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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1992-05-20Mayor John R. Penna Council: Jack Drago Joseph A. Fernekes Roberta Cerri Teglia ~Open Seat) AGENDA ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER: (Cassette No. 1) ROLL CALL: 1. Joint Meeting with the Library ..5'02.3 Board for items of mutual interest. MINUTES City Council City Hal 1 City Council Conference Room May 20, 1992 102 ACTION TAKEN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 7:48 p.m. Mayor Penna presiding. Council present: Council absent: Drago, Fernekes, and Penna. Teglia. Library Boardmembers Present: Evans, Galeno, Johnson, Kee, and Pierson. Library Boardmembers Absent: None. Library Board President Pierson cited the Board concerns: the electrical insula- tion that is necessary for automation; carpeting; and the security system which was rapidly breaking down, and they were losing books at W. Orange because the metal detectors were not working to detect books leaving the library. City Librarian Dancy stated that there had not been a maintenance agreement for the system for at least five years, and when she had contacted the company to look at the system they had related that it had very severe problems and needed an overhaul of the system to get it up to par. She stated that she was trying to include the system in the Capital Improvement Program as part of library renovations. Mr. Bob Flickinger, Peninsula Library System, explained the system that detected books going through, and related that if not properly maintained it lost its sensitivity. Discussion followed: that the system would cost $12,000; the number of books lost through failure of the system; staff was recommending it be part of the C.I.P. Budget; the Board last year had put 5/20/92 Page 1 AGENDA Joint Meeting - Continued. ACTION TAKEN 103 together a five year strategy plan and was right on target today; success of the Project Read Program, etc. Mr. Flickinger spoke at length on library use, and the Peninsula Library System's benefit to the community. Boardmember Galeno stated that the newspaper had reported that the Redwood City library had been given a national award as the library of the year because of a per capita circulation of 10.5%, and related that S.S.F. last year was pushing 8% in circulation. He stated that through his research he had found that over 50% of the population had library cards which made him very proud. Discussion followed: that Redwood City served other cities, as well as Canada College; criteria for the award; how S.S.F.'s library funding and support com- pared with Redwood City; there had been 14,000 hours of volunteer time; fund raising activities by Friends of the Library that included performances by Art Rise; Mayor Penna suggested charging a fee for research for industries that are going to develop something as paid pro- fessionals; that the services were fee based; research on toxic waste sites per- formed by Kay in the History Room for people who are going to be paid a fee, yet the library services are free; basic library services are free in the State of Calif. and the City would really have to define a level of service in order to attach a fee; Boardmember Johnson had noted a decrease in circulation and a need for study rooms, and questioned whether there was capacity for that pur- pose; undergrounding the parking lot, and expanding the library and City Hall; if funds were available; Grand Ave. Library had reached capacity in terms of materials, and W. Orange was getting there; looking at Federal funding for expansion programs. 5/20/92 Page 2 AGENDA ACTION TAKEN. 104 e Joint Meeting - Continued. Review of Capital Improvement Program. The Library Board adjourned their meeting at 8:20 p.m. without a formal Motion, Second, and vote. City Manager Armas explained that the purpose of the C.I.P. was to identify City needs in terms of public facilities, structures, and the like, and outline over a five year period a plan for impro- vements, repairs and rehabilitation that need to take place. He stated that the C.I.P. was intended to look at those pro- jects over a longer period than the annual operating budget. He stated that the process was for the Council to look at this preliminarily, and indicate suggestions, objections, land if there were none it would be pre- sented to the Planning Commission for its review for consistency with the General Plan. He stated that it would then come back to the Council for formal adoption next month. He spoke of the two items to be dealt with: general City projects, and the Sewer Plant; and maintain the status quo of the budget from a year ago. He stated that there had been some fortunate receipts of~6~income that have enabled the City to stay on track with the reno- vation of the library, however, the Council was told that staff had doubts on whether that could be funded due to Council direction to not make a $500,000 transfer from the General Fund to the C.I.P. He stated that it was expected that the 4500,000 transfer would be reinstated in FY 1993-1994. Director of Public Services Parini stated that even without the transfer the budget would be maintained as it had in the past by restructuring the funding of some of the other jobs through Gas Tax funds and free up the General Fund. He described in detail various projects needing attention: dry rot in Fire Station No. 4 in the exposed ends of the 5/20/92 Page 3 AGENDA Joint Meeting - Continued. 