HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1997-08-13 Mayor Joseph A. Fernekes
Council:
James L. Datzman
Eugene R. Mullin
--John R. Penna
Robert Yee
MINUTES
City Council
Municipal Services Building
Community Room
August 13, 1997
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
AGENDA
(Cassette No. 1)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
INVOCATION:
RESENTATIONS
San Mateo County Convention & Visitors Bureau - Presi-
dent Marc Chapdelaine ~3/~
ACTION TAKEN
7:55 p.m. Mayor Fernekes presiding.
Council Present:
Council Absent:
Datzman, Mullin, Penna, Yee and
Fernekes.
None.
The Pledge was recited.
Reverend Ivy, St. Paul's Methodist Church, gave
the invocation.
Mayor Fernekes stated the Council lost Chaplin
Linamin, a good friend, a week ago and the Council
will adjourn the meeting in his honor.
PRESENTATIONS
President Chapdelaine related: about a month ago
the topic of funding was discussed at a late hour,
and he thanked the Council for allowing him to
address them; in 1996 the S.S.F. Council reduced
the funding from $115,000 to $50,000 because they
felt they were not getting T.O.T. from Convention
efforts; his Board convened a Subcommittee for a
funding formula; as a result all dues have been
increased in the next fiscal year; the Subcommittee
determined they would ask all of the members to
contribute four to five percent of the prior year and
that for S.S.F. would be $110,000 which is less than
the 1996 figure; Burlingame and San Mateo have
adopted the percentage and other cities are contem-
plating how to achieve the 4% goal; the Bureau
promotes S.S.F. as a place to eat, sleep, entertain
and enjoy leisure activity in the Bay Area; we pro-
vide value for the marketing conditions; with the
consent of the Board of Directors the Bureau is
shifting away from the conventions to the consumer
marketing for the meetings; allowing the prevailing
market provisions are good, there is a need and we
can not let up on marketing; if we stop selling
8/13/97
Page 1
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
PRESENTATIONS
8/13/97
Page 2
PRESENTATIONS
today then tomorrow we can not sustain the TOT;
one of the most difficult things to do is measure
their productivity; the customer ultimately decides
which hospitality product best suits their needs of
dates, rates and space; the Bureau does attract,
inform and assist travelers with information about all
our member cities, but the decision is the customers;
a committee of the SSF hospitality community was
convened to study how best to promote their indus-
try, and their first recommendation to the Council
was to sustain funding for the Bureau's marketing
programs; only when faced with the reduction in
funding for the Bureau did this committee recom-
mend an alternative marketing concept; etc.
Discussion followed: who was on the funding com-
mittee; Councilman Penna along with Council-
members from Burlingame and San Carlos and
several hotel members; has the Board approved the
4 %-5 %; the report does not include budget num-
bers; the proposed budget is $700,000 and the pro-
jected funding is $900,000-1,000,000; Councilman
Penna was asked to serve on the equal funding
committee; there was a meeting he attended, the
meeting was over and he went to his office and
found they went back into a meeting and the funding
proposal was formed without his being present; one
of the items we were always asking for was an equal
formula of participation which we do not have; Mr.
Chapdelaine stated Councilman Penna was present,
as he recalls, and dissented on the vote on 7/18/97;
that the members fees should be based on the per-
centage of bookings was suggested by Councilman
Penna; Councilman Datzman stated the purpose of
tonight's meeting is for Mr. Chapdelaine to make a
presentation without any decisions being made to-
night; Vice Mayor Mullin looks forward to the new
accounting with respect to the July generation of
business; he read the report with respect to the
number of conventions booked and how many were
located in what community; if the Bureau is going to
reduce this City to more of a leisure traveler, then
that should be reflected in the July report; there are
three groups meeting in S.S.F. with 1630 being
served visitor information from the Bureau and 435
coming in September; there are fewer rooms in
September and those are at a higher rate and the
Bureau has changed the emphasis to address the
needs of those rooms; the Bureau booked the rooms
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
PRESENTATIONS
AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Wilson Requested:
- Remove Item 8 from the Agenda.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNITY FORUM
8/13/97
Page 3
195-
PRESENTATIONS
for the groups mentioned; Councilman Penna is
concerned in using public funds to fund the Bureau
for there needs to be some form of measure of
productivity so we know the benefits, and to date
that has not been forth coming; etc.
