HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2001-01-10 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 10, 2001
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
1. Call to Order: 5:33 p.m.
(Cassette Tape No. 1)
2. Roll Call:
Present:
Councilmembers Gonzalez, Matsumoto and
Penna, Mayor Pro Tem Mullin and Mayor
Fernekes
Staff Present:
City Manager Wilson, Assistant City
Manager Moss, Human Resources Director
Bower
Absent: None
3. Public Comments
Mrs. Sophie Mason, 10 Arlington Drive, reiterated her previous request to be given an
opportunity to speak before Council makes any appointments to the Planning Commission.
Ms. Jackie Williams, 242 Longford Drive, reiterated her request to be able to comment on
the Planning Commission applicants.
Council discussed their process and agreed that all applicants will be interviewed before
appointments are made and an opportunity will be given for the public to comment at that
time.
Mrs. Mason requested that she be allowed to make comments tonight and Mayor Fernekes
consented.
4. Interview applicants for Boards and Commissions
The following applicants were interviewed:
· Mrs. Mary Giusti- 5:42 p.m.
· Mr. Salvadore Rodriguez- 5:48 p.m.
· Ms. Julie Baldocchi - 5:55 p.m. - Ms. Baldocchi withdrew her application for
reappointment
· Ms. Linda Loeffler- 6:02 p.m.
The following questions were asked:
Mayor Fernekes: We have read your resume, could you talk about any work experience,
background, or interests that would help you be an effective member on this particular
commission?
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin: All commission positions involve working with other people,
including staff, fellow commissioners, and persons appearing before the commission. Can you
describe your style of interacting with other people?
Councilman Penna: Do you have any specific goals for the commission to which you are
applying? In other words, how can service on this commission make South San Francisco a
better place in which to live?
Councilwoman Matsumoto: As a follow-up, could you briefly describe your vision for the
future of South San Francisco in a more general way? What has been done well in this city in
recent years, and what changes would you endorse to be made in the months and year to come?
Councilman Gonzalez: Could you summarize why the Council should consider appointing or
reappointing you to this commission? If you are not selected for this particular commission,
would you want to be considered for other commissions as vacancies occur?
Mayor Femekes: I would like to give you an opportunity to discuss any areas about which you
were prepared to talk, but that we haven't covered. This is also your opportunity to ask Council
any questions.
5. Discussion
Mayor Fernekes announced no decisions are being made at this time. He invited the
public to give their comments.
Mrs. Mason stated she was distressed that the applicants failed to discuss the quality of life
in South San Francisco neighborhoods and that she was particularly concerned that none
mentioned Winston Manor.
Ms. Williams stated her support for the applicants who requested reappointment.
6. Adjournment
Motion-Mullin/Second-Matsumoto: To adjourn the meeting at 6:14 p.m. Unanimously
approved by voice vote.
Submitted by:
Sylvia M. Pa~erk
City of South San Francisco
Approved:
J~rnekes, Mayor
~ity of South San Francisco
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 2
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 10, 2001
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
7:31 p.m.
Present:
Absent:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
INVOCATION:
AGENDA REVIEW
(Cassette Tape No. 1)
Councilmembers Gonzalez, Matsumoto and Penna,
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin and Mayor Fernekes
None
Led by Mayor Fernekes
Given by Rev. John Cantley, Grace Covenant Church
City Manager Wilson and City Attorney Mattas informed Council that the applicant for Agenda
Item No. 9 has withdrawn his appeal.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Jackie Williams, 242 Longford Drive, asked for information and clarification regarding the
status of the Serramonte Corporate Center and its application to provide sewer hook-up. In
response, Mayor Femekes reported that the subcommittee (Fernekes/Mullin) has held no
meetings regarding this issue and City Manager Wilson reported no recent communication with
the City of Daly City regarding this issue.
PRESENTATIONS
Introduction of new and promoted City employees
Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Services Director Nagel introduced Dustin Lazzari (new
hire), Alberto Sangria (new hire), James Stacy (new hire) and Martin Perez (new hire). He
stated that employees Robert Baldonado (new hire) and John Hamilton (promoted) were not
present.
