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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1999-04-05SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, APRIL 5, 1999 AT 8:15 PM Regular Meeting: San Rafael City Council Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor Paul M. Cohen, Vice -Mayor Barbara Heller, Councilmember Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember Absent: None Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 PM None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: PM 8:15 RE: HANDICAPPED PARKING AT "D" STREET POST OFFICE - File 13-1-1 X 103 Merle Paule, resident of San Rafael, reported there are no handicapped parking spots at the Mission Post Office on "D" Street, recalling there once were two handicapped parking spaces, but they have been removed. She pointed out that not only was there no handicapped parking, there was very little parking at all on the street. Ms. Paule referred to the Americans with Disabilities Act, stating it was her understanding any public building had to have parking spots for the handicapped, and asking why the Post Office was exempt, and why the law was not being enforced? Mayor Boro acknowledged parking at that location was very minimal, and he did not know whether or not there was enforcement on timing during the week at that location. He stated this request would be referred to the City Manager for review. City Manager Gould stated he did not know why the Americans with Disabilities Act would not apply to a Federal building, just as it does to State and local public buildings. Regarding ADA parking on the street, Mr. Gould stated he was not aware of any regulation which set a number of on -street disabled parking spots, noting however, staff would research the issue, and contact Ms. Paule after review. Councilmember Cohen stated he had attended the swearing-in of the new Postmaster in San Rafael, and one item discussed at that time was the general situation of parking at the Mission Annex Post Office. The Postmaster was aware of the parking problems at that site, and felt it might be a good opportunity to jointly take a fresh look at the problems, including handicapped parking. Councilmember Heller asked if she was correct in her understanding that someone with handicapped parking plates was allowed to park in any parking space? Mayor Boro stated that was correct, but noted the problem was there was very little parking available. CONSENT CALENDAR: Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to approve the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Approval of Minutes of Special and Regular Meetings Minutes approved as submitted. of Monday, March 15, 1999 (CC) 2. Resolution of Appreciation to Nader Mansourian, Traffic Engineer, Employee of the Year for 1998 (CM) - File 102 x 9-3-40 x 7-4 3. Monthly Investment Report (MS) - File 8-18 x 8-9 4. Resolution of Appreciation to Peacock Garden Club to Commemorate Arbor Day 1999 RESOLUTION NO. 10385 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO NADER MANSOURIAN, TRAFFIC ENGINEER, EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FOR 1998. Accepted Investment Report for Month Ending February, 1999, as presented. RESOLUTION NO 10386 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 1 N SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 2 Re: Tree Planting at Albert Park (PW) - File 102 x 109 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Easement Deed for an Underground Electric Service From a P.G.& E. Pole on City Property to the Sonnen Property Line (PW) - File 2-2-1 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued): VA 8 PEACOCK GARDEN CLUB TO COMMEMORATE ARBOR DAY 1999 RE: TREE PLANTING AT ALBERT PARK. RESOLUTION NO. 10387 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EASEMENT DEED FOR AN UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC SERVICE FROM A P.G.& E. POLE ON CITY PROPERTY TO THE SONNEN PROPERTY LINE. Resolution Authorizing Amendment to the Below RESOLUTION NO. 10388 Market Rate Rental Agreement Between Tommy RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING Kennedy and the City of San Rafael Re: Clocktower AMENDMENT TO THE BELOW MARKET Apartments, 729 Fourth Street, AP #11-275-01 (CD) RATE RENTAL HOUSING AGREEMENT - File 229 BETWEEN TOMMY KENNEDY AND THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RE: CLOCKTOWER APARTMENTS, 729 FOURTH STREET, AP 11-275- 01. Approval of Street and Sidewalk Closures for Rafael Film Center Grand Opening Celebrations Acts I, II, and III on Friday, April 16th, Saturday, April 17th, and Sunday, April 18th 1999, and Approval of Police Costs (RA) - File 11-19 x 104 x (SRRA) R-324 Approved staff recommendations for the following street closures: Fourth Street between "A" and "B" Streets, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, April 16th, and from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturday, April 17th; Fourth Street between Court and "A" Streets, from 7:00 AM on Saturday, April 17th through 9:00 AM on Sunday, April 18th; "A" Street between Fifth Avenue and Third Street, from 9:15 PM to 9:45 PM on Saturday, April 17th. In addition, street cleaning was approved one day before the event and on the following Monday for Fourth Street between "A" and "B" Streets, and Fourth Street between Court and "A" Streets. Council approved two Police Officers from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday, April 16th, two Officers from 4:00 PM to Midnight on Saturday, April 17th, and three Officers from 6:00 PM to Midnight on Saturday, April 17th. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 2 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 3 9. Approval of Street Closures for 12th Annual Greg Borrelli's May Madness Classic Car Parade on Saturday, May 22, 1999: "A", "B", "C", Fourth and Cijos Streets, and Lootens Place (RA) - File 11-19 x 11-22 x (SRRA) R-181 CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued): 10. Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Mechanics Truck for the Fire Department (FD) - File 4-2-297 x 9-3-31 Approved staff recommendations for street closures on Saturday, May 22, 1999 for the Greg Borrelli's May Madness Classic Car Parade: Court Street from Fourth Street to the Bank of America driveway, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM; "A" Street from the parking structure driveway to Fifth Avenue, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Fourth Street between Lootens Place and "A" Street from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM for stage set-up; Fourth Street from Lincoln Avenue to "D" Street, from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM; Cijos Street from South of Commercial Place to Fourth Street from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM; Lootens Place from Third Street to the apartment building driveway, from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM; "B" Street from the parking structure driveway to Fifth Avenue, from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM; and "C" Street from the parking structure driveway to Fifth Avenue from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM. RESOLUTION NO. 10389 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE UTILITY TRUCK FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES, PROCUREMENT DIVISION IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,471.66. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None The following item was removed from the Agenda for further discussion: 5. REPORT ON BID OPENING RE; BOYD PARK - PHASE I RENOVATION: REJECTION OF LOW BIDDER AS NOT RESPONSIVE OR RESPONSIBLE, AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MAGGIORA & GHILOTTI, SECOND LOWEST BIDDER; PROJECT #275-6698-616-8000 (PW) - File 4-1-499 x 2-1-9 x 4-10-286 x 9-3-66 x 12-5 x 12-15 Public Works Deputy Director Andrew Preston reported the bids for the Boyd Park renovation project were opened on March 23, 1999. He explained that while this was a small project, it was very complex in nature as it involves grading, drainage ditches, catch basins, a reinforced concrete retaining wall faced with Sonoma fieldstone, a concrete walkway, and play equipment assembly. Mr. Preston stated the apparent low bidder at the time of the bid opening was Orinoco Construction Inc., and as the company was unknown to staff, they asked the company President to provide a list of qualifications and projects they had done previously. Mr. Preston reported the company SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 3 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 4 President, Mr. Alvarez, advised staff his company had not performed any work in California, or in the United States; in addition, he had no workforce, no plant or equipment, no materials or storage yard, and all previous work done by him had been in Venezuela in the late 19801s. Mr. Preston stated that in accordance with Section 3.01, "Qualification of Bidders of the Contract Provisions" of the Instruction to Bidders, State and Specifications Manual, staff must make certain the contractor is skilled in the type of work being offered, that his labor force is also skilled in that kind of work, and that he has a workforce that can accomplish the job. Mr. Preston stated Mr. Alvarez' answers to the questions showed he did not comply with Section 3.01 of the Contract Provisions. Therefore, staff recommended Council reject Orinoco Construction, Inc.'s bid as being non-responsive and not responsible, and award the contract to the next lowest bidder. Mayor Boro noted the Council had received a letter from Mr. Alvarez, and asked if Mr. Alvarez was in the audience. Mr. Alvarez was not in attendance. Councilmember Cohen noted Mr. Alvarez stated his firm had signed bargaining agreements; however, Mr. Cohen pointed out it was the beginning of April, and the construction industry in Northern California was very nearly at full employment. Therefore, anyone who was expecting to entirely staff -up from the hiring hall, which had been Mr. Alvarez' answer to not having a workforce, was sadly mistaken, because that was not going to happen. Mr. Cohen felt this reinforced staff's recommendation. In addition, Mr. Cohen stated that while the City is required to take the lowest responsible bid, one of the things he usually looks at is the spread of the bids. He noted in this instance we had a bidder who was 20% lower than the next lowest bid, and he believed that meant it was time to worry, because when there is that much of a spread, someone has missed something, and the City did not want to have to make it up later. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the Resolution rejecting the bid from Orinoco Construction, Inc. for Boyd Park Renovation, Phase I, as non-compliant, and award the contract to Maggiora & Ghilotti Inc., in an amount not to exceed $64,483.00. RESOLUTION NO. 10390 - RESOLUTION REJECTING THE BID FROM ORINOCO CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR "BOYD PARK PHASE I RENOVATION" PROJECT FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 3.01 OF THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AS BEING NON-RESPONSIVE AND NOT RESPONSIBLE AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROJECT TO MAGGIORA & GHILOTTI INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $64,483.00. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None SPECIAL PRESENTATION: 11. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO JOHN HAEUSER, MEMBER, BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES (CM) - File 102 x 9-2-3 Mayor Boro stated Mr. Haeuser had given over twelve years of service as a member of the Board of Library Trustees, noting he was involved with the introduction of technology into the Library over the past several years, and had worked very hard to see that it re -opened on Mondays, and opened on Sundays. Mayor Boro stated Mr. Haeuser had been a very strong advocate for the Library, and had been told Mr. Haeuser brought very creative ideas to the Board, balanced with a very good sense of humor. Mayor Boro stated the Council appreciated very much the work Mr. Haeuser has done for the City of San Rafael, the achievements he has made, and his contributions to our Library system. Mayor Boro believed it was because of representation such as Mr. Haeuser's, as well as the Library's great staff, that the City recently received an outstanding review from the citizens, in the City's recent customer satisfaction poll, expressing their satisfaction with the Library. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Boro thanked Mr. Haeuser, and presented him with a Resolution of Appreciation. PUBLIC HEARING: 12. PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT TO CITY OF SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 4 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 5 NO. 10340 APPROVING AN ANNEXATION REQUEST FOR A 0.8 ACRE PARCEL. THE PROJECT SITE IS 110 POINT SAN PEDRO ROAD; AP 17-181-36; BOYD R. LANG, OWNER AND REPRESENTATIVE. THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 7, 1998, ACTING AS CONDUCTING AUTHORITY, APPROVING ANNEXATION OF THE PROPERTY INTO THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL. THE AMENDMENT IS NECESSARY TO INCORPORATE AND IMPOSE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) RESOLUTION NO. 98-12 ORDERING ANNEXATION OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED TERRITORY INTO THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL (CD) - File 5-2-93 x 10-3 x 10-6 Mayor Boro declared the Public Hearing opened, and asked for the staff report. Community Development Director Bob Brown reported this annexation had been previously approved by the Council on December 7, 1998. However, LAFCO subsequently asked that the City amend the Council adopted Resolution to incorporate LAFCO's conditions that the property be detached from County Services Area #19 (Santa Venetia Fire Service) and the Marin County Library, noting Marin LAFCO waived it pre -zoning requirement of this developed property. Therefore, a revised Resolution was now before Council for adoption. Mayor Boro invited public comment. There being no public comment, Mayor Boro closed the Public Hearing. Councilmember Cohen moved and Councilmember Heller seconded, to adopt the resolution modifying Resolution 10340 and approving the annexation of certain real property located at 110 Point San Pedro Road. RESOLUTION NO. 10391 - RESOLUTION MODIFYING RESOLUTION NO. 10340 AND APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 110 POINT SAN PEDRO ROAD. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None OLD BUSINESS: 13. UPDATE ON ST. VINCENT'S/SILVEIRA TASK FORCE PROCESS (CD) - File 9-2-45 x 115 Community Development Director Bob Brown stated his report was officially a "loop -out" in the Task Force committee's process. Mr. Brown reported much of their time since last September has been spent learning about the characteristics of the property, including its biology, history, geology, and archeology, as well as the governmental policies that have applied to it over time. He stated they had also spent a great deal of time understanding the interests of the various constituencies involved, and trying to understand why these properties are so important to each of the different groups. Mr. Brown reported in February they got down to more substantive work, when the Task Force was broken into study groups, and each group mapped which portions of the property should potentially be developed, and which should be set aside for long-term preservation. Mr. Brown noted the four maps were included in the staff report, and while they had not yet agreed upon a composite map, he pointed out the similarities of the four, which he felt bode well for the Task Force coming to consensus on this phase of the process. Mr. Brown stated their meeting on March 20th was to have been an all day creative session, with the idea that the Task Force would reach a conclusion on the consensus map of the areas to be developed and those to be preserved, and also begin talking about what could be done in each of those areas. However, at that meeting there was a need for St. Vincent's to expound upon its previously stated interest; specifically, they wanted to focus on the relocation of their campus, indicating their desire to relocate the campus on approximately 50 acres on the east side of the railroad tracks. Mr. Brown noted 150 years ago that area was marshland, and for many of the environmentalists, that proposal seemed like "deja vu" of the process five years ago; therefore, there was a fair amount of consternation caused by that suggestion. Mr. Brown stated that in trying to put this in perspective, in terms of the process they are on, he had reached three conclusions. The first was reminding