2. Review of Capital Improvement Program. ACTION TAKEN 105 The Library Board adjourned their meeting at 8:20 p.m. without a formal Motion, Second, and vote. City Manager Armas explained that the purpose of the C.I.P. was to identify City needs in terms of public facilities, structures, and the like, and outline over a five year period a plan for impro- vements, repairs and rehabilitation that need to take place. He stated that the C.I.P. was intended to look at those pro- jects over a longer period than the annual operating budget. He stated that the process was for the Council to look at this preliminarily, and indicate suggestions, objections, land if there were none it would be pre- sented to the Planning Commission for its review for consistency with the General Plan. He stated that it would then come back to the Council for formal adoption next month. He spoke of the two items to be dealt with: general City projects, and the Sewer Plant; and maintain the status quo of the budget from a year ago. He stated that there had been some fortunate receipts of income that have enabled the City to stay on track with the reno- vation of the library, however, the Council was told that staff had doubts on whether that could be funded due to Council direction to not make a $500,000 transfer from the General Fund to the C.I.P. He stated that it was expected that the 4500,000 transfer would be reinstated in FY 1993-1994. Director of Public Services Parini stated that even without the transfer the budget would be maintained as it had in the past by restructuring the funding of some of the other jobs through Gas Tax funds and free up the General Fund. He described in detail various projects needing attention: dry rot in Fire Station No. 4 in the exposed ends of the 5/20/92 Page 3 AGENDA ACTION TAKEN 106 Review of Capital Improvement Program - Continued. beams; more failure in the HVAC equipment at the MSB; Police Dept. carpeting, and the slipper MSB garage floor; adding another emergency generator at the MSB; fund for reroofing and painting were added to the C.I.P.; continuing road reconstruction with Miller Ave. targeted, and establishing priority streets; tennis court resurfacing, etc. Discussion followed: Airport Noise Insulation Program; Conference Center loan to be paid from Measure C funds; Fire Station No. 4 improvement funds; Orange Park; Fire Station No. 4 improve- ments of $150,000 were due to age of building and dry rot; Mayor Penna felt the Fire Station improvement estimate was grossly overdone; that this was a planning document to earmark dollars; that the operating budget should be reviewed first to determine funds available for the C.I.P.; that the 1992-93 C.I.P. did not assume a $500,000 transfer from the General Fund, so the dollars being reviewed were only from the C.I.P.; that in view of a $2,000,000 deficit the Council should look at reducing the C.I.P.; that this could be looked at when the Council reviewed the Operating Budget; Mayor Penna wanted to look at documentation for the Fire Station No. 4 project; Baden Ave. resur- facing would be awarded in June; that Measure A monies were committed to the Hickey Blvd. Extension, and Councilman Drago questioned why they were being used for the Baden Ave. resurfacing; that only part of the funds were committee; because of Federal grants less local funds were required for projects the C.I.P. had over $200,000; leaks in the roof of the MSB; that the leaks in the atrium skylight had been corrected; Councilman Fernekes wanted to see the actual costs of the projects when comple- ted; that staff would submit the C.I.P. to the Planning Commission. Mr. Lou Dell'Angela, 460 Gardenside Ave., questioned if the Oyster Point Overpass 5/20/92 Page 4 AGENDA ACTION TAKEN 107 Review of Capital Improvement Program - Continued. $27,000,000 project would happen in the next couple of years, and if the $2,000,000 from developers fees was a hope or a reality. City Manager Armas responded that it would, and the City had $6,000,000 from development fees. He stated that the contract would be let next year, and it would be a 21~ year construction job. Mr. Dell'Angela stated he saw a $453,000 a year expenditure and revenue for the Price Club for the next five years, and requested an explanation. Finance Director Margolis stated that there were two sources of rent from the Price Club: fixed rent of $400,000 that goes into the General Fund; and the second was based on a percentage of sales that go toward repaying the Price Club note for the off-site improvements during the construction and the revenue was off- set by the expense. Ms. Diane Smith stated that this subject had been brought up in January as a housekeeping item, and then a budget transfer due to an accounting error. Director of Finance Margolis stated that it had only been done once because of the accounting error. Discussion followed: improvements to the Sewer Plant; no overall increases in sewer rates for the next two years; field tests would have to be completed to determine the