The first was
an essential services study, which included the Police Department, Fire Stations, and two
community centers (San Rafael and Terra Linda). (NOTE: Because the City was in the process
of planning for the Pickleweed Center Expansion and Renovation, this facility was omitted from
this study). Given the Bay Area's potential for naturally occurring emergencies, the Council
asked Group 4 Architects to assess the ability of the City's public safety infrastructure to
respond to major, life-threatening emergencies such as earthquakes, etc. From 2002 through
2004, Group 4 conducted an exhaustive analysis of the city's fire stations, police headquarters
and emergency shelters. These are San Rafael's essential facilities, defined as those buildings
critical to the City's ability to respond to emergencies. Facilities included in this study were:
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.:
Council Meeting:
Disposition:
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Fire Station 1 (built in 1916); Fire Station 2 (1957); Fire Station 4 (1964); Fire Station 5 (1966);
Fire Station 6 (1996); Fire Station 7 (1978); City Hall/Police Station (1966); San Rafael
Community Center (1975 -emergency shelter); Terra Linda Community Center (1954 -
emergency shelter).
Library Study: The Council also commissioned a comprehensive study of the San Rafael
Library that same year. Our historic Carnegie facility was built in 1908 and remodeled in 1960,
1976 and 1986. Despite these efforts, Group 4 determined that the facility is barely adequate
to meet community needs. The study stated: "The building's physical constraints severely limit
the library's ability to provide even traditional services to residents, let alone new services and
materials. The facility is beyond its capacity, and does not permit the implementation of newer,
more efficient operational models, such as self-service checkout, that allow other cities to
expand library services to residents while maintaining -or even reducing -their operational costs."
Both studies involved numerous staff hours, examining both current and long term space
needs. Various options, ranging from seismic upgrades up to complete renovation or
replacement were examined. Cost estimates from 2004, (now outdated) were presented to
gauge just how much it would take to bring many of our buildings up to modern standards and
codes.
CRITICAL FACILITIES STRATEGY COMMITTEE (CFSC) WORK
Your first citizen resident volunteer endeavor in looking at our critical facilities needs was
carried out by a 12 person Committee established September 7, 2004. This group was
chartered to:
✓ "Review a study undertaken for the city of its essential public safety facilities, and
✓ "Recommend to the Council financially sound and politically viable strategies that will
assure the ability of San Rafael's public safety facilities and library to meet current and
future needs."
Because of our General Fund operating budget problems along the way, the Committee's role
was expanded to include an examination of this situation. Their recommendations regarding
facilities took a back seat to the City solving its' structural deficit. The CFSC issued a report
dated April 18, 2005, outlining a specific series of recommendations. The City Council
accepted this report on the same date. Details regarding all of the findings, recommendations
and analysis completed by the CFSC are contained in the April 18th 2005 report.
CRITICAL FACILITIES COMMITTEE (CFC) WORK
At the meeting of September 4, 2007, the City Council approved a Resolution authorizing the
City Manager to commence the application process in order to establish a San Rafael Critical
Facilities Committee. This Committee was appointed by Council action on November 19, 2007.
Listed below are the established CFC goals:
The task of the Committee is to educate and inform the community about the current condition
and needs for improving our essential service buildings. In addition, the new Committee should
develop financially sound and politically viable implementation strategies to begin addressing
the needs of our buildings. Key objectives are:
• Review the Critical Facilities Strategy Committee Report recommendations and confirm
these remain the priorities of the new Committee.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
• Review recent polls and surveys to determine community interest. This step may include
the assistance of a political advisor.
• Identify potential funding alternatives and capital financing strategies for completing facility
improvements. Make sure the costs associated with the previous recommendations are
brought current.
• Complete a report that defines the scope, phasing and timing of the projects, and possible
campaign strategies. This report should include education and information strategies for
the community as well.
• Recommend next steps as appropriate.
The new Committee will not be reviewing any new facility studies, nor will the staff be
commencing any essential building studies. The data contained in the 2004 Group 4 reports is
relevant and our space needs have not changed in any measurable way. Other than cost, the
new Committee will work with the data and findings from previous reports.
ANALYSIS:
The CFC wasted no time in getting to work. Bi -weekly meetings have been occurring since
inception, and have produced an Interim Report (May 2008) as well as a Progress Report
(August 2008). Key outcomes and notable accomplishments captured in these reports by the
CFC over their first year of work included:
• Reviewed January 2007 polling data and received an overview of City's finances from staff.
• Reviewed the prior Critical Facilities Strategy Committee report and recommendations. The
CFC concurs with the listing of projects identified by the former Committee (CFSC), and
recommended that the Library be added to this scope of facilities under consideration.
• Received updated cost estimates from Group 4 for all facilities under CFC consideration.
• Received presentation and information regarding public opinion polling (Godbe Research)
and education/campaign strategies (Sidewalk Strategies). There remained a strong need to
better educate our residents and other stakeholders about City facility conditions. The
Committee noted expertise is needed to further this education work, which requires a
commitment to resources (staff and financial) to accomplish this education effort.
• Received presentations regarding fundraising, donors, public private partnerships (PPP's)
and outside funding, as well as information regarding tax and debt financing options through
staff and outside consulting experts.
• As of the August 2008 report, a tentative prioritization list was noted, beginning with a
Downtown Public Safety building. Final prioritization was not completed at this time as the
CFC members felt additional education and polling work must occur to help shape the
prioritizing facilities. This work can help define the extent to which voter may be willing to
pay for facility needs, and the preferred tax and debt financing solutions.
Since there last report, the CFC has embarked on a series of additional work, utilizing staff and
outside expertise, in order to fulfill their established goals. The Committee has developed and
implemented a communications plan, completed a feasibility phase, and supported an
education effort. All of this work was paramount to recent public opinion polling, whereby
options were partitioned into two possible tax measures — one for Public Safety facilities, and
the other for an expanded and modernized downtown library. Specific polling of 600 voters
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
occurred at the end of June. Poll results were provided to the CFC on July 14th, and to the City
Council on July 20th. (NOTE: Actual polling results, and the related public presentation, are
available on the City's website). Poll results demonstrated a preference of San Rafael voters to
address the public safety facilities needs first, with the library facility not yet demonstrating voter
willingness to create new resources to solve this long standing facility challenge.
The CFC met one last time on July 21St to finalize their report. I want to personally thank each
of them for offering perspective, experience and intelligent input which helped develop their final
report, included via a Resolution to this staff report. Adoption of this Resolution sets forth
recommendations regarding our critical facilities which can be used as a blueprint and guide to
address the needs of many city buildings. The CFC has developed significant findings and
conclusions in their Final Report. In summary they are as follows:
❖ The City's facilities are functionally obsolete, seismically unsafe and do not comply with a
wide variety of building codes.
No funds presently exist to undertake a capital project of the scope needed, and that voter
approved funding must be obtained.
