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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2008-03-19o °°~x's~'~~. MINUTES ~. a SPECIAL MEETING c'~tIFOR~1~ CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue) South San Francisco, California 94083 CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 400 GRAND AVENUl? WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2008 Meeting Called to Order: 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call: Present: Councilmen Addiego, Garbarino and Mullin, Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto and Mayor Gonzalez. Absent: None. Public Comments. None. 4. Presentation -discussion of and direction to staff regarding design and construction schedule for the proposed Caltrain Station on Airport Boulevard in South San Francisco. City Engineer Razavi introduced Mr. Allen Fong of Caltrain who read a letter from Caltrain Chief Development Officer Ian McEvoy and then provided a presentation on the proposed Caltrain station. Mr. McEvoy's letter warned that local opposition to the plans might raise funding complications. In response to the letter, Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto requested confirmation that the previously committed $50 million was assured for purposes of the relocation. Mr. Fong so confirmed, but noted that suggested improvements adding to the scope of the project would not be covered by the budget. Mr. Fong then presented Council with a power point presentation detailing the project's purpose, concept, goals, schedule and next steps as follows: Project Purpose: The project was planned to improve the safety, flexibility and reliability of South Francisco Caltrain service. Features such as controlled pedestrian parking at the north end with signals and gates would add to the safety of the new station. Project Concept: The project would include a center board platform with controlled access, serve as a Gateway to South San Francisco and provide a link to Grand .Avenue. Pedestrian access via the underpass would enhance the latter objective. A shuttle service to and from local corporations was also anticipated. Project Goals: Project goals included enhancing economic development and diversification, increasing connectivity and accessibility, promoting public transit and enhancing community character. Project Schedule: The project would likely go to bid in May 2008 with commencement of construction estimated for spring 2009. Next Steps: Remaining action items included finalization of the shuttle drop-off design, finalization of the purchase/lease agreements and coordination with Union Pacific pertaining to track rights. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto questioned whether electrification would be completed by 2013; and, if not, whether the station would be compatible with electrification. She further questioned maintenance responsibilities as between Caltrain and the City with respect to various parts of the project. Mr. Fong could not provide a date as to when electrification would be completed, but noted that the proposed station design would accommodate it. Regarding maintenance responsibilities, Mr. Fong responded that the underpass and connection were to be maintained by the City, but maintenance of the station platform would be Caltrain's responsibility. Additionally, striping in and around the crosswalks and streets would initially be applied by Caltrain. He further responded that landscaping at portal entrances would be the City's responsibility. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto expressed concern over the statement in Mr. McEvoy's letter pertaining to the $50 million funding commitment. She questioned whether there was agreement on final design and whether it would come before the Planning Commission or the Council for approval. She requested that fencing be considered to accommodate increased traffic to the station. City Engineer Razavi responded that the design was not finalized. He added that the City was seeking to obtain as much funding as possible for the project and explained that the City's contribution would involve purchasing land from Caltrain, cleaning it up and leasing it. Mr. Fong added that Council would have an opportunity to see the design documents before approval by Caltrain. He further added that fencing due to increased traffic would be considered. Mayor Gonzalez questioned whether the proposed tunnel would be covered from one end to the SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 2 other and whether natural light would permeate it. He further expressed support for placement of the proposed Station on Executive Drive. Mr. Fong responded that skylights and amphitheatre portals were planned to bring in more light. Councilman Garbarino questioned whether improvements to the existing parking lot were planned. Mr. Fong responded that improvements were in the works. Councilman Mullin requested delineation of proposed costs, including for purchases and other improvements. City Engineer Razavi responded that the majority of costs related to property that would be acquired from Caltrain and related clean-up. He further explained that clean-up costs were estimated at $600 thousand to $1 million and noted the hope that Caltrain would deduct clean-up costs from the total cost of the second property. Mayor Gonzalez then surveyed the Council to determine its support for relocation of the Caltrain Station to the Executive Drive Location. Mayor Gonzalez, Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto and Councilmen Garbarino and Mullin indicated support for the proposal. Councilman Addiego did not support relocating the station to the Executive Drive location. Recess: 7:06 p.m. Meeting resumed: 7:12 p.m. Presentation -Recycled Water Project Facility Plan progress with the San Francisco Public Utility Commission and California Water Service Company. City Engineer Razavi explained that four years of work had gone into the Recycled Water Feasibility Study. South San Francisco had served as the lead Agency on the project in cooperation with Cal Water and SFPUC and representatives from each agency were present. He warned that the recycled water program would not be a money making operation and further that recycled water may cost 3-4 times more than water from the general source. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto questioned whether the proposed recycled water program would eventually pay for itself. City Manager Nagel responded there could be no guarantee that the project would ultimately pay for itself. Representatives from Carollo Engineers then provided a presentation as follows: Ms. Clinton of Carollo Engineers explained that she had worked on the previous feasibility study as project manager. She advised that recycled water is waste water that SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 3 has undergone tertiary treatment to meet the California Department of Public Health Title 22 Standards. The resultant water is very clear with no palpable difference as compared with water from the general source. Regarding the reasons for pursuing recycled water, Ms. Clinton explained that recycled water can be deployed for non-potable uses such as irrigation. In addition there is some sense that SFPUC potable water deliveries could be limited in the future. Recycled water would also reduce withdrawals from the groundwater basin and effluent discharges to the Bay. Additionally, it may increase wastewater treatment capacity and is considered adrought-proof source. Ms. Clinton estimated that recycled water would generally cost about $250-$350 per acre foot. Ms. Clinton then explained that the Recycled Water Feasibility Study was completed in 2007. The study evaluated numerous alternatives and identified over 100 potential customers. Partners to the Feasibility Study were South San Francisco, San Bruno, Brisbane, the SFPUC and Cal Water. As a result of the study, preferred recycled water projects were phased. Customers in Phase 1, including an area covering California Golf Club, the Linear Park, Golden Gate National Cemetery and Orange Park, would receive the water on a year round basis. The second phase would include extending the line up to Colma and Brisbane; and the following phase would include adding industrial customers. Ms. Clinton advised that next steps for the project included preparation of a Facility Plan to be completed within 6 months from the notice to proceed. The design phase would occur during mid-2008 through mid-2009 and construction could be completed in 2011. Ms. Clinton closed by noting that preparation of the Facility Plan would cost $173,181, which would be split equally amongst the City of South San Francisco, SFPUC and Cal Water. Councilman Addiego questioned whether seasonal use of water had been factored into the analysis. Ms. Clinton responded that the estimates were based upon a unit cost irrespective of the of revenue stream and would not be affected by seasonal use. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto expressed support for the project but questioned how it would impact flow to the Bay. Director of Public Works White responded that the project should not have much of an impact on flow to the Bay and may provide additional capacity for businesses East of 101 and in other local developments. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto questioned whether recycled water could be used in swimming pools and car washes. Ms. Clinton advised that recycled water cannot be used in swimming pools and might be problematic for certain car washes since it sometimes has a higher salt content. She noted, however, that recycled water could be used in commercial laundry facilities and hospitals. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 4 Councilman Mullin questioned whether Brisbane and San Bruno might potentially be making a contribution to the project. He further questioned whether recycled water could be used in Biotech labs in the East of 101 area. City Engineer Razavi responded that while both Brisbane and San Bruno expressed interest in eventually utilizing the recycled water, they were not currently among the project's partners. Regarding the issue of recycled water in labs, Ms. Clinton responded that Genentech had advised that it cannot be used in drug making processes. She noted, however, that some labs subject recycled water to reverse osmosis before utilization. Mayor Gonzalez questioned the availability of state or federal funding for the project. Ms. Clinton confirmed the existence of funding for construction phase projects. Councilman Addiego questioned how customers could be motivated to use recycled water. Ms. Clinton responded that customer buy-in mainly comes down to a price versus cost issue. She noted, however, that while the project may operate in the red for a while, it should turn around, especially since the PUC rate is expected to triple by 2016. 6. Adjournment. Being no further business, Mayor Gonzalez adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Submitted by; Krist'~ City o ._ lli- rson, City Clerk Sa Francisco Approved: ~~~ , ~~~ ~- ~ ~ ~ Pedro Gonzalez, l'~Iayor t~ City of South San Francisco SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 5