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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2010-01-16MINUTE S ~o~~x11S~~~ SPECIAL MEETING CITY COUNCIL o OF THE c'~LIFOR~~~ CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue) South San Francisco, California 94083 CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 400 URAND AVENUE SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010 Purpose of the meeting: Call to Order Time: 9:00 a.m. 2. Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Garbarino, Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Mullin and Mayor Addiego. Absent: None;. 3. Agenda Review. No changes. 4. Public Comments. None. 5. Items for Discussion: a. Council Goals/Objectives Councilman Garbarino: listed his goals and objectives a~s: Speak with leasing agents and potential clients in order to fill empty buildings such as Centennial Towers and generate a greater presence to get businesses coming to South San Francisco. During the Biotech convention he planned on fanning out and circulating amongst the attendees.. He wanted to consider placing artwork at the park on Chestnut and Grand as it looks depleted and to his recollection, rarely has anyone using it. He felt it was too vast a space to sit empty. Lastly, he wanted to increase his outreach efforts by attending more Board and Commission meetings. Vice Mayor Mullin: Concurred with Councilman Garbarino regarding Board and Commission meetings and added to his list of personal priorities: continue to focus efforts on Caltrain and downtown revitalization, continue to work on CCAG legislative committee and follow the happenings in Sacramento as it relates to local government.. He wanted to take on a leadership role in the formation of a local cities, counties and school working group through the CCAG committee. Continued Participation in the Biotech Workforce 'Training Partnership would help him further the vision of creating connections and a job pipeline from the west side to east side of the City, integrating the efforts between the City and School District. The greening of the City remains an ongoing priority for South San Francisco. Increase civic engagement perhaps through City oriented programming on Peninsula TV. Continue intergovernmental advocacy to county, state and federal levels and continue to seek funding. He will continue to follow up on whether or not there was going to be a second round of stimulus funding. It's often noted how South San Francisco is the economic engine of the County and arguably the Bay Area with its Biotech industry. With that, the Vice 1Vlayor wanted to look at how to measure the City's economic output. Also, hearing a lot about California being considered a donor state to the federal government, he was curious about whether or not the City gets back what it puts in from a property tax standpoint. He wanted to look into a way to quantify the economic output and bring the City greater recognition in its regard. He would love to see the numbers for 94080 and create talking points around this City's output versu$ others throughout the County. He felt this would be helpful when Council is fighting for dollars acid advocating for this community. Councilman Garbarino concurred with the Vice Mayor and added at some point he would like to see a Public Information Officer ("PIO") on staff to deal with generating positive press for South San Francisco. Vice Mayor Mullin commented just as the Police Department has to publicize the crimes that go on in South San Francisco in the name ofpublic safety, he would like to have publicized the positive things that happen within the City as well. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted the idea of a bench and path for the park on Chestnut and Grand was a good idea and would encourage families to sit anal enjoy the park. Relative to CCAG, she noted there was a potential for an additional $500,000 minimum in stimulus funding and proposals needed to be submitted by Thursday, January 28. In regards to stimulus funding, the Councilwoman noted she had finally gained support from the rest of the North County. The general sentiment amongst them was that all major prof acts tended to go southward. In addition, she noted her frustration about South San Francisco berg passed up for funding over cities and projects that have not been managed quite as well. She would continue to promote South San Francisco's achievements and hoped they would not play against us in terms of getting additional funding for the City's many merited projects. Vice Mayor Mullin and Councilman Garbarino also noted the political gravitational pull going southward. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted there was an updated list of PIO's available for non-profit newsletters that had publication information. This could be used to help get out information regarding City happenings. She noted Assistant to the City Manager, Susan Kennedy had been appointed to perform some of the tasks as she had experience in the area and that Planning Commission Member, Robert Bernardo, had volunteered to do the writing, as he does so professionally for the Port of Oakland. A main goal she wanted to continue, with Council's permission, was to work with the South San Francisco Unified School District's ("SSFUSD") Superintendent, Dr. Howard Cohen and continue to introduce him to individuals and groups in order to foster key working relationships SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 2 throughout the community. She hoped to receive a mission statement or plan from someone from the District as to assist them in obtaining grants. Mayor Addiego would like Councilwoman Matsumoto t4 continue to work with Dr. Cohen and coordinate her efforts with the School Liaison Committee. Councilwoman Matsumoto would also like to establish Green classes or a training center for green industries with Green V. If council agreed, a 3 month window would be needed to set up as a small market incubator. She wanted to look into acquiring pro-bono work in the set-up of a business plan to see what it would take to get this going and expected costs to for the City to be minimal. Lastly, the Councilwoman wanted to continue her fundraising and volunteer work with various programs such as the backpack program, seniors programs and tutoring/reading programs. Councilman Gonzalez requested Councilwoman Matsumoto keep Council informed on the issues so they can help spread the word and get the community involved. He went on to list his goals far the year which included: his continued participation in the many committees that he has been a member of and become a member of recently throughout his years on Council, increase his involvement with Hispanic agencies throughout the City, continue his efforts with the 2010 Census count and make sure that undocumented people get registered, and attend every meeting of the Blue Ribbon Task Force of the SSFUSD. He agreed with his colleagues in regards to promoting the positive happenings in the City and improving the usability of the park on Chestnut and Grand, adding that a tree should be placed next to the bench. He also wanted to focus maintenance/improvement efforts on the median across the street from El Camino near Costco. The Councilman reported on a Conference Centter coming to fruition in Burlingame. He wanted the Conference Center Authority to be aware and prepared as it was not expected to be small. Councilwoman Matsumoto wanted to add that she would be participating in a Recycled "Junk" Art project with schools, citizens and the South San Francisco Scavengers over the next six (6) months. She would also be putting on a Valentine Coneert at the Jack Meyer's Performing Arts Center with Dave Miller's Jazz Trio. Mayor Addiego noted how it was interesting how the City struggles with its image. He noted the importance of understanding where we have come from and the things we have done and promoting our successes better. The key is for us to work an our relationships with our elected representatives. The Mayor noted his personal commitment would focus on trying to be a better partner with the Council and promote each other and eaich others' accomplishments. Mayor Addiego commented that he felt the letter sent out to new business owners within the City, containing the Mayor's signature, lacked quantifying numbers and substantial information on what it meant to be a business partner in South San Francisco. He noted when talking with business owners, not all of them felt the City was such ~ great place to do business in. He hoped that some of their concerns could be addressed through a forum such as a Small Business Task Force. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 3 Members of Council recalled a welcome letter sent to new residents, perhaps by the Chamber of Commerce, and felt it would be a good way to promote the City and make residents aware of all our community had to offer. Other ideas included a Speakers Bureau and attending Home Owners' Associations meetings. b. Staffs Goals/Objectives City Manager Barry Nagel reviewed the 2009 year end goals and objectives. 'The Memorandum distributed to Council contained the 2010 goals and objectives in the following areas: Management of the Capital Improvement Plan. Economic Stability. Quality of Life Improvement in the Community. Mayor Addiego asked about the development fees in regards to Westborough Park. City Manager Nagel responded there was approximately $1 rraillion from the City Light development. Enhancement of Public Safety Operations. Councilman Garbarino noted that legislation pertaining to gang activity/violence was going to be a key focus in Sacramento. Councilman Gonzalez recalled a bill that was passed requiring gang members pay for their damages. Councilwoman Matsumoto felt it was important to communicate what the Police Department was up against and where it impacts businesses and neighborhoods especially in regards to sex offenders and gang activity. Expanded Use of Technology. Redevelopment and Planning Activities. Maintaining an Efficient and Effective Workforce. Vice Mayor Mullin questioned what type of actions would be involved for the strategic planning effort. City Manager Nagel responded all Department Heads, Council and study sessions would be involved in creating the plan. City Attorney Steve Mattas provided Council with afour-page memorandum that identified the City Attorney's Department team members, its goals for 2009, how they rated against their accomplishments and its goals for 2010. Councilman Gonzalez questioned when the Newsrack Ordinance would be implemented. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEF,TING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 4 Attorney Mattas believed staff was implementing it already. City Manager Nagel noted that everything should be in place soon. Recess: 10:53 a.m. Meeting resumed: 10:55 a.m. c. Finance Forecast Financial forecast document was provided to Council for review. It was noted that the City of South San Francisco had a structural deficit, meaning long term expenditures were growing faster than long term revenues. Among the most substantial expenditures was health care, which was growing much faster than inflation or revenues. Council gave staff direction to change health care plans this year and resolution from the bargaining umits was still outstanding. PERS investment losses will cause the rates to increase dramatically. As of this year, rates were 17.1 of wages for miscellaneous employees and 30.1 % for safety employees. These rates would increase to 24.8% and 42.6% respectively by year 2014-15. Mayor Addiego asked what happens when communities cannot pay PERS. The Mayor felt that if a majority of the communities could not pay the system would have to be revamped. City Manager Nagel was unsure of what could happen aid stated the questions have been asked but not responses were given.. City Attorney Mattas noted there was a federal program designed for such an instance, although it was severely underfunded. Non-sustainable cuts from the budget were identified. These cuts were made to make ends meet but would have to be restored overtime, or City facilities wc-uld deteriorate and become unsafe. Also, positions held over would need to be filled over tune. Capital Improvement had received no general fund dollars. Storm Drain Water Discharge mandates may be mandated by the State/Regional Board, if so, the moneys would need to dome from the General Fund until another source was found. Further detailed information provided on the handout included: Structural deficit assuming the status quo (no changes to salaries and benefits) and assuming the non-sustainable items are added back to the 2010-2011 budget; assumptions in revenue which included a modest growth in property taxes; and assumptions in expenses including the previously mentioned increases in health care and PERS. Vice Mayor Mullin questioned if the changes made by the City in regards to health care were enough to reverse the trend dramatically. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked if the City would be aiffected if a National Health Care plan went into effect. City Manager Nagel responded that the changes made by the city were hoped to be enough and as for the Federal Health Care possibility, the answer was still unknown. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 5 Charts I and II were provided, illustrating the Structural deficit outlooks for a status quo scenario (Chart I) and atwo-tiered PERS and Retiree Health Plan sce:nario(Chart II). Chart II shows a decline in the deficit from $3.8 million to $2.9 million after 10 years as a result of the benefit change. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted she was more comfortable with a higher reserve. Mayor Addiego stated that meant having to cut deeper now. City Manager Nagel asked if she comfortable with the projection as it stood now. Councilwoman Matsumoto responded that she could live with it in order to refrain from making further cuts now. City Manager Nagel assured Council that staff would work closely with them during this process. He further stated there was time to make well informed decisions. d. Day In the Park -possible changes in revenue sources Councilman Garbarino reported the changes that may occur with Day in the Park. During his last conversation with Pat Yang, it was communicated that CTenentech would continue to be supportive but not in the same fashion in order to avoid the appearance of the event being a Genentech event. Contributions from the company had ranged from $30,000 to $50,000. Councilman Garbarino stated he would be talking to the various individuals on his own as the government representative for Genetech knew little about who the counterparts were for the other companies. In the end, the event will not be same. Council discussed alternatives such as replacing the with a Battle of the Bands where non-profits could set up booths. Councilman Gonzalez suggested the addition of carnival games and rides to attract larger crowds from around the area, generating miore money. Mayor Addiego suggested finding a way to shift the burden from staff in terms of planning time, which could take them away from other projects. Councilman Garbarino stated a need for at least $85,000 even with the eliminations that were made last year. The Committee would have to take a look at where to make additional cuts. Alternatives to the event would be discussed. Whatever' it would turn out to be, he still wanted to call it Day in the Park, as the community looked forward to this event. BIO 2010 Chicago, Progress Seminar Councilwoman Matsumoto expressed concern about the costs for attending the seminar. In terms of return of investment, what would the City be spending the