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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2012-01-11 S s4N MINUTES . . :' - Pi CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO e aL /FOR6\'' REGULAR MEETING MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012 CALL TO ORDER: TIME: 7:04 P.M. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Addiego, Matsumoto and Mullin, Vice Mayor Gonzalez and Mayor Garbarino. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Garbarino. PRESENTATIONS • Update on November 25, 2011 Water Line Failure by SFPUC. Steve Richie, SFPUC Assistant General Manager, appeared before Council to provide an update on the investigation into the November 25, 2011 Water Line Failure that occurred near Elm Court in South San Francisco. He noted that since he last addressed Council at its meeting on December 14, 2011, the independent expert report commissioned by the San Francisco City Attorney's Office was completed. The report identified several factors contributing to the failure, but the most significant was lack of sufficient restraint on the coupling. Flaws in the design process were identified and procedures were being reviewed and remedied to ensure this type of incident would not happen again. Mr. Richie continued and noted that SFPUC's review of its Emergency Response was still in progress. Further SFPUC was working on communication protocols to ensure regular and early communication of emergency incidents. The weekend of November 25 SFPUC's communication was not sufficiently active beyond the incident area. In addition to effect a more efficient emergency response, the Agency was examining the utility of additional remote operability on various line valves. Mr. Richie also advised that the SFPUC was working directly with City staff to determine the City's costs of responding to the incident so that those costs could be covered. Storm drains were being assessed and taken care of as necessary. Mr. Richie reiterated SFPUC's regret over the incident and assured Council it was making the improvements necessary to avoid such accidents in the future. Vice Mayor Gonzalez queried whether SFPUC was looking into creating alternative shut- off locations. Mr. Richie responded that remotely operated shut -off valves were being considered. Councilwoman Matsumoto stated her concern that even after controlling for the 18 minute SFPUC response time discrepancy against the City's record of the event, there was still an hour between the initial incident and the arrival of SFPUC's responders. There was then 2.7 hours between the SFPUC's arrival on the scene and the time the water was shut -off. Mr. Richie noted that SFPUC was as expeditious as possible under the circumstances, but response time was being reviewed. Responders in this instance were based out of the dispatch center in Millbrae. After arrival onsite, multiple time consuming tasks prevented immediate shut -off, including, 15 minutes getting through traffic to arrive at the site and the creation of a path to approach the incident site safely. Once at the incident site, SFPUC staff assessed the issue, determined the nature of the problem and identified the type of shut down operation that must take place. Councilman Mullin thanked Director of Public Works White for keeping Council up to date with respect to communication with SPUC relating to the incident. Based on reports he had seen from Director White, Councilman Mullin believed a few items merited further discussion. He first questioned who designed the particular ball joint at issue in the November 25 incident. Mr. Richie advised that in this particular case the part was originally designed with a ball joint that would move. Value engineering accomplishes the same result with less expensive methods. However, the internal investigation revealed it was an error not to have in place the restraint that would normally be called for. SFPUC was in the process of remedying this defect. Councilman Mullin next asked whether SFPUC would be able to identify which staff or contactor approved the deficient valve. Mr. Richie advised the Agency had been through discussions with all involved staff to identify who did what when. The expert report identified a deviation from the angle of the joint set forth in the original design specs. SFPUC does not believe this was the primary failure, but it may have contributed to the incident. Councilman Mullin next questioned whether the line was pressurized before all work was completed and if so why. Mr Richie responded the agency employs a lock out tag system. In this case the Contractor indicated work was complete and removed the locks in October. The site was then repressurized in November a few days before the incident took place. In essence, the 12 inch valve, which still had work to be done should have been locked out and was not. Councilman Mullin stated his hope that the Agency could take some learning out of this unfortunate event so that such incidents might be avoided in the future. He also questioned whether repairs to damaged sidewalks were being considered. Mr. Richie advised SFPUC was not aware of damage to sidewalks, but noted SFPUC would work to repair any such damage it was responsible for. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 2 Councilman Mullin next questioned when the seven (7) outstanding resident claims might be resolved. Mr. Richie advised ten (10) resident claims were already settled. All claims over $25,000 require Board Approval, which tends to hold the process up. All efforts were being made to expedite these claims as quickly as possible. Councilman Addiego thanked Mr. Richie for his presence. He further assured him of an 8 claim dealing with landscaping at a building at Magnolia and Miller. Councilman Addiego next expressed concern over the potential damage from a 60 inch line break as in this instance a 12 inch line break caused remarkable damage. He questioned whether response time would be the same. Mr. Richie stated that response time is dependent upon how quickly news of the incident gets to SFPUC. In closing, he advised Council that with improvements that were part of the water system improvement program, large, catastrophic breaks were less likely to occur. • MTEP Program Presentation. Director of Human Resources Mount presented an overview of the Management Talent Exchange Program ( "MTEP ") and thanked Council for its participation in the Program. She explained that through the program Managers can apply to work in sponsoring cities and gain valuable perspective and insight to bring back to their work in their respective cities. This past fall, the City had two employees participate in the exchange program and take on assignments in neighboring cities and received two participants. Christina Crosby of Fire Administration took an assignment in the Daly City City Manager's Office and Mich Mercado of Human Resources took an assignment in Brisbane's Economic and Community Development Department. The Housing and Community Development Department received Lisa Taitano of the Finance Department in the City of San Jose and The Public Works Department received Gabe Aponte from San Mateo's Human Resources Department. Director Mount invited the various participants and City Departments to comment on their experiences. Accordingly, participants commented as follows: Management Analyst II Christina Crosby of the Fire Department prepared a video for Council describing her experiences in the Daly City City Manager's Office. She noted that the multiple tasks she worked on deepened her understanding of all areas of City Government. She attended department head meetings and multijurisdictional meetings with Daly City City Manager Pat Martell and noted that she would not otherwise have had the opportunity to be exposed to this type of hands on learning experience. She advised she brought back a heightened understanding of how her work fits in with that of other City Departments and that these perspectives could not have been gained in another setting. She thanked Council for the opportunity to participate in the program. Senior Human Resource Analyst Mich Mercado described her experience working for the City of Brisbane in the MTEP Program. She noted the various projects in the area of Economic and Community Development that she had worked on. Analyst Mercado stated REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 3 that MTEP helped broaden and enhance her skills. With very little direction or guidance she was required to tap into resources, learn a new field and deliver results. Director of Public Works White described his Department's experience with the work of Gabe Aponte, an MTEP participant from the City of San Mateo's Human Resources Department. He assisted with a variety of projects that the Department had been aiming to complete including: Public Works Organization Chart, Dynamic Sewer Rate Pricing, Data/Report, Sewer Lateral Ordinance, Shopping Cart Ordinance, Contract Management, Flowcharts, CIP Revisions and Forms, SFPUC Reporting and Cost Recovery, Storm Water Connection Fee and a Garage Parts Inventory System. Mr. Aponte was an invaluable resource and he had an excellent impact on the City of South San Francisco. Manager of Housing and Community Development Fragoso described her Department's experience with Lisa Taitano from the City of San Jose's Finance Department. Ms. Taitano performed a number of tasks for the Department including On -site Monitoring Review of all (21) Grant Recipients in the City's CDBG and RDA grant programs. She also developed a Grant Programs Monitoring Protocol. Manager Fragoso thanked Council for participating in the MTEP Program and noted the tremendous opportunity for learning that it brought with it. City Manager of Daly City Pat Martell appeared to thank Council for allowing Christina Crosby to participate in the program. She noted that Christina completed significant projects for the City and noted her multitude of skills. Ms. Martell praised the MTEP Program for preparing the next generation of public mangers and leaders. She noted that South San Francisco stands as an example for other cities to emulate in this regard. Director Mount closed the presentation by noting that due to the success of the program, employees were advocating for a small scale MTEP Program within the City's own Departments. The Leadership Academy graduates were working on designing such a Program and would update Council on their efforts in the near future. Councilman Addiego stated he was impressed with the program and with staff's efforts to continue to find innovative ways to improve and hone employee's skills in these difficult economic times. Councilman Mullin commented on the significance of the program with respect to succession planning efforts and the retirements of baby boomers. He stated it was an ideal way to inspire individuals to move up the ranks and fill positions. Councilwoman Matsumoto praised the Program and noted she would look forward to an update on progress related to establishing an internal MTEP Program. AGENDA REVIEW None. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 4 PUBLIC COMMENTS Wynn Grcich appeared before Council and made comments relating to SFPUC staff and presentation from Dr. Wynn Parker that was heard in 2003 or 2004. Ms. Grcich then espoused the dangers of chloramine in drinking water and noted its adverse health effects .She closed by stating that corrosive pipes are hazardous to human health and the environment. Resident Michael Harris opined the Redevelopment Agency could avoid being derailed by filing for bankruptcy protection in Federal Court. He then requested that Council direct City staff look into a scheduled PG &E gas line installation that was going on near his home. Mike Francois read a passage from The Case Against Fluoride. The passage likened fluoridation to requiring people to take medicine without a prescription. ITEMS FROM COUNCIL • Announcements. • Committee Reports. Councilmembers reported on attendance at community meetings and events including a Meeting of the HOPE Interagency Council. Council congratulated the Police Department for recent assistance in the Sunshine Gardens Neighborhood in which a resident was advised late at night that his garage door was open. The Police Department was further congratulated for its recovery of certain DEA Seizure Funds. Announcements regarding upcoming events pertained to the following: A January 13 Round Table Discussion that would be held at the College of San Mateo pertaining to the Building of Healthy and Safe Communities for the County's youth. Specific items for further action and /or consideration were set forth as follows: Councilwoman Matsumoto advised of a rash of Catalytic Converter thefts from underneath resident's trucks in the City and requested that Captain Brosnan report on the subject. Captain Brosnan stated that thefts of Catalytic Converters are on the rise in the area. Three (3) suspects had recently been apprehended in South County in the last couple of days. He explained there was a black market that sells the metals that make up the piece. Councilwoman Matsumoto next commented on the NRT's report pertaining to tinted windows. She asked Captain Brosnan for an explanation of which windows were legal. Captain Brosnan stated the vehicle code identifies a percentage of tint that is legal. Generally if the front and drivers window appears altered in any way it is probably illegal. Most cars come with darker tint stock back windows that are usually legal. Vice Mayor Gonzalez questioned why car alarms were not being sounded by catalytic converter thefts. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 5 Captain Brosnan advised the individuals who take the equipment are highly skilled and have the technology to remove the Converter without much movement to the vehicle. Councilwoman Matsumoto continued her report and asked the Police Department to follow -up on bullying alleged by the members of the Boys and Girls Club by Los Cerritos Elementary and Park Way Junior High students. She next questioned an incident in which a Representative from Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 was not allowed to enter a jobsite. City Attorney Mattas advised he was consulting with staff on the issue. Councilman Addiego requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of long time resident and former owner of a Downtown Menswear Shop, Peter Maffei. He further requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of former City Councilman and Mayor Frank Mammini. Councilman Addiego next requested an update sometime in the near future pertaining to red light cameras and their success rates. He noted he believed the fine was difficult for many people to pay. Mayor Garbarino requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Theresa Tonnegato and Ralph Kennedy, the father of Assistant to the City Manager, Susan Kennedy. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve the minutes of December 14, 2011, and January 3, 2012. 2. Motion to approve expense claims of January 11, 2012. 3. Resolution No. 1 -2012 awarding consultant services agreement to Deborah Glasser Kolly, LLC, for labor negotiation services and authorizing the City Manager to sign the agreement. 4. Motion to accept 2011 Street Rehabilitation Project (Project No.st1201) as complete in accordance with the plans and specifications. Motion— Vice Mayor Gonzalez /Second— Councilman Addiego: to approve the Consent Calendar. Unanimously approved by voice vote. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 5. Resolution No 2 -2012 approving the City of South San Francisco's participation in the San Francisco Bay Region Automatic Aid Agreement for Maritime Emergency Response. Fire Chief White presented the staff report recommending that Council approve a Resolution authorizing participation in the San Francisco Bay Region Automatic Aid Agreement for Maritime Emergency Response. He noted Council had been briefed on the Resolution at its December 14, 2012 Regular Meeting at which Councilmembers questioned staff on the proposal. He asked whether Council had additional questions on the issue. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 6 Councilman Addiego stated that after meeting with the Fire Chief and reviewing the Department's Strategic Plan he felt comfortable signing on to the Agreement. He noted the Fire Department had secured a tremendous Maritime resource and that South San Francisco should participate with its neighbors in the agreement accordingly. Councilwoman Matsumoto stated that after meeting with the Fire Chief regarding the Maritime Plan she also supported the agreement. She also praised the Fire Department for its Program for Families in Need during the Holidays. Vice Mayor Gonzalez stated that the Chief addressed many of his concerns. Mayor Garbarino stated that he met with Chief White and looks forward to bigger and better things from the Department. Motion— Councilman Addiego /Second— Councilwoman Matsumoto: to approve Resolution No. 2 -2012. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 6. Resolution No. 3 -2012 Authorizing the Purchase of Tools and Equipment for our New High- Tech/Spartan Fire Engine in an amount not to exceed $68,790.50 Fire Battalion Chief Mosqueda presented the staff report recommending approval of the Resolution Authorizing the purchase of tools and equipment for the new high -tech Spartan Fire Engine in an amount not to exceed $68,790.50 and amending the Fire Department's 2011 and 2012 Operating Budget. He provided a brief background discussion noting that in February 2010 a special study session was held to discuss the recommendation of replacing Quint 65 with a fire engine, accelerating the replacement of two fire engines in the current fiscal year. Pursuant to this recommendation Council saved close to $75,000 per engine. In July of 2011, the City received delivery of the two (2) new fire engines and Quint 65 was replaced by Engine 65. An additional $68, 790.50 is needed to complete outfitting the engine with the necessary tools. By authorizing purchase of the equipment, Council would ensure that the fleet is equipped and well maintained to service emergencies in a safe and efficient manner. Councilwoman Matsumoto questioned whether funding would come from General Fund Reserves. City Manager Nagel advised the recommendation was being revised so that funding would actually come from the Equipment Replacement Fund. Motion— Councilman Mullin /Second— Councilwoman Matsumoto: to approve Resolution No. 3 -2012 and amending the proposed Resolution such that the 2011/2012 Equipment Replacement Fund Budget would be amended to fund the $68,790.50 obligation. Unanimously approved by voice vote. At the request of Vice Mayor Gonzalez, Chief White explained that Fire Equipment was being donated to the City's Sister City Atotonilco, Mexico and that a Public Safety Delegation from Atotonilco was coming to South San Francisco in February to receive training on the equipment and other public safety practices. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 7 7. Consideration of Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency status pursuant to AB xl 26. City Attorney Mattas presented the staff report explaining that State legislation adopted last year requires dissolution of all Redevelopment Agencies in the State by 1.31.12. The City has the opportunity to be the Redevelopment Agency's Successor Agency. The Successor Agency decision needs to be made by each city prior to January 31 If the City elects not to become the Successor Agency a Resolution to that effect needs to be adopted by January 13, 2012. It is staff's recommendation that Council become the Successor Agency on behalf of the City. Accordingly, staff was not recommending the resolution electing withdrawal from successor agency status, but was presenting Council with the option due to the looming deadline. Vice Mayor Gonzalez questioned the status of legislation establishing an extension for RDAs through April 15 City Attorney Mattas advised the legislation was still in process. Councilman Mullin stated his position that it would be a mistake for the City to withdraw from becoming the Successor Agency. City Attorney Mattas next advised Council of proposed legislation by Senator Steinberg proposed as an urgency measure pertaining to Successor Housing Agencies and relating to protection and administration of low to moderate income housing funds. At Council's recommendation staff was ready to prepare a letter for the Mayor's Signature supporting the legislation. Councilwoman Matsumoto questioned the City's obligation to provide low to moderate income housing when RDA is dissolved. City Attorney Mattas advised the obligations would still exist, however, the implementation would be subject to discussion. Council determined not to withdraw from the opportunity to serve as Successor Agency to the RDA and to consider action to become the Successor Agency at its January 25, 2012 Regular Meeting. It also sought to direct staff to draft a letter in support of the Steinberg Bill. City Attorney Mattas advised a motion was necessary to direct staff to draft the letter in support. Motion — Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second— Councilman Mullin: directing staff to draft a letter in support of the Steinberg legislation. Unanimously approved by voice vote. COMMUNITY FORUM Councilman Mullin was joined by Council in congratulating City Attorney Mattas for being named as one of the top 25 Municipal Lawyers by the widely circulated legal newspaper The Daily Journal. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 8 ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Garbarino adjourned the meeting at 9:02 P.M. in honor of Peter Maffei, Frank Mammini, Theresa Tonnegato and Ralph Kennedy. Submitted by: Ap. •ved: I idailiteuotr to . artin , City -r RI hard A. Garbarino, Mayor I/a lA City of South San FrarJsco City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2012 MINUTES 9