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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2007-12-12 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12,2007 MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m. (Cassette Tape No.1) ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmen Addiego, Garbarino and Mullin, Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto and Mayor Gonzalez Absent: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Gonzalez INVOCATION: Pastor John Cantley, Grace Covenant Church PRESENTATIONS · Holiday Fire Safety - Fire Prevention Technician Rosaia provided a visual presentation and infonnation to ensure a safe holiday season around the home when decorating and cooking. He further reminded the public that the Fire Department is operating its annual Holiday Toy Drive. He then introduced the Fire Department's partner in the Holiday Toy Drive, North Peninsula Neighborhood Services Center. Representatives of the Center, including Ms. Karla Molina, Ms. Yvonna Fields and Mr. Tom Carney provided a visual presentation on the Center's annual plea for donations. · Recycled Water Status Update - City Engineer Razavi reported that Carollo Engineers completed the initial phase of the feasibility study for the recycled water project. The joint participants in the project, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Cal Water and South San Francisco, are prepared to proceed with the second pOliion of the study the facilities plan. This second phase will consider whether it is feasible to recycle existing water from the Water Pollution Control Plant and provide it to potential customers. Mr. Mike Britten, Managing Partner, Carollo Engineers, provided a visual presentation summarizing the initial phase of the feasibility study. The study identified over 100 potential customers in the cities of South San Francisco, Brisbane, Colma and San Bruno. This list was categorized into five groups based upon potential uses identified in order of priority as follows: I 280 (east side of South San Francisco), Colma, Brisbane, Industrial Grouping (east of 101) and West San Bruno. The study further identified a "Phase One" roll-out of major potential customers as Golden Gate National Cemetery, California Golf Club, Orange Memorial Park and the strip that runs along the Linear Park on top of the BART transit sector. Mr. Britten concluded his presentation with a cost estimate for the facilities plan of $173, 181.00 to be shared equally between the City of South San Francisco, SFPUC and Cal Water. Mayor Pro Telll Matsumoto noted that she had suggested laying extra pipe for the use of recycled water during a previous City Administration and requested clarification as to whether the City had installed such pipe. Assistant City Manager Van Duyn advised that pipe for the use of recycled water had not been installed during the previous Administration's tenure. However, translnission pipe is presently being installed as part of the Linear Park I1nprovements. Councilman Addiego questioned the role Cal Water would play in the secondary distribution of reclaimed water and asked whether it intended to invest in the facility. TOln Salzano, Water Resource Planning Supervisor, Cal Water, replied that Cal Water would expect to be the purveyor of recycled water. He advised that he could not obligate the Company to invest in the facility, but that it would be discussed. Councilman Garbarino requested confinnation that the Treatment Plant capacity would be 2 million gallons per day and requested further information regarding costs. Mayor Gonzalez questioned funding sources. City Engineer Razavi responded that the Treatment Plant would have sufficient capacity. He explained that all funding sources would be pursued including SFPUC, Cal Water, . grants, loans through the state revolving fund and state and federal agency funding. Mayor Gonzalez questioned how other cities deliver and store recycled water. City Engineer Razavi answered that like other cities, South San Francisco would be able to use water tanks, storage facilities and a reservoir at the Water Quality Control Plant among other options. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto questioned whether Redevelopment or General Funds would be utilized for the project and it was confirmed that Sewer Funds would be appropriated. AGENDA REVIEW No changes. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Paul Formosa, Melnber of the South San Francisco Centennial Gala Committee, appeared to provide an update on the Centennial Gala scheduled for December 31,2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the South San Francisco Conference Center. He further advised that the City would be hosting additional Centennial Celebrations throughout the year, including a Multi-Cultural Event in the spring and a Fourth of July Celebration. Mr. Bob George, HIP Housing's Board of Directors, thanked the City for its continued support and presented Council with 2008 calendars. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 12,2007 PAGE 2 ITEMS FROM COUNCIL · Announcen1ents/Committee Reports Councilmelnbers reported on attendance at comlnunity meetings and events, announced upcoming events, programs and public in1provelnents and acknowledged members of the community, participants in local government and City staff for their contributions. Councilman Garbarino introduced the topic of lending use of a City owned studio on Baden Avenue to Second Harvest Food Bank. Councilman Addiego and Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto noted that when they had respectively inquired about the building, they learned it was not ADA compliant. Assistant City Manager Van Duyn responded that he would consult with Second Harvest to determine if its potential use could be accon1modated based upon the building's ADA limitations. Mayor Gonzalez suggested use of the Old Fire Station. City Manager Nagel advised that staff would consult with Second Harvest and come back to Council with a recommendation as to which building, if any, the City might be able to make available. · Emergency Operations Center ("EOC") Councilman Garbarino introduced the topic and suggested that it be agendized for full discussion and action during the first or second meeting in January. He opined that the present EOC in the basement of Orange Library is not adequate. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto asked that staff contact Dr. E. Carson of Silicon Valley Joint Ventures to determine if a partnership for the EOC project might be appropriate. Councilman Addiego urged consideration of alternative uses for current City buildings in connection with development of a new EOC. . Council of Cities Election Councilmembers selected candidates the City would vote for in the Council of Cities Election being held at a meeting of the San Mateo City Selection Comn1ittee at 6:00 p.m. on December 14, 2007 at the Colma Fire Station. Councihnembers discussed and determined as follows: a. Melnber of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for a term beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2009 Daly City Councilwoman Klatt supported. b. Member of the Domestic Violence Council for a tenn beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2011 - South San Francisco Councilman Garbarino supported. c. Two members of the Housing and Community Development Committee for terms beginning January 1,2008 and ending December 31, 2012 Woodside Councilwoman Gordon and Colma Councilwoman Fisicaro supported. d. Three members of the Housing EndoWlnent and Regional Trust Board of Directors for terms beginning March 1, 2008 and ending February 28, 2011 - Daly City Councilman Torres, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2007 MINUTES PAGE 3 South San Francisco Mayor Gonzalez and Menlo Park Counciln1an Boyle formally sought appointlnent. Council sunnised that East Palo Alto Councihnan Woods n1ight seek reappointlnent. Council decided to support Mayor Gonzalez and authorized him to use his discretion on the 2 remaining votes based upon attendance records. e. Member fron1 the Central Judicial District to serve on the SamTrans Board of Directors for a tenn beginning imlnediately and ending December 31, 2010 - San Mateo Mayor GroOln supported. f. Member fron1 the Northern Judicial District to serve on the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board of Directors for a term beginning January 1,2008 and ending December 31, 2009 - All Councilmembers opined that Brisbane Councilwoman Richardson and Pacifica Councilman Vreeland were extrelnely qualified. Mayor Gonzalez and Councilmen Garbarino and Mullin expressed support for Brisbane Councilwoman Richardson due to Brisbane's and South San Francisco's common interests in the water transportation corridor. Councilmember Addiego and Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto were inclined to support Pacifica Councilman Vreeland to incorporate coastal comlnunity interests and because Pacifica was instrumental in putting South San Francisco on the SamTrans seat. Because there was disagreen1ent within Council, Counsel Mattas advised that the City Council Handbook dictated calling a vote. Council proceeded accordingly. Motion-Mayor Gonzalez/Second-Councilman Garbarino: to support Brisbane Councilwolnan Richardson for selection to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board of Directors as a representative of the NOlihern Judicial District for a tenn begiIming January 1,2008 and ending December 31,2009. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Addiego, Garbarino and Mullin and Mayor Gonzalez. NOES: Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. g. Melnber (cities-at-Iarge) to serve on the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board of Directors for a term beginning January 1,2008 and ending Decelnber 31,2009 There was disagreement among Council with Councilmen Mullin and Addiego and Mayor Gonzalez expressing support for San Mateo Councihnan Lee and Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto and Counciln1an Garbarino expressing suppoli for Menlo Park Councilwoman Fergusson. Motion- Councihnan Addiego/Second- Councilman Mullin: to suppoli San Mateo Councihnan Lee for reappointlnent to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board of Directors. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Addiego and Mullin, Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto and Mayor Gonzalez. NOES: Councihnan Garbarino. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve the minutes of City Council Special Meeting and Regular Meeting of November 14,2007, November 28, 2007 and Special City Council Reorganization Meeting of Decelnber 4, 2007. 2. Motion to confirm expense clailns of December 12, 2007 in the amount of $1,821,669.20. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 12,2007 PAGE 4 3. Resolution No. 115-2007 authorizing the acceptance of $5,000 in grant funding from the Edwards Fmnily Fund to support the purchase of books for elelnentary school age children and mnending the Library's 2007/2008 operating budget. 4. Resolution No. 116-2007 declaring intent to issue tax-exen1pt obligations to be used to reilnburse the City for expenditures prior to the issuance of such tax-exelnpt obligations, and authorizing the City Manager to sign lease docun1ents related to lease/purchase of fire engines. 5. Resolution No. 117-2007 approving ground lease and license by and an10ng the City of South San Francisco, the San Mateo County Harbor District, and the San Francisco Bay Water Transit Authority related to the construction and operation of the Oyster Point F erry Terminal. 