❖ With the addition of the Library to the scope of projects, prioritization for facility renovation,
expansion or replacement is:
➢ Downtown Public Safety Building
➢ Fire Station # 2 / Training Facility
➢ Downtown Library
➢ Fire Stations 44, 45 & 47
➢ Fire Station #6
➢ Terra Linda Community Center
➢ `B" Street Community Center
❖ Based upon a recent education effort and July 2009 polling results:
Voter misconceptions about the condition of City facilities will continue to be a
hurdle and require ongoing educational and awareness efforts.
• Education efforts have been successful in increasing voter awareness of the actual
conditions of the City's buildings.
Although public support for a tax measure to upgrade or replace the Downtown Main
Library is insufficient to warrant proceeding with a ballot measure at this time, the
Downtown Library expansion and improvements should remain a priority.
Public support for a public safety facilities general obligation bond measure has a
greater chance of success than would a parcel tax.
❖ We conclude that a capital replacement reserve fund is needed to ensure the facilities remain
functional and code compliant over their useful lives.
❖ We conclude that the education effort undertaken in 2009 did create sufficient public support
to upgrade the public safety buildings in order to place a ballot measure before the voters in
November, 2009, but similar support was not achieved to upgrade the Downtown Library, San
Rafael and Terra Linda Community Centers for this coming election.
Based upon poll results, and two years of work on this topic, the Committee has completed their
final report, and now recommends:
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
1. Put before the voters, in November, 2009, a ballot measure authorizing the City to issue up
to $89 million in general obligation bonds, and impose a tax sufficient to upgrade, renovate
and replace public safety buildings. The general obligation bonds should include sufficient
funds to allow for the long term planning and design of core downtown City facilities.
2. Pursue financing for the upgrade, renovation or expansion of the downtown main library
after securing the required financing for the public safety buildings listed in our
prioritization above.
3. Defer action on the replacement or renovation of the community center buildings until a
later date and after securing the required financing for the public safety and downtown
library buildings.
4. Adopt as a formal policy for the creation, maintenance, and regular funding of the capital
replacement reserve for the facilities described above in this report.
5. In response to opportunities or unanticipated challenges, retain the flexibility to implement
solutions for all of these facilities even when not in the order of our prioritization. By way
of example, the Committee has supported the City's efforts to work with the County of
Marin on a combined Fire Station No. 7/Emergency Operations Facility solution at the
Civic Center. Refer to our letter included as part of this report.
6. Not be precluded from considering relocation of these facilities if conditions warrant.
7. Pursue all available avenues for private, or public, agency grants, partnerships or other
sources of money to augment the funding raised through any tax measure.
8. Include a provision for the appointment of a Citizen's Oversight Committee in any ballot
measures to be put before the San Rafael voters.
This Critical Facilities Committee developed this series of recommendations after two years of
gathering data, learning necessary subject matter, and deliberating on a variety of alternatives
and options. Of particular importance is the desire to put into place both the necessary policies
and capital resources to establish a long term sinking fund for the future (and predictable)
replacement of major building needs (HVAC systems, roofs, etc.). Although this can not be
accomplished within the authority of expenses allowed under general obligation bonds, the
Committee does expect future actions by City Council and staff to implement a long term capital
replacement program.
Given the legally required due dates to place a public safety bond measure on the November
2009, ballot, the City Council took the first steps at a special meeting on July 24th. At that
meeting, the City Council:
Adopted of a Resolution Determining that the Public Interest and Necessity Demand the
Acquisition, Construction and Completion of Public Safety Facilities and their Financing
through the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds.
Conducted a First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Rafael
Calling a General Municipal Election and Ordering the Submission of a Proposition of
Incurring Bonded Debt for the Purpose of the Acquisition, Construction and Completion
of Public Safety Facilities to the Qualified Voters of the City of San Rafael at the General
Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2009
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Pa¢e: 6
At the meeting this evening, the City Council is being asked to take two actions. The first item
is consideration, second reading and adoption of an Ordinance calling for a General Municipal
Election and ordering the submission of a proposition of incurring bonded debt for the purpose
of the acquisition, construction and completion of public safety facilities to the qualified voters of
the City of San Rafael at the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2009. The
actual sizing of the general obligation bonds requested in the proposed Ordinance is $88 million
dollars, and is based upon a final review of San Rafael assessed valuations for 2009-10, and
the associated tax rates, as provide in an attachment to the Ordinance.
At the July 24th meeting, staff requested the final ballot language (75 words) be refined to
satisfy the regulations under which the County Registrar tallies the word count. We have made
a minor revision to the language, without altering the scope, purpose or intent of this ballot
measure. The County Registrar is satisfied with the final ballot language included in the
Ordinance for your consideration.
The proposed bond measure would not address improvements to the downtown library or
community centers. Poll results and Committee recommendations conclude the financing for
these projects should come at a later date, after the public safety facilities needs are
addressed. Consideration of ratifying this Ordinance includes a public hearing. Approval of the
Ordinance is required at this meeting in order to fulfill the August 7th filing deadline required by
the County Registrar.
Should the Ordinance be approved, the City Clerk and City Attorney will be involved preparing
an impartial analysis, and in reviewing and publishing ballot arguments, and rebuttals, over the
month of August. These are important and required steps integral to having the ballot measure
placed before the voters this November.
The second action is approval of the Critical Facilities Committee Final Report. Included with
this Final Report is a separate support letter, encouraging the City to participate with the County
in developing a cost effective Fire Station No. 7 integration with the Emergency Operation
Facility currently in the planning stages adjacent to the Civic Center. The Committee also
included a Communication Plan and their Progress Report of August 2008. 1 believe the
Committee's cumulative body of work, up to and including their Final Report, provides complete
responses to their codified goals noted above.
I am extremely grateful for each Committee member's dedication and leadership over these
past two years. We simply would not be at this important juncture to take action on the public
safety facilities without their commitment to thoughtful, strategic solutions. Adoption of the
Resolution accepts their Final Report, and dissolves the Critical Facilities Committee (with
appropriate recognition).
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City Council election is slated for November 3, 2009. Contractual costs of this election
were estimated at $72,000, prior to any consideration of a tax ballot measure. This cost was
included in the budget you adopted on July 6, 2009.
The City Clerk has been in contact with the County Registrar to determine the additional
expenses tied to placing a ballot measure on the November election. We have estimated the
costs to do so around $10,000, which is tied to the pages needed to be printed as part of ballot
arguments, and the number of residents who turn out to vote in this election.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 7
The Public Safety Bond Measure has included Committee involvement in understanding and
recommending three separate bond series be issued, beginning in 2010 and extending up
through 2015. This 'phased' approach is intended to align debt issuance and tax levies into a
multi-year work program for all of the public safety facilities. An initial general obligation (G.O.)
bond issuance up to $25 million would allow resources needed for conceptual and detail design,
full engineering drawings, and required environmental and planning reviews. It may also
provide early resources for some facility projects that are smaller in scope to complete.
Subsequent bond series would be issued once projects were fully approved and ready for
construction. This graduated approach allows for a similar phasing in of tax levies. The
Ordinance has an attachment that reflects tax rates starting at $16 per $100,000 of assessed
valuation (for the first bond series) and graduating to a $41 average per $100,000 of assessed
value over the life of these projects (30 years).