AGENDA REVIEW
So ordered.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Pedro Gonzales, Art Rise Board of Directors,
related two coming events to raise money for their
new location: a bazaar, 9/6/97, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. and are requesting items, in good
condition, to be taken to Art Rise; volunteers are
needed, please call Art Rise 763-2442; second item
will be an old fashioned hoedown, barbecue with a
menu tri-tip, beans and dessert with raffle tickets
which will be at the new location at 616 Linden
Ave. with a cost of $25.00 per person on 10/11/97
from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Mr. Eugene Sim, President Art Rise, asked for
prayers for Maggie Pierson who is in critical condi-
tion at this time and suggested calling Art Rise to
find out about her condition. He stated that Art
Rise will continue on with her legacy and redouble
their efforts on her dream of the new building for
Art Rise.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Vice Mayor Mullin related: CBS evening news on
8/22/97 and 8/27/97 will show local boys and girls
being viewed showing the ability of students in tech-
nology.
Councilman Penna commended the City Treasurer in
her proven record in treasury bills and bank invest-
ments with a 6-13% average. She is doing an excel-
lent job and he is happy she is running for
reelection.
Mr. David Valkenaar, Project Manager, reminded
people to put in their application for noise insulation
in order for them to proceed efficiently for they are
AGENDA A~!!ON TAKEN
COMMUNITY FORUM
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
7/9/97, Adjourned Regular Meeting of 7/16/97 and
Regular Meeting of 7/23/97.
2. Motion to confirm expense claims of 8/13/97..~O/,~
Resolution to award contract for Orange Park Pool
Painting of the Interior to D&K Painting Co. in the
amount of $17,000 as the lowest responsible bidder.
A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $17,000 TO D & K PAINTING
COMPANY, INC. FOR THE ORANGE PARK
POOL - PAINT EXTERIOR PROJECT
4. Resolution to reject all bids for ADA Playgrounds
and authorize readvertisement of bids. ~'O 5t 0
A RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AMERICANS
WITH DISABILITIES ACT PLAY AREA RENO-
VATIONS AT SELLICK, BRENTWOOD, OR-
ANGE, GARDINER AND PARADISE VALLEY
PARKS AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RE-AD-
VERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE SUBJECT PRO-
JECT
Motion to accept the seismic upgrade of Grand Ave-
nue Library Project as complete in accordance with
the plans and specifications. _~O~O
Resolution approving a construction contract with
Harris & Assoc. for a peer review of the WQCP - ~..,~
continued from the 7/23/97 meeting.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANS-
FERRING OF $13,500 FROM THE SEWER EN-
TERPRISE FUND TO THE SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO/SAN BRUNO WATER QUALITY
COMMUNITY FORUM
starting the last homes to be insulated.
Mayor Fernekes related: on 9/27/97 the S.S.F.
Days in the Park will have a breakfast in the MSB
put on by Police and Fire, followed by a festival
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Orange Park to
showcase this community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approved.
Approved in the amount of $2,681,915.69.1.
RESOLUTION NO. 91-97
RESOLUTION NO. 92-97
Approved.
RESOLUTION NO. 93-97
8/13/97
Page 4
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
,CONSENT CALENDAR
Resolution- Continued.
CONTROL PLANT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
FOR INTERIM FINANCING AND AUTHORIZING
AN AGREEMENT WITH HARRIS & ASSOCIATES
AND AMENDING THE 1997-98 CAPITAL IM-
PROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET (CIP-98-2)
Resolution approving a budget amendment to the
Capital Improvement Budget, in the amount of
$65,000, for the purchase and installation of five
safety brakes for the City's hydraulic elevators. ,5't9
~1
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET (CIP 98-3)
FOR INSTALLATION OF SAFETY BRAKES ON
THE CITY'S HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS
Motion to approve plans and specifications and au-
thorize advertisement of bids for the Chestnut Avenue
at Grand Avenue Signal Modifications Project.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9a.
Public Hearing - Consideration of Greystone Homes,
to allow construction of a 179 single family dwell- .5't9~
ings and 33 below market rate rental units, plus
resident manager's unit on 31 acre McLellan Nurs-
ery property that is proposed to be annexed into the
City through LAFCO, and approval of GP-96-116,
RZ-96-116, SA-96-116, PUD-96-116 and Mitigated
Negative Declaration No. ND-96-116; Conduct
Public Hearing; Motion to approve Negative Declara-
tion No. ND-96-116, SA-96-116 and PUD-96-116,
adopt resolution approving GP-96-116 and GP-97-
004; Motion to waive reading and introduce a zoning
ordinance, and Motion to authorize the City Manager
to consent, in writing, to waive conducting authority
protest hearings on the issue of annexation.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT
TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO GENERAL PLAN TO (1) ALLOW
CONSENT CALENDAR
19'7
RESOLUTION NO. 94-97
Removed from the Consent Calendar by the City
Manager.
M/S Penna/Mullin - To approve the Consent Calen-
dar with the exception of Item No. 8.
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Clerk Battaya read the title of the ordinance in
its entirety.
Mayor Fernekes opened the Public Hearing.
Chief Planner Harnish related: the applicant is
pursuing annexation through LAFCO to bring the
property into S.S.F. and General Plan Policy A11-5
supports the annexation; this is a subdivision with
213 residential units; the original project that Coun-
cil looked at in the study session had 232 units, so
there has been a reduction; there is a 33 unit below
market rate townhome project plus a manager's unit
in the Planned Unit Development; the Project is
broken up into two basic projects, the Promenade,
179 unit single family, and Greenridge, 33 units
below market rate townhomes and a manager's unit;
a request for a parking space reduction based on a
study; there are some related projects - the Alta
8/13/97
Page 5
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing - Continued.
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL MIXED USE DE-
VELOPMENTS IN PLANNING AREA 6; (2) ADD
POLICY 6-9 TO REGULATE LOCATION AND
DESIGN OF RESIDENTIAL USES WITHIN
PLANNING AREA 6; (3) AMEND POLICY A11-5
TO DELETE REFERENCE TO AN OPEN SPACE
DESIGNATION ON A SMALL PORTION OF THE
MCLELLAN NURSERY PROPERTY; AND (4)
MODIFY THE LAND USE DIAGRAM TO
CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF A PORTION
OF THE MCLELLAN NURSERY PROPERTY
FROM OPEN SPACE TO MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING
DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO TO CHANGE THE PREZONING OF
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1450 EL CAMINO
REAL FROM OPEN SPACE (O-S) TO MEDIUM
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-2H)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Loma Park; this Park has been owned by the City
for a number of years and Greystone has proposed
to construct the park in lieu of paying separate Park
and Recreation fees; the final details of the Park
plan will be subject to review by the Parks & Recre-
ation Commission, with final approval by the Coun-
cil; Council discussed public vs. private streets and
affordable housing; the plans have been modified to
respond to the concerns of the public street stan-
dards and sidewalks on both sides of the street;
emergency lanes, one at Alta Loma and one at the
Park; the affordable housing has an accessible
landscapped pedestrian way; the Planning Commis-
sion held a public hearing on July 17th, they
heard testimony and approved the project with con-
ditions; Planning Commission issues - signalization
of McLellan Dr./El Camino Real intersection, the
overall density of the project, front yard setbacks
where the houses are ten feet from the street, noise
mitigation at Alta Loma Park, City/School District
cooperation with regard to the park development,
public concern park generated traffic impacting the
intersection of Camaritas and Hickey, concern with
the below market rate units and worry that crime
would increase and property values would be ad-
versely affected; Caltrans does not feel the traffic is
at a level to warrant a signal; there have been dis-
cussions with Caltrans and the Project representa-
tives and there seems to be a developing agreement
to install the signal and the parties are negotiating;
there are concerns about the lot sizes and designs;
State law allows the general plan to be amended four
times a year and staff has two items that constitute
the general plan amendment and in order to meet
limitations of four times a year we are suggesting
that you make both amendments at the same time;
so, you have a resolution that should be held until
the second item and a decision is made for the
resolution relates to both amendments; etc.
Mr. Steve Delva, President of Greystone Homes,
stated with him tonight is Don Lantos, Greg Miller
and John Ward and proceeded to describe the pro-
ject, the architecture, the varied material and roof
pitches that give diversity to the street side; etc.
Mr. Matt Schwartz, Mid Peninsula Housing Coali-
tion, related their various projects: the apartments
8/13/97
Page 6
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARINGS
}a. Public Hearing - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 7
PUBLIC HEARINGS
above Bon Gusto; they were formed 28 years ago to
help the peninsula respond to the housing needs of
the lower income families; there are projects in
Menlo Park, Los Gatos and East Palo Alto that have
helped neighborhoods turn around; the low and
median income families include teachers, gas station
attendants and people in all walks of life; their pro-
ject in San Carlos was viciously opposed by the
neighborhood and with the buildings, their manage-
ment this attitude was turned around; they provide
amenities, a child care center with computers and tot
lots; they have ten applicants for every space and
are very choosy as to who they rent to; we will be
long term partners, we are not going to be disap-
pearing, we own and manage everything we do, we
are responsible and we invite Council to call the
other cities where we have projects.
Mr. Nick Pitech, Architect, stated this is similar to
what we are proposing in Greenridge for Mid Pen-
insula Housing Coalition and proceeded to show
slides and describe the architecture.
Mr. Alex Aragon, 400 Camaritas, stated he had a
petition from neighbors on Camaritas protesting the
proposed Park and the ingress and egress. Have
studies been done on the impact of the neighbor-
hood, what are the results and the recommendation
to resolve the traffic. We know what the parking
spaces are to be, but when you have two baseball
games and the kids in the park, that is not going to
be enough spaces. When there are parties, then the
overflow parking takes our section of the street.
Chief Planner Harnish stated there was a traffic
study done and one of the mitigation measures will
be considered as part of the park design and
Recreation people will stagger the starts of the
ballgames to minimize them following one another.
He stated the mitigation measures would come back
as a part of the proposal to Council.
Vice Mayor Mullin stated he had the same concerns
as Mr. Aragon, he was walking on his block and it
is very narrow. He stated the Park was promised to
the residents 30 years ago, and recreation proposed
an hour difference between the start of games.
There are going to be times when there is a parking
problem, but recreation will do the kind of sched-
AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS
~a. Public Hearing - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 8
ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARINGS
uling to mitigate the grouping together and those
waiting and coming to play, so there will be time
and he believes there is confidence. He stated
staff is aware and has talked about circulation being
opened up by the egress on El Camino, when the
parking lot gets full it is difficult moving traffic
around, so there will be times of overflow.
Chief Planner Harnish stated the road will only be
open as needed, because if it is open all the time
people will use it all the time.
Discussion followed: will there be any security at
night, will there be a gate to keep people out of the
Park; the Director of Parks, Recreation & Commu-
nity Services did not envision a gate because of
police surveillance, but there will be security light-
ing for the police at night; Mayor Fernekes stated in
addition to the parking there will also be parking on
the School District site; Vice Mayor Mullin stated it
would be better to park on the School District prop-
erty and hopes and believes they will be cooperative
and will mitigate the concerns.
Mr. Robert Lorenzini, 327 Camaritas, stated he uses
the stairway and a couple of times he almost got hit
because you cannot see the automobiles coming. He
asked if it was possible to have staff shave the hill to
give a better line of sight, for he is not very agile
anymore.
Chief Planner Harnish stated, as part of the BART
station there will be a pedestrian crossing signal
installed several years down the road. He could not
respond on shaving back the hill.
Councilman Datzman stated there was a question of
whether a crossing should be put in and there were
concerns as to how safe that would be. He is not
sure what the record would reflect, but he thinks
there are alternatives.
Vice Mayor Mullin stated, according to the site plan
for the McLellan property, they don't anticipate
there is a specific design to prevent students from
using the path while going to El Camino and some
of us who take the stairway to BART, so if there is
a sidewalk that will increase the line of site.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 9
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ms. Elizabeth Overjada, 819 Camaritas, spoke in
opposition to the McLellan proposal and had a peti-
tion signed by many residents: the impact of
below market units on property values; the traffic
congestion and potential parking problems in their
immediate area; decrease in air quality in our im-
mediate area due to construction and in-long term,
added traffic; increased population density increased
demand of public services increased level of noise
pollution; loss of view and privacy to some homes
in immediate area; significant loss of quality of life
as we know it now.