6. Resolution No. 118-2007 approving the Purchase of Real Property located at 314 Miller Avenue in South San Francisco by the Redevelopment Agency of the City of South San Francisco and adopting findings in connection therewith. 7. Motion to cancel the Regular Meeting of the City Council on December 26, 2007. 8. Proclamations Issued - Richard A. Garbarino Outgoing Mayor, December 4, 2007 and Karyl M. Matsumoto, Italian American Citizens Club - 2007 Person of the Year, December 8, 2007. Prior to the vote, Counsel Mattas noted that with respect to Consent Iteln No.6 pertaining to the purchase of 314 Miller Avenue, a typo in the Purchase and Sale Agreement identified the "Seller" of the property as Frances M. Penna. The actual "Sellers" of the property are Edgar and Myda Trinidad. Counsel Mattas advised that the error would be corrected on the final version. Motion-Councilman Addiego/Second-Councilman Garbarino: To approve the Consent Calendar. Unanimously approved by voice vote. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9. Adoption ofa Mitigated Negative Declaration Miller Avenue Parking Structure approve final design concept plans. Associate Planner Smalley introduced the Miller Avenue Parking Structure for two-part approval as to design and adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. He proceeded to address the highlights of the Staff Report pertaining to the Mitigated Negative Declaration as follows: Staff prepared an initial study of environmental impacts and the result was preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. All potentially affected impacts were mitigated to a less than significant level with standard mitigation measures. A notable mitigation measure is the development of a preservation plan for the 323 Miller Avenue Duplex, including either relocation or reuse of REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2007 MINUTES PAGE 5 the building materials. The COlnment period for the Mitigated Negative Declaration ended on Decen1ber 5, 2007. No written comlnents were received. On Decelnber 5, 2007 at the Plmming counter located at City Hall Almex, 315 Maple Avenue, staff received verbal comlnents from the owners of 321 Miller Avenue, an apartment building located directly adjacent to the proposed structure. The owners of 321 Miller Avenue expressed concern over side setback issues and the potential for vandalisn1. Staff s position is that the inclusion of commercial space on the ground floor of the parking structure and video n10nitoring on the interior of the stnlcture should assuage vandalism concerns. With regard to proximity of the structure to adjacent properties, staff noted that downtown zoning encourages traditional development patterns, such as lot-line to lot-line, which is found in most dOW11tOW11S. This project complies with all applicable zoning regulations and development standards extant on the property. The proposed location of the property walls of the parking structure are designed to be 1 foot off property lines net of architectural features. A preliminary estimated project cost of $11 ,814,000.00 includes provision for a degree of interior tenant space outfitting and optional features. Michelle Wendler of Watry Design, Inc. presented Council with a Materials Board displaying the proposed building supplies. She then proceeded with a visual presentation to explain the Schematic Design Plan for the Miller Avenue Parking Structure as follows: Watry has been working on developing the Schematic Design to comply with Council's selection of Massing Option "B" and Architectural Style "Traditional." A site plan depicting the location of the proposed structure between Miller Avenue and Fourth Lane was displayed. A summation chart for the proposed structure indicating 254 parking spaces, including 7 accessible parking spaces was presented. The schematic landscape plan for the Miller Avenue Frontage proposes to extend the sidewalk out into the 8 foot zone for on-street parking which would widen the sidewalk in front of the commercial space. Street trees and accent planting would be installed. The Level 1 Parking Plan includes areas for comn1ercial space designed to be flexible. A City Parking Office and restrooms are also included in the plan. The upper floor plans of the continuously ran1ping stnlcture are all very similar and ramp up to the 5th Level, which is a partial level wrapping around back to Miller Avenue and completing circulation at the corner. The building elevations for all four sides were presented. The design contemplates a base to the building that is in pedestrian scale so that the cornice line is in scale with neighboring adjacent buildings. The current plan depicts part of the structure painted to look like brick. An alternative plan contemplates using brick for these portions of the structure. The use of brick would add an additional cost of $300,000.00 to the plan. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 12,2007 PAGE 6 Councihnan Addiego asked Ms. Wendler to clarify the option of using real brick for the facade. Ms. Wendler explained that real brick could be added to the south facing elevation along Fourth Lane and it could also be placed along the east-west facade on the shear walls from the cornice line down. The one foot setback from the property lines to the base of the concrete provides enough space to apply brick. Ms. Wendler then presented scale views depicting the property froln various angles. Mayor Gonzalez invited public comments at the close of Ms. Wendler's presentation. Mrs. Nancy Zammuto, Mr. Joseph Caron and Mr. H. Michael Pariani, co-owners of the apartment building located at 321 Miller Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Design Plan for the Miller Avenue Parking Garage. Mrs. Zammuto stated that the City did not properly notify her of the project. She objected to the design and use of the space as a parking and commercial structure and to its proposed 60 foot height. She noted that the proposed stnlcture would block sunlight to five apartment units in her building at 321 Miller Avenue. Mrs. Zammuto further opined that the City misuses available parking and noted that during her December 7, 2007 visit to 11 of the 16 public parking lots within the City, she estilnated that 20% of the spaces were permissible for use by patrons of downtown merchants. Mrs. Zmnmuto further estimated that the parking structure would add a net of 115 parking spaces. She opined that coordinating the location of a new parking structure with installation of the Caltrain station at the current Borba Property on Airport Boulevard might be a more appropriate solution. She closed by offering her time to the City to assist with a common sense approach to the redevelopment of downtoW11. Mr. Joseph Caron expressed concern that the structure would deteriorate the living environment he and his co-owners have created for the tenants at 321 Miller Avenue. He opined that building a parking structure will exacerbate the havoc in Fourth Lane caused by the use permit granted to the Saint Vincent De Paul Society. He suggested not building the structure to exact property lines, providing off-street parking in the rear or creating space for vehicles to pass in Fourth Lane as solutions to what he perceived as design flaws. He further stated that the 60 foot wall proposed within 5 feet of 321 Miller Avenue would cause tenants to use more electricity and was not consistent with green living standards. He expressed concern that the structure would foster road-rage incidents. He stated that alley dwellers may use the structure as a place to gather. Mr. Caron closed by noting the Council's fiduciary duty to address the concerns before going forward with the project and added that he looked forward to answers in writing. Mr. H. Michael Pariani discussed the Mitigated Negative Declaration dated November 15, 2007. He questioned the ability of the proposed parking structure to meet the stated project objective of enhancing the economic viability of the downtoW11 sector. He opined that the City's parking problem is caused by misuse of public parking lots. He stated that the report was hastily put together by cutting and pasting from previous reports and also failed to address the issue of comlnercial usage noise. Mr. Pariani expressed his belief that the proposed left turn pocket on Miller Avenue does not fit. He REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 12,2007 MINUTES PAGE 7 fUliher suggested: 1) that the plan for a larger above ground structure resulted from the abandonment of plans to build parking levels below grade, and 2) that the entrance to the structure should be on the low side, which would bring the project down frOln 50 plus feet. He questioned the desirability of adding more con11nercial space to an area with a high vacancy rate. Councilman Addiego acknowledged the concerns expressed by the owners of 321 Miller A venue and stated that he believed the apartment units would remain desirable. He expressed his belief that the parking garage would assist in the creation of a more vibrant and energetic downtown area. He requested clarification froln the OW11ers of 321 Miller as to whether sunlight to any of the apartment units would be blocked. Mrs. Zan1muto responded that sunlight to the five units on the uphill side of the building would be blocked by the 60 foot wall of the proposed stnlcture. She noted that presently the units receive sunlight in the afternoon. Mayor Pro Tern Matsulnoto concurred with the comments of the OW11ers of321 Miller Avenue. She echoed concen1S regarding setbacks and property lines and invoked the Giorgi Brothers Building as an example of her concen1S. Associate Planner Smalley responded that lessons learned from the Giorgi Brothers Building were the design impetus for the proposed structure's interface with the street. Thus, the proposed stnlcture steps back significantly from the street and the commercial space is pushed forward. The Design Review Board also recommended Inoving the curb out and reclaiming some of the street. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto explained that Caltrain would be in control of parking at the proposed Caltrain facility at the current Borba Building location on Airport Boulevard. She then questioned how video monitoring in the garage would be paid for and requested identification of additional security measures planned for the structure, including whether access to the garage would be restricted at night. She also asked staff how the design addresses traffic issues in Fourth Lane. Assistant City Manager Van Duyn advised that the construction cost estimate included installation of video surveillance capabilities, but monitoring costs were not included. He noted that the City's contemplated physical presence and the commercial space in the building were expected to put more eyes on Fourth Lane, which may deter malfeasance. The design also anticipates the ability to minimize access to the facility and react to security issues as needed. Regarding traffic issues in Fourth Lane, Associate Planner Smalley explained that the design does not include vehicular access to the garage from Fourth Lane, because the site distances are not adequate. He noted that the design does not solve the problem of Saint Vincent De Paul's patrons parking in the Lane, but it does not add to it. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto commented that she liked the design for the garage, but pointed out that several of its features add to the massiveness of the structure and commented that she did not care for the appearance of a round object visible atop the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 12,2007 PAGE 8 structure. She stated that some of the plants identified in the landscape plan have a tendency to grow very large and should be reconsidered. Councihnan Mullin questioned whether the design contemplated truck deliveries for the proposed comn1ercial areas and inquired as to loading logistics. He further questioned whether in1provements to Fourth Lane had been considered as part of the overall project. (Recess 10:05 P.M. to 10:10 P.M.) (Cassette Tape No.2) Associate Planner Slnalley responded that the space designated for loading was not fully progrmnmed. He further noted that improvements to Fourth Lane were not contemplated in the design, but pedestrian in1provements could be made to Fourth Lane. Ms. Wendler advised that the back side of the loading dock was designed to permit a smaller delivery vehicle to back up into the space. The delivery vehicles would COlne into the loading area off of Fourth Lane. Councilman Garbarino commented that he liked the design and noted that the parking structure will improve the dOW11town sector. He echoed Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto's concern that the cornices of the building add bulk and suggested that they be redesigned. Mayor Gonzalez echoed concen1S that the con1ice structure made the building look larger. He questioned the actual number of floors the design contelnplated. He also asked for clarification about the distance between the structure and property lines and whether the addition of bricks was appropriate given the distance between neighboring buildings. He further requested information about the width of the spaces in the parking lot and inquired as to notice issues pertaining to the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Associate Planner Smalley responded as follows: 1) the design complies with general plan requirements for height lilnits and setbacks and contemplates 4.5 levels; 2) the concrete for the shear walls is 1 foot from each side net of architectural features; 3) brick treatment on all of the buildings walls would be expected; and 4) the proposed parking spaces of 8.5 feet comply with minimuln zoning ordinance requirements. Councihnan Addiego noted that the structure is necessary for the improvelnent of the downtown sector. He observed that there is no economy of scale in the surface lot, so a garage has to be built out of necessity. He explained that the concept of having more parking available would allow the City to fine tune parking throughout the sector. He apologized that the owners of 321 Miller did not receive notice. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto questioned who would be parking in the structure. Assistant City Manager Van Duyn responded that the garage would service three different customers: 1) metered spaces would serve the retail Grand Avenue patron base; 2) daily, flat fee parking would serve the business community; and 3) monthly or yearly permit parking would serve dOW11town employees. He noted that the distribution of parking spaces amongst public lots may change as a result of the parking structure. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 12,2007 PAGE 9 DECEMBER 12, 2007 PAGE 10 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Pedro Gonzalez, City of South San Francisco Submitted bvy': } // ~:/ , j(rlsta~1flTSOn, ~./ City of South San Francisco Approved: Being no further business, Mayor Gonzalez adjoluned the meeting in honor of Doris Chives, Charles White and Claudia Melton at 10:50 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Addiego reported that the City Council Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, January 12, 2008. He requested that the order of items of business at Regular City Council meetings be agendized as a topic for consideration. COUNCIL COMMUNITY FORUM Ms. Wendler explained that it is not possible to incorporate a pull-out lane because the site is sloping and the parking structure is a continuously ramping building. Mayor Gonzalez questioned whether it was possible to include space in the design to facilitate trucks to pass in the alley as suggested by Mr. Caron. Motion-Coucilman Addiego/Second-Councilman Garbarino: to approve the design of the parking structure with direction to staff to consider, incorporate and bring Council the specific design revisions suggested by Council and direct staff to proceed with construction documents. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Addiego, Garbarino and Mullin and Mayor Gonzalez. NOES: Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. Mayor Gonzalez recognized Mr. Caron. Mr. Caron requested that the design be cadalievered to accommodate traffic in Fourth Lane. Counsel Mattas advised that the City used an appropriate outside service to identify addresses to provide notice regarding the Mitigated Negative Declaration. He explained, however, that there was an error with this service that prevented notice from reaching the owners of321 Miller. Accordingly, he advised re-circulating the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the required public review period of20 days. Council could then consider adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration contemporaneous with presentation of final design plans. Mr. Pariani was recognized by Mayor Gonzalez and requested that use of current public parking spaces be revisited. He estimated that about 20% of the parking stalls on public lots are for metered use and 3 % are free parking. He also asked Council to consider whether building a structure with below grade parking spaces could be accolnmodated.