Should you approve the Ordinance, and should the voters provide the support to pass these
bonds in November, the City would be planning to issue the first of the G.O. bond series next
year. If bonds were sold by next summer, you would be asked to set the necessary tax rate
(based upon assessed valuations of all San Rafael properties) to pay for the bond debt service
required for fiscal year 2010-11 and beyond. Tax rates would be set annually by the City
Council in each subsequent year to support debt payments on outstanding public safety general
obligation bonds.
OPTIONS:
Staff recommends the City Council:
Conduct the public hearing and adopt the Ordinance. In addition, staff recommends
that the Council not modify the language of the Ordinance since it has been carefully
crafted by the City's bond counsel to comply with legal requirements as well as satisfy
the County Registrar.
Adopt the Resolution accepting the Final Report of the CFC as presented. The
Resolution could be modified, as well as the Report. If the Council wanted a Report
modification, it would need to ask the Critical Facilities Committee to continue meeting
and address any remaining issues outstanding related to the Committee's goals listed
above.
ACTION REQUIRED:
Adopt the Ordinance and Resolution as presented.
ATTACHMENTS
W:\City Managers- WorkFile\Council Material\Staff Reports\09\Public Safety GO Bonds August 3.doc
ORDINANCE NO. 1876
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
RAFAEL CALLING A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND
ORDERING THE SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSITION OF INCURRING
BONDED DEBT FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE ACQUISITION,
CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FACILITIES TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF SAN
RAFAEL AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD
ON NOVEMBER 3, 2009
WHEREAS, on July 24, 2009, this City Council adopted, by a two-thirds vote of all the
members of said Council, a Resolution entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
San Rafael Determining That the Public Interest and Necessity Demand the Acquisition,
Construction and Completion of Public Safety Facilities, and Their Financing Through the
Issuance of General Obligation Bonds" (the 'Resolution"); and
WHEREAS, in order to provide for the issuance by the City of its general obligation
bonds to finance the costs of acquiring and constructing public safety facilities and related public
facilities and grounds to replace, relocate, upgrade, renovate, or expand existing fire and police
stations and construct an earthquake -safe dispatch center, it is necessary for this Council to pass
an ordinance ordering the submission of the proposition of incurring bonded indebtedness for
such purpose to the qualified voters of the City at an election; and
WHEREAS, a General Municipal Election for the City is to be held on Tuesday,
November 3, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to submit to the voters at said election the
proposition of incurring bonded indebtedness as hereinafter set forth.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. SPECIFICATIONS OF PROPOSITION. That the following proposition
shall be submitted to the voters of the City at the General Municipal Election to be held on
November 3, 2009:
This Proposition may be known and referred to as the "SAN RAFAEL PUBLIC
SAFETY FACILITIES BOND MEASURE" or as "Measure _". [designation to be
assigned by County Registrar of Voters]
Finding; Purposes of Bonds. Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers protect
the safety of San Rafael residents each day by providing rapid response services. Due to
the age and condition of San Rafael's fire stations, police station and emergency dispatch
center, it is unclear if they could withstand a major earthquake and remain operational in
a disaster. Aging facilities that were built 50-100 years ago cannot accommodate lifesaving
emergency medical equipment and technology. To protect the safety of San Rafael
residents and businesses, this bond will provide funding to upgrade, enhance, improve,
expand, renovate, build, equip, replace or acquire public safety buildings and related
community facilities and grounds in the City of San Rafael.
Special Bond Account and Mandatory Annual Audits. A separate account shall be
established into which proceeds of the sale of the Bonds shall be deposited. This account
shall be audited annually and a report shall be made detailing (1) the amount of Bond
proceeds received and expended in such fiscal year and (2) the status of any projects
funded or to be funded from the proceeds of Bonds authorized to be issued by this
measure.
No Money For Administrators. Proceeds from the sale of the Bonds authorized by
this proposition shall be used only for costs incurred in connection with funding of the
improvement of public safety and related community facilities and the cost of the issuance
of the Bonds, and not for any other purpose, including staff and administrator salaries and
other operating expenses.
Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Council shall establish an
independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure Bond proceeds are expended only for
the projects authorized by the ballot measure. The committee shall be established within
90 days after the election.
All funds stay local for the benefit of San Rafael Public Safety Facilities. All bond
proceeds shall be used to improve police, fire and related facilities within the City of San
Rafael for the benefit of the local community. No funds may be taken away by the state
government, federal government, or other agencies.
Section 2. Abbreviation of Proposition. Pursuant to Section 13247 of the Elections Code,
the Council hereby directs the Registrar of Voters to use the following abbreviation of the bond
proposition on the ballot:
"To protect the safety of San Rafael residents and maintain rapid
emergency response by upgrading/replacing aging police/fire stations and
related city facilities to accommodate modern firefighting/lifesaving
emergency medical equipment and provide an earthquake -safe dispatch
YES
center and police/fire stations so emergency communications and
police/fire/paramedic units remain operational in disasters, shall the City of
San Rafael issue $88 million in bonds with independent oversight, no
NO
money for administrators and all funds staying local?"
Section 3. Voter Pamphlet. The Registrar of Voters of the County is hereby requested to
reprint the full text of the proposition, which is all of that portion of Section 1 hereof appearing
in bold -face type, together with the Tax Rate Information (attached hereto as Exhibit A) required
by law, in the voter information pamphlet to be distributed to voters pursuant to Section 13307 of
the Elections Code. In the event the full text of the proposition is not reprinted in the voter
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information pamphlet, the Registrar of Voters is hereby requested to print, immediately below
the impartial analysis of the bond proposition, in no less than 10 -point boldface type, a legend
substantially as follows:
"The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure _
If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the San Rafael
City Clerk at 415-485-3065 and a copy will be mailed at no cost
to you."
SECTION 4. Object and Purposes of Bond. The object and purpose of incurring the
indebtedness is to finance the costs of acquiring and constructing public safety facilities and
related public facilities and grounds to replace, relocate, upgrade, renovate, or expand existing
fire and police stations and construct an earthquake -safe dispatch center. The foregoing
improvements are referred to herein as the "Improvements".
SECTION 5. Estimated Costs of Improvements. The estimated cost of the portion of the
costs of the Improvements to be paid for from the City's general obligation bonds is Eighty -Eight
Million Dollars ($88,000,000). The estimated cost includes legal and other fees and the cost of
printing the bonds and other costs and expenses incidental to or connected with the authorization,
issuance and sale of bonds. The cost of constructing the Improvements in excess of $88,000,000
will be paid for from other funds of the City.
SECTION 6. Amount of Bonds. The amount of the principal of the indebtedness to be
incurred is not to exceed Eighty -Eight Million Dollars ($88,000,000).
SECTION 7. Maximum Rate of Interest on Bonds. The maximum rate of interest to be
paid on the indebtedness shall be twelve percent (12%) per annum.