She related: car counts in the area yielded 25 vehi-
cles between 6:30 and 6:45 a.m.; this project is
doing away with the character and removing our
quality of life; she realized this was made a rede-
velopment area to pay for the undergrounding of
BART, which is no longer crucial and the density
does not need to be high and could be low; the
traffic generated will compound that generated by
BART and people will try to find an alternative
route and this will create more traffic on Camaratas
and Alta Loma and create aggravation in trying to
get out of the circle; noise from construction com-
pounded by airplane noise and traffic from BART
and those people that will come and utilize the ser-
vices; will the housing be limited to 46 CNELs
through insulation when our homes cannot be insu-
lated by the Program even though we have high
noise levels and no double paned windows; it
seems we have been totally neglected in our con-
cerns; concern over the El Rancho development,
BART and the future car wash on El Camino and
Hickey and pollution it will cause; increased chil-
dren in the area from the new developments and the
talk is to use mobile classrooms and the District is
doing a study that won't be out for two months;
what is the impact from the population change; urge
Council to lessen the density of the Project and to
change the low income housing to senior housing
and supply that need for there a long waiting list for
senior housing and they usually do not have cars or
make a lot of noise.
Ms. Julie Stahlnecker, 844 Camaritas, stated she
was saddened by Rod McLellan's leaving the area.
She has great concern with the parking issue and the
low estimates on traffic counts, students and low
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
_pUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 10
PUBLIC HEARINGS
income housing.
Ms. Theresa A. Ferrer, 808 Camaritas, stated she
was very concerned about the Project and low in-
come housing and its impact on the quality of life in
their neighborhood due to an increase in population
that will bring added crime. She asked that Mid
Peninsula build senior housing rather than low in-
come housing. She cited the concerns of a neigh-
bor, Christine Jewel, who lives on Alta Loma and
already has problems with crime, drugs, other trou-
bles and the Mid Peninsula housing will cause them
to lose privacy in their homes and backyards.
She stated the construction of a 6' wooden fence
does not seem to be sufficient. Traffic in the park is
a concern with the ballgames, however, if the
School District allows the school grounds to be used
tbr parking that will alleviate the overflow.
The long term residents appreciate bird watching
and are concerned where the animals will go.
Mr. Lou Frank stated he is at the end of Alta Loma
and uses the stairs to catch the bus because the
parking is impossible, however, the traffic is im-
possible coming around the corner from El Camino.
The students are jeopardizing their lives every day,
they run across and the cars don't slow down and he
wants the City to put in a pedestrian overpass to go
from the west side to catch the bus or go across.
Mr. Steve Rogers stated he was there on behalf of
the Baseball Assoc. who has 300 kids in the pro-
gram and with the development on Chestnut and
Terrabay there are going to be 500 kids. We need
these fields and programs for the kids, for it keeps
the kids off the streets. It is better to see the kids in
the park than in trouble. He has lived here for 40
years and seen many changes and thinks a project
like this is needed at this time. There are going to
be developments for land will be sold and devel-
oped. This particular Developer is willing to put in
a park for the City and he thinks the project should
be approved.
Councilman Penna asked about the affordable hous-
ing issue, is there some reason why we have afford-
able housing in this project and can it be for seniors.
Chief Planner Harnish stated it is part of a redevel-
AGENDA' ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARINGS
la. Public Hearing - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 11
PUBLIC HEARINGS
opment area and the law requires you have afford-
able housing.
Director of Economic & Community Development
Van Duyn stated it cannot be for seniors, it has to
be low income housing. There is a higher priority
in housing needs for low income family housing.
Mr. Matt Schwartz, Mid Peninsula Housing Coali-
tion, stated there is a strong need for senior housing.
In the County there are over 10,000 people waiting
for housing, Mid Peninsula has two and three year
waiting lists and there is a need in this City for large
family housing.
He stated this site is steeply sloped and graduated
and you cannot ask senior citizens to traverse the
site, we don't think it is right for seniors. He relat-
ed: we expect the development to be financed with
the low income funds; households will be targeted
for incomes of $20,000-$50,000 depending on size
of families; these will be working teachers, techni-
cians and people in the service sectors, a wide range
of people already working in the community; the
concern that the housing will effect property values
is unfounded and we can point out our other projects
to prove this untrue.
Mayor Fernekes closed the Public Hearing.