himself this process was not linear, which is why the process SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 5 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 6 graphic shows a circle. He noted, as their facilitator has reminded them, there are times they have to revisit the interest statements to make certain they understand the depth of the interests of the various constituencies. Secondly, while St. Vincent's proposal or desire for a campus east of the railroad tracks seemed like a bit of a bombshell, he felt the Task Force needed to look at it as just one option, and brainstorm other locations, or other means of satisfying St. Vincent's, to find a suitable place for their campus relocation. Lastly, Mr. Brown stated he had concluded the process was definitely working, noting that since the March 20th meeting there have been Task Force members, across constituency lines, talking to one another a great deal. He stated there has been a lot of discussion about what the proposal of March 20th means, and everything he had heard was suggesting the members believed that was only one option, and there was a need for additional creativity, which he felt was heartening. Referring to their upcoming meetings, Mr. Brown reported they had added a meeting, to be held on Monday, April 19th, noting the intention was to continue the creativity and development of options, and then, hopefully, on Saturday, April 24th, they would like to come away with actual proposals and alternative development and preservation plans from the Task Force. He explained staff would take those development options and conduct traffic modeling, and then the Task Force would meet again on May 19th. He noted it was their intention, either in late May or early June, to reach what their facilitator called an "elegant solution". Mayor Boro stated the fourteen members of the Task Force committee, in addition to Supervisor Kress and himself, truly seemed engaged, and he believed all sides really wanted to find a solution, having concluded this was the last, best chance to get one. He reported he had the opportunity to go out with a couple of environmentalists and take part in a "loop out" at Smith Ranch Homes, and he felt the entire process was not only dynamic, but also a great way to evolve into an update of the City's General Plan. Larry Paul, Task Force member, stated they have had an amazing time learning the interests and the story about the property, and he believed they had managed to achieve some real consensus by listening to the various interests and working together. Referring to the maps, he agreed there was an amazing consistency in where people were placing developmental opportunities, and where the preservation areas were going to be. Mr. Paul felt that because of that, at the last meeting it began to become very real and, therefore, the property owners, both St. Vincent's and the Silveira family, wanted to reiterate their interests a little more strongly. Mr. Paul believed they were becoming concerned that now this was becoming more real, as the Task Force had developed some kind of consensus which would, hopefully, solve the problems, and be something that everyone would buy into. Mr. Paul noted one of their charges was to substantially reduce the development area and development potential of the property. He stated there was a consensus in doing the maps to reduce the area by 15% to 25% of the overall acreage; however, he had the sense that St. Vincent's was a little concerned about that, because they saw themselves as being pushed a little too close to everything else, and because of their programs, they wanted to stay on the property, yet be away from other development. Mr. Paul noted the Silveiras felt they were getting the brunt of the preservation usage on the site, so the Task Force was trying to balance that. Mr. Paul stated he hoped they could finish in the time they were allotted. Councilmember Heller asked Mr. Paul to explain the "loop out" process. Mr. Paul stated the members all represent various constituencies, and are trying to touch base with those constituent groups as often as possible, using the representative from a particular constituency, along with another member of the Task Force who is not in that constituency, and a Planner from the City or the County to do the recording. He explained, in that way, they stay in touch with their groups, tell them what is going on and what is happening in the process, get feedback or questions from them, and learn more about their interests. Mr. Paul stated this was a good way to keep in touch with the various groups so that, hopefully, there will not be a situation where there is an article in the newspaper stating a decision has been reached, and the groups are asking how they reached such a decision. He believed that would undermine the entire process; however, he felt that as more and more people become involved, they would understand what the Task Force is going SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 6 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 7 through, and how the decisions are being made. Councilmember Heller asked if the Task Force had been in touch with the neighborhood groups from North San Rafael, such as Terra Linda and Marinwood, and how they were accepting the process and the development? Mr. Paul stated he and Frank Nelson, as neighborhood representatives, had been working with neighborhood groups throughout San Rafael. He noted, by and large, their main concern was traffic, as it was with most of the community. He stated the other big issue with the neighborhoods is that