SECTION 8. Election Called. This City Council does hereby call a General Municipal
Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, and submits to the qualified voters of the City, at said
General Municipal Election, the proposition set forth in Section I hereof. The City proposes to
acquire, construct and complete the Improvements, and to issue and sell General Obligation
Bonds of the City pursuant to Article 1, commencing with Section 43600, of Chapter 4 of
Division 4 of Title 4 of the California Government Code, in one or more series, in the maximum
amount and for the objects and purposes set forth above, if two-thirds of all qualified voters
voting on the proposition set forth above vote in favor thereof. The bonds are to be general
obligations of the City, payable from and secured by taxes levied and collected in the manner
prescribed by laws of the State of California. All of said bonds are to be equally and ratably
secured, without priority, by the taxing power of the City.
SECTION 9. Election Procedures. That in all particulars not recited in this Ordinance,
the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections.
That pursuant to the requirements of section 10403 of the Elections Code, the Board of
Supervisors (the `Board of Supervisors") of Marin County (the "County") is hereby requested to
consent and agree to the consolidation of a General Municipal Election with the Election on
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, and said election shall be held in all respects as if there were only
one election and only one form of ballot shall be used.
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SECTION 10. Marking Ballots. Each voter to vote for the proposition and for the
incurring of said indebtedness shall fill in the oval to the left of the word "YES" on the ballot
below the proposition heading; and each voter to vote against the proposition and against the
incurring of said indebtedness shall fill in the oval to the left of the word "NO" on the ballot
below the proposition heading.
SECTION 11. Notice of Election. Notice of the time and place of holding the election is
given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice
of the election, in the time, form, and manner required by law.
SECTION 12. Publication of Ordinance. This Ordinance shall be published once a day
for at least seven days in a newspaper printed, published and circulated at least six days a week in
the City, or once a week for two weeks in a newspaper printed, published and circulated less than
six days a week in the City. The first of said publications shall, in either event, be within fifteen
(15) days after the adoption of this ordinance. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to
make said publications and to transmit, for receipt no later than August 7, 2009, a certified copy
of this Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors, and a copy with the County Clerk of the County
and the Registrar of Voters of the County.
SECTION 13. Instructions to County Elections Department. The Board of Supervisors is
hereby requested to issue instructions to the County Elections Department to take any and all
steps necessary for the holding of the said consolidated elections, to provide the following
election services and to canvass the results of said election:
■ Provide Voter Indexes
• Provide Voter Count by Precinct
• Provide Drayage and Rental of Polling Places
■ Provide Printing of Sample and Official Ballots
• Provide Printing of Measures and Arguments
• Appoint and Notify Election Officers
■ Mail Sample Ballots and Polling Place Notification
■ Provide Precinct Supplies
• Provide Training of Precinct Workers
• Provide Processing of Absentee Ballots
• Provide Central Counting
■ Provide Canvass of Votes Cast
■ Provide such other services as are necessary to conduct the General Municipal
Election
SECTION 14. Accountability Measures. As required by Section 53410 of the
Government Code, a statement in substantially the following form shall be included on the ballot
for the Bonds, and the City Council covenants to comply with the reporting requirements
contained in Section 53411 of the Government Code:
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Accountability Measures
As required by Section 53410 of the Government Code, the following
accountability measures are hereby made a part of the City's Bond Measure (the
"Measure"):
a) The specific purpose of the bonds is to acquire and construct public
safety facilities and related public facilities and grounds to replace, relocate,
upgrade, renovate, or expand existing fire and police stations and construct an
earthquake -safe dispatch center;
b) The proceeds from the sale of the City's bonds will be used only for
the purposes specified in the Measure, and not for any other purpose,
including staff and administrator salaries and other operating expenses;
c) The proceeds of the Bonds will be deposited into a public safety
building construction fund to be held by the City;
d) All Bond proceeds shall be used to improve police, fire and related
facilities within the City of San Rafael for the benefit of the local community.
No funds may be taken away by the state government, federal government, or
other agencies.
e) The City Manager or Finance Director of the City shall file an
annual report with the City Council of the City, commencing not later than
one year after the first series of the Bonds have been issued, and annually
thereafter, which report shall contain pertinent information regarding the
amount of funds collected and expended, as well as the status of the projects
listed in the Measure.
f) The City Council shall establish an independent citizens' oversight
committee to ensure Bond proceeds are expended only for the projects
authorized by the Measure. The committee shall be established within 90 days
after the election.
SECTION 15. Election Costs. That the City of San Rafael recognizes that additional
costs will be incurred by the County by reason of this consolidation and agrees to reimburse the
County for any costs.
SECTION 16. Form of Ballots. That the ballots to be used at the election shall be in
form and content as required by law.
SECTION 17. Preparation of Ballots. That the Board of Supervisors is requested and
authorized to have the Marin County Election Department procure and furnish any and all
official ballots, notices, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be
necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election.
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SECTION 18. Polls. That the polls for the election shall be open at 7:00 o'clock a.m. of
the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until 8:00 o'clock p.m.
of the same day when the polls shall be closed, except as provided in Section 14401 of the
Elections Code of the State of California.
SECTION 19. Impartial Analysis. The City Council directs the City Clerk to transmit a
copy of the measure to the City Attorney, who shall prepare an impartial analysis of the measure
showing the effect of the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure. The
impartial analysis shall be filed by the date set by the City Clerk for the filing of primary
arguments.
SECTION 20. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately as an
ordinance relating to an election pursuant to Government Code section 36937(a) upon its
adoption by two-thirds vote of all the members of this City Council.
ALBERT J. BORO, Mayor
ATTEST:
ESTHER BEIRNE, City Clerk
The foregoing ordinance was read and introduced at a special meeting of the City Council
of the City of San Rafael held on the 24`11 day of July, 2009 and ordered passed to print by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
Councilmembers:
Brockbank, Connolly, Heller, Miller & Mayor Born
NOES:
Councilmembers:
None
ABSENT:
Councilmembers:
None
and will come up for adoption as an Ordinance of the City of San Rafael at a Regular Meeting of
the Council to be held on the 3rd day of August, 2009.
ESTHER BEIRNE, City Cleric
102
EXHIBIT A
TAX RATE STATEMENT
An election will be held in the City of San Rafael (the "City") on November 3, 2009, to
authorize the sale of not to exceed $88,000,000 in bonds of the City to finance facilities as
described in the ballot measure. If the bonds are approved, the City expects to sell the bonds in
three series (but may issue the bonds in more than or fewer than three series). Principal and
interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable
property in the City. The following information is provided incompliance with sections 9400-
9404 of the California Elections Code:
1. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this
bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the bonds, based on estimated assessed
valuations available at the time of filing this statement, is $16 per $100,000 of assessed valuation
in fiscal year 2010-11.
2. The City's best estimate of the average tax rate that would be required to be
levied to fund this bond issue over all of the years the bonds are expected to be outstanding is
$41 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to
fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing this
statement, is $53 per $100,000 of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2015-16, decreasing each year
thereafter.
Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the assessed value of
taxable property on the Marin County official tax rolls, not on the market value of property.
Property owners should consult their own property tax bills to determine their property's
assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.
Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is
based on the City's projections and estimates only, which is not binding upon the City. The
actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those presently estimated,
due to variations from these estimates in the timing of the sale of the bonds, the amount of bonds
sold and market interest rates at the time of the sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term
of repayment of the bonds.
