HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2000-02-09MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR MEETING
February 9, 2000
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
CALL TO ORDER:
7:32 p.m.
(Cassette Tape No. 1)
ROLL CALL: Present:
Councilmembers Datzman, Penna,
Mullin, Mayor Pro Tem Fernekes
and Mayor Matsumoto
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE:
Led by Mayor Matsumoto
INVOCATION:
Reverend Richard Neeley, Grand Avenue Baptist
Church
AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Wilson requested Agenda Item No. 10 be continued at the request of the
developer.
PRESENTATIONS
· Proclamation recognizing South San Francisco resident Filomina Bonino-presented by
Mayor Pro Tem Femekes and received by her daughter Diva and grandson David Venturini.
· Introduction of new and recently promoted employees-the following introductions were
made:
City Attorney Mattas introduced new employee Eileen Manning-Villar.
Director Nagel, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Maintenance Services, introduced new
employees Fernando Alfaro and Brian Brunelli.
Chief Lee, Fire Department, introduced new employees Tom Carney, Janet Clark, Melissa
Vincent, Stewart Clark, Bryan Golden, Todd Rael, Bryan Verna and John Youngblood.
Chief Raffaelli, Police Department, introduced promoted employees Sergeant A1 Normandy,
Corporal Steve Nelson, Corporal John Kallas, Corporal Jeff Azzopardi, and Dispatcher Bill
Lind.
Presentation by RCN Telecom Services of California- Mr. Jeff Spiegelman reported on the
status of the installation and activation of services within the city. He commented that they
are receiving a positive response from the public. They have completed fifty percent of
construction; the balance will be completed by the year 2001. City Manager Wilson inquired
as to when the Council meetings would be televised. Mr. Spiegelman explained that they
have to work out an agreement with the current cable company. Mayor Matsumoto asked if
the customers would be getting a refund if service was interrupted. His response was that the
customer would have to request it. Councilman Mullin commented that it was wonderful
that the city had a choice of cable companies.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Jackie Williams, 242 Longford Drive, read a letter in regards to the General Plan School
Zoning designations. She requested that her letter and other documents be copied and sent to the
Council.
Ms. Karen Hobin, 43 Bradford Drive, is in favor of a school zone designation. Her main concern
was if the school is sold or converted to other uses. She felt schools are needed for the new
families in the area.
Ms. Karen Torres, 18 Arlington Drive, feels there are a lot of new houses and families in the city
and that the schools would be needed.
Ms. Sophie Mason, 10 Arlington Drive, spoke in regards to Measure B. She wanted to make
sure everyone knew that there were a lot of resident voters backing the measure and that they
should get credit not just the oil company. She also supports the school zone designation.
Ms. Sara Nichols, 144 Longford Drive, is in favor of a school zone designation. She is afraid
that Serra Vista and Foxridge could be sold to anyone without the residents in the area being
notified. She feels that the designation of school zones would insure the safety of our schools
and education.
Ms. Doris McLaughlin, 269 Dundee Drive, is concerned with Serra Vista School. She would
like to see all the schools designated as school zones. If Serra Vista is sold and developed, it
can't be bought back.
Mrs. Carol Simas, 110 Hickey Boulevard, read an open letter to Council regarding the violations
of the Brown Act and a tax rebate from Costco. She informed Council that she would be filing a
formal complaint with the District Attorney's Office regarding the violations of the Brown Act.
Mr. Charles Grech, 779 Newman Drive, has been a resident in the city for forty-five years and he
is in favor of keeping the school zone designations. He would like to see the City worry about
the quality of life. He feels the city does not need Costco and its traffic.
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Mr. Alan Beers, 226 E1 Campo Drive, objects to people who do not live in the city making
derogatory remarks to the Council. He commented that Measure B is about the competition from
the proposed gas station at Costco. He feels competition is good for the city.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Councilman Penna commented that the Conference Center Authority met last week and they will
be interviewing/hiring consultants to study how the Conference Center can best serve the
community. Next week Mayor Pro Tem Fernekes and he will be on the panel to choose a
consultant.
Councilman Datzman mentioned that he received two phone calls regarding paving on Chestnut
Avenue between Mission Road and E1 Camino. He asked if there was a date when the public
could see an improvement.
Mayor Matsumoto attended a dedication ceremony of the new Colma Creek Linear Park on
January 29. She invites the public to a stroll the Linear Park. She also, recommends that the
public be aware of the facts when they vote on Measure B. She recommended if the public had
any questions they can call the City hotline. She will return the phone calls to explain why she
supports the General Plan amendment.
COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Datzman reported that he attended a school liaison committee meeting with Mayor
Pro Tem Femekes on January 25. The residents voiced their concerns regarding the Serra Vista
School site. As a sub-committee, he and Mayor Pro Tem met with City Manager Wilson; they
will come back to Council with a recommendation. An immediate recommendation has already
been shared with the Winston Manor Homeowners Association and School Board Member
Dell'Angela. The sub-committee is requesting time to speak with the residents and work out a
possible agreement with the Homeowners Association. The three areas of concern are that the
school not be sold, the school be maintained and there be a process if the school is up for sale.
The suggestion is that they wait for ninety days to work out an agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Fernekes agreed with Councilman Datzman, but reiterated the importance of the
public having input on the use of the property since the public owns the school site.
In reference to Mrs. Simas' comments, Councilman Mullin asked City Attorney Mattas if there
had been a Brown Act violation. City Attorney Mattas responded, "No" there had not been a
violation. Councilman Mullin reported on the Airport Community Roundtable meeting. He
mentioned that South San Francisco again was the leader in aircraft noise complaints. He will be
requesting an expansion of the noise insulation boundaries in the city immediately. He
suggested that all noise complaints be called into the Airport with the date and time that it
occurred. He also attended the League of California Cities Conference on employee relations.
He invited the public to attend the debate on Measure B being held at the Municipal Services
Building at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22. He mentioned that for the record there have not
been tax give-aways nor will there be. He requested that both sides are heard on the issue and
that people make up their minds on the facts. The Homeless Shelter Task Force has identified a
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site in Burlingame. It has not been secured, but is currently number one on the list of sites to be
considered. They hope to have a site secured at their next meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve minutes of the January 19, 22 and 26 special meetings and January 26,
2000 regular meeting
2. Motion to confirm expense claims of February 9, 2000 in the amount of $4,318,663.05
Resolution No. 13-2000, accepting donation from RCN Telecom Services of California
to support Community Learning Center activities in the amount of $3,046.00
Resolution No. 14-2000, supporting Proposition 14, the California Reading & Literacy
Improvement and Public Library Construction Bond Act of 2000
Resolution No. 15-2000, awarding a contract to LC General Engineering & Construction
for Aircraft Noise Insulation Program Phase XIX C in the amount of $809,736
Receive and file 1998-1999 year end Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, including
the 1998-1999 year end Redevelopment Agency Financial Statements and Associated
Financial Statements, and the 1998-99 State Redevelopment Report
Resolution No. 16-2000 amending City Attorney's 1999-2000 operating budget for
litigation expenses in the amount of $205,000
Motion-Mullin/Second-Fernekes: To approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Unanimously approved by voice vote.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Review of City of South San Francisco mid-year 1999-2000 financial status and
resolution approving budget amendment to adjust various revenues, expenses and
advances
(Recess: 8:40 p.m. - 8:50 p.m.)
Staff report and visual presentation given by Finance Director Steel.
Councilman Mullin questioned what the date was on the amended budget. Finance
Director Steele responded that it was as of December 31, 1999. Councilman Mullin
mentioned that the Capital Improvement Budget has many long-term projects that are
funded on an annual budget, but there is never enough money to meet all the needs. He
questioned where the sales tax is derived from.
(Cassette Tape No. 2)
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Councilman Datzman questioned the sewage rate increase. Finance Director Steele
explained that the rate increases were recommended by a consulting firm to coincide with
the Water Quality Control Plant expansion project. Councilman Datzman noted that our
rates were favorable compared to the adjoining communities. He also questioned the
increase in the Fire Department budget. Chief Lee explained that additional overtime
was needed to fill vacated positions. They also hired additional contract help in the Fire
Prevention/Building Division. He commented that our city is used to high level services.
Councilman Mullin asked Chief Lee if employee exit surveys are done and if they are,
what are the reasons for the departures. He responded that both the Fire Department and
Human Resources do surveys. The major reason is that the people are moving closer to
their homes. Councilman Mullin also had concerns why the Fire Department had people
leaving and the Police Department did not.
Mayor Matsumoto asked if the Community Preservation Ordinance had an impact.
Chief Lee responded that it did not.
Mayor Pro Tern Fernekes commented that we have an excellent Fire Department.
Ms. Jackie Williams, 242 Longford Drive, wanting to address the Council, noted Good
and Welfare was omitted from the Agenda. City Attorney Mattas advised Council that
Good and Welfare is not required and an opportunity was provided under Oral
Communications. Ms. Williams stated her dissatisfaction.
Mayor Pro Tern Fernekes commented on the General Fund reserves and said that the
Finance Department produced an excellent report.
Councilman Penna had questions on the economic trends of South San Francisco.
Finance Director Steele explained that business to business is a large portion our sales tax
revenue. He further explained that businesses locate here because they are involved with
trade. City Manager Wilson said that the R&D firms are starting to climb up on the sales
and use list. Councilman Penna questioned the variance on the business to business tax.
City Manager Wilson explained that parking tax is now included. Councilman Penna
recommended that besides an amended budget and the projected actual, if they could see
in categories where there have been changes due to any special circumstances.
Councilman Mullin asked if the booking fees are recurring and do they have to be
allocated each year. City Manager Wilson commented that it is a year per year
determination.
Councilman Penna wanted to know what was being done from the standpoint of the City
going back to the State and asking for a refund on the funds that were taken by the State.
He felt that this would be an ideal time because of the surplus of funds. City Manager
Wilson said that the League of California Cities is focusing on ERAF. Councilman
Mullin stated he is on one of the committees and that the return of ERAF money is not
something that they predict is going to happen in the short term. Councilman Datzman
announced that at a previous meeting of the City and County Association of
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Governments, he requested the City Manager draft a letter from the City to the governor
expressing our concerns regarding ERAF.
Councilman Datzman said that he gave a community presentation and the budget was
part of it. He brought up the fact that people think that the city is driven by property tax.
He said sales tax is becoming far more significant.
Mayor Matsumoto said she had heard a rumor that cities are to share taxes and is it
something the City should be concerned about. City Manager Wilson said the City
should be concerned. It is in a proposal being discussed under the County Transportation
Tax.
Councilman Mullin said the Association of Bay Area Governments has recommended a
sub regional approach to tax sharing and that they are having difficulty in doing it.
The practicality of getting all the cities and counties to agree is very difficult. A
discussion on E-Commerce ensued with City Manager Wilson.
Motion-Datzman/Second-Fernekes: To approve Resolution No. 17-2000, approving
budget amendment to adjust various revenues, expenses and advances.
9. Information-report on taxicab ordinance
Report given by Police Chief Raffaelli.
Councilman Penna asked why other cab companies come to the city without permits.
Chief Raffaelli stated that it is very hard to regulate cab service in the residential
community.
Chief Rafaelli explained that if a new cab company wants to do business in our city they
must submit an application. The Planning Division has the responsibility for conducting
the investigation.
Councilman Datzman's concern was if the current cab company was not providing a
level of service, then we should look at other options. He commented that the current cab
company needs to change with the needs of the city. He would like to see a study to see
if the needs are being met and also the level of complaints.
Mayor Matsumoto asked if the level of service is being met.
City Manager Wilson suggested that an analysis be done.
Jahad, Bubble Cab Company, Burlingame commented that the public should have a
choice on cab companies. He feels that the best way is to provide service is to have many
cab companies available to the public.
Mr. Paul Davies, Hillsborough Yellow Cab, Hillsborough, commented that the other cab
companies that come into the city to pick up customers are not registered with the Police
Department. It is a safety issue.
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10.
Oakmont Vistas: Consideration of Negative Declaration, ND-98-054; Planned Unit
Development, PUD-98-054; Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map, SA-98-054; Tentative
Parcel Map, PM-98-054 - a 33 unit single family residential subdivision; Applicant: John
Hansen PSC, Inc. (continued from January 26, 2000)
Item continued to the March 22, 2000 regular meeting.
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL None
ADOURNMENT
Motion-Penna/Second-Fernekes: To adjourn the meeting at 10:04 p.m. in the memory of South
San Francisco Fire Inspector Bob Ost, June 8, 1960 - January 31, 2000. Unanimously approved
by voice vote.
Respectfully Submitted:
Deputy City Clerk
City of South San Francisco
Approved:
Karyl Matsumoto, Mayor
City of South San Francisco
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