this not draw resources away from the rest of the City, so they are not funding whatever infrastructure has to take place to develop that area. Councilmember Phillips referred to the Task Force's charge concerning substantial reduction, asking what was driving that charge, whether it was traffic, economics, or area within the boundaries, and what was the driving factor of the decision concerning how much it is to be substantially reduced? Mr. Paul stated the driving factor was the MOU, explaining that in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the County, one of the charges was to substantially reduce development potential, although it was left open as to what they interpreted that to be. He believed the next step, after they come to consensus on what the developable area will be, would be to look at the densities, what the number of homes could be, and the amount of square footage of whatever development goes on the land. He felt the competing interests would come to some kind of agreement as to what is a reasonable amount of development on the property, and if it is agreed upon, then that would determine the amount of substantial reduction. Mayor Boro recalled the current General Plan called for approximately 30% usage of the site, and the Minority Report received from the last St. Vincent's/Silveira advisory group indicated approximately 6% to 8%; therefore, he believed we were between those two ranges. Community Development Director Brown stated they were trying not to focus on the numbers, rather they were trying to look at the property in terms of what areas should be set aside without development, and what areas might have development potential, seeing how the percentages work out from there. Councilmember Phillips noted there was an interest, east of the tracks, by St. Vincent's. He asked how that worked with regard to substantial reduction, as it seemed it would be an expansion if they were to move in that direction? Mr. Paul stated St. Vincent's request had only been made at the last meeting, so they had not yet had an opportunity to grapple with that situation. He noted this had not been talked about, noting the MOU stipulated there be no development east of the tracks; however, St. Vincent's seemed concerned with not wanting to locate their operation too close to any other type of development, yet they wanted to maintain their 144 year history on the land, through their programs. He stated one of their intentions was to keep what they call the "H" complex, which is the chapel complex, intact with some of their programs, and the residential care program would be moved away from the other development, far enough that it would not impact what goes on. He noted St. Vincent's states they would rather be on the east side of the tracks, as they look at that as being far enough removed, and also close to the historic farmlands and baylands, which they can make use of somehow. Councilmember Cohen stated he would not want to see that characterized as an expansion. He believed the substantial reduction referred to in the MOU referred to what was in San Rafael's General Plan, and even to the numbers contemplated in the report to the Council by the previous advisory committee of the 2,100 homes and 300,000 square feet. He felt the notion of a substantial reduction was in those numbers, pointing out the whole issue of the St. Vincent's School for Boys campus had never really been joined. He believed St. Vincent's has, for a long time, had in their mind that they were going to go east of the railroad tracks, while the City has, for a long time, had a policy that there was not going to be any building development east of the railroad tracks, noting they have never really "hashed out" this issue. He stated the General Plan contemplated 2,100 units, and then states that somewhere, in the mix, there will be the campus, but does not define it any further. Mr. Cohen did not believe St. Vincent's was suddenly running counter to the MOU in terms of development intensity, although they were clear in their desire to have construction east of the railroad track, which runs counter to the City's position over the past ten years. Mr. Cohen did not believe it would be fair to characterize what they have brought to the table as an expansion, noting it was merely doing what the process was designed to do, which is to get all the issues out on the table so the committee can work to consensus, understanding what all the interests are. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 7 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 8 Sandy Greenblatt, Task Force member, stated that in dealing with the amount of coverage, they were undetermined, noting there was a lot of difference between using 30% FAR (Floor Area Ratio) and 30% land coverage. He believed they could probably achieve more reasonable FAR's with less land coverage because they were not going to build only one-story structures. He stated the assistance they have received from both City and County staffs was enormous, and he wished to recognize that. Mr. Greenblatt noted there were fourteen people involved, all of whom were dedicated to making this work, and they have been meeting with other constituents, in an effort to try to keep bringing them closer together. He stated Council may hear they have differences, which they do, and may hear that there are going to be even more differences, which he felt there would be. However, he stated there was not one member of the Task Force who was not dedicated to making it work this time. Councilmember Phillips asked if there was a sense that the committee