money on, not including hotel and travel? Assistant City Manager Van Duyn responded the City had teamed with California last year and shared some expenses. $20,000 was received in sponsorship last year, expenses were $30,000. This year there were expected reductions in participation for 'T'eam California, with only 6 or 7 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 6 willing to go to the conference this year. We would not have a booth but would be joining with Team California in some capacity. Currently, estimated share of expense for the City was $16,000 for use of'the Levis building. With travel expenses, conference registration and brochures it increases to $26,000, approximately $4300 each. With 2 additional staff, the costs would be $34,000. Councilwoman Matsumoto questioned how to best utilize the money when talking about our biotech industry. Where is there the best return? Were there quantifiable results? Mayor Addiego wanted to, at the very least, keep the pretence up and questioned how the City could be a biotech center if it was not represented at the conference. Representation and promotion of business was needed. Councilman Gonzalez also felt the City should be there. Assistant Manager Van Duyn stated we have the largest duster of Bioscience companies in the country. Presence at the conference is a way to show the City's attachment to the industry and recognize it as important to us. We have made and sustaiined contacts that have given back It may not have been by moving their business out here, but in the recognition that South San Francisco has business out. However, there was no way to measure. He questioned whether or not the companies located here felt our presence at the conference was important. He felt Genentech thought it was. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted specifically targeting CEO's to increase business in South San Francisco to no avail. She felt there could be other opportunities that would provide a greater return. Vice Mayor Mullin stated our presence made sense in terms of branding, marketing and positioning but that it was not mutually exclusive and agreed the Councilwoman's concerns had value. Councilwoman Matsumoto agreed being their would be beneficial for branding purposes. Councilman Gonzalez asked if the local biotech companies could pay some of the expenses. Attorney Mattas stated it could only be done through a contribution to the City, and then allocated through a budget amendment to the City without restriction. It could not be done on an individual basis. Councilman Garbarino stated he would not be comfortable with that process. City Manager Nagel stated when the item was discussed by the subcommittee, there was still Progress Seminar -Council discussed whether or not to participate. Vice Mayor Mullin noted his participation last year and was choosing not to go this year. Mayor Addiego also declined to attend. Meeting Recessed: 11:58 a.m. Meeting Resumed: 12:45 p.m. f. Green space at Grand/Chestnut -potential site for art work SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 7 Mayor Addiego questioned if the new green spots that have popped up are permanent. City Manager Nagel stated they were. Ideas given included public art or a path that would dissect the space. g. City Council Appointments to Regional Boards/Commissions City Manager Nagel noted conflicts with the Grand Boulevard Task Force for Councilman Garbarino. Meetings were held quarterly at 10:00 a.m. at various locations. The Councilman's main issues were that there seemed to be no sense of accpmplishment and no :money had been spoken of but a presence was needed. The next scheduled meeting was scheduled for March 17, 2010 and Councilwoman Matsumoto would attend, Councilman Garbarino would go in June. h. Consideration of full/part-time P.I.O. Sergeant Joanie Lee would continue to handle Police Department press. However, Mayor Addiego wondered why all press could not be handled b~ a single P.LO. Planning Commissioner Roberto Bernardo, was mentioned again as he handled public information for the Port of Oakland. City Council Office -Display of Gifts Councilman Garbarino felt there maybe too many items. on display and it should be pared down. Particular items were discussed for removal and storage and. alternate display locations were suggested. j. Sister City Gifts City Manager Nagel suggested one or two members of Council work with staff on setting a budget and for having standardized gifts on hand. Mayor Addiego and Councilwoman Matsumoto were designated. k. Boards and Commissions Attendance Policy Councilwoman Matsumoto requested the department heads that chair committees send friendly reminders to Boards and Commission members regarding the attendance policy. PenTV Shows In the past, Council members created community service programming and not had to pay for facility. Participating in PenTV would require a $100 rental fee. Did Council wish to consider a policy allowing for inclusion in the budget of funds to pay rental cost? None of shows involve use of public funds or involve partisan campaign in favor or against ballots or candidates. They SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 8 would be purely a public service type activity. Councilman Gonzalez wanted to consider Comcast or Astound. Vice Mayor Mullin clarified the station aired on Channels 2E- and 27. He found the shows to be of great value. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted previous involvement with Burlingame's local Comcast and how it was helpful in conveying what local government does, noting programs on High Speed Rail and programs hosted by CHP Officer Greg Monks and Chief of Police Mark Raffaelli. Extra copies of these programs were made and provided to PenTV, who ran them repeatedly. Attorney Mattas noted the policy precluded the City from paying fees during election system. Amendment to handbook if OK with policy. Approval could be made today or it could be put on a future agenda under Consent Calendar. Mayor Addiego requested it be put on the Consent Calendar. m. City Council Reorganization Costs Councilwoman Matsumoto requested something added to Council policy and handbook formalizing a "not to exceed" requirement. Attorney Mattas noted if the costs were paid for by private funds it could not be formalized, it is not City business. n. Residential Party Permit Councilman Gonzalez wanted to establish a policy in an effort to prevent things from happening while still remaining respectful to communities. He felt if parties were to have 50 or more invitees, permits should be made and there should be a guard or police officer present to avoid problems. Mayor Addiego equated the idea to a policy in the Town of Colma for businesses that erects tents and hosts events such as barbeques. He was unsure of how to extend it to fit a residential circumstance. He felt the issue had some merit and should be explored. Attorney Mattas noted the Police Department was presently considering permitting entertainment events more for than 50 people at commercial facilities but not at residential. Special Events permits require appropriate security. Vice Mayor Mullin questioned if it was legal to extend the policy to residences. Attorney Mattas stated events with 50-100 guests presented public health and safety concerns. Regulating on something objective like parking and access would need to be done. City Manager Nagel stated discussion of options would continue with the Police Department. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 9 o. City Council Handbook Ad Hoc Committee Councilwoman Matsumoto wanted to update the Council handbook. Attorney Mattas stated he was working with the City Manager's Executive Assistant, Irene Soto and an updated draft was available for Council to review. p. Friday Packet Newspaper Articles Councilman Garbarino suggested the discontinuation of being provided with the various periodicals unless Council finds it beneficial. Council found them beneficial and wanted to continue receiving the papers. q. Faxing Council Invitations Council requested to be provided with invitations immediately upon receipt rather than the end of the week. Emailing was the method preferred by Council in addition to being provided in Friday packets. r. Items From the City Council Boards and Commissions: Changes in the appointments to Boards and Commissions would be made before next meeting. Green V: Mayor Addiego asked when the current lease was up and if anyone was going to test the market place or was this outright lease. Assistant City Manager Van Duyn responded the City hid taken over building and was currently storing library furniture there. Testing the market had been suggested. Any decisions made would come back to Council. Councilwoman Matsumoto has a safe three (3) months to review and spend time putting a proposal together. Mayor Addiego asked Councilwoman Matsumoto to sh~.re solve examples of the businesses that would be considered for the International Marketplace. Councilwoman Matsumoto responded there could be an Italian deli and a coffee and tea shop. Her attempt was to create a second shopping area, an indoor public market similar to the one located in Napa, as noted by Councilman Garbarino, in addition to the downtown revitalization. Mayor Addiego felt it was an ambitious but a great idea, He added it would be wonderful if there were local businesses, such as Gimbal's Fine Candy, that would use the space. It could serve as an incubator for small businesses. He questioned if it was doable. Assistant City Manager responded money would have to be put into the building. It maybe a legitimate redevelopment purpose. If presenting a rent lower than market place, it was a good SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 10 idea to approach established businesses in town. It may succeed because the offset is affordability. Council encouraged Councilwoman Matsumoto to continue with her proposal and thought it could turn into a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. 6. Closed Session -Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957) Title: City Manager and City Attorney. Entered: 1:53 p.m. Open Session resumed: 3:30 p.m. Report out of Closed Session by Mayor Addiego: direction given. 7. Adjournment. Being no further business, Mayor Addiego adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. Approved: "- le Mark Addiego, Mayor City of South San Francisco SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 16, 2010 MINUTES PAGE 11 Submitted by: