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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2014-03-12 @7:00MINUTES wTH sANF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO c�LIFO R��P REGULAR MEETING MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 33 ARROYO DRIVE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER TIME: 7:06 P.M. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Addiego, Gupta and Normandy, Vice Mayor Garbarino and Mayor Matsumoto. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Matsumoto AGENDA REVIEW No changes. PRESENTATIONS • Certificates of Recognition for California Parks and Recreation Society Awards, Vice Mayor Garbarino presented the certificates to Marciel Dela Cruz and faculty of the South San Francisco Unified School District who were in attendance to represent the Youth Government Day Program. 0 Council Presentation - Social Services and Providers. Alin Lancaster of the Housing and Community Development Division summarized the staff report, providing information on the changes resulting from the cancellation of the North Peninsula Neighborhood Services Center ( "NPNSC "). The San Mateo County Human Services Agency located on Huntington would now be providing information and referrals, shelter referrals, emergency food, assistance with accessing emergency utility assistance, transportation assistance and the holiday program; as well as searching for a new core agency to replace NPNSC. Residents could also seek similar services through the Salvation Army, located across the street from the Human Services Agency at the corner of Spruce and Huntington. NPNSC would be open until the end of March but only for providing emergency food services. Recommended as the new core agency was the YMCA Youth Service Bureau; contract negotiations were currently under way. If approved, their services would be expanded to encompass the services that were formerly offered by NPNSC. Rebranding efforts would also be undertaken as well as the possibility of adopting after hours and weekend service hours. Mayor Matsumoto expressed concern about access to the services for people using public transportation or those on foot. Ms. Lancaster highlighted the fact that all services would now be located in one central area, whereas before, clients had to travel throughout the community to receive assistance. The location was also centrally located for both City and San Bruno residents, the population of service. Councilmember Addiego stated that many were sad to see NPNSC go because they had been in operation for 35 years. He was grateful that YMCA had stepped up because he understood many agencies located outside of the City were vying to be the core services agency. He felt the outcome was good given the exit of NPNSC. Vice Mayor Garbarino stated he was glad the social safety net services would remain local. PUBLIC COMMENTS Constituent Services Director for Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Mark Nagales stated one of the proudest things he has been able to accomplish through the Congresswoman's office was assisting veterans. In the past 2 years, the Congresswoman's office has helped recover over $4 million in veteran's benefits. Earlier in the day, he attended funeral services for World War II veteran Jake Ventrello, an individual who had been vocal about the treatment of veterans and who himself had received a large retroactive payment after speaking with local news reporters. Mr. Nagales also informed the public that Congresswoman Speier would be holding a press conference on Monday, March 17, on the dangers of human trafficking. Belen Seara, Project Coordinator for Coalition of Community Benefits invited residents to attend a walking tour of the downtown area on March 22. The tour would begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Caltrain station. For more information and to R.S.V.P., she asked people to visit the website at www.healthycommunitiesbayarea.org Del Schembari of San Bruno Mountain Watch spoke in reference to issues on Sign Hill. As one of the parcels was currently for sale, he had hoped a partnership could be forged with the City to see if something could be done before development was proposed. COUNCIL COMMENTS /REQUESTS Vice Mayor Garbarino requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of the aforementioned Jake Ventrella and Lillian Matsumoto, mother of Mayor Matsumoto. Councilmember Addiego requested the meeting be adjourned in honor of former South San Francisco motorcycle cop, Mike Dixon. The Councilmember also reported on the creation of a new entity called the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, which had been created without a REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 2 funding mechanism in place. He thought the item may be worthy of further discussion as they may be going to the ballot to request money from bay area citizens, some of whom do not have local representation on the board. He also saw the potential for the measure to be competition for other San Mateo County taxing measures. Mayor Matsumoto reported on her recent trip to Washington DC with Samtrans in an effort to get money for transportation matters. She also reported out of the Transportation Authority meeting in which 10 out of 23 projects received Measure A funding; unfortunately, the City's project was not awarded funding. Additional information was provided regarding the allocation of $9.6 million for a study on the three remaining hold out tracks located in South San Francisco, Burlingame and Atherton. Lastly, the Mayor warned residents about people who have been impersonating City workers and asked staff if all city employees carried badges. Interim Assistant City Manager, Kathy Mount stated all employees were issued badges but was not sure if staff actually carried them. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve City Council minutes for the meeting of December 11, 2013, February 10, 2014, and February 26, 2014. 2. Motion confirming payment registers for March 12, 2014. 3. Resolution approving an amendment to the lease agreement with Sprint Spectrum Realty Company, LLC for the cell phone tower at Sellick Park. 4. Waive reading and adopt an ordinance amending chapter 8.54 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code relating to a limit on administrative fees. 5. Resolution amending the maintenance contract with Gonzalez Construction and General Contractor, Inc. Council requested discussion on items 3 and 5. Item 3 - Councilmember Addiego sought clarification on what was being done to the tower as the photos included in the report did not illustrate that clearly. Information Technology Director Doug Hollis explained the changes in the dimensions of the cabinetry. The cabinet would be expanded from 5 feet high to 7 feet high and would be 2 feet wider; the height of the pole would remain the same. Mayor Matsumoto and Councilmembers expressed concern about the size and aesthetics of the equipment and Councilmember Gupta noted the increase would actually be substantial, from four square feet to nine square feet. Other comments made were about having the equipment resemble a tree, like other towers. Council also expressed the potential for health concerns but understood the Federal Communications Commission had jurisdiction over the matter. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 3 Director Hollis stated there were some towers that looked like trees but not in this area. The City discourages placement of towers in parks but this is an already existing structure. As far as changing the look, Director Hollis stated he would take whatever direction Council provided. Mayor Matsumoto asked if the matter had gone before the Planning Commission. Interim City Manager Mattas stated this particular tower had not, and suggested Council continue the item if further discussion about the aesthetics was wanted. There was consensus from Council to continue the item. Item 5 - Councilmember Addiego asked about the progress. He understood the home that needed additional work was the only home that had a family residing in it. Now that the family was relocated and with the home being offered to the emancipated youth program, he wanted to make sure the City would not be responsible for further relocation costs. Housing Redevelopment Manager Norma Fragoso stated per the lease agreement, relocation costs were not required for the five properties being leased by the county. However, the buildings that held existing tenants had long standing relocation obligations; these were the three existing tenants at the Miller Avenue location. Motion - Councilmember Gupta/Second - Councilmember Addiego: to approve consent calendar items 1,2,4, and 5 and continuing item 3 to address aesthetics as directed by Council. Unanimously approved by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING 6. Public Hearing on the 2014 -2015 One Year Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Public Hearing opened at 7:53 p.m. Community Development Specialist Alin Lancaster summarized the staff report calling for public comments on the housing, community and economic development needs of the community. Staff was requesting Council direction on funding priorities to the CDBG subcommittee. The approximate total budget was $600,000 but actual entitlement should be known early next week. Applications were received from public service agencies and minor home repair programs with budgeting recommended at $67,000 and $60,000 respectively. City sponsored housing rehabilitation programs were also being implemented with a recommended budget of $220,000. There had been no applications received for public facility improvements, however the Parks and Recreation Department did request funds for ADA improvements. At a previous study session, Council shifted the usual funding for ADA to right -of -way improvements in the downtown. Before opening public comment, Mayor Matsumoto stated she may be rethinking the funding shift given where the City has to go in terms of ADA. She also asked if the applicants would consider accepting $5000 as opposed to $10,000 in an effort to make a broader impact with the funds. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 4 Representatives from the following agencies made public comment, each highlighting their particular program's past accomplishments and current needs, and responding to questions asked by Council: Parca, Rebuilding Peninsula Together, Health Mobile Dental Services, HIP Housing, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, YMCA Mental Health, El Concilio of San Mateo County, CORA, Legal Aide Society of San Mateo County, StarVista, Samaritan House /Safe Harbor, Rape Trauma Services, and Project Sentinel. All speakers said they were willing to accept any amount awarded by Council. Being no further comment, Mayor Matsumoto closed the public hearing at 8:53 p.m. and called for Council discussion. Mayor Matsumoto asked why the Legal Aide Society was listed under public service activities and Project Sentinel was listed under fair housing as their applications displayed an overlap of services. Specialist Lancaster noted that Project Sentinel was a HUD certified fair housing provider, and the City was mandated to fund them as such. Being no further comment, Mayor Matsumoto recessed the meeting at 8:53 p.m. Meeting resumed at 9:09 p.m. 7. Resolution approving Amendment Two to the Professional Services Agreement with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) for the Automated Red Light Enforcement program. Mayor Matsumoto opened the public hearing at 9:10 p.m. Public Safety Chief Mike Massoni summarized the staff report, providing information on the contract expiration date and updated contract provisions should Council chose to renew. Statistical data on accidents and citations issued at the monitored intersections was provided. A late development was reported, informing Council that Caltrans was now requiring any new or renewed program be approved by Caltrans as justified by a traffic study. Public Works Director McMinn could speak further on the study if Council decided to move forward with renewing the contract. Staff's original recommendation was for renewal, but given the latest development, staff now recommended a contract extension until December 31, allowing time to permit the required traffic study. Options were to 1) Not renew and let expire, or 2) accept amendment as presented and direct staff to conduct traffic study as required by Caltrans. Depending on whether or not the program met the warrants, it would either be terminated or opened up for all negotiations. A decision was needed by the next meeting of March to allow proper notification time to ATS. Public Comment - John Bergener, resident and civil engineer with background in traffic engineering questioned the true motive behind the cameras. Rebuttals submitted by Jim Lisner and others provided viable engineering alternatives for decreasing accidents. He asked that Council not extend the contract with ATS. Being no further comment, Mayor Matsumoto closed the public hearing at 9:19 p.m. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 5 Council comments reflected a need to further understand the statistics provided regarding accidents and issuance of tickets, as well as the reported expenses and revenues. A request was made for the Chief to recalculate the numbers and bring them back for further study. Specific questions posed included: why 30 percent of the citations had been dismissed, what are the components involved in the newly required traffic study, and in what capacity would ATS be involved with the traffic study. Chief Massoni described several incidents in which tickets issued would be dismissed including the prerogative of a judge or perhaps the driver was part of a large funeral procession. ATS's role in the study would be to provide funding only. Director McMinn spoke to the traffic study, stating that it would include an evaluation of signal timing, yellow phase timing, collision timing, patters and frequency and other potential counter measures that could help reduce incidents. This would be done with the assistance of an engineering consultant. There was a level of discomfort expressed about ATS working with the City on the traffic study in any capacity as they have a vested interest. Further concern was expressed about the citizenry feeling there was collusion between government and corporations to make profit. The suggestion was made to have the contract extended on a month to month basis. Further comments, questions and requests included: receiving copies of minutes from the bay area cities that have taken the cameras out, particularly San Rafael and Belmont; a request for further data to conduct further cost - benefit analysis; further scrutiny of where tax payer money was going, as it appeared to be going towards the profits of a commercial entity; consideration of other engineering measures to reduce accidents. Comments were also made regarding the cost of the contract versus the cost of additional traffic officers and whether or not the lights were located in the correct area to begin with. Councilmember Addiego personally felt the danger of accidents was more prominent at Westborough and Junipero Serra. Mayor Matsumoto understood and shared Councils' concerns regarding the expense of the contract and ATS's involvement with the study, but she was still in favor of renewing the contract. As a resident, she has seen the dangerous behavior of drivers and noticed a change in that since the installation of the cameras. She could not see placing additional officers in lieu of the lights as the department was already down too many officers. Chief Massoni gave a ballpark figure, stating the fee paid to ATS last year would pay for two full time peace officers. Councilmember Addiego made one more comment regarding an allegation that the City is paying for one camera too many and asked to be further educated on the matter the next time the item is heard. Motion to continue the hearing to the meeting of March 26, 2014. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 6 8. "Centennial Village" Safeway Shopping Center Shamain Partnership /Owner WT Mitchell Group, Inc /Applicant 180 El Camino Real (APN 014 - 183 -110) P 11 -0065: UP 11 -0006, DR 11 -0019, ND 12 -0004, DA 13 -0002 & TDM 13 -0001 Consideration of Planning Commission recommendation to approve a Use Permit, Design Review, Transportation Demand Management Plan, Development Agreement and Mitigated Negative Declaration to construct a mixed -use project including approximately 222,000 square feet of commercial space and 285 residential units on a 14.5 acre site located at 180 El Camino Real in the El Camino Real Mixed Use (ECRMX) Zoning District, in accordance with SSFMC Titles 19 and 20. Public Hearing opened at 9:54 p.m. Associate Planner Billy Gross summarized the staff report, providing a background of the project history and updates. The previous plans included three phases with no guarantee of residential and was subsequently denied. The current proposal includes completion in two phases and the inclusion of housing in both phases. Changes in the phasing and development agreement were reviewed. Language regarding affordable and inclusionary housing was accurate and case law referred to by a letter from Ms. Tracy Choi did not apply to this project. Planner Gross reviewed staff recommendations for approval and alternate recommendations should Council choose to deny. Council wished to hear from the developer before further consideration. Bill Mitchell of WT Mitchel Group gave a partial presentation providing information on the project and the changes that had been made in the last seven months. Information included the sites proximity to BART, SamTrans lines and the Centennial Trail, its adherence to the guiding principles of the Grand Boulevard initiative and the phasing of the project. Tenant location, structuring of the parking and site entrance information was detailed. Space was planned in efforts that would promote the most optimum use and accessibility. Other benefits discussed included that 45 percent of the property taxes would go to the local school district, creating an additional $800,000 in taxes without an additional burden on the district as most units are studio and one - bedroom. The City would get $700,000 every year for its share of property and regional sales tax, helping provide extra discretionary funds that could be used for some of the improvements he heard the community express a need for, such as field improvements. Lastly, Mr. Mitchell expressed his hopes that Council would follow the recommendation of staff and approve the project. Resident Joe Stagelini provided public comment, asking for an approximate time frame for the start of construction. He expressed concern for safety and wide berth vehicles being on Spruce, which he felt was too narrow to accommodate. Mayor Matsumoto informed him that the responsibility belonged to the Public Works department for staging in a way that would be the least burdensome. Being no further comment, Mayor Matsumoto closed the public hearing at 10:15 p.m. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 7 Overall, Council expressed satisfaction with where the project was now and all of the changes made regarding the phasing, housing, prevailing wage and development agreement. Council appreciated the developer's willingness to come around and present what was finally felt to be a superior project. Staff was thanked for the work and for putting together a great development agreement. Council sought assurance as to the quality of the project and asked for an approximate timeframe for groundbreaking. Mr. Mitchell asserted that the project was of very high quality in every aspect. If approved, the groundbreaking was expected to happen 12 months from now with the opening being approximately 12 months from that. Mr. Stangelini had a follow up question as to what would happen if Safeway was sold. Mr. Mitchell received recent news that the Northern California division of Safeway was not being touched. This particular location was important for them and he didn't imagine there would be an issue. Mayor Matsumoto reported reading similar news in the Wall Street Journal. Vice Mayor Garbarino sought clarification on the clause related to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy being dependent on the start of housing construction. Planner Gross stated that the vertical wall framing of the residential would need to be started before the certificate of occupancy for the commercial could be issued. Mayor Matsumoto expressed gratitude for the developer agreeing to have the certified payroll monitored as assurance that the commitments made regarding prevailing wage were being adhered to. Motion - Councilmember Gupta/Second - Councilmember Addiego: to approve Resolution No. 30 -2014. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Motion - Councilmember Addiego /Second - Councilmember Gupta: to approve Resolution No. 31 -2014. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Motion - Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second - Councilmember Normandy: to introduce ordinance. Unanimously approved by voice vote. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9. Approval of Mid -year 2013 -14 Financial Report and Resolutions Accepting County Measure A funds and committing local matching funds and amending the 2013 -14 Budget. Finance Director Jim Steele summarized the staff report, providing highlights of the local economy and an overview of the General Fund's revenues and expenditures, reserves, and other funds. Staff was recommending Council adopt two resolutions: (1) accept $400,000 in Measure A grant funding to remodel the Grand Avenue Library and commits to local share; and (2)amend the City's 2013 -14 Operating Budget to adjust mid -year revenues and expenses consistent with REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 8 the Summary of Budget Amendment Changes f which a revised version was delivered to Council this evening. Mayor Matsumoto sought information on the City's matching portion of the $400,000 for Measure A funds. Director Steele noted Library Director Sommer was proposing using salary savings to be appropriated into the Capital Improvement Project in addition to some donations that the library has received. Total budget is approximately $700,000 of which $400,000 would be funded through Measure A. The Mayor spoke of a recent conversation she had where she was told San Francisco was placing a vehicle license fee on the upcoming ballot. Director Steele explained the state had sold deficit reduction bonds in recent years and paid for them by moving revenues around within the budget. One thing they swapped was state taxes for a back fill, that is the triple flip. Those dollars are being used up very highly in our county because we have wealthier school districts than the average. Councilmember Gupta sought clarification on the "triple flip ". His understanding was it was a zero impact as far as cities are concerned but now he sees that the City lost $300,000. Director Steele stated counties such as San Mateo, where the school districts take up more of the property taxes, were not accounted for when this was up. Money that would have normally gone to the City was taken by the school district, and it will not coming back. Motion - Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second - Councilmember Gupta: to approve Resolution No. 32- 2014. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Motion - Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second - Councilmember Addiego: to approve Resolution No. 33 -2014. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 10. Resolution approving a City Manager Employment Agreement between the City of South San Francisco and Michael Futrell for services as City Manager. Interim City Attorney Jason Rosenberg presented the staff report recommending approval of the two year contract between City and Mike Futrell for service as City Manager. The contract would begin on April 7 and contained provisions on salary and severance. The Mayor and Council expressed their excitement for Mr. Futrell to join the City and how they each looked forward to seeing how he would help the City achieve its goals. They also expressed thanks to Paul Kimura of Avery and Associates for the recruitment services rendered and to Interim City Manager Mattas for stepping into the role when he was needed. Motion - Councilmember Addiego /Second - Vice Mayor Garbarino: to approve Resolution No. 34 -2014. Unanimously approved by voice vote. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 9 ITEMS FROM COUNCIL — COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilmember Gupta reported on conversations he had been having about biotechnology workforce development opportunities with several key stakeholders. He sought Councils' input about holding a one -day conference in October that would bring all of the stakeholders together to discuss how to maximize available resources in creating a program such as this. Council suggested developing a budget first. The Mayor suggested talking to Assembly member Mullin, State Senator Hill, and the State Commerce Department's Biotechnology Subcommittee. Vice Mayor Garbarino suggested getting some money from some of the main companies like Amgen and Genentech. He could provide contacts if needed. Councilmember Normandy invited everyone to participate in the Paradise Valley tree planting event on March 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and reported business out of the latest HOPE Agency meeting. Mayor Matsumoto announced an extension of the recruitment period for Boards and Commissions and encouraged registered voters to apply for this worthwhile opportunity. Vice Mayor Garbarino announced the Citizens Academy had been cancelled due to the fact there was not enough participation. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Matsumoto adjourned the meeting at 11:00 p.m. Submitted by: Anna M. Brown, Deputy City Clerk City of South San Francisco App ved Karyl mtsumoto, Mayor City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 10