was balanced? Mr. Greenblatt reported he did not think there had been that sense in the very beginning, noting everyone thought it was tilted against them, and there was concern that it was out of balance. He believed that feeling was less now, although not entirely gone, noting sometimes it was issue sensitive as to whether it was in balance or not. However, he now believed that, overall, the balance was good. Mr. Greenblatt stated he would like to believe the fourteen members could deliver a balanced report that would be accepted by both governments. Mr. Phillips asked Mr. Greenblatt if he felt there would be just one report, rather than a minority report this time? Mr. Greenblatt stated he did. Community Development Director Brown noted the Task Force would "loop" back with Council at the first Council meeting in May. Mayor Boro stated a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors was tentatively scheduled for May 27th, at which the report would be presented, assuming it is completed, noting that would be a first step toward the adoption of changes to the City's General Plan, along with the County's. Councilmember Miller thanked John Starkweather and Community Development Director Bob Brown for all the work they have done on the Task Force's WEB site, which is hosted on the Community Development Department's WEB site. He stated it was a remarkable document, which explains the process and how the process is progressing, and contains all the background material, such as the biological, archeological, and geological reviews. He noted that to put all that work into a WEB site, and be able to make it as effective as it is, was truly remarkable, and he wanted to be certain Mr. Starkweather and Mr. Brown received the kudos they deserved. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: 14. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (CM) - File 9-3-11 City Manager Gould noted several of the Councilmembers had been contacted by members of the Board of Directors of St. Vincent de Paul regarding questions about the draft Request for Proposals for the joint hotel/dining facility project. Mr. Gould reported last week he and City Attorney Gary Ragghianti had a fairly lengthy telephone conference with the attorneys for St. Vincent de Paul. He stated they resolved all but one of the issues St. Vincent's had raised, which was a technical planning question Mr. Gould referred to Community Development Director Bob Brown. Mr. Gould stated it was his understanding St. Vincent's attorneys would contact the Board of Directors, telling them they are satisfied the process is sound, and very much in St. Vincent's interest, and then the City would be going forward, hopefully with the release of the Request for Proposals in the next week and a half. Mr. Gould stated several of the Councilmembers had asked for a follow-up to the Citizens' Satisfaction Survey, which was completed a month ago. Mr. Gould reported Assistant City Manager Nordhoff was working with the consultants, and Council would soon be given a draft report. However, Mr. Gould felt there might be some reasons to delay the follow-up survey, and he would propose those to the Council, asking for their direction. Mr. Gould announced the Community Fire Servicing philosophy, which was pioneered by San Rafael's Fire Department, was now a finalist for the National City Livability Award, sponsored by the National Conference of Mayors. He noted Fire Chief Bob Marcucci and his staff would be completing the paperwork for the next round, and stated it could be that the City and the Fire Servicing philosophy were in for Nation-wide recognition. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 8 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 9 Mr. Gould reported a song has been written for the City of San Rafael, entitled "Living Well in San Rafael". He stated it would be performed, for the first time, by the Marin Symphony Orchestra and Huey Lewis, on the night of the Millennium Party. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: 15 a. STATE COMMISSION ON INFRASTRUCTURE - File 116 X 9-3-40 (Verbal) Councilmember Cohen stated the Governor has appointed a commission on infrastructure called "Building for the Twenty -First Century", and has asked Lieutenant Governor Bustamante to head -up that effort. He reported he attended a conference today in Sacramento, sponsored by the Lieutenant Governor, regarding water infrastructure, called "Old Pipes, New Policies". Mr. Cohen reported the entire day was a kind of "good news/bad news" day. The good news was that after twenty years of a lack of spending on infrastructure, it was finally getting some real attention; however, the bad news was there was a lot more discussion about the problems than about the solutions, and for every five people who discussed potential solutions, there were six or seven opinions about whether it should be bonded indebtedness versus a sinking fund, versus just taking existing General Fund revenues on an ongoing basis. Mr. Cohen stated there was some general agreement about the scope of the problem, noting they were discussing this on a Statewide level, and it gave him reason to feel a little better about San Rafael's Capital Improvement Program when they put the State infrastructure needs in the $70 billion to $90 billion range over the next five years. Mr. Cohen felt one of the proposals the City should be watching very closely, through the MCCMC's (Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers) Legislative Committee, was the State Constitutional amendment, which is jointly sponsored by Senator Steve Peace