HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2000-08-16 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 16, 2000
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
1. Call to Order 6:04 p.m.
2. Roll Call Present:
Councilmembers Gonzalez, Mullin and
Penna, Mayor Pro Tern Fernekes and Mayor
Matsumoto
Absent:
None
Staff Present:
City Manager Wilson, City Attorney Mattas,
Assistant City Manager Moss, Economic &
Community Development Director Van Duyn,
Finance Director Steele, Redevelopment Project
Manager Beyer, Housing & Community
Development Manager Fragoso, Chief Planner
Sparks, and Project Consultant Sanchez
Terranomics:
Mr. Mark Seiler, Mr. Steve Wehr, Mr. Merritt
Sher, and Mr. Ed Fernandez
Others Present:
Mr. Rob Giorgi, Mr. Steve Giorgi, Mr. Tom
Giorgi, Mr. Rick Ochsenhirt, Ms. Jackie Williams,
Ms. Evelyn Raffin, Ms. Dolores Calegari, Mr. Jim
Metz, Mr. Don Mason, and Mr. Greg Cochran
3. Public Comments: None.
4. Discussion: Terranomics - update and project concept
Staff report presented by Project Manager Beyer.
Mr. Steve Weir informed Council that his team is looking for a consensus on the proposal
and an indication if it is going in the right direction. He listed the objectives of the project:
1) a major focal point; 2) frames Grand Avenue; 3) links east and west of Highway 101; 4)
identifiable from Highway 101; 5) utilizes pedestrian access from Caltrain; 6) enhances
existing demographics; 7) in-scale with downtown; 8) first class construction; 9) interacts
with Linden and Baden Avenues; 10) a good economic return for the Redevelopment
Agency, and 11) creates positive momentum in the downtown.
Presentation of conceptual schematics was given by architect, Mr. Ed Fernandez.
Mr. Weir stated residential was not included due to limited area and that offices will bring
more people to infuse the downtown. An urban infill developer will do the residential as a
subcontractor. He stated that major city downtowns are defined by their office component,
retail and residential will follow.
Councilman Penna's concerns included consideration being given to other property
owners, wind factor and location of atrium needed along Linden Avenue, ingress/egress
onto Baden Avenue, and adequate parking. He stated his agreement with Mr. Weir's
statement that if you start with offices--retail and residential will follow. He commented
that he did not want to be locked-in exclusively with Terranomics for Phase II, as other
developers' interest may now be stimulated to build in the downtown.
Mayor Pro Tem Fernekes commented on the elimination of residential in the first phase.
He stated that he'd like the architecture to be creative, complement the area and not be
conspicuous. He suggested brick be included in the design, a scale model to help visualize
the project and its relationship with surrounding buildings, and less parking to encourage
public transportation.
Councilman Gonzalez commented on the project's architecture and that it needs to identify
with old town. Other concerns included building's color and that it complement
surrounding buildings.
Councilman Mullin concurred with the previous objection of a monolithic-type
development. He suggested brick be included in the design of the atrium, and supported
the suggestion that a second atrium be on Linden Avenue. He reviewed each of the
objectives for the project and the importance of linking east of Highway 101 with the west.
Mr. Weir commented that the businesses that locate in the project will attract those E 101.
Councilman Mullin stressed the importance that buildings be in scale, have a symbiosis,
and that residential is crucial for the area. Councilman Mullin asked Mr. Fernandez to
provide a list, with addresses, of facilities he designed in the Bay Area. Mr. Fernandez
mentioned several projects he has been involved in and one near Jack London Square that
has the same type of context as this proposal.
Mayor Matsumoto further discussed and questioned the objective of the project being
identifiable from Highway 101 and linking with East of 101. She stated her concerns
regarding the project having synergy, and a look and scale and that is in character for the
neighborhood. She reiterated the previous comment that parking be limited to encourage
public transportation. Mayor Matsumoto stated that she supports "Class A" retail for the
project.
Councilman Penna stated that visitors have a concern for safety in the downtown area and
this project will help to change that false impression.
Mayor Pro Tem Fernekes discussed the height of the buildings and felt the buildings should
look architecturally balanced. He reiterated his concern that a scale model be presented
and brick be included in the design. He also asked for information on the residential
component, and where Terranomics envisions its potential location.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 16, 2000
MINUTES PAGE 2
o
(Cassette Tape No. 2)
Councilman Gonzalez stressed the importance of the development in the downtown and old
town area. He stated he looks for buildings that identify South San Francisco and concurs
that the development should keep the integrity of the area. He also stated his interest in the
housing component.
Mayor Matsumoto commented that the proposed building height is high for the area, and
reiterated her concern that it be a signature project and not a replica of downtown
Burlingame.
Mayor Pro Tem Fernekes and Councilman Gonzalez reiterated their comments that the
project be in scale, both in design and height with other buildings in the area.
Staff stated confirmation of Council's comments and direction.
(Recess: 7:40 p.m. - 8:50 p.m.)
Council Handbook
City Attorney Mattas informed Council that the Council Handbook is only a guide and not
a legal document. It was agreed that the handbook be reviewed page by page. Minor
grammatical and typographical errors, duplications and clarifications for consistency were
identified for correction.
Mayor Matsumoto requested samples of forms be included and indexed for reference
purposes.
It was agreed that all mail addressed to Councilmembers will be opened by the City
Manager's staff, unless it is marked personal or confidential, or if an individual
Councilmember requests his/her mail not be opened.
Mayor Matsumoto distributed a document prepared by the City of Larkspur regarding its
conflict of interest policy. Council discussed the document's reference to "reasonable
perception" and the pros and cons of including it in the handbook. A straw poll, as follows,
was taken regarding the document's inclusion in the handbook: Yes: Fernekes and
Matsumoto; No: Gonzalez, Mullin, and Penna. Outcome: the document will not be
included. ~
Mayor Matsumoto requested an updated version of the Brown Act be included in the
appendix.
Council discussed altering the starting time of the regular meeting, or taking no new items
after 11:00 p.m.
Councilman Penna left the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 16, 2000
MINUTES PAGE 3
It was agreed that an effort will be made to consider no new items after 11:00 p.m. unless
the City Manager indicates that there is business that still needs to be acted upon.
It was agreed to discuss speaker time limits at a future point.
(Tape Cassette No. 3)
City Attorney Mattas agreed to research the number of Library Board members it takes to
remove a member (Page 24, paragraph 3) and he will confirm the method of appointment
for the Parking Place Commission (Page 28).
Mayor Matsumoto stated her concern regarding the City paying for Council's attendance at
political events, and suggested wording be included in the handbook that will address this
issue. It was agreed to prepare verbiage for Council's review.
Mayor Matsumoto requested a breakdown on Council's voting requirements. City
Attorney Mattas stated expenditures of funds require three votes; adoption of ordinances
requires three votes; condemnation requires two-thirds vote, and general plan adoption
requires three affirmative votes. A short summary will be prepared for the handbook.
Mayor Matsumoto asked that a section be included on the reorganization guidelines. It was
agreed a subcommittee be appointed. Mayor Matsumoto and Mayor Pro Tem Fernekes
volunteered to sit on the committee.
Guidelines for conducting meetings and Council's reorganization and the chart on
parliamentary procedures will be retained in Council binders and not the handbook.
Mayor Matsumoto requested that memos prepared by the City Attorney and City Manager
be included and indexed in the handbook.
5. Adjournment
Motion-Mullin/Second-Gonzalez: To adjourn the meeting at 9:44 p.m. Approved by voice
vote. Absent: Councilman Penna.
Submitted by:
Sylvia M. Pay~
City of South San Francisco
Approved:
sumoto, Mayor
City of S~uth San Francisco
The entries of this Council meeting show the action taken by the City Council to dispose of an item. Oral
communications, arguments, and comments are recorded on tape. The tape and documents related to the items are on
file in the Office of the City Clerk and are available for inspection, review and copying.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 16, 2000
MINUTES PAGE 4