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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2011-07-27 4. ` � � ° F MINUTES " " ° � - o CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO c911FOR REGULAR MEETING MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011 CALL TO ORDER: TIME: 7:02 P.M. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Addiego, Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Garbarino and Mayor Mullin. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Mullin. AGENDA REVIEW None. PRESENTATIONS • Ceremonial Check for $79,725 and Presentation to City Council for Energy Efficiency Projects Completed in South San Francisco - Presenter: Pacific Gas and Electric Company Representative. PG &E Representative Kathy Lavezzo in partnership with Paul Liao of San Mateo County Energy Watch thanked the City for its outstanding commitments to energy efficiency. She listed the City's accomplishments including, lighting upgrades, installation of Solar Panels at the City Hall Annex, vending misers and numerous energy saving installations at the Main Library, the Information Technology Building, the Westborough Recreation Center, Siebecker Center and Fire Station 64. She advised that the $79,725 check was the largest issued to a city on the Peninsula to date. She noted the contributions of City Staffers, including Director of Parks and Recreation Ranals, Superintendent Bates and Superintendent McAuley, in accomplishing this goal. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. ITEMS FROM COUNCIL • Announcements. • Committee Reports. Councilmembers decided to hold the majority of their announcements until Community Forum. The following brief comments were made in summary: Councilman Gonzalez reported that HEART had achieved the milestone of reaching $3 Million contributions. He also announced a Pancake Breakfast that would be held by the San Bruno Mountainwatch Group at the nursery in Brisbane on the upcoming Saturday. Councilman Garbarino advised Colleagues that he was nominated for appointment to the California League of Cities Board of Directors. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve the minutes of July 13, 2011. 2. Motion to approve expense claims of July 27, 2011. 3. Motion to waive reading and adopt ordinance 1447 -2011 eliminating South San Francisco Municipal Code Section 3.12.010 "Positions," and authorizing City Manager to prepare and maintain a City of South San Francisco Job Classification System. 4. Motion approving required response to the San Mateo County Grand Jury regarding TASER Use Standardization in San Mateo County. 5. Resolution No. 90 -2011 concurring with the 2010 -2011 San Mateo Council Civil Grand Jury Report of May 19, 2011 titled "Cell Towers: Public Opposition & Revenue Source." 6. Resolution 91 -2011 Approving an Amendment to the 2011/12 Parks and Recreation Department Operating Budget to expand the Before and After School Care Program at Monte Verde Elementary School and establish a Before and After School Care Program at Buri Buri Elementary School funded by Child Care Fees. 7. Resolution 92 -2011 authorizing the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief and the Public Works Director as authorized agents of the City of South San Francisco for the purpose of requesting reimbursement for Expenses through CAL -EMA. 8. Resolution 93 -2011 Approving an agreement with Playworld Systems for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at four locations in the Westpark 3 Area of the Common Greens in an amount not to exceed $99,799.42. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 2 - 9. Resolution 94 -2011 authorizing Budget Amendment for the Community Development Block Grant Program for FY 2011 -12. 10. Resolution 95 -2011 authorizing acceptance of $116,104 in grant funding from the Association of Bay Area Governments Plan to support risk management activities. Motion— Councilman Gonzalez /Second— Vice Mayor Garbarino: to approve Consent Calendar Items Nos. 2, 3, 7, 8 and 10. Item No 1: Councilwoman Matsumoto noted the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 13 referenced a comment by Mayor Mullin regarding an upcoming meeting with Assemblyman Hill pertaining to Redevelopment funding. She requested information as to how the meeting turned out. Mayor Mullin advised the Conversation with Assemblyman Hill was constructive and focused on ways to rebuild Redevelopment. Motion— Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second— Councilman Addiego: to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Items 4 & 5: Councilwoman Matsumoto thanked Chief of Police Massoni and Director of Information Technology Hollis for their excellent work putting together the responses to the respective Grand Jury reports that were the subject of items 4 & 5 respectively. Motion— Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second— Vice Mayor Garbarino: to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 4. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Motion— Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second— Councilman Addiego: to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 5. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Item 6: Councilwoman Matsumoto commended Director of Parks and Recreation Ranals for creating the new afterschool programs to meet the demand. She questioned the number of students in the afterschool programs that would be South San Francisco residents. Director Ranals responded that the majority of students in the program would be from South San Francisco. Motion— Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second— Vice Mayor Garbarino: to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 6. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Item 9: Councilman Addiego questioned the source of the entitlement money from last year. Director of Economic and Community Development Van Duyn explained that the salary allocated to Community Development Coordinator Adams who left employment earlier in the year and was not being replaced had been re- designated back to the CDBG program. Motion— Councilman Addiego /Second— Councilman Gonzalez: to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 9. Unanimously approved by voice vote. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 3 - PUBLIC HEARING 11. Project: El Camino Real /Chestnut Area Plan - General Plan Amendment, Rezone, Zoning Text Amendment, and Area Plan. Consultant: Dyett & Bhatia, Urban and Regional Planners Case Nos.: P08 -0077: EIR 11 -0001, GPA 11 -0002, RZ 11 -0002, ZA11 -0004 & SP08 -0001 Location: The Planning Area encompasses approximately 98 acres along El Camino Real, north to south from Southwood Drive to just north of Sequoia Avenue and, west to east from El Camino Real to Mission Road. 1. Resolution 96 -2011 making findings, certifying the Environmental Impact Report for the Kaiser Permanente Parcels within the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area Plan (EIR 11- 0001), and adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and 2. Resolution 97 -2011 making findings and approving the General Plan Amendment (GPA11 -0002) and the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area Plan (SP08- 0001), for the Kaiser Permanente Parcels, to collectively allow and establish regulations for mixed -use development within the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Planning Area; and 3. Waive reading and introduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 20.270 ( "El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area Plan District ") to the South San Francisco Municipal Code, amending Chapters 20.250, 20.300, and 20.630 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and amending the South San Francisco Zoning Map to collectively allow and establish regulations for mixed -use development of the Kaiser Permanente Parcels within El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Planning Area. Mayor Mullin noted his abstention for items pertaining to the Kaiser Permanente parcel and left the Dais. Vice Mayor Garbarino opened the public hearing regarding parcels specific to Kaiser Permanente. Public Hearing on Kaiser parcels opened 7:30 p.m. Economic and Development Coordinator Lappen presented the staff report and summarized its main points, noting the project had been worked on for quite some time. Smart growth policies had been adopted by Council going back to 1999. RDA focused on density types of development and mixed uses. Council adopted transit oriented development policies, the creation of the Linear Park, Centennial Way, Grand Boulevard Initiative, the El Camino Real Master Plan, General Housing Plan Element and S. El Camino Real General Plan Amendment. The overall objective was to preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods, provide east /west connections, relieve pressure on existing neighborhoods and support economic development. Mr. Lappen highlighted the parcels being discussed and described it as the main Kaiser parcel to the north and old motel site. He then handed the discussion over to Rajiv Bhatia of Dyett and Bhatia. Mr. Bhatia displayed photos of the parcel detailing the main Kaiser height itself as 80 feet. On the north parcel the height was reported as 55 feet and 25 feet. Kaiser would be updating and at some point need to redevelop the sight with a maximum height of 80 feet REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 4 - with options of up to 120 feet being offered with discretionary approval. It was that the new Kaiser campus be better integrated with the other amenities. Mr. Lappen went over the three (3) actions being asked of Council. Attorney Mattas clarified the presentation as being on the Kaiser parcels only, noted staff would be presenting the report on the remaining parcels and recommended the Vice Mayor take public comments on the Kaiser parcels only. No public comments were given. Public Hearing on Kaiser Parcels closed: 7:39 p.m. Councilwoman Matsumoto sought clarification as follows: Kaiser's master plan to accommodate seismic retrofitting would be reviewed on a case by case basis. City Attorney Mattas confirmed the Councilwoman's summarization. Councilman Addiego referenced a graphic that showed the height moving from 80 to 120 feet rather than staying the same. He felt having Kaiser in the community was a huge benefit and important to Council and the citizens of South San Francisco so allowing flexibility was something that should be done. He was in support of this aspect of the plan. Councilman Gonzalez asked if Kaiser already had plans in place. He understood the need for a hospital to grow and envelope more space. Director Van Duyn stated Kaiser's plans had not yet been submitted, but design standards should be created first so Kaiser knows what the expectation is from the City. Vice Mayor Garbarino noted the large client base for Kaiser, which included not only South San Francisco but parts of Daly City, Colma, Brisbane and Millbrae. While he didn't know what Kaiser's plans would be, he felt something would have to be done by 2030. Motion - Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second - Councilman Addiego: to approve Resolution No. 96 -2011. AYES: Councilmembers Addiego, Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Garbarino. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Mullin. ABSENT: None. Motion - Councilwoman Addiego /Second - Councilman Gonzalez: to approve Resolution No. 97 -2011. AYES: Councilmembers Addiego, Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Garbarino. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Mullin. ABSENT: None. Motion - Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second - Councilman Gonzalez: to waive reading and introduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 20.270 ( "El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area Plan District ") to the South San Francisco Municipal Code, amending Chapters 20.250, 20.300, and 20.630 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and amending the South San Francisco Zoning Map to collectively allow and establish regulations for mixed -use development of the Kaiser Permanente Parcels within El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 5 - Planning Area. AYES: Councilmembers Addiego, Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor Garbarino. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Mullin. ABSENT: None. 4. Resolution No. 98 -2011 making findings, certifying the Environmental Impact Report for the majority of the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area plan, excluding the Kaiser Permanente Parcels (EIR11 -0001) and adopting the Statement of Overriding Considerations; and 5. Resolution No. 99 -2011 making findings and approving General Plan Amendment (GPA11- 0002), the majority of the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area Plan, excluding the Kaiser Permanente Parcels (SP08- 0001), to collectively allow for mixed use development in the Planning Area; and 6. Waive reading and introduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 20.270 ( "El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area plan District ") to the South San Francisco Municipal Code, amending Chapters 20.250, 20.300, and 20.630 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and amending the South San Francisco Zoning Map to collectively allow and establish regulations for mixed -use development in the majority of the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Planning Area, excluding the Kaiser Permanente Parcels. Mayor Mullin returned to the dais for the remainder of the presentation. Once again Mr. Lappen introduced Rajiv Bhatia to walk Council through the aspects of the plan. Some work had been done since the last meeting involving the issues brought forward. Mr. Bhatia went over the desired accomplishment as a long range 20 to 30 year visionary plan on how to transform an underutilized area into the heart of the community. It would promote amenities such as new retail stores, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Housing options would be offered addressing ABAG's assessment that the City will need approximately 10,000 additional units in the coming years. This will relive pressure on single family neighborhoods and offer a variety of options to a diverse community. Another goal is to enhance the pedestrian and bike trails, and improve east /west connections. New parks and open spaces would be prominent and provide framework for new development. These developments would cost a considerable amount of money, possibly over $50 million, so having higher density would be a way to pay for improvements as well as any new public amenity, such as a public library. Photos showing the present area and illustrations of what it could be were presented. Sidewalks and streetscapes would be improved not only in the neighborhood but along Mission Road, allowing people to walk, linger and enjoy the overall environment. An open house was held on July 12 with an attendance of 40 to 50 community members. Comment cards were filled out showing a general support and excitement for the plan, but some concerns were noted as well including building height. The comment cards were provided to Council as part of the staff report. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 6 - Following the feedback, staff recommended: lowering the proposed maximum building height from 120 (maximum) /160 ft (discretionary) to 80 (maximum) /120 ft(discretionary), and also including greater control regarding taller portions of buildings, and wider sidewalks /greater setbacks along Mission Rd. Mr. Bhatia noted there was uniform planning criteria which would need to be met in order to consider heights greater than 80 ft. Visual representations were provided depicting the view from the Buri Buri neighborhood with buildings of 80 to 120 feet. Buildings were barely visible at 80ft, but once shown at 120 ft, heights were visible, though they remained below the top of San Bruno Mountain. A view from Oak Ave at Mission Rd was also depicted. Shadows were studied and visuals were depicted for the two separate heights showing little difference due to the purposeful setbacks away from the streets. Shadows would not significantly affect the neighborhood. As previously mentioned, extensive standards controlling the developments and the recommendation of increasing sidewalks from 6 ft to 10ft were explained in greater detail. A full comprehensive Environmental Impact Report ( "E.I.R. ") was completed however a comment came in yesterday, dated July 25, well after the closing of the public commenting time period. All topics brought forth in the letter were comprehensively addressed in the E.I.R. With the conclusion of the staff report and recommendations, Mayor Mullin opened the public comment section of the hearing. Prefacing with the fact that issues concerning noticing for the public hearings had already being addressed exhaustively by staff. Accordingly the Mayor suggested speakers focus their comments on the merits of the 20- 30 year vision in the hopes of assisting Council in deliberating this important issue. Public Hearing opened: 8:05 p.m. Joan Marvier stated she has volunteered at the libraries for many years. When she came to the City, the population was 39,000 in 1960 and the only library was Grand Avenue. Orange Avenue Library was completed in 1966 to serve a population of 45,000. Today's population is 65,872 in this City alone, yet we have the same number of libraries being used and providing much more than books and tapes. She also noted these libraries were a part of the Pacific Library Association and serve the communities of Santa Clara all the way up to San Francisco and Alameda. She was supportive of the plan and asked for the consideration of a new library within it. Larry Casey noted his attendance at previous meetings and his concern for Gunther's Restaurant. The plans presented this evening have caused him greater concern pertaining to building heights of 80 to 120 ft. He felt it would be better to limit height to four (4) stories above street with parking down below. He also felt the drawings added to the presentation still did not show the effect of 15 story buildings and that buildings that high did not belong on this side of town. Jeanette Acosta was present to support the potential of a new library, and the expansion of parks and pathways. She recalled when Colma Creek had flooded and hoped that would not occur again. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 7 - Cory David, resident at 220 Arroyo Drive, noted the City of South San Francisco as being the only city in the Green Belt Alliances Grand Boulevard Initiative seeking to build high - rise, mixed -use buildings. None of the other cities have even come close to approaching the potential 150 ft height limits proposed by South San Francisco. In fact those at the meeting were unaware of the scale of the proposed project. He asked why the City was the only one to offer such an over - the -top project and expressed frustration over what he characterized as little interactive dialogue between the Council and residents naming several opportunities he felt were missed by Council. He felt amending the zoning requirements for this project was tantamount to writing a blank check for developers who would surely cash it out at the highest amount possible and that the right to vote on such a proposal did not belong to Council, but rather to the residents. He felt confident in his assertion that Council did not know what the majority of its residents desired and suggested they find out. In closing, he noted he was not opposed to the development of the El Camino Corridor but believed the zoning amendment should be put on the ballot for a vote. If it does not appear on the ballot, it would become a part of public record that Council prevented its residents from determining the direction of their future. Betty Battaglia appreciated that Council was making plans to turn El Camino property into a destination spot. As a 50 plus year community member and user of the library, she was especially pleased by the inclusion of plans for a potential library. The current facilities were old and in need of being updated. Al Gershanek felt the presentation covered the positive aspects and was there to present the opposite point of view. He requested Council provide a chronological history of the project from both the private and public standpoint to be used as a resource for citizens to understand the development of the plan. He asked if there were plans for a major tenant to anchor the development as small retail stores could not compete with the available shopping in the area and therefore no one would need or desire to enter the complex. Considering the economy and ongoing City priorities he thought it was dangerous for the City to take on a project that could incur numerous unforeseen costs. He felt this area of the City could find itself with a row of vacant housing and retail, in that case he questioned the draw for investors into the area. Kaiser should receive special attention for its special needs however. Finally, he felt there would be additional need for fire and police personnel. He felt the project should proceed with overall design on a gradual and conditional basis, in phases that could be monitored. There must be consideration as to what would be a draw for the area and the demographics of those that would come into the area. He saw nothing in the presentations to be optimistic about. Mary Giusti spoke in favor of the new library and wanted to see it in the hub of this exciting new venture. Eleanor Breite reported she lived on Palos Verde Way. She was supportive of the City's long range vision to transform the blighted land into a vibrant community hub and centerpiece. She was particularly pleased at the prospect of a new, state -of -the -art library at the heart of the development. Using both libraries several times per month, it was evident to her the City needed more space to house library programs. The developments involved with the plan would be a huge benefit to the community. In closing, she thanked Council for their hard work and perseverance on this very important project. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 8 - Lynn Boldenweck was no longer present to give public comment. Cisca Hansen of 218 Cuesta Drive stated she had lived in the Buri Buri neighborhood for over 60 years. She expressed her gratitude to Councils present and past for work to present a long range plan for transforming what is presently a very unsightly space. She felt a well planned out area with affordable housing and easy access to shops would positively impact the City. She was very enthusiastic about the prospect of a new library, noting that the City had outgrown the current 45 year -old facility. A new library would be a huge credit to the City. Ellen Smith reported living on ECR next to the BART station and working in the City for 25 years. She was supportive of the project for several reasons including: transportation improvements, bike path improvements and a new main library to be used as a community center and gathering space. John Bergener who often walked to BART along Centennial Way, strongly supported the project. The trail itself was nice but surrounding areas are unused and blighted. This plan allows for development that may increase local dining and shopping opportunities, reduce sprawl and beautify the area. It was important to remember this was a long term plan and zoning change and specific plans would allow for additional public review. He also noted the plan as meeting legal, state mandated requirements for the Regional Housing Needs Assessment and the SB 375 Sprawl Reduction Bill and walkable transit oriented discussions. Audrey Park voiced her strong support for the plan, which she felt was overdue. In her opinion, it was a balanced approach to addressing future growth needs. To her, it was important to keep planning for infrastructure improvements despite the current economy and to keep tax dollars in the City. Having this development on the West side of the City would offer that opportunity. Mayor Mullin thanked everyone for their comments. Economically speaking, he asked about the market viability regarding retail in that section. Mr. Bhatia noted economists were part of the planning team and helped to do an extensive assessment of the retail market for the area as well as construction costs feasibility. Safeway, which at its current site has no room for expansion, may relocate and serve as the anchor. It was expected the current store would stay open during construction of the new site. Some of the stores currently in the area, such as Trader Joes and Costco are performing phenomenally well and are some of their best performing stores in Northern California. The Mayor, regarding the Buri Buri point -of -view slide, appreciated staff pulling back and felt 80 ft was tolerable. He asked whose views would be affected by buildings 80 to 120 ft high in those particular parcels. Councilman Addiego also asked about the views depicted from the Del Paso /Alta Loma point of view as well as Mission Rd. How would 80 ft buildings look if you were on Mission Rd? Also, would one meet the criteria to be approved at 120 feet? REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 9 - Mr. Bhatia reiterated that everything was subject to design review and pages of standards. A wall of buildings rising up to and beyond 80 ft would likely never be seen. Anyone that has a development project would first have to design it, conduct an environmental review and present depictions of views such as the slides presented this evening. The ability to look at the design and determine building heights was still entirely possible. Simply, the overall framework from which everything shall be reviewed was being provided. Anything beyond 80 ft would not happen if found to be nonappealing by the Planning Commission. Councilman Addiego restated his question; he needed to understand the process for meeting the criteria allowing the approval of a height of 120 ft. Mr. Bhatia stated it was not a matter of how much density but how the project was orchestrated on the site. In essence it did not take 120 ft off of the table, but it also did not take design and project review off of the table either. Specifics would be worked out with the developer. Councilman Addiego commented he was glad there was finally the understanding that indeed 120 ft buildings were being considered. He noted while some people in the community were looking at the worst case scenario of the 120 ft., he did not see that actually coming into fruition, but there was the ultimate potential that some spots would contain buildings of that height. Mr. Bhatia noted their were a few spots that were further away from Mission, far away from El Camino between Centennial and Colma Creek and confirmed for the Council that 120 ft would be approximately 10 floors. Mr. Lappen reviewed policy UD -12 for clarification. Mr. Bhatia referred to page 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to add to the clarification. Councilman Addiego recalled the reason the City had become involved with buying the PUC property was to maintain control of its development rather than taking what it could get. The City was now in control of its destiny. He understood what was being attempted and believed it to be for the benefit of the City. Councilwoman Matsumoto commented about being at a small home on Wildwood at which the view of San Bruno Mountain was already obstructed by some of the larger, two - story homes. Vice Mayor Garbarino understood the ordinance would allow up to 12 -story buildings and while that was not likely to happen soon, 10 or 12 years from now future Councils could decide that was ok. He had somewhat of an issue with that scenario. Personally, he had driven between the cities several times along the El Camino and did not see any developments more than 4 or 5 stories, so why were 10 -12 story buildings being discussed here. He tried to envision that type of development on the El Camino and did not see it as being cohesive. He would like to see something balanced between 3 and 5 stories, checker boarded. He felt this could be done while maintaining plenty of open space. He was excited about the project and knew something would be built there. Whatever it was, he hoped it would encompass some of what his vision was and stay along the lines of the height similar to Kaiser at 5 stories. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 10 - Director Van Duyn stated, in general terms, Kaiser Hospital was 80 ft. That was the minimum being discussed, not 12 stories. Aside from that, 120 ft was closer to 8 stories. Context was needed, getting that tall was nowhere near the immediate horizon or even within a 10 or 15 year horizon. The City had invested in the property and flexibility was required to achieve the returns needed for the development required to offset the costs of meeting the projected housing and jobs goals. The second part was to look at what the market place was currently indicating. No one was currently building 10 -12 story buildings. A current project in the City at 636 El Camino at 65 feet tall demonstrated the appropriate context. Twenty (20) or 30 years out, 80 ft was not an unreasonable goal to meet the maximum design requirements and setting these standards shows the City's commitment development but also demonstrates its intent to review each project individually. Development rights were not being signed over carte blanche, but the proposed action would send a message that the City was open to development. The City deserves the right to have developers come in and show what could possibly work. If a high -rise were to come at all, the substantial portion of it would go down the center of the corridor. The fringes were being protected. Mayor Mullin asked for some distinction between the two different maximums given as it all appeared to be discretionary to him. Director Van Duyn stated the same discretionary review would be given to projects of 80 ft that would be done for 120 ft. and what is being suggested was that plans containing those heights be developed in an area that would not affect adjacent views. Kaiser's retrofit plans would not be completed until 2030, so there was still a substantial amount of time to develop this corridor out. Mr. Bhatia added that all the designing in the world could be done, but 120 ft would not be reached unless the public amenities demands were achieved. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked staff to address the ABAG Job /Housing balances. Director Van Duyn responded it was now at 10,000 units and not just because of the jobs/housing balance. Given reports from ABAG and MTC, overall population growth also drives the base allocation for everybody. However, the City does have a substantial amount of jobs which affects those numbers. He also noted within those 10,000 there was a certain breakdown that was required to meet the various income levels which is required in any Redevelopment Corridor. Income rates are mixed and we do not have to drive towards one or the other but rather look at ratios that can be provided in each area. Reaching 10,000 units seems like an extreme goal, but if movement was not shown on how to address growth then the City would become a target for mitigation from the State, MTC or both. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked if there was a way to determine how many 80 ft building would equate to 10,000 units. To give an example, Director Van Duyn stated 65 stories equaled 109 units at 636 El Camino at 4 stories. Councilwoman Matsumoto stated she would rather see intermittent tall slender buildings REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 11 - scattered throughout as opposed to smaller, chunkier buildings, allowing for greater open spaces. In her assessment, she saw the proposal as resting ultimate control in the City's hands. Director Van Duyn agreed stating there were proposed discretionary controls. Staff envisioned bringing in a master developer to show a project that would coincide with what Kaiser was doing and have a nucleus. Commenting on whether or not retail would come, Councilwoman Matsumoto explained she was on Council when the Promenade was built on ECR, followed by the BART station and Park Station. She was told by Trader Joes the store there was one of the highest grossing stores because of all the development. She was also on Council when City Lights came up on Westborough. Now that City Lights is there, a developer plans on having a high end retail development with a white table restaurant and another grocery store. Plans for that would be submitted by year's end. She asked if staff could address in lieu fees. Director Van Duyn stated the exact fees would be identified based on the type of development but noted some as being traffic mitigation or child care. Some may also come in the form of trade offs for library construction contributions or open spaces, etc. Some of it may come in the form of RDA improvements, and some obligations get passed on to the developer. There were a lot of ways in which a project contributes that are very substantial, in the millions of dollars. Director Van Duyn made a final comment regarding the gentleman who felt the market and demographics not being ready or right. He was correct to some extent, as there were a lot of vacant and underutilized properties in our community. But some stimulation of change in the demographic was needed, as is what occurred with the Trader Joes. Housing that wasn't there is there now, and that created the current success. Councilman Gonzalez stated not many cities have tall buildings on the ECR right now, but they will start to build as is now being seen in Millbrae and Burlingame. The first time he heard of 15 or 16 stories high, he tried to envision it and could not, but 80 ft was ok. He agreed with the Councilwoman that if we agree to only four floors, we'll see blocks of buildings. Like the Vice Mayor, he traveled down ECR and while going through Burlingame after the new hospital, all you see is trees and you enjoy driving there, not paying attention to the buildings that are there. This is what he would like to see on ECR, a distraction from the tall buildings. As for the view, he has lost some himself, but these were some of the things he's had to give up in order to bring employment to the City. He supported the plan, but wanted smart and well designed buildings with character and beauty, not just blocks. Vice Mayor Garbarino was still a little skeptical but felt Director Van Duyn's comments broadened his understanding and swayed him towards approving of the project. Mayor Mullin appreciated the need for flexibility to create an economic scenario where public benefits are possible. The City had the potential for a $50 million plus library, a tremendous resource for future South San Franciscans and it needs to be packaged in a way where it's able to drive some income and generate a revenue stream making this and other benefits possible. A Public Plaza in the City did not currently exist and this area ties together the very separated neighborhoods along ECR. The fact that the City controls this REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 12 - property allows it to control its destiny. The proposal was being looked at in the abstract, but future Councils would be looking at a real development and would be determining the merits of the program and benefits it might bring to the City. Council was laying down the framework now, as to not tie future Councils' hands at a later date. He was thankful for the opportunity to discuss the future of the community. Councilwoman Matsumoto did not want to take the chance of not having these policies in place and driving developers elsewhere. It's very important to our City to remain competitive. Councilman Gonzalez stated when you go to Kaiser at a certain time of the day, you cannot find parking on the lower floors. That told him they plan to build higher than 80 ft just to address the parking needs. There needs to be flexibility. Councilman Addiego recalled other projects such as Terrabay where a lot of things came in the basket but never actually came to be. In this City we like to dream big, this was something he considered a strength. He wanted to thank Mr. David for making noise in the community and making this project real for many of whom it was not. He was saddened to hear ECR in South San Francisco referred to as drab and lifeless, but agreed that it was not economically vibrant. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted South San Francisco had a history of reinventing itself; from cattle ranchers and pig farming all the way to industrial and biotech. We've made daring moves. Vice Mayor Garbarino noted that had 30 years ago, the growth of East of 101 not been approved allowing for the presence of a little company called Genentech, we would have empty warehouses rather than being the Biotech capital of the US. Councils past had vision. Motion - Councilman Gonzalez /Second - Vice Mayor Garbarino: approving Resolution No. 98 -2011. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Motion - Councilman Addiego /Second - Councilwoman Matsumoto: to approve Resolution No. 99 -100. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Motion - Councilwoman Matsumoto /Second - Councilman Gonzalez: to waive reading and introduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 20.270 ( "El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area plan District ") to the South San Francisco Municipal Code, amending Chapters 20.250, 20.300, and 20.630 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and amending the South San Francisco Zoning Map to collectively allow and establish regulations for mixed -use development in the majority of the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Planning Area, excluding the Kaiser Permanente Parcels. Unanimously approved by voice vote. COMMUNITY FORUM Councilman Addiego announced BCDC was working on the 4ch draft of the Bay Plan Amendment, which would be available for review shortly. He also noted that the Linden Post Office might be closed and encouraged staff to look into whether support for keeping REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 13 - it operational would help its cause. If the Office closed he requested that staff stay on top of future potential uses for the building. Councilman Gonzalez requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Robert Cardoni. Councilman Addiego requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of former San Francisco International Airport Spokesperson Ron Wilson. Mayor Mullin commented on the possible moves of MTC Headquarters and ABAG to San Francisco. Councilwoman Matsumoto noted that the Holiday Inn in South San Francisco had won the contract to hold the monthly Bioscience Forum Luncheon. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Mullin adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m. in honor of Robert Cardoni and Ron Wilson. Submitted by: Approved: I melli, y Clerk K v n Mullin, ayor City of South San Fran 'sco _ City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 2011 MINUTES - 14 -