The date of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be
determined by the City based on the need for construction funds and other factors. The actual
interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the time of each
bond sale, among other factors. Actual future assessed valuation will depend on the amount and
value of taxable property within the City, as determined by the Marin County Assessor in the
annual assessment and the equalization process.
Dated: August 3, 2009
-7-
Mayor,City of San Rafael
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN RAFAEL ACCEPTING THE FINAL REPORT FROM THE
CRITICAL FACILITIES COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, The City Council appointed a Critical Facilities Committee via Resolution
No. 12381 on November 19, 2007, and
WHEREAS, the Critical Facilities Committee was established in order to develop
strategies for informing and educating the community about the current state of our buildings as
well as develop an implementation plan to advance the priorities set by the former Critical
Facilities Strategy Committee, and
WHEREAS, the Critical Facilities Committee has met faithfully since November 29,
2007, spending numerous hours understanding the City's finances; explored debt financing, tax
solutions and other funding options; engaged with subject matter experts and developed a
communication plan in order to inform our residents and businesses about the current state of our
essential facilities, and
WHEREAS, the Critical Facilities Committee prepared an Interim Report and presented
their work to the community and City Council at a study session on May 5, 2008, and
WHEREAS, the Critical Facilities Committee also prepared a Progress Report in order
to codify their accomplishments to date, delineate findings and conclusions and propose a series
of recommendations, which was accepted by the City Council on August 4, 2008, and
WHEREAS, the City Council actions of August 4, 2008 extended the initial term of the
Critical Facilities Committee until July, 2009, in order for the Committee to fully accomplish
their two primary goals as noted above, and
WHEREAS, the Critical Facilities Committee has conducted, in conjunction with staff
and consulting expertise, a feasibility and education effort, along with receiving public opinion
polling results regarding city facilities perceptions and needs , and
WHEREAS, the Critical Facilities Committee has deliberated over a series of
recommendations, based upon data and other information, in order to prepare a final report to the
City Council and fulfill their work as a Committee.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council does
hereby:
1. Accept the August 3, 2009 Final Report of the Critical Facilities Committee, a copy of
which is attached hereto, and
2. Acknowledge the commitment, knowledge, leadership and community volunteerism of
Committee members; their collective efforts resulting in a series of recommendations that
lay the groundwork for resolving needed modernization, upgrading and replacement of
many of the City of San Rafael's most critical buildings.
I, ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City
Council of said City held on Monday, the 3rd day of August, 2009 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
WACity Managers- WorkFile\Council Material\Resolutions\2009\C17C final report reso.doc
City of San Rafael
Critical Facilities Committee
Final Report
August 3, 00•
Mayor Al Boro and
Members of the San Rafael City Council
History -
On November 19, 2007, you appointed 15 San Rafael citizens to form a new Critical
Facilities Committee (CFC) to "develop strategies for informing and educating the
community about the current state of our buildings as well as (to) develop an
implementation plan to advance the priorities set by the former Critical Facilities
Strategy Committee (CFSC)."
The appointed CFC adopted an aggressive work schedule, first meeting on November
29, 2007. We have been meeting roughly twice a month since that date.
To Date We Have:
• Reviewed and discussed the report prepared by the former CFSC.
• Received detailed briefing from Group 4 Architects including updated costs for
the options recommended by the former CFSC.
• Received detailed briefings from key staff on the city budget history, as well as
current budget structure and condition.
• Received detailed briefings from staff and consultants on financing options and
analyzing in particular general obligation bonds and parcel taxes with attention to
the need for furnishing and fixtures and a capital replacement reserve.
• Received information from consultants Elliot Levin and Peter Winder regarding
public-private partnerships.
• Examined alternative procurement methods such as Design/Build, Public Private
Partnerships, and Request for Concept.
• Explored alternative funding opportunities, including MCF and ARRA resources.
• Conducted with assistance from Godbe Research Group and Tramutola LLC a
Phase 1 Feasibility Study. The study consisted of public polling in February
2009 that tested citizen awareness of the current condition of public safety,
library and community center buildings. Polling also tested citizen support for a
general obligation bond in an amount sufficient to pay for needed facility
improvements.
— 1 —
• Developed and began implementing a Communication Plan including a published
Marin Voice piece, a video presentation, website information, and public tours of
facilities aimed at educating our community about San Rafael Critical Facility
needs.
• Participated in an education effort to raise voter awareness of facility needs,
which included Committee members and other volunteers walking
neighborhoods and talking directly to San Rafael voters.
• Reviewed results of polling conducted by Godbe Research Group in June 2009
to assess the effectiveness of the education efforts, Communication Plan and
potential voter support for a tax to fund facility upgrades and future capital
replacement needs.
Our Findings and Conclusions:
A. Due to the age of City buildings and the changes in City services and needs over
time, the City's facilities are functionally obsolete, seismically unsafe and do not
comply with a wide variety of building codes.
B. We find that no funds presently exist to undertake a capital project of the scope
needed, and that voter approved funding must be obtained.
C. With the addition of the Library to the scope of projects, we developed a
prioritization for facility renovation, expansion or replacement:
1.) Public Safety Building — Police, Fire, EOC, plus needed City Hall
seismic upgrading, reuse of vacated Police space and provision of
required additional parking
2.) Fire Station # 2 / Training Facility
3.) Downtown Library
4.) Fire Stations #4, #5 & #7
5.) Fire Station #6
6.) Terra Linda Community Center
7.) "B" Street Community Center
D. Based upon a recent education effort and July 2009 polling results we conclude
that:
a. Voter misconceptions about the condition of City facilities will continue to
be a hurdle and require ongoing educational and awareness efforts.
b. Education efforts have been successful in increasing voter awareness of
the actual conditions of the City's buildings.
c. Although public support for a tax measure to upgrade or replace the
Downtown Main Library is insufficient to warrant proceeding with a ballot
measure at this time, the Downtown Library expansion and improvements
should remain a priority.
d. Public support for a public safety facilities general obligation bond
measure has a greater chance of success than would a parcel tax.
E. We conclude that a capital replacement reserve fund is needed to ensure the
facilities remain functional and code compliant over their useful lives.
F. We conclude that the education effort undertaken in 2009 did create sufficient
public support to upgrade the public safety buildings in order to place a ballot
measure before the voters in November, 2009.
G. We conclude that the education effort undertaken in 2009 did not create sufficient
public support to upgrade the Downtown Library in order to place a ballot
measure before the voters in November, 2009.
H. We conclude that the education effort undertaken in 2009 did not create sufficient
public support to upgrade the San Rafael and Terra Linda Community Centers in
order to place a ballot measure before the voters in November, 2009.
Recommendations:
We recommend the San Rafael City Council:
1. Put before the voters, in November, 2009, a ballot measure authorizing the City
to issue up to $89 million in general obligation bonds, and impose a tax sufficient
to upgrade, renovate and replace public safety buildings. The general obligation
bonds should include sufficient funds to allow for the long term planning and
design of core downtown City facilities.