Human Resources Director Bower introduced Victoria Edwards (new hire) and Mich
Mercado (promoted).
Police Chief Raffaelli introduced Elena Dominguez (new hire), Sean Curmi (new hire), Keith
Wall (promoted), Mike Remedios (promoted) and Joni Lee (promoted).
Finance Director Steele introduced Erik Mezack (new hire) and Sydney Oam (new hire).
Economic and Community Development Director Van Duyn introduced Patricia Cabano
(new hire) and stated that Bertha Hemandez (promoted) was not present.
Library Director Sommer introduced Pam Waldrep (new hire), Annie Kerin (new hire) and
Meg Cupman (new hire).
Public Works Director Gibbs introduced Tracy Scramaglia (new hire).
Fire Chief Lee introduced Chris DeMeo (new hire) and Rick Halloran (new hire).
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
· Community Forum
· Subcommittee Reports
Councilman Penna reported that he will be attending the San Mateo County Convention and
Visitors Board of Directors meeting on January 11, 2001.
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin announced that Senator Jackie Speier will be hosting an Airport
Noise Forum at the Municipal Services Building on January 11, 2001, 7-9 p.m.
Mayor Fernekes acknowledged retired City employee Ken Metcalf for his article "Finding
Sewer Bottlenecks", published in the December edition of Government News Magazine.
Mayor Fernekes reported that he attended the West Winston Manor Community
Association's holiday celebration and Christmas tree judging contest. He acknowledged the
Association for their work in the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin stated a ribbon cutting event was held on December 21 for the San
Mateo County Emergency Homeless Shelter. The shelter will be in operation during the
winter months and will then be used as a training facility to teach job skills during the
remaining months of the year.
Councilman Gonzalez listed the homes that participated in this year's tree judging contest.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve the minutes of the November 21 special meeting and December 13,
2000 special and regular meetings
2. Motion to confirm expense claims of January 10, 2001 in the amount of $5,373,874.99
o
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1281-2001, amending Section 3.12.010 of the SSFMC to
implement Council-approved position title additions
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 2
Motion to accept the E1 Rancho Highlands Subdivision public improvements
maintenance as complete in accordance with plans and specifications
Resolution approving the installation of stop signs at the intersection of Newman Drive
and Gibbs Way
Pulled from Consent Calendar.
Resolution amending the CIP budget and award the construction contract to Bay Pacific
Pipelines, Inc., for the Hickey Boulevard/Hilton Avenue Intersection Widening and
Traffic Signals Installation Project in the amount of $970,697.50
Pulled from Consent Calendar.
7. Resolution authorizing salary adjustment for the City Clerk and the City Treasurer
Pulled from Consent Calendar.
Acknowledgement of proclamations issued: Eagle Scouts Jason Paras and Thomas Yale,
December 30, 2000
Councilwoman Matsumoto requested Item No. 7 be pulled from the Consent Calendar and
Councilman Gonzalez stated that he was abstaining on Item No. 5 and 6. Mayor Fernekes stated
a speaker's card was submitted regarding Item No. 6.
Motion-Penna/Second-Gonzalez: To approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and
8. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Consent Calendar Item No. 5: Staff report presented by Acting City Engineer Chuck.
No discussion.
Motion-Penna/Second-Mullin: To approve Resolution No. 1-2001, authorizing the
installation of stop signs at the intersection of Newman Drive and Gibbs Way. Approved
by voice vote. Abstain: Councilman Gonzalez.
Consent Calendar Item No. 6: Staff report presented by Interim City Engineer Chuck.
Ms. Jackie Williams, 242 Longford Drive, asked if there was any indication when the
Junipero Serra/Hickey Boulevard improvements were going to commence. Acting City
Engineer Chuck stated that the improvements are in the Capital Improvement Program
and will be done at a future date.
