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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2011-10-12 o011 S� F MINUTES n : :: o CITY COUNCIL `r!!" CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO c9 11FOR���' REGULAR MEETING MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011 CALL TO ORDER: TIME: 7:00 ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Addiego Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Garbarino and Mayor Mullin. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Mullin. Mayor Mullin requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Douglas Rankins, the brother of former City employee, John Rankins. PRESENTATIONS • Certificate of Recognition in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Ponderosa Elementary School. Vice Mayor Garbarino presented the Certificate of Recognition honoring the 50 Anniversary of Ponderosa Elementary School to Principal Janet Ingersoll. Principal Ingersoll thanked Council for the recognition of Ponderosa School. She noted that the School was committed to the City's youth and thanked Council for its support of the school's efforts. • Certificate of Recognition honoring Recreation and Community Services Supervisor Kelli Cullinan's receipt of the 2011 Mary Elizabeth Griffin Children's Award. Mayor Mullin presented Supervisor Cullinan with a Certificate of Recognition in honor of her receipt of the 2011 Mary Elizabeth Griffin Children's Award. The Mayor explained the Award is named after former County Supervisor and Children's Advocate, Mary Elizabeth Griffin, and is presented annually by the Childcare Coordinating Council of San Mateo County. The recognition honored Supervisor Cullinan's exemplary service to children of the City and her status as an inspiration to the community. Councilwoman Matsumoto read from the application Director Ranals submitted nominating Kelli for the award. The application noted that Supervisor Cullinan is a dedicated childcare professional that had worked for South San Francisco since 1991. Prior to that, she had worked for the Recreation Center for the Disabled in San Francisco. She presently supervises 3 licensed after school childcare programs and 2 licensed preschool programs. In addition to these responsibilities, she runs numerous summer camp programs and the Full of Fun Camp, for which she solicits donations from the community. Supervisor Cullinan thanked Council for the recognition and stated that none of the programs would be possible without the tremendous team she supervised. She thanked her program and line staff for their dedication to the programs and for their commitment to educating children. She thanked former Parks and Recreation Director, now City Manager Nagel and current Director Ranals for their support and the opportunity to provide residents with such amazing services. • San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Presentation on Water Delivery in South San Francisco by Alison Kastama. Director of Public Works white reminded Council of recent conversation related to the progress of SFPUC's Crystal Springs Pipeline Project and its impact on the community and also about the fluoridation of drinking water. The SFPUC sent 2 representatives to discuss the topics. Alison Kastama, Regional Communications Liaison addressed the pipeline project and Andrew DeGraca, Director, Water Quality Division, addressed fluoridation of drinking water. Ms. Kastama advised the Pipeline Project was near completion. She noted the project was aimed at making the pipes safe in the event of an earthquake or other major disaster. She stated she would provide more detailed information after Mr. DeGraca's presentation on fluoridation. Mr. DeGraca advised on fluoridation of water in the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System. He noted the system delivers drinking water every day to 2.5 million residents and businesses in Southern Alameda, Northern Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. The System is required by the California Department of Public Health Operating Permit to maintain a fluoride level between .0 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L. This level is based on the CDC's Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. Fluoride in drinking water has been shown to promote oral health by preventing tooth decay and is strongly supported by all local county health officers. As of 2011, a fluoride level of .9 mg/L is maintained. However, this will be changing to .7 mg/L after a U.S. Health and Human Services recommendation in January 2011 that the level be adjusted to .7 mg/L in order to reduce the incidence of dental fluorosis. Wynn Grcich representing the Fluoride Action Network addressed Council and opined on the dangers of fluoride in drinking water. She stated the substance was a hazardous waste product from the phosphate fertilizer industry. She noted research showing the substance causes broken bones, cancer and other health complications, including dental fluorosis. She recommended a book titled The Case Against Fluoride, by Paul Connett, PhD, James Beck MD, Phd, and H.S. Micklem, DPhil and a short movie titled "The Fluoride Deception" with Christopher Bryson for additional information. She urged Council to pass an ordinance to stop fluoridation, which she characterized as the use of an unlicensed drug, in drinking water. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2011 MINUTES - 2 - Mike Fracois recommended that Council pass a Resolution similar to that passed by the City of Fremont extolling the dangers of fluoridation. He read excerpts from the Fremont Resolution, which highlighted its link to various maladies, including cancer. Deborah Gallegos read an excerpt from The Case Against Fluoride, by Paul Connett, PhD, James Beck MD, Phd, and H.S. Micklem, DPhil. The excerpt touched on several points made by the authors, including that the FDA never approved fluoride for congestion, toothpaste tubes contain acute toxicity warnings related to fluoride and fluoride pills and /or rinses should not be distributed to students in non - fluoridated areas. The excerpt also referenced several cases against Municipal Water Districts alleging the Districts using fluoride were placing an unauthorized drug in drinking water. Mr. DeGarca responded that fluoride is a highly concentrated chemical diluted down to negligible amounts in drinking water. He noted the regulations mandating fluoridation were designed to protect the disadvantaged and followed the tenet that a little is good, while acknowledging a lot of the substance would be bad. He further noted that the U. S Department of Health and Human Services recently recommended further diluting fluoride in drinking water to .7 mg/L to prevent dental fluorosis. SFPUC was currently in the process of seeking regulatory approval for this adjustment. Councilman Gonzalez questioned when fluoridation first started. Mr. DeGarca responded that it began system -wide in 2001; however, he believed it began in 1952 on the Peninsula. Councilman Gonzalez believed it would be difficult to change the state law on fluoridation. He noted, however, that persons concerned about fluoride had the option of drinking bottled water. Councilman Addiego thanked Ms. Grcich for raising public awareness of her concerns pertaining to fluoride so that the discussion and explanation from the SFPUC was manifest. Ms. Kastama next addressed Council regarding the Crystal Springs Pipeline Update. She noted the project replaced portions of a regional drinking water pipeline on Palm Avenue, Elm Court, Spruce Avenue, Park Way and Randolph Avenue. The final steps of the project were underway and involved active construction and pipeline testing, which was expected to be completed within the next two weeks. Restoration of the road surface would follow the completion of testing. Per the MOU between the SFPUC and the City, SFPUC would restore any affected areas of paving and sidewalks per the City of South San Francisco's work standards. Restoration was likely to begin around October 17 and be complete by Mid - November. Ms. Kastama closed by encouraging residents with questions regarding the project to call 866- 973 -1476. Mayor Mullin noted the repairs were necessary but were indeed creating a hardship for residents. He encouraged swift, safe completion of the project. Councilwoman Matsumoto requested assurance that the streets would be repaired to the City's standards. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2011 MINUTES - 3 - Ms. Kastama advised the streets would be left in the condition they were found and the scope of work was presently being discussed with Director of Public Works Terry White. AGENDA REVIEW None. PUBLIC COMMENTS Wynn Grcich addressed Council regarding the dangers of Chlorine in drinking water. She opined on the chemical's relationship to breast cancer. She commented on the need to disinfect water delivery systems for this chemical and urged Council and the public to lobby against this chemical's presence in drinking water. ITEMS FROM COUNCIL • Announcements. • Committee Reports Councilmembers reported on attendance at community meetings and events including, an ABA Moving Beyond Barriers Symposium hosted by the County Commission on Disabilities, a SAMCEDA Meeting, a meeting of the California Latino Caucus Institute and a Bay Conservation Development Commission Meeting. Council congratulated the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments for the work to remodel Siebecker Center. The Fire Department was congratulated for its October 1 Fire Prevention Month Kick -off Carnival. Specific items for further action and /or consideration were set forth as follows: Councilwoman Matsumoto noted that October was disability awareness month and that this year marked the 20th Anniversary of the adoption of the American's with Disabilities Act. She noted that recent amendments to the Act would go into effect as of March 15, 2012 and that further upgrades to facilities would be mandated by 2015. To prepare for these requirements she recommended that Council form an Ad Hoc Disabilities Committee to provide advice on the subject. Mayor Mullin appointed Councilwoman Matsumoto and Vice Mayor Garbarino to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee. Mayor Mullin raised a question regarding a recent memo received from Public Works Director White pertaining to the Contractor used to perform the remodel of the Fire Station located at the MSB. He noted allegations of prevailing wage violations against a subcontractor the Contractor employed on a previous job. The Mayor questioned permissible questions in the bidding process related to such previous violations. Director White noted the City was free to ask whatever questions it wished pertaining to disqualification of bids. Further if the requested information was not disclosed, the bidder would be deemed nonresponsive and disqualified early in the process. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2011 MINUTES - 4 - City Attorney Mattas added the City had some latitude with respect to prequalification questions as long as the questions were rationally related to the project. He stated he would report back to Council with respect to exactly what Courts have allowed pertaining to the prequalification process. Mayor Mullin advised the public that the USPS had mailed surveys to residents seeking input regarding usage of the Linden Avenue Post Office, which it was considering for closure. Survey responses were due to the USPS by September 23 He also announced representatives from the USPS would be at the Linden Avenue Post Office from 5 -6:00 p.m. on October 13 to answer questions. • Appointment to the San Mateo County Community Action Agency Board After discussion, Council determined to appoint a member of the public to serve on the San Mateo Community Action Agency Board. Until interest in this appointment could be determined, Mayor Mullin would serve as the designated City Representative on the Board. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve the minutes of September 28, 2011. 2. Motion to approve expense claims of October 12, 2011. 3. Motion to cancel the Regular City Council Meeting of November 23, 2011. 4. Resolution No. 124 -2011 designating the Director of Parks and Recreation as Applicant /Administrator for six (6) licensed childcare facilities. Motion— Councilman Addiego /Second— Vice Mayor Garbarino: to approve the Consent Calendar. Unanimously approved by voice vote. LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS 5. Waive reading and introduce an ordinance amending Section 6.94.090 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code regarding film Permit Processing Fees. Director of Economic and Community Development and Assistant City Manager Van Duyn presented the staff report. He explained that Chapter 6.94 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code established the rules governing the issuance of permits for filming activities on location within the City. The intent of the Section is to ensure that commercial entities filming in the City do so consistent with the public health and safety and to protect affected property. Staff recommended the Film Permit Fee be included in the City's Master Fee Schedule so that it might be considered for amendment as part of the regular budget process as opposed to by ordinance modifying the Municipal Code. Mayor Mullin noted the action made no change to the current Film Permit Fee. Motion— Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second— Councilwoman Matsumoto: to waive reading and introduce an ordinance amending Section 6.94.090 of the South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2011 MINUTES - 5 - Municipal Code regarding film Permit Processing Fees. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 6. Waive reading and introduce an ordinance relating to Franchise Towing Agreement and Resolution No. 125 -2011 approving Franchise Towing Agreement. Police Lt. Wall presented the staff report, which he described as having been presented at the September 28, 2011 Meeting. He queried whether Council had follow -up questions on the proposal. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted her intent to support the recommended action. She noted she had met with Lt. Wall since the last meeting and requested further information as to recent state legislation stating cars for unlicensed drivers would not be impounded. She questioned the alternatives to towing under such circumstances. LT. Wall responded he had not yet seen the legislation, but believed it put the law in line with current case law related to unlicensed drivers at DUI Checkpoints. Councilwoman Matsumoto next asked Lt. Wall to substantiate the position that the Franchise Tow Fee would not be passed on to the vehicle's owner. Lt. Wall responded that the Police Department, through the Chief of Police, regulates the maximum allowable fee that can be charged. Councilman Addiego thanked Lt. Wall for a previous conversation pertaining to the proposal. He then applauded the state legislature for signing the legislation prohibiting the towing of vehicles of unlicensed drivers stopped at DUI checkpoints. He then asked Lt. Wall to expound on the dollar amount affiliated with Police Department Staff time on a typical tow situation. Lt. Wall explained a Police Officer has to spend at least 45 minutes of time on the initial violation and intake. The Computer and Telecommunications Unit then spends another 15- 20 minutes on the issue. A computer generated report taking about 15 minutes of time is then generated. Supervisor review and approval of the report takes roughly 5 -10 minutes. The report is then reviewed by a Traffic Supervisor through a redundant system of checks and balances. Records Personnel then make entries and review and approve the report. 30 days after the incident, a post storage hearing may be held. Accordingly, much staff time is spent on the process. Lt. Wall added that whenever possible a Parking Enforcement Officer as opposed to a Police Officer is enlisted to remain with a violator's vehicle while awaiting a tow. Councilman Addiego next questioned how the hygiene related provisions pertaining to tow truck drivers would be enforced. He questioned whether the regulations pertaining to tattoos were realistic. Lt. Wall advised the guidelines were intended to ensure the comfort level of all involved in the tow process. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2011 MINUTES - 6 - Motion— Councilman Addiego /Second Councilwoman Matsumoto: to waive reading and introduce an ordinance relating to Franchise Towing Agreement and Resolution no. 125- 2011 approving Franchise Towing Agreement. Unanimously approved by voice vote. COMMUNITY FORUM Councilman Gonzalez announced that the Skate Park at Orange Memorial Park had to be closed several times recently due to the fact that participants were not wearing helmets. He encouraged parents to remind their children to wear helmets while skating. Councilman Gonzalez further announce that the Stop Violence Committee recently met at Morellos Hall and would be holding a Peace March sometime in the near future. Mayor Mullin requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of retired Police Corporal, Leo Crolsario, a member of the SSFPD for over 30 years and a Korean War Veteran. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Mullin adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m. in memory of Douglas Rankins and Retired Police Corporal, Leo Crolsario. Submitted by: , Ap o - ed: i 1 Wi P\ \- KristaJZMieTh, C C Kevin ullin, ayor City of South San Francis City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2011 MINUTES - 7 -