2. Pursue financing for the upgrade, renovation or expansion of the downtown main
library after securing the required financing for the public safety buildings listed in
our prioritization above.
3. Defer action on the replacement or renovation of the community center buildings
until a later date and after securing the required financing for the public safety
and downtown library buildings.
4. Adopt as a formal policy for the creation, maintenance, and regular funding of the
capital replacement reserve for the facilities described above in this report.
5. In response to opportunities or unanticipated challenges, retain the flexibility to
implement solutions for all of these facilities even when not in the order of our
prioritization. By way of example, the Committee has supported the City's efforts
to work with the County of Marin on a combined Fire Station No. 7/Emergency
Operations Facility solution at the Civic Center. Refer to our letter included as
part of this report.
6. Not be precluded from considering relocation of these facilities if conditions
warrant.
7. Pursue all available avenues for private, or public, agency grants, partnerships or
other sources of money to augment the funding raised through any tax measure.
8. Include a provision for the appointment of a Citizen's Oversight Committee in any
ballot measures to be put before the San Rafael voters.
�3�
Attachments:
o Communication Plan
o August 2008 Progress Report
o Letter Regarding Station 7 & County EOF
Respectfully Submitted,
Mark
Phil Abey
Kevin J. Kroncke
La/rr aim` /
Karen Nielsen
Sean Prendiville
jgA 6 2��!'�Io tj.
Gordon B. Manashil (Vice -Chair)
Dir Brinckerhoff
-5-
City of San Rafael
Critical Facilities Committee
March 24, 2009
Mayor Al Boro and
Members of the San Rafael City Council
On November 19, 2007 you appointed 15 San Rafael citizens to form a new Critical
Facilities Committee (CFC) to "develop strategies for informing and educating the
community about the current state of our buildings as well as (to) develop an
implementation plan to advance the priorities set by the former Critical Facilities
Strategy Committee (CFSC)."
The CFSC's final report to you on April 18, 2005 included a recommendation to expand,
seismically reinforce and modernize, or to outright replace, Fire Station 7 located at the
Marin County Civic Center.
On January 13, 2009 the Marin County Board of Supervisors took action to move ahead
with a plan to build a new Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) next to the present
location of Station 7. The approved plan includes an option for San Rafael to participate
by having a replacement for Station 7 included as a part of the new EOF.
The Critical Facilities Committee has been briefed on the requirements which San
Rafael will need to meet, including funding, in order to have a new Fire Station 7
included in the county plans for their new EOF.
We believe very strongly that participating with Marin County by having a new fire
station included in the county project is the best possible scenario for San Rafael to be
able to replace Station 7, at the lowest cost to our taxpayers, and at the earliest possible
date.
We recommend that you take all measures necessary to have San Rafael included in
the Marin County OEF plan.
1—
Respectfully Submitted,
Mark V
bamersky, Chair Gordon B. Manashil (Vice -Chair)
1 �
a
Phil Abey Dir < inckerhoff
Gladys C. Gilliland
Kevin J. Kroncke
ckham
Karen Nielsen
Sean Prendiville
City of San Rafael
Critical Facilities Committee
Progress Report
August 4, 2008
I City of San Rafael
Critical Facilities Committee
Progress Report
August 4, 2008
Mayor Al Boro and
Members of the San Rafael City Council
History -
On November 19, 2007 you appointed 15 San Rafael citizens to form a new Critical
Facilities Committee (CFC) to "develop strategies for informing and educating the
community about the current state of our buildings as well as (to) develop an
implementation plan to advance the priorities set by the former Critical Facilities
Strategy Committee (CFSC)."
The appointed CFC adopted an aggressive work schedule, first meeting on November
29, 2007. We have been meeting roughly twice a month since that date.
To nate. We Have:
• Reviewed and discussed the report prepared by the former CFSC.
I • Received detailed briefings from key staff on the city budget history, as well as
current budget structure and condition.
• Received detailed briefings from staff and consultants on financing and revenue
options including General Obligation and Special Tax bonds, library tax,
certificates of participation, and other tax measures.
• Received detailed briefing from Group 4 Architects including updated costs for
the options recommended by the former CFSC.
• Received detailed briefings from Godbe Research Group and Tramutola LLC
Team on public polling as well as tax campaign issues and strategies.
• Toured the new Marin City Public Safety building and the new City of Alameda
1Library.
Toured San Rafael Public Library, Police Department and downtown Fire Station.
• Received information from consultant Elliot Levin regarding public-private
partnerships.
• Discussed and analyzed all of the information presented.
• Developed a Communications Plan for Educating Our Community about San
Rafael Critical Facilities.
— 1 —
ISome of Our Findings and Conclusions:
1. We concur with the scope of projects identified by the former CFSC, but
conclude that replacing the Library should be added.
2. With the addition of the Library to the scope of projects, we developed a tentative
prioritization, pending completion of community education efforts and future
polling:
1.) New Public Safety Building — Police, Fire, EOC, Administration
2.) City Hall renovation & additional parking
3.) New Fire Station # 2 / Training Facility
4.) New Library
5.) Renovation of Fire Stations #4, #5 & #7
6.) Add decontamination facility & minor renovations Fire Station #6
7.) New Terra Linda Community Center
8.) Renovation of "B" Street Community Center
3. From previous surveys, and anecdotal evidence, we conclude that there is
common misperception among our citizenry that the City's buildings are in
satisfactory or good condition. The community must be educated regarding the
need and we have developed a draft communications plan to assist in securing
the resources necessary to educate the public.
4. We determine that additional resources are needed in order to fully develop a
strategy for public education and information gathering, including targeted polling
to determine the voting public's understanding of the present condition of our
critical facilities and of the need for replacement or upgrade and to measure the
public's willingness to support a measure to accomplish a program of
replacement and upgrade.
5. We conclude that campaign strategy professionals are needed to develop a
detailed public education program and materials.
6. We conclude that lack of a capital replacement fund for buildings and
underfunding of regular maintenance have contributed to the deterioration of our
facilities and created the need for a large scale capital replacement program.
7. We find that no funds presently exist to undertake a capital project of the scope
needed, and that funding sources including Public Private Partnerships, and/or
tax options must be developed.
8. Your original charter to this committee asked for a final report by July 7, 2008.
Although we have accomplished much, we find that there are still tasks to be
completed to achieve the goals you set for this committee.
I' We Recommend:
' 1.
We recommend that you extend the life of this committee 12 additional months
with a final report due to you July 2009.
2.
We recommend that the City contract for targeted polling to determine the voting
public's understanding of the present condition of our critical facilities, and of the
need for replacement or upgrade, and, to measure the public's willingness to
support a measure to accomplish a program of replacement and upgrade.
3.
We recommend that the City retain professionals with expertise in campaign
strategy as soon as possible to develop informational materials to educate the
public to the need for replacement and upgrade of our public buildings.
4.
We recommend that the City begin to develop a public education program as
soon as possible, utilizing community volunteers, civic leaders, community
groups, and business interests as both audience and educators.
5.
We recommend that the City pursue all available avenues for privatetpublic
partnerships, with a focus on the areas where there is greatest likelihood of
success,
6.