and Senator Bruce McPhearson, coming out of an idea proposed by the Business Roundtable, to designate a 1/4 cent of State sales tax to ongoing infrastructure funding, so there would be a funding stream for infrastructure funding. Mr. Cohen noted that was the good news; however, the bad news was they proposed to take it out of the existing sales tax, and at this point, they were not stating whose portion of the sales tax they proposed to take it out of. Mr. Cohen stated it was encouraging, and a lot of attention was being paid to this issue, noting the City was actually in a lot better shape, for all the occasional problems we have had with pipes and so forth, than those described in some of the horror stories they had shared. Mr. Cohen noted he would share the materials he brought back from the conference, and noted he expected to be fairly close to this issue, as his boss had been appointed to the Governor's twenty-one member Commission on Infrastructure, and he would likely have an opportunity to review some of the material, which he would pass along to the Councilmembers. b. NEWSPAPER ARTICLES RE: CITY OF SAN RAFAEL - File 9-1 x 120 (Verbal) Councilmember Cohen stated a friend of his had recently passed along an older issue of a daily newspaper in Marin County. He referred to one article with the headline, "College Trustees Vote for Redevelopment Suit", and quoted, "Trustees of the Marin Community College District last night voted unanimously to file suit in opposition to the City of San Rafael's controversy -ridden redevelopment plan". Citing a couple of other articles of interest, Mr. Cohen quoted, "Jack G. Nixon First to File for Council - Jack G. Nixon, Chairman of the Marin County Planning Commission today became the first candidate to file for election to the San Rafael City Council", and after naming the other candidates who may or may not run, and noting Lawrence E. Mulryan was expected to run for re- election, the article continued, "Others expected to make a bid for re-election include Richard Fox and Doctor Gar C. May, and Albert J. Boro, a San Rafael Planning Commissioner, also has expressed interest in running". Referring to one last article, under the headline, "Carrot Approach Hit on Open Space Funds", Mr. Cohen quoted, "As the Marin County Parks and Recreation Commission yesterday rebuffed the new effort by County Planning officials to use Open Space money as a carrot and stick device, the group was branded by Commission Chairman Albert J. Boro as 'an attempt to mix oil and water, using the new Marin Regional Park District as a wedge to get cities to adopt the Countywide General Plan'". Councilmember Cohen revealed these articles had been printed in the newspaper on January 18, 1973. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 9 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 10 C. RENT INCREASES - File 13-16 X 9-2-35 X 187 X 218 (Verbal) Councilmember Miller reported last Thursday he had attended a meeting at the Pickleweed Community Center concerning rent hikes, which was sponsored by the CCA (Canal Community Alliance), the Human Rights Commission, Marin Action, and several other groups. Mr. Miller stated the meeting pointed out that perhaps the main issue, the absolute basic social issue that has to be faced out there are the rent hikes, noting people are getting $200 hits at a time. He reported people are finding they are spending between 60% to 70% of their income for housing, and that is for very small two bedroom apartments, which rent for approximately $1,125 per month. Mr. Miller believed this was either going to drive people out, or be a cause for having to have more inhabitants in the building in order to pay the rent. Mr. Miller believed this was a very serious problem, and one that was going to have to be faced. He stated he would be attending another meeting on Thursday night, noting the Human Rights Commission wanted to look at the problem more closely. He stated the problem was the whole area of market economics, noting everyone understands rent control is not an effective way of going about business. He reported the mediation services were having a very difficult time in solving this problem, and hoped that as people get together and begin thinking more about the problem, they will find a way to help, so this part of our City can continue to grow. d. SANTA MARGARITA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING - File 9-1 (Verbal) Councilmember Phillips reported he attended the semi-annual Santa Margarita Neighborhood Association meeting, where they discussed many issues, noting the most critical to those in attendance were the ditch, undergrounding of utilities, parks, and the median strip, which is being worked on. Mr. Phillips stated Public Works Director Bernardi and City Manager Gould had offered an interesting compromise, or partnership, which will help improve the area quite a bit at a nominal cost to both the City and the Association, because it is a joint effort. e. BOYD PARK RESTORATION - File 9-3-66 x 12-5 x 12-15 x 2-1-9 X 236 (Verbal) Mayor Boro reported Carlene McCart received a check for $500 from the San Rafael Rotary Club for the construction of the children's playground at Boyd Park. He noted Ms. McCart did an outstanding job of describing Community Services' role in the community. There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM. JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1999 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 10 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 11 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 4/5/99 Page 11