Motion-Mullin/Second-Penna: To approve Resolution No. 2-2001, awarding the
construction contract for the Hickey Boulevard-Hilton Avenue Intersection Widening and
Traffic Signals Installation Project to Bay Pacific Pipelines, Inc., in the amount of
$970,697.50 and amending the project budget to $1,331,612.50. Approved by voice
vote. Abstain: Councilman Gonzalez.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 3
Consent Calendar Item No. 7: Staff report presented by Human Resources Director Bower.
Councilwoman Matsumoto asked for clarification on the City Clerk's current salary and
percentile level, and Director Bower explained that the incumbent is not at her top salary
step and therefore is at the average percentile level.
Motion-Matsumoto/Second-Penna: To approve Resolution No. 3-2001, a resolution
authorizing the City Clerk and City Treasurer to adjust their compensations.
Unanimously approved by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
Consideration of Appeal of Denial of Use Permit, UP-00-046, to allow indoor
entertainment within 200 feet of a residential district and hours of operation after
midnight at 107 Hickey Boulevard; Applicants: Rodney Magat and Dennis Roberts,
Neighborhood Sports Bar; Owner: Kelly-Moore Paint Co., Inc.
Applicant withdrew his appeal no action taken.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10. Resolution authorizing a new weekly warrant issuance and certification procedure
Staff report presented by Finance Director Steele.
City Treasurer Beverly Bonalanza Ford stated she was speaking with concern regarding
the proposed change in procedure. Her concerns include not being part of the discussions
when the procedures were proposed, interest currently being earned will be greatly
reduced, paying bills bi-weekly allows time to meet the bills by accumulating money,
there will be difficulty coming up with money on a weekly basis, large sums of money
are being requested at the last minute, and Council will lose authority approving the
payment of various bills.
Councilman Penna asked for clarification on how the change in procedure will improve
efficiency. Finance Director Steele explained that the current system has two sets of
procedures and the proposal is to establish just one process. Councilman Penna stated his
concerns regarding the proposal, and that he does not wish to relinquish Council's
confirmation of expenses. He felt the savings from vendors' discounts will not be
substantial enough to compensate for the interest the City earns from the banks.
Councilwoman Matsumoto stated her support for keeping the City Treasurer involved in
future discussions. She could not recall when an item was pulled and payment refused.
She expressed her confidence in staff to perform their work carefully by following
procedures.
City Treasurer Ford stated she was willing to try the proposal for 90 days.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 4
~2
Councilwoman Matsumoto further discussed with City Treasurer Ford her previous
statement that she is "chasing the bills" and finding it difficult to come up with money.
Councilwoman Matsumoto confirmed that previous problems have been resolved and
City Treasurer Ford has not found it necessary to withdraw investments early and lose
interest.
Mayor Pro Tern Mullin stated he supports staff wanting a more efficient operation, but
that Council has a fiduciary responsibility to the City by reviewing the expense claims.
He stated he feels more comfortable having the right of approval prior to the warrant
being issued. He suggested that vendors be negotiated with for better rates.
Finance Director Steele reported that the proposed procedure is followed in every
municipality that was contacted.
In response to negotiating for discounts, Councilwoman Matsumoto stated that vendors
are buying their products from other suppliers, suppliers who are also brokering their
product in high volume, so it's a matter of supply and demand.
Councilman Gonzalez stated his support for retaining the current process of reviewing the
expense claims, and suggested that communication with the City Treasurer be improved.
City Treasurer Ford reiterated that there is an unintentional lack of communication and
consideration between departments and the Finance Department regarding the submittal
of bills in a timely manner.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Mullin's question, Director Steele explained that on
occasion warrants may be delayed as much as 3V2 weeks, due to a five-Wednesday month
or when Council meetings are cancelled. He stated that this is not a normal business
practice for a municipality. Mayor Pro Tern Mullin suggested departments be more
efficient in processing invoices. He stated he does not support the proposal at this time,
but that it be looked at for the next fiscal year, if a more efficient internal operation is
also looked at.
Mayor Fernekes stated his support for Mayor Pro Tem Mullin's suggestion and that it
will give the City Treasurer and Finance Director an opportunity to discuss the proposal
further. He felt that the budget subcommittee (Fernekes/Mullin) can also review the
matter for a recommendation to the full Council.
Councilman Gonzalez concurred.
Councilwoman Matsumoto stated she is inclined to support the City Treasurer's proposal
for a 90 day trial period, but will concede to Mayor Pro Tem Mullin's suggestion.
Councilman Penna concurred and stated that the responsibility should be placed on
department heads to submit bills in a timely manner and keep the City Treasurer
informed.
No action taken.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 5
11.
Taxicab License Study - report from Economic and Community Development Director
Staff report and presentation given by Director Van Duyn.
With regard to the presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Mullin felt it was more important to
determine if additional services are needed by showing response times, rather than
researching the time it takes to drive to a destination.
Mr. Joe Sheikh-Hassan, Bubble Cab Company, P.O. Box 4902, Burlingame, stated that
Peninsula Yellow Cab has a monopoly on service in South San Francisco and that other
cab companies should be allowed to operate here.
Mr. Paul Davies, Hillsborough Yellow Cab, 55 W 5th Avenue, #3D, San Mateo, stated he
did not see the staff report prior to the meeting and he disputed the response times listed
during the late morning hours. He also doubted that Peninsula Yellow Cab will increase
its fleet to 40 cars this year. He stated that South San Francisco hotels call his company
for service, but he must tell them he can not respond. In response to Mayor Pro Tem
Mullin, Mr. Davies stated his dispatch office is located in Burlingame. He informed
Council that the police department stopped his cab when he picked up passengers at a
local hotel. Chief Raffaelli responded that his department does not stop outside cab
companies for picking up passengers and citations are not issued, but a referral may be
made to the City Attorney's office. Mr. Davies further related an incident when he was
pulled over by the police and his passengers were placed in a Peninsula Yellow Cab.
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin questioned Messrs. Sheikh-Hassan and Davies regarding
establishing a dispatch service in South San Francisco, which they stated they could not.
Councilman Penna further discussed the current situation with Messrs. Sheikh-Hassan
and Davies regarding their desire to pick up passengers in South San Francisco. They
often bring passengers here, but are unable to respond to requests for pick-up. They
agreed that the competition is so great in Burlingame that it is worth their time and
money to come to South San Francisco to make a pick-up.
In response to Councilwoman Matsumoto, Messrs. Sheikh-Hassan and Davies confirmed
they would not respond to a request for pick-up in South San Francisco and they always
refer people to Peninsula Yellow Cab.
Mr. George Corey, 700 El Camino Real, Millbrae, attorney representing Peninsula
Yellow Cab, stated he has represented the company for over twenty years and that South
San Francisco is well served. He spoke against the modification to the ordinance. He
stated that hotels are adequately served and that other cab companies will not serve the
residents as well.
In response to Councilwoman Matsumoto, Director Van Duyn clarified the purpose for
establishing a time relationship for driving across town. Director Van Duyn stated that
Peninsula Yellow Cab's service levels exceed what the Municipal Code evaluates as
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 6
adequate. He further discussed how Peninsula Yellow Cab has responded to additional
service demands. Councilwoman Matsumoto stated her support for the current language
in the Municipal Code.
In response to Councilman Gonzalez, Director Van Duyn stated that Peninsula Yellow
Cab has a certificate that allows them to operate in accordance with our Municipal Code,
it is not a franchise agreement. He stated that Peninsula Yellow Cab must meet the future
demands of the community, although the Municipal Code does not specify a timeframe
that states how long they can take to meet those demands. Councilman Gonzalez stated
that Peninsula Yellow Cab's customer response times need to be improved.
Councilman Penna stated that other cab companies pick up residents in the Terrabay
neighborhood.
(Cassette Tape No. 2)
Director Van Duyn stated that the police department can cite cab companies for doing
this, but has not because it is difficult to enforce. Councilman Penna stated his support
for the current language in the Municipal Code.