We recommend that the City create a capital replacement reserve account, and
that that account be regularly funded so that money will be available to meet the
future needs for buildings and their components as replacement is needed.
7.
We recommend that a date certain be set to place a measure before the voters,
and that date should be no later than November, 2009.
Activities
Pianm-.,,d'
o Three members of the committee; and Chief Gray, are scheduled to attend a
conference on Public Private Partnerships on July 18.
o Refine a recommendation for funding the capital financing needed.
o Refine a recommendation for a public education program in consultation with
campaign strategy experts.
o Refine a recommendation for phasing of projects as needed.
o Prepare and deliver a Final Report.
Att:aohinents
o Draft Communications Plan
o Interim Report
o Previous Critical Facilities Strategy Committee Final Report
Respectfully Submitted,
,401
11
Mark LW6amersky, Chair
Phil Ab--~��e�-- .�..
Y '
Glady ' . Gilliland
Kevin J. Kroncke
LarrylUckhElm
t
Karen Nielsen
�
7n 7SmIth
Roge
Paula Kamena (Vice -Chair)
—4—
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FOR EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT
SAN RAFAEL CRITICAL FACILITIES
FINAL REPORT — JULY 17, 2008
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
CFC Member Suggestions/Ideas
Introduction
Summarize the assignment
From the City Council CFC appointing staff
before you. Note this section
report of November 19, 2007:
is often written last.
. The task of the Committee is to educate and
Following sections should be
inform the community about the current
written in order listed.
condition and needs for improving our
essential service buildings.
Mission/Goal
Mission statement is visionary
Mission: The mission of the San Rafael Critical
and long term.
Facilities Committee is to educate the
Goal is a statement regarding
community as to the current status of our critical
the project being discussed
public facilities.
now —what do you want to
accomplish?
Goal: The goal is to develop community support
through education for the financial contributions
needed to pay for the required infrastructure.
Situation Analysis
Short statement regarding why
Problem:
this plan is being written.
• The San Rafael community is unaware of the
Explain the problem and the
dire state of our police and fire facilities and
need to generate
how the deficiencies impact the effectiveness
understanding and support for
and safety of our police and fire personnel.
solving the problem.
. The public also seems unaware of the role
that our community centers would play in a
disaster situation and therefore also unaware
of the heightened need for their upgrade.
• The deficiencies in our facilities are not
readily apparent, and therefore difficult to
communicate.
Though the public may be aware that the
library is old and perhaps too small, there
also does not seem to be sufficient
understanding of the real impact that this has
on the services the library could provide if it
were adequately sized in a more modern
facility.
• The magnitude of the capital program will
require additional public funds.
FACILITIES COMMUNICATION PLAN
SECTION•
Research Include formal and informal
research completed: surveys,
interviews, tours, outreach,
etc.
Challenges & What have you got going for
Opportunities you in this effort? Who has
credibility? Who are allies?
What perceptions currently
exist?
What are the hurdles? Will
there be debate? Opposition?
Page 2
The CFC has:
• Reviewed January 2007 polling data - (A
summary of facility related results are
included at the end of this Plan document).
• Received overview of City's finances from
staff.
• Reviewed prior Critical Facilities Strategy
Committee report and recommendations.
• Toured the San Rafael Police Station, Fire
Station No. 1 and the Downtown Library
• Toured Alameda Library and Southern Marin
Public Safety Building.
• Received updated report from Group 4 on
cost estimates for all facilities under
consideration.
• Received presentation and information
regarding public opinion polling (Godbe
Research) and education/campaign strategies
(Sidewalk Strategies).
• Received presentation from Elliot Levin
regarding fundraising, donors, public private
partnerships (PPP's) and outside funding.
• Received information regarding tax and debt
financing options from Craig Hill from
Northcross, Hill and Ach, public agency
financial advisors.
Opportunities:
• Educated populace: voters have the
sophistication to understand the current
situation and how improved facilities can
enhance the quality of life in our community.
• Patriotism — voters care about their
community and want to be involved in the
decisions.
• Credibility: Voters like and trust (relatively)
in their community and its leaders.
• Affluence — voters can afford to pay higher
taxes
• Assistance - Organized community groups
exist that will assist in the education process.
• Need — The need is real and easily
demonstrated.
• Public Safety: Is a "hot button" and voters
tend to be very supportive of maintaining
these services.
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FACILITIES COMMUNICATION PLAN
Page 3
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
CFC Member Suggestions/Ideas
Challenges/Hurdles:
• Education: Voters need to be educated as to
the needs.
• Energ : Motivating a campaign to raise taxes
is tough
• Taxes: People in Marin are begin heavily
taxed for a number of services already (or in
the future)
• Future Taxes — what is at play at local, State
and Federal level.
• Recession: The economy appears to be
causing people to spend less over the next 12
to 18 months.
• Skepticism: People do not trust government
in general and the use of tax dollars in
particular. Will the money be well used?
City Objectives
Explain measurable ways to
• Updated Citizen Satisfaction Survey in 2009
know if the City goal is being
will demonstrate changes in voter perception
met. Typically stated from a
and support of facility needs.
City Council perspective.
. Education efforts and additional facility
polling through June 2009 could lead to
results that necessitate placing a tax/facility
initiative on a future election.
• More — TBD with expertise
Communication
Measurable, specific ways to
• Critical Facilities defined as police, fire,
Objectives
know if the communication
library and community centers.
goals are being met. Typically
"increase"
Increase the community's understanding
use verbs such as
"improve"
(beyond last poll) of the true condition of
or (e.g., increase
awareness by X percent).
City facilities, the consequences of not taking
These are not the "means" but
action, and financing options of replacing,
the "ends".
repairing, or renovating them. (This is right
out of 2007 Godbe poll). Must be supported
with data and numbers.
• Through polling, validate sufficient taxpayer
support threshold (say 65%) in order to
consider placing a ballot measure on future
election.
• Increase (beyond last poll) community
awareness of each of the critical facilities'
role in the community — emergency services
role.
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FACILITIES COMMUNICATION PLAN Page 4
SECTION
• Most likely voters in the November 2009
Audiences
Specifically who do you need
to reach to be successful?
election (per voter records)
Create subsets of "citizens" or
"public"
* Influential people and organizations that
such as community
Would influence voters
leaders, users of specific
facilities, frequent voters,
• Potential donors
potential funders, etc.
. Civic leaders
Prioritize who you need to
reach.
. Press/media
• People willing to publicly advocate and work
on a campaign
• Facility users
• Possible opponents
Messages
What should your audience
. Existing facilities are inadequate and limit
know after reading a flyer or
the ability to provide services.
hearing a presentation? What
Modernizing facilities is crucial for
do you want them to retain?
continuing to provide and improve high
In other words, what would
you tell your target audience if
quality City services and to retain and attract
you had 10 seconds in an
high quality employees.
elevator with them? Note that
• Services don't occur without the proper
a message is not the same as a
facilities to support the work expected from
slogan.
emergency services personnel.
