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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2010-10-13~o~~x s~F MINUTE S p4 ~~ ~~2 ~• u, CITY COUNCIL """"`- CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO c9LIFOR~~P REGULAR MEETING MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2010 CALL TO ORDER: TIME: 7:09 P.M.. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Garbarino Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Mullin anal Mayor Addiego. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Addiego. PRESENTATIONS • Presentation by PG&E representatives. PG & E representatives Hobia Gamblin of the Government Rf;lations Department and Rick Salas, Gas Construction Superintendent for the Central Coast :Region, were present to address the questions and concerns of the people of South San Francisco at the request of the Mayor and Vice Mayor. The Mayor was hoping to hear about the many ways PG & E ,attempts to determine the gas lines are whole and working properly. He requested that Mr. ~Salas speak about the maintenance schedule, then specifically the section of pipeliinf; that runs through the City. Mr. Salas began by describing the leak survey conducted twice a year on transmission mains and once a year on distribution mains. Other processes included a cathotic protection program, aerial surveys conducted once a year, aerial vegetation surveys, and helicopter surveys. These were all methods used by PG & E to detect leaks. Mayor Addiego sought clarification as to how the leak surveys are conducted, as he understood much of the pipeline is under asphalt. Mr. Salas responded they are done by foot and motor patrol. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked if these mechanisms were; in place in San Bruno. Mr. Salas replied they were. Mayor Addiego asked if this was the schedule of inspection. both before and after the incident in San Bruno and whether it was fair to say that the; inspections have been ramped up since the incident. Mr. Salas stated the same inspection w<~s used on all pipelines prior to the San Bruno incident. Since the incident PG&E has walked every inch of pipeline 132 in its entirety from Milpitas to its end in South San Francisco. Mayor Addiego requested that PG&E address how a particular South San Francisco section of the pipeline, which had initially been identified as one of 100 at greatest risk, qualifying it for funds and repairs, later fell off the list. Councilman Garbarino also wanted to know how it could be high risk in 2007 and not in 2010. He felt logic dictated a 50 year old pipeline would stay ~on the list. Mr. Salas stated the pipeline was broken down into 20,000 segments each assigned a value. Factors determining which segments are on the list include ground movement, construction materials, method, coding and location. Age does play a minor factor, but third party activity is the main way to get on the list as third party activity may cause severe damage in due time. It seemed rational to Councilman Garbarino that an in-place monitor should have been placed on this line. Seeking to clarify, Mr. Salas noted if there was a leak on a gas transmission line, repair would occur within 24-38 hours. Had a leak been detected dm-ing a recent patrol, a repair would have been done. The segment had just been patrolled., and no leaks were found. Mayor Addiego prompted Mr. Salas to explain why he could riot speak about certain items. Mr. Salas noted his limitations were due to pending investigations. Mr. Salas continued that dropping off the list could be a result of inspections determining coating is good. Third party major projects in the area also couuld have an effect. Councilwoman Matsumoto wanted some reassurance on how t:he community could feel at ease. Mr. Salas noted the transmission pipeline was governed by the: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Transportation and the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC"). Audits are conducted on everything that PG&E does, training is done to meet federal regulations. Lastly, Mr. Salas stated his department maintained the lines, and if he were to ever know of anything that would harni any person he would be the first to raise his hand. Vice Mayor Mullin noted the adhoc subcommittee requested a line history report on line 132, mile post 42.13 thru 43.55. He asked what had put that; section of the pipeline on the 100 at greatest risk to begin with. Mr. Salas identified the line being along Antoinette Lane, Chestnut Avenue, continuing along Mission Road, Ferndale and Gardenside, ending near :Morningside. It was on the list due to overall risk, which was calculated by physical design., characteristics and potential for third party damage. These reasons seem vague but most likely are due to resident population or schools near site, nearby construction to cause third party damage, physical design that would allow migration of gas. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 2 - Vice Mayor Mullin asked if there were any details available about specific incidents that may have occurred to qualify the section of the pipeline for t:he; 100 most risky designation. Mr. Salas stated that could be obtained. Vice Mayor Mullin stated as a resident of South San Francisco he wanted to know what has happened to the line. The Vice Mayor also asked if the pipeline was going to be moved, as he had heard in news reports. If so, would this occur before 2013? Mr. Salas did not have adequate information to provide an answer. Mayor Addiego wanted to make sure any unanswered questi.oris were carried back to the company in order to obtain answers in the future. Ms. Gamblin stated PG&E was committed to continuing the dialogue. She also spoke of the specificity and criteria used in placing pipeline segments o:n the list. To her understanding, PG&E would be initiating engineering in the area working towards 2013. Specific items would be shared with the City as soon as they were known. Vice Mayor Mullin asked what circumstances needed to occur to move the timeline up. Mayor Addiego reiterated Mr. Salas' earlier statement that the coating being determined functional, would be the only item causing the line to drop off list. Mr. Salas agreed. Vice Mayor Mullin felt the Company would go a long way towards restoring the community's trust if it could expedite replacement of the pipe. Going forward, he invited PG&E back to address Council after receiving the various preliminary reports it was expecting and noted while the community did not rest easy with the information provided, he did not want this to be a confrontational issue and hoped that everyone could work together, preferably before 2013. Councilman Garbarino requested that the City's public safety officials be given access to the maps detailing the shut off valves. Furthermore, he noted the public's concern about the integrity of the line and stated that a 2013 replacement date was unacceptable. Mayor Addiego issued a plea to PG&E to move up the timeline for the replacement of the pipe. It was a very personal issue for all residents and extremc;ly important for the issue to be addressed as soon as possible. Resident Rosa De la Casa expressed her concern about the pipes located near her home on Dundee. She stated while PG&E prices rise the level of service is decreased and that she wanted action. Mr. Salas explained the difference between transmission and distribution lines and noted there was a gas pipeline replacement program monitored by CPUC in which lines are replaced in a sequence. Resident Jackie Williams expressed frustration over notification and surprise over the location of the pipeline along Junipero Serra. Further concerns were the cause of the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 3 - explosions and the pressure being raised behind the communities back. What would the City do to keep track of what goes on between the CPUC and PG&E? Mayor Addiego clarified the last two speakers were from the; West Winston Manor neighborhood and were not speaking of line 132 but rather the line that runs through their neighborhood. He requested that Mr. Salas speak to that line specifically, the issues pine trees may present and the pressure of that particular line; since the incident. Mr. Salas could not comment on the size of the line per the NTSB. Pine trees would not be a concern due to pipe coating. He noted the CPUC ordered PG&E to lower the pressure on their line but could not give specifics, but stated the company's; lines operate well below what they are rated and all pressures are governed by the Fecle~ral Energy Regulatory Commission, not just the CPUC. Mayor Addiego asked the range for a transmission line and t:he; level at which the gas is pumped into homes. Mr. Salas stated anywhere from 120 for a distribution feeder main up to as much as 600 pounds. The pressure is approximately one--quarter pound going into the home. Resident Tom Carney presented slides and addressed Council regarding his concern for the neighborhood located at Pecks Lot at Paradise Valley and Spnzce. Mr. Carney stated PG&E had been invited. to come to a community meeting approximately three (3) months ago but had rejected the invitation. He requested Council to pint a hold on the cell phone tower project in the area before work begins over the pipeline. Mayor Addiego asked if the line going on the south slope of San Bruno towards the bay was an active line. Mr. Salas could not answer the question. 'Che Mayor requested Mr. Salas view the photographs presented by Mr. Carney and rel:urn with an answer. Councilman Gonzalez wanted PG&E to address concerns about prevention of further occurrences. Trust had been broken as PG&E stated an intention to fix the pipes and had not. He also noted PG&E has right of ways in the City, but would like to be notified when and where future work would be occurring. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked if residents had already be;en assessed for the repairs that did not occur. Mayor Addiego understood the amount was approved by the (:PUC in an approximate amount of $5 million. Ms. Gamblin stated there was no specific rate increase for any given project in any given area. She explained when budgeting occurs it is looked at system-wide and not by area. Rates are set accordingly for three (3) year periods and include the various projects PG&E has committed to. Mr. Salas noted when one line is pulled, another is added, and so the money is spent on the pipeline. Regarding the pipeline on the south slope of San Bruno, Mr. Salas could not comment and would get the information to Council later. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 4 - Councilman Gonzalez noted the pipes have been in place for 5~0 plus years and were made in the USA. He noted recent concern about imported materials currently used and requested the replacement pipes be made in the USA. Mayor Addiego thanked Mr. Salas and Ms. Gamblin for their presence. Councilwoman Matsumoto informed residents information regarding the PG&E pipelines is posted on the City's website at www.ssf.net as soon as it bectomes available • Girl Scout Silver Award Project Blood Drive Presentation -Jennifer Reeves. Jennifer Reeves presented Council with information pertaining; to the Blood Drive that would take place on November 26, 2010 at Fire Station 61 bet•~veen the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The Blood Drive was being sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Northern California Sister Cities Service Union. • Proclamation celebrating October 2010 as National Arts and Humanities Month accepted by Julie Fellers on behalf of the Peninsula Arts Council. Julie Fellers, President of the Peninsula Arts Council accepted the Proclamation establishing October 2010 as National Arts and Humanities Month in the City of South San Francisco. She commented on the importance of the arts to community building and thanked Council for its continued support of such programs. • Presentation pertaining to Legislation Reauthc-ri:aing the Federal Surface Transportation Program, by Kim Rothschild. Kim Rothschild made a presentation to Council outlining budget shortfalls facing public transportation entities in San Mateo County. She requested thhat Council call on Congress to approve long term Legislation Reauthorizing the Federal Surface Transportation Program. Vice Mayor Mullin reiterated the importance of the new proposed new South San Francisco Caltrain Station. He then requested information as to the overall amount of reserves SamTrans used to balance its budget. Ms. Rothschild did not have the specific information available, but promised to research the information and provide it to Council. In response to a question from Mayor Addiego Ms. Rothschild advised that Measure M on the upcoming November Ballot would provide funding for local streets and roads by allocating 50% of a proposed vehicle registration fee increase to such projects. AGENDA REVIEW None. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Bruce Tognetti, President of the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, announced the Taste of South San Francisco Event that would take place at the South San Francisco Conference Center on November 4, 2010 at 11:30 p.m. Information regarding the event was available on the Chamber's website at v~~~w.ssfchamber.com. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 5 - Paul Wysocki of the Boys and girls Clubs of San Mateo County announced a Lobster Feed Fundraiser that would take place on November 13, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club at 201 West Orange Avenue in South San Francisco. Information regarding the event was available at the website: 1~Ittp://ssfkiwanislobsterfeed2i)l0.eventbrite.com. A resident of the Sunshine Gardens neighborhood request:ed~ that Council review and/or pull the permit on certain cell. phone tower installations in the City. Park and Recreation Commission Installation event in Paradise Valley help build the park. ITEMS FROM COUNCIL • Announcements. • Committee Reports. Nagales announced the KaBoom community Park He invited residents to come out the next day and Councilmembers reported on participation in community meetings and events including a Familias Latinas Meeting, a CCAG Meeting, and a BCDC Meeting. An announcement was made regarding the KaBoom Community Park installation that would take place on Thursday, October 14t" in the Paradise Valley Neighborhood. Parks and Recreation Director Sharon Ranals and her staff were commended for tlle:ir work on the very successful Day in the Park event. Specific items for further action and/or consideration were set forth as follows: Councilwoman Matsumoto requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Elaine McKenna, mother of Nancy McKenna a resident and SamTrans employee. Vice Mayor Mullin requested that staff meet with local business owners regarding recent aggressive legal threats to businesses in the Downtown District. Mayor Addiego requested that staff look into solutions for issues caused by youth/students ion Tamarack Lane. He suggested closing or fencing off a portion of the lane as a possible solution. • Cancellation of the Regular City Council Meeting of l\(ovember 24, 2010. Council agreed to cancel the regular meeting of November 24•, 2010 due to its proximity to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Motion- Councilwoman Matsumoto/Second- Councilma~l Garbarino: to cancel the Regular Meeting of the South San Francisco City Council scheduled for November 24, 2010. Unanimously approved by voice vote. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 6 - • Informational Report on State Propositions 19, 22, 23 ,and 24 set for the November 2010 Statewide Election. Vice Mayor Mullin opined that based on Council's precedent for supporting and or opposing items on the ballot, Council should not take a positicn on Proposition 24 because it did not have a direct nexus with local government. Councilman Garbarino opined Proposition 24 directly impacted local businesses. Mayor Addiego expressed opposition to Proposition 24 and stated his belief that local businesses would be harmed if it passed. Councilwoman Matsumoto concurred with Vice Mayor Nlu lin that Council should not take a position on Proposition 24 as it did not directly impact local government. She stated that she would not be opposed to Councilmembers independently taking a position on the Proposition. Richard Dye addressed Council regarding Proposition 24 stating it would be a giant step backward on the road to economic recovery. He stated that a study by Claremont McKenna College noted that the Proposition would eliminate 322,000 jobs and amount to 1.8 billion in lost tax revenue annually. It would further repeal the ability for companies to fully utilize earned R&D tax credits. Motion- Councilman Garbarino/Second- Councilman Gonzalez: to oppose Proposition 24. AYES: Councilmen Gonzalez, Garbarino and Mayor Addiego; NOES: Councilwoman Matsumoto and Vice Mayor Mullin; ABTAIN: None; ABSI=;NT: None. Councilman Garbarino explained Proposition 22 which was put on the ballot by the League of California cities and would prevent the state from taking local funds. Councilmembers expressed support for the Proposition. Motion- Councilman Gonzalez /Second- Councilman Garbarino: to support Proposition 22. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Vice Mayor Mullin expressed opposition to Proposition 23 and opined passage of the Proposition would hurt the environment. Councilman Garbarino concurred and expressed the need to be we have not been good stewards of the land we have. Motion- Vice Mayor Mullin/Second- Councilman Garbarino: to oppose Proposition 23. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Councilman Gonzalez expressed opposition to Proposition 19 and stated he could not think of any reason to legalize marijuana. He commented on the daa~gers of the drug. Councilwoman Matsumoto expressed opposition to Proposition 19 as did Councilman Garbarino and Vice Mayor Mullin. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 7 - Mayor Addiego stated he didn't encourage the use of marij~aa:na but didn't see the need to continue its prohibition. He opined it was disingenuous to al'.low alcohol use and prohibit marijuana use. Motion- Councilman Gonzalez/Second- Vice Mayor Mullin: to oppose Proposition 19. AYES: Councilmen Gonzalez, Garbarino and Councilwoman Matsumoto and Vice Mayor Mullin; NOES: Mayor Addiego; ABTAIN: None; ABSENT: None. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve the minutes of September 22, 2010. 2. Motion to approve expense claims of October 13, 2010. Motion to accept the Utah Avenue and Grand Avenue Resurfacing Project (Project No. 510-99999-st1005) as complete in accordance with the plans and specifications 4. Resolution No. 91-2010 authorizing the expenditure of tax increment funds for the rehabilitation of 339 Commercial Avenue and adopting findings required by Health and Safety Code Section 33445. 5. Resolution No. 92-2010 calling on Congress to approve long-term surface transportation authorization legislation. Motion- Councilman Gonzalez /Second- Councilwoman Matsumoto: to approve the Consent Calendar. Unanimously approved by voice vote. LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS 6. Consideration of Options for Regulation of Single Use Bags. City Attorney Mattas presented the staff report requesting Council's direction with respect to a policy pertaining to single use bags used in grocery stores and retail outlets. The report presented three options for Council's consideration, including: 1) adoption of a voluntary program to reduce the use of single use bags; 2) preparation of an ordinance banning single use bags and 3) continued monitoring of state and local developments. City Attorney Mattas stated the primary concern with adoption of an ordinance banning the use of single use bags would be the requirement that the city complete a costly Environmental Impact Report. He also noted there was support on the state level for reconsideration of legislation that would establish an outright ban on single use bags in California. He further stated there was pending litigation pertaining to an ordinance banning single bags that may set precedent on the issue. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 8 - Councilwoman Matsumoto stated she was in support of an outright ban but understood that in these economic times it would not be prudent for the City to undertake the expense of an EIR when the status of state law on the issue was not settled. She would like for the City to move forward with a voluntary program discouraging the use of both paper and plastic single use bags. She encouraged staff to work with the County and to continue to seek out local cities that might be interested in eventually sharing the cast of an EIR. Stephen Knight Political Director for Save the Bay provided Council with statistic on the impact of plastic bags on the Bay and other local waterways. He noted that the bags clog storm drains and pollute our waters. They create costly environmental issues that are burdensome to local governments. He urged Council to adapt. an ordinance banning single use bags. Mayor Addiego stated he would be in support of such an ordinance but could not justify South San Francisco's investment in an EIR when the shopping patterns of residents included stores outside City limits. He believed it would be more effective to seek out local government partners in neighboring cities and/or the county for the purpose of investing in an EIR and working on a more regional ban. IIe supported implementation of a voluntary program in the meantime, Vice Mayor Mullin stated agreement that single use bags ar•e 'bad for the envirorunent. He questioned whether an ordinance banning their use could bc; effective given the present uncertainty of the law on the subject and the potential for litigation challenging such an ordinance. He recommended the voluntary program as a, start, and noted during its implementation issues on the state level and in the courts may be resolved which would provide more certainty in the law. Councilman Garbarino agreed that implementation of a voluntary program and the seeking out of neighboring cities that might eventually be willing to participate in the cost of an EIR in pursuit of an ordinance banning plastic bags would be his preference. Motion- Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second- vice Mayor Mullin: to proceed with alternative number 1 and adopt a voluntary program discouraging the use of single use bags. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 7. Waive reading and introduce an Ordinance amending; Section 3.12.010 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code updating personnel position. 8. Resolution No. 93-2010 approving new job classification description, unit designation and salary schedule. Items Nos. 7 and 8 were heard together, with Item No. 8 bein g considered first. Human Resources Director Mount explained that Item No 8 recommended the approval of a Resolution approving a new job classification description, unit designation and salary schedule for a Database Business Systems Specialist. She explained the incumbent presently serving as an Accounting Assistant II has begun to do more complex work over the past few years pertinent to the City's acquistion of new accounting and human resources software. At this point, the incumbent was operating beyond the position he was originally hired to fill. Accordingly, a reclassification study was preformed over the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 9 - summer. Staff was not able to find an existing position the incumbent could be moved into and so creation of the new classification is recommeridE:d. Item 7 would make the corresponding amendment to the Municipal Code. Item 8: Motion- Councilman Gonzalez/Second- Councilman Garbarino: to approve Resolution No. 93-2010. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Item No. 7: Motion- Councilman Gonzalez/Second- Councilman Garbarino: to waive reading and introduce an Ordinance amending Section 3.12.010 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code updating personnel position. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 9. Resolution No. 94-2010 appropriating $20,000 for a. Feasibility Study of a North County Communications Joint Powers Authority. Finance Director Steele presented the staff report recommending that Council appropriate $20,000 for a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a North County Communications Joint Powers Authority for dispatch calls. Director Steele explained the possibility of pooling resources in this regard was directly related to the financial difficulties facing local municipalities. Each City was being; asked to contribute $20,000 to a study to determine costs savings and the possibilities for the success of such a consolidation. Councilman Gonzalez asked if a decision to consolidate could be reversed once a consolidated local dispatch operation was up and running. Chief of Police Massoni advised unraveling a consolidation would be difficult. The City would plan to retain the facilities of its emergency communication center as back up, however. City Attorney Mattas commented that if a JPA Agreement came to fruition, it would include a means of termination. Councilman Garbarino and Vice Mayor Mullin commented that studying the option would not commit Council to a decision on consolidation, but would provide the needed information to make a determination as to whether consolidation was advisable. Mayor Addiego questioned whether dispatchers would be familiar with specific practices in our City. Chief Massoni commented that he would only propose a consolidation to council if it was agreed amongst participants that there would be one way of doing things and that South San Francisco's current service level was not diminished. . Item 8: Motion- Councilman Garbarino/Second- Council.w~oman Matsumoto: to approve Resolution No. 94-2010. Unanimously approved by voice vote. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 10 - CLOSED SESSION 10. Conference with Labor Negotiators. (Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6) Agency designated representative: Kathy Mount Employee organizations: AFSCME, Local 829, AFL-CIO Confidential Unit, Teamsters Local 856 International Association of Firefighters, Local 1507 Mid-management Unit International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 39 South San Francisco Police Association Public Safety Managers Executive Management Unit. Closeci Session opened: 10:04 p.m. OpE;n Session resumed: 11:00 p.m. Report out of Closed Session by Mayor Addiego: Direction given; no reportable action taken. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Addiego adjourned the meeting at 11:00 P.M. in honor of Elaine McKenna. Submitted by: J~ Krista Mar ' son, City erk City of South San Francisco :Mark N. Addiego, Mayor City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2010 MINUTES - 11 -