actual capacity of the Plant after the rehabilitation was completed; in the years to come other machine parts would wear out and have to be replaced which was reflected in the five year C.I.P.; overflows on Linden into the street; whether everything possible was being done to upgrade that Plant as soon as possible or are we being too conservative; staff didn't think they were holding back; Regional Control Board had a chance to comment on whether the 5/20/92 Page 5 A C T I O N TAK E N 108 AGENDA e Review of Capital Improvement Program - Continued. Discussion of interview process to fill Council vacancy. measures being taken were adequate, and they were obviously satisfied and enabled the City to go out to bid; dry weather flow was 7,000,000; that staff would for- ward the C.I.P. to the Planning Commission. Discussion followed: on developing structured and unstructured questions for candidates; televising the meetings on Tuesday and Thursday with the candidates at the podium; 30 minute interviews; pro- cess to schedule interviews; candidate to sit at staff table for eye contact with Council; Mayor Penna felt 30 minutes was too long; Councilman Drago preferred 45 minutes per candidate; allow a candidate 5 minutes for a summary; following the League of Women Voters guide for inter- views; allowing 3 hours for interviewing on 5/26/92 and 5/28/92~ asking 3 stock questions and then open it up for indi- vidual questions. Discussion of questions to be asked can- didates: why do you want to be on the City Council; if you were faced with a budget deficit as a Councilmember, what suggestions would you offer; what type of leadership ability would you bring to the Council; how do you see your role as a Councilmember if appointed; what impor- tant issues do you see facing the City, and what are your solutions; philosophy on who the applicant would represent in the community; limiting to three basic questions to ask each candidate. Mrs. Roberta Sciandri stated that in order to be fair to each candidate, have a straw pool as to the order of the can- didates so they are set questions and the persons following the first applicant don't take their ideas. Councilman Drago stated that the applY- cants should be given the three questions before the meeting in order to prepare their responses. Mrs. Diane Smith posed the question, what did they want to be in November. 5/20/92 Page 6 AGENDA Discussion of interview process - Continued. ACTION TAKEN 109 Discussion followed: that what their interest was six months ago was a valid question; that it was an unfair question in a sense because anyone had the right to apply for the office or run for office; a letter had been received from Ms. Paula Bagasao posing the question, "Please share your perspective on cultural diversity in the City of S.S.F."; what do you have to offer the community; what have you offered the com- munity in the last five years, etc. Ms. Paula Bagasao stated that she offered questions that had been used by Fortune 500 and the University of California, and other firms on cultural diversity: please share with us your perspectives on cultural diversity in S.S.F.; how do you envision the City Council with 5 members in their attempt to understand the needs of our diverse community to respond fairly to the multi-dimensions of S.S.F., given the perspectives which you have, what particular contributions can you make to these important goals. She stated that some sort of guidelines or parameters should be set so the questions could be asked at large to achieve an equitable opportunity for people to respond to questions at hand. She asked that one or all of the three questions posed on diversity be asked. She stated that assumption here was shared by a number of people that there was diversity in the community - not an assumption, but a fact that it counts and matters. She stated that the people elected as Council, and the person appointed would be for all practical pur- poses elected, and have the respon- sibility to be aware of diversity and serve this community. Discussion followed: calls to Council centered around jobs, the type of cultural activities, the type of recreational facilities to be developed, types of developments, transportation 5/20/92 Page 7 AGENDA ACTION TAKEN~ 110 Discussion of interview process - Continued. systems, how the educational system interplays with the City; that diversity came into play wi th jobs and recreational programs due to age, and economic needs, etc. Ms. Alice Bulos stated that there was cultural diversity in S.S.F. because of the growing population and changing demographics, and there was a sensitivity for an individual to occupy a seat on Council for the needs of the bigger com- munity. She stated that she was not talking about an ethnic group, but to serve the best interests of the entire diverse community. She stated that there was a need for people with fresh ideas, and she did not agree with questioning a person on what he had done for the community when he had not yet become involved in the community but wanted to do things for the community. Councilman Fernekes stated that he would like to know what the candidates had to offer in the 18 months or planned to achieve in the next 18 months. He stated that he also wanted to know what they had done with groups or committee they had sat on, but not necessarily in S.S.F. He stated that this would give him a better understanding of the candidates. Discussion followed: that each candidate in their introductory remarks could give back ground information; to ask what are the three most important issues facing the City, and how the Council should respond, etc. Mr. Lou Dell'Angela questioned what a candidate could say other than that he is sensitive and recognized that there is cultural diversity in the City, otherwise one would not apply. Councilman Drago questioned if there were legal limitations on what questions could be asked. 5/20/92 Page 8 111 ACTION TAKEN AGENDA Discussion of interview process - Continued. City Attorney O'Toole stated that the Council would not be able to ask if the individual was married or had children, because these were the types of questions the Council was precluded from asking. Councilman Drago stated that he had sat on many oral boards in Santa Clara County, which was more restrictive, and there was always someone there to advise them on what questions could be asked. Discussion followed: that the only qualifications for the position were to be a registered voter 18 years of age or older; that the City Attorney would steer the Council away from asking questions that could lead to the conclusion that you made a decision based on some discri- minatory type of thing; that the appoint- ment would be for 18 months. Discussion followed on proposed questions to be asked each candidate: why do you want to be on the City Council; what are the important issues that you see on the Council and what are your solutions; what what do you offer to the community ; please share with us your perspective on cultural adversity in the City of S.S.F.; what do you offer the community for the next 18 months; what are the three most important issues you see facing the City, and how should Council respond to them; how would you respond to the budget defi- cit, etc. Consensus of Council on the questions to be provided candidates and asked during the interviews - 1) What can you as a Councilmember offer the community during the next 18 months; 2) In your judgment what are the three most important issues facing the City, and how do you think the Council should respond to them; Please share with us your perspective on cultural diversity in the City of S.S.F., given this perspective, what particular contribution can you make to these impor- tant goals. 5/20/92 Page 9 AGENDA ACTION TAKEN 112 Discussion of interview process - Continued. o Resolution calling a Special Election on 11/3/92 to fill Council Vacancy - continued from 5/13/92. S/S~ A RESOLUTION CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE CONSOLIDATED WITH THE NOVEMBER 3, 1992 GENERAL ELECTION TO FILL THE COUNCIL VACANCY PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 36512 4a. San Bruno Proposal for elimination of a BART Tanforan Station. ~-~J~ Consensus of Council - That individual interviews would be 1~ hour; the interview time selection would be drawn out of a hat by random selection; cut-off time for interview would be at 10:00 p.m.; that the applicants would sit at the staff table for the interviews; that a decision would be made at the end of the interviews. The item was continued. Councilman Drago stated that San Bruno had made a proposal for the elimination of a Tanforan Station, and he had voiced concern that if they eliminated it, it was a whole new ballgame. He con- tinued, because this City would not know what the impact would be on the Hickey Station, because we would be the only station between Colma and the Airport. He had suggested being allowed to get together with San Bruno to see where each was headed, but a decision had not been made on the alignment. Discussion followed: on talking to coun- terparts in San Bruno; that the subway proposal through S.S.F. and Colma was probably getting majority support, but they were not prepared to decide at this morning's meeting; S.S.F. had to recon- sider the whole issue if Tanforan was eliminated; Mr. Dell'Angela was con- cerned that in exchange for the subway, the City may have to have the Chestnut Station and whether the City could defer having a station in that area; if it was Chestnut it would be below ground without the need to establish a redevelopment area, which would be a major problem with annexation of McLellan Nursery, etc. 5/20/92 Page 10 A C T I O N T AK E'N 1 13 AGENDA Closed Session for the purpose of discussion of personnel matters, labor relations, property negotiations and litigation. RECALL TO ORDER: e Motion to adjourn the meeting to Tuesday, 5/26/92 at 7:00 p.m. for interviews of applicants for the unexpired Council term of Gus Nicolopulos at the Municipal Services Building, Community Room, 33 Arroyo Drive. ADJOURNMENT: Council adjourned to a Closed Session at 10:15 p.m. for purposes of the discussion of the City Clerk's Office; and Battalian Chief Sciandri vs. City. Mayor Penna recalled the meeting to order at 11:30 p.m., all Council present, no action was taken. M/S Fernekes/Drago - To adjourn the meeting to Tuesday, 5/26/92 at 7:00 p.m. for interviews of applicants for the unexpired Council term of Gus Nicolopulos at the Municipal Services Building, Community Room, 33 Arroyo Dr. Carried by unanimous voice vote. Time of adjournment was 11:31 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, .__Barbara A. Battaya, City of South San Francisco -~ ~, Mayor ~- ~'---Cit¥ of Sou~h San Francisco The entries of this Council meeting show the action taken by the City Council to dispose of an item. Oral communications, arguments, and comments are recorded on tape. The tape and documents related to the items are on file in the Office of the City Clerk and are available for inspection, review and copying. 5/20/92 Page 11 Mayor John R. Penna Council: Jack Dra9o Joseph A. Fernekes Roberta Cerri Teglia A G E N D A ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER: (Cassette No. 1) ROLL CALL: Interviews of applicants for the unexpired Council term of Gus Nicolopulos. MINUTES City Council Municipal Services Building Community Room May 26, 1992 114 ACTION TAKEN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 7:10 p.m. Mayor Penna presiding. Council present: Council absent: Drago, Fernekes, Teglia, and Penna. None. Mayor Penna stated that Roberta Sciandri had called at 4:30 p.m., and withdrawn her application. He stated that after he asked the following three questions of each can- didate, then Council could pose their own questions. He posed the following three questions to each candidate: 1) What can you, as a Councilmember, offer the com- munity during the next 18 months; 2) In your judgment, what are the three most important issues facing the City and how do you think the Council should respond to them; 3) Please share with us your perspective on cultural diversity in the City of South San Francisco. Given this perspective, what particular contribution can you make to these important goals. Councilman Fernekes questioned whether the appointment process would be handled like Boards and Commissions with a writ- ten ballot or using the Motion and Second for nomination and then a vote. Vice Mayor Teglia stated that she would support the nomination process. Councilman Drago stated that he would support the Boards and Commission process where there was a written signed ballot. He stated that in the other process there could be a motion to nominate someone without a second, and that could embarrass the candidate. 5/26/92 Page i AGENDA ACTION TAKEN.., 115 Interviews - Continued. Councilman Fernekes stated that most Council business was done by a Motion and Second and a vote. Vice Mayor Te§lia stated that this was not Boards and Commission, and anyone going through the process was prepared for intensive questioning for a nomina- tion to Council, and if they were that faint of heart they should not be here. She stated that Councilman Drago was ready to nominate Mr. Dell'Angela at the last meeting without an interview, and saving people embarrassment was not a consideration. Mayor Penna stated that with the nomina- tion process if there was a third vote the person would then be nominated, whereas with a ballot process of 13 people it was conceivable that each Councilmember would be voting for someone else. Councilman Drago felt that with the writ- ten ballot each member voted and signed their name, where in the nomination pro- cess the Councilmember could hide. he stated that this was a first in the appointment of a Councilmember. Councilman Fernekes stated that the nomi- nation process was used in the Council selection of a Mayor and Vice Mayor. Discussion followed: interviews in 1973 for the Council vacancy; to go with the nomination process; when the appointment would take place; Councilmembers Fernekes and Teglia would not be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday for meetings; the vote and appointment would be made Thursday after the interviews or an elec- tion would be called; if an appointment was not made the Council must call for an election and take a vote which would allow the City Clerk to consolidate that with the November election; the Mayor and City Manager met Friday evening and drew names and numbers to select the time schedule for interviews. 5/26/92 Page 2 AGENDA ACTION TAKEN 116 Interviews - Continued. Mayor Penna stated that each candidate would be given five minutes to make a presentation, then he would ask the three Council questions. The following individuals were inter- viewed: Mr. Paul Tognetti, Mr. Andrew Estigoy, Mr. Robert Yee, Mr. Louis Dell'Angela, Mr. Juan Mendoza, and Mr. Arturo Senires. e Closed Session for the purpose of discussion of personnel matters, labor relations, property negotiations and litigation. ADJOURNMENT: Council chose not to hold a Closed Session. M/S Fernekes/Teglia - To adjourn the meeting. Carried by unanimous voice vote. Time of adjournment was 10:55 p.m. 1ESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Barbara A. Battaya, City C~rk City of South San Francisco ~John R. Penna,~ayor l~'fty nf South ~n Francisco The entries of this Council meeting show the action taken by the City Council to dispose of an item. Oral communications, arguments, and comments are recorded on tape. The tape and documents related to the items are on file in the Office of the City Clerk and are available for inspection, review and copying. 5/26/92 Page 3