Strategies
No more than three or four
. Implement an educational plan
statements regarding the
overall game plan. Typically
. Develop a timeline of critical milestones.
use words such as "develop"
• Manage our resources for polling and other
or "establish". Consider in
surveying mechanisms.
the game plan the timing of
. Involve staff expertise throughout the course
your information vs other
of these strategies and education plan
current events, whether to
implementation.
invite the media, what
alliances you have or could
establish, etc.
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FACILITIES COMMUNICATION PLAN
SECTION DESCRIPTIONN
Tactics Activities to undertake.
Important to prioritize based
on resources and impact on
specific audience. Examples:
Outreach/Presentations to
community leaders, Media
Relations such as tours with
editorial board, Websites,
Special Events, Materials such
as brochures and mailers
(targeted to audience).
Evaluation Re -conduct research to
measure if you met objectives
of the plan.
Page 5
CFC Member Suggestions/Ideas
The tactics noted below may be used differently
based upon the audiences listed and messages
noted above:
• Invite media and other key `audiences' noted
above to tour our facilities.
• Utilize various media initiatives to convey
our need, message and goal.
o Internally — Snapshot, Focus
o Externally — cultivate stories for
local press
o Electronic —e-mail brochures
• Phone and door-to-door
• Bus stops
• Invite citizens to tour during Farmer Market,
Car Days and other events that are taking
place downtown.
• Develop mailing pieces — targeted to unique
audiences
• Develop talking points and power point
presentations and set up speaking
engagements by staff, civic and community
members to community groups
• Establish information on City's website.
• Consider video clips/production involving
staff and key stakeholders.
• City booth at events such as the Marin
County Fair, staffed by emergency personnel
• Additional voter polling noted above.
• TBD
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FACILITIES COMMUNICATION PLAN
SECTION
Schedule Detail what will happen, by
when and by whom. Also,
what will the reporting
mechanism be to City
Council?
Budget Identify time as well as money
needed for the plan.
Page 6
Critical dates:
November 7, 2009 — election day
o July 6, 2009 — Adoption of ordinance and
ballot language
o July 20, 2009 — City Attorney's Impartial
Analysis
o August 7, 2009 — last day to submit
Ballot Language and related documents to
County Elections office
Critical Steps
o Completion of final CFC report to City
Council — July 2009
o Determination of CFC by City Council -
continuation as Education Committee or? —
August 2008
o Approval of action plan — September
2008; Communication/Education Plan
implemented; includes working with
consultants to assist with education efforts
and do some further polling. Need to get
consultant agreements in place.
City staff (City Manager's office plus staff
who use/operate critical facilities) would
devote time over 2008-09 year toward
education and information efforts.
Strong coordinated volunteer effort needed.
Estimated cost of $50,000 to $100,000 for
strategists, polling and education materials.
WACity Managers- WorkFile\Boards & Committees\Critical Facilities Comm\CFC Committee\reportsTil-Comm Plan\CFC Comm Plan final for Progress
Report.doc
GODBE RESEARCH
Gain Insight
MEMORANDUM
July 27, 2009
TO: Ken Nordhoff, City Manager, City of San Rafael
FROM: Bryan Godbe, President, Godbe Research
Amelia Davidson, Senior Research Manager, Godbe Research
RE: Summary of the Revenue Measure Feasibility Survey
A statistically valid and representative survey was conducted to assess support for a bond
measure to upgrade and replace aging police and fire stations.
The City of San Rafael commissioned Godbe Research to conduct a telephone survey to assess
potential voter support for a revenue measure to upgrade and replace aging police and fire stations.
Interviews were conducted from June 25 through July 1, 2009. A total of 600 voters who reside in San
Rafael participated in the survey, and the study parameters resulted in a margin of error of plus or
minus 5.6 percent. The sample of voters is representative of voter characteristics in the City of San
Rafael in terms of gender, age, and political party type.
The survey results indicate potential voter support for a bond measure, and suggest that the
City of San Rafael move forward with placing a measure on the ballot this November.
The survey revealed that police, fire, and emergency medical services are high priorities to San
Rafael voters. When asked to rate the importance of local issues, more than 4 out of 5 voters
indicated that maintaining police, fire, and emergency medical services is extremely or very important.
More than 3 out of 5 voters reported that it is extremely or very important to ensure that San Rafael is
prepared for an earthquake and other disasters. Further, these two issues were the most important of
the issues tested in the survey.
Overall, the survey results indicate potential voter support for an $85 million dollar bond measure to
upgrade or replace aging police and fire stations in San Rafael. More specifically, 66 percent of the
voters indicated support for the measure, only 26 percent expressed opposition, and the remaining 8
percent were undecided. Given these findings, Godbe Research recommends that the measure be
placed before San Rafael voters in the November 2009 election.
Regarding the funding that the measure would provide for upgrading and replacing critical police and
fire facilities, voters most support the following:
• Upgrade fire stations to accommodate modem fire -fighting and life-saving emergency medical
equipment (74 percent favorable voter response);
• Provide a modem and earthquake safe emergency dispatch center to ensure communications
between police, fire, and paramedics remain operational in a disaster (72 percent favorable
voter response);
• Upgrade police and fire stations to current seismic safety standards so they will withstand an
earthquake and remain operational (71 percent favorable voter response);
• Upgrade police and fire stations to ensure rapid emergency response times (68 percent
favorable voter response); and
• Build a modern, combined public safety facility to replace the aging, undersized, and unsafe
downtown fire station, police station, and emergency dispatch center (61 percent favorable
voter response).
die Res=arch; 1660 South Amphlett Blvd., Suite 205, Sao Mateo, CA 94402 is 650.268 7020 F:6SQ258 9003 �wwx d' pp,aa,, hxom
The following details and benefits of the measure resonated the most with voters:
• All the money raised by the measure will be used for city facility improvements. Not a penny
will go toward administrative salaries;
• Every penny from the measure must stay in San Rafael. No funds can be taken away by the
state or other cities;
• The emergency dispatch center does not meet modern seismic safety standards. If an
earthquake damages this building, it would severely delay responses to calls for police, fire,
and emergency medical services;
• The police station and many fire stations have water damage, cracked and deteriorating
foundations, and electrical systems that do not meet current building safety codes; and
• Many San Rafael fire stations do not meet modem seismic safety standards. In an earthquake,
fire engines, paramedic units, and life-saving equipment and personnel could be trapped and
unable to respond.
Godbe Research, a California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) certified woman owned business (wBE) and state registered small
business, was founded in January of 1990. The firm is a full-service public opinion research agency that offers its clients extensive
experience in public opinion research for community satisfaction, community needs assessments, public education and outreach strategies,
strategic and general planning efforts, ballot measure feasibility, and public sector marketing efforts. Our offices in San Mateo (Northern
California), Newport Beach (Southern California), and Bellevue (Seattle) house a staff of highly trained and experienced researchers (all
Master's or Ph.D. level) who are committed to providing superior quality research and client services. For more information, please visit our
website at www.godberesearch.com.
t,odhz HlewoWi 1660 South Amphlett Blvd., Suite 205, San Mateo, CA 94402 T: 650.2833020 F: 650.288 3004 N �.,+i. i e�Parch.com