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin considered the proposal, and felt Messrs. Sheckh-Hassan and
Davies will not be able to establish a dispatch service in South San Francisco due to the
costs being prohibitive. He stated that he supports the current language and asked that a
survey be done in a year to confirm that Peninsula Yellow Cab is still meeting the needs
of the community adequately.
In response to Mayor Fernekes, Director Van Duyn confirmed that Peninsula Yellow Cab
meets the City's requirements, that they are committed to meeting the future needs of the
community, and that staff will assist them to identify peaks and opportunities for
improvement in their operation. Mayor Fernekes stated his support for Peninsula Yellow
Cab and the current language in Municipal Code Chapter 6.72.
No action taken.
12. Addition of position title Deputy Director of Maintenance Services
ao
Resolution approving an amendment to the 2000/2001 operating budget appropriating
$15,000 to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Services budget to
cover six months of additional salaries and benefits for two newly created Deputy
Directors of Maintenance Services positions
Staff report presented by Director Nagel.
Motion-Penna/Second-Gonzalez: To approve Resolution No. 4-2001, approving an
amendment to the 2000/2001 operating budget (No. 01-22) appropriating $15,000 to
the Department of Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Services budget to cover six
months of additional salaries and benefits for two newly created Deputy Directors of
Maintenance Services positions
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 7
b. Resolution approving personnel changes, including classification description and
adjustment to the mid-management salary schedules
Staff report presented by Director Bower.
Motion-PennaJSecond-Matsumoto: To approve Resolution No. 5-2001, approving
classification descriptions, salary levels and/or unit designations for the position of
Deputy Director of Maintenance Services. Unanimous approved by voice vote.
c. Waive reading and introduce an ordinance amending SSFMC Chapter 3.12 to
implement Council-approved position title additions
Staff report presented by Director Bower.
Motion-Penna/Second-Gonzalez: To waive reading and introduce an ordinance
amending Section 3.12.010 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code.
Unanimously approved by voice vote.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
13.
Motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Title 20, Chapter 20.30 of the SSFMC, M-1
Industrial District Use Regulations to require a use permit for all uses which generate in
excess of 100 average daily vehicle trips and for "Transportation Services" use types, in
accordance with SSFMC Chapter 20.87
City Manager Wilson stated the item was introduced at the December 13, 2000 meeting
and a vote of 3-2 was recorded.
City Attorney Mattas informed Council that a minor modification to Section 1, in the
fifth "Whereas" statement, has been made and the following language is deleted, "...in
excess of the number of vehicle trips generated by the prior use of the same parcel(s)..."
Motion-Mullin/Second-Matsumoto: To adopt Ordinance No. 1282-2001, amending Title
20, Chapter 20.30 of South San Francisco Municipal Code, M-1 Industrial District use
regulations to require a use permit for all uses which generate in excess of 100 average
trips and for "Transportation Services" use types, in accordance with South San Francisco
Municipal Code Chapter 20.87, including the modification to the language as stated
above. Unanimously approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers
Gonzalez, Matsumoto and Penna*, Mayor Pro Tem Mullin and Mayor Fernekes. NOES:
None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
*Councilman Penna stated that he originally voted no, but changed his vote because he
did not receive any calls in opposition to the ordinance.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 8
CLOSED SESSION
14. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9a, Aetna v. City of South San Francisco
Entered into Closed Session:
Reconvened into Open Session:
Report from Closed Session:
10:11 p.m.
10:38 p.m., all Councilmembers present
City Attorney Mattas announced direction given/no
action taken
ADJOURNMENT
Motion-Mullin/Second-Penna: To adjourn the meeting at 10:38 p.m. Unanimously approved by
voice vote.
Submitted by:
. 127.
Sylv)'~AVl. Payne, City Clerk/
City'Bf South San Francisco
Approved: /f?
J0~eplf/A. Fernekes, Mayor
~,ity of South 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 lbr inspection, review and copying.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 9