Discussion followed: what is the possibility of
BART funding something to get the people across;
Director of Economic & Community Development
Van Duyn stated there will be a signal at El
Camino, that is discussed in the reimbursement
agreement with BART which BART is obligated to
put in, but not until the development is constructed;
the applicant wants to do it earlier and get reim-
bursed; that will slow down the El Camino traffic
for the pedestrians, where the present stairway inter-
sects with El Camino that is going to be a signal
paid for by BART; El Camino is a State Highway;
the Vice Mayor would also prefer to see the
McLellan Nursery remain at the site, but the units
have been reduced and the park is a contingency; the
only egress in and out is from El Camino, so the
concern about additional traffic appears confined to
the bulk of the use of the park on weekends; his
concerns focused on the below market units and
AGENDA ACTION TA KE~N
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 12
PUBLIC HEARINGS
the effect on the neighborhood when you are buying
homes; he has looked at the elevations, they are
presumably upscale homes; he went to San Carlos
and other cities to see Mid Peninsula developments
and in the Vice. Mayor's judgement the develop-
ments are constructed, managed, well maintained
with security guards and the Manager's location was
in an area that could keep an eye on the project; he
has read every word in well over a hundred pages
and looked at all the site plans and thinks it will be
an asset, even without a park; Councilman Datzman
wondered if the 8' fence would offer better attenua-
tion; that was left as a suggestion to be considered at
the Planning Commission meeting; the study said the
6' fence would do it; the Police Department con-
cerns and suggestions; affordable housing was talked
about in the 80s and Geneva Towers was built and it
did not take long to make it clear that wasn't wanted
or needed in S.S.F.; following that we had a situa-
tion at 224 Grand Ave. and a suggestion that Mid
Peninsula was coming in and there would be low
income housing; the Police Dept. led the charge and
we were suspicious of their intentions and what they
would leave behind; we saw these people live up to
their commitments and follow through with afford-
able housing with kitchens and nice living quarters;
in April the Council got exposed to another one of
these density projects with pedestrian movement and
we spent a lot of time at that meeting talking about
what makes sense and leads to affordable housing;
we talked to the developer about density of the
project and once we talked about what is the number
to put on a lot and not be junk; we tried to put that
into play when the developer was talking about
density of the project and we talked about the signal-
ization, the street width and sidewalks; the developer
heard us and went to the drawing board and went
back and put it in; he feels that the park is a winner,
and lastly looked at the whole issue of affordable
housing; he was concerned over a flyer and called
residents about its spreading undue concern in the
neighborhood saying that the project may affect your
quality of life and it was signed, concerned citizens
group; none of the residents called him back; we
talked about affordable housing, about the density,
what kind of amenities, what kind of tenants it will
attract; what kind of controls will be in place; he
was amazed that Mid Peninsula was going to have a
partnership because
AGENDA A~!ON TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARING
Pa. Public Hearing - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 13
PUBLIC HEARING
the businesses on the other side of the highway are
not all chemists and we don't want them to com-
mute, we want them to have a place to live and this
could be it; Councilman Yee noted the Grove appar-
ently has a lot higher density than the middle por-
tion; at the staff level they did not consider a layout
with one density; Mr. Steve Delva stated as they
went through the project they tried to recognize the
natural site constraints, put in the maximum number
of units for the revenue stream and look at the mar-
ket level; what are the conditions imposed on the
project if it is approved tonight; when the issue was
discussed at the Commission, Caltrans would not put
a light there, since then we had discussion and they
will be willing to consider that but were are not
certain if the condition was imposed; Councilman
Yee thought the Council could require as a condition
that they build a signal only based upon the approval
of Caltrans; if Caltrans is not going to approve it,
then any reimbursement from BART - but we don't
know when BART is coming through; is there a
Samtrans bus turn out to be provided at that inter-
section or is that something to be looked into; some-
one has to talk to Samtrans to see if that is the right
location for a bus station; how is the McLellan
frontage going to look like; there will be fences and
landscaping, the back yards would be fenced and
landscaped; is there a homeowners association to
maintain the landscaping for it is a City entrance;
yes there will be a home owners association for that
and all the landscaping elements for El Camino as
part of the project; the concern over the fence, staff
felt, is can the fence be some sort of a concrete
fence or some more solid fence rather than a
wooden fence; that is possible; Mr. Schwartz heard
there were problems of visibility from the Winston
Manor residents, but our housing will be 15 to 20'
below their grade and it would be difficult to see
anything unless you stood on a chair or ladder; the
cost of concrete is five times the cost of wood
and if the Mid Peninsula Housing Coalition increas-
es costs then the rents will go up; in terms of estab-
lishing this as a planned unit development it allows
more flexibility in terms of the general plan and
does not obligate you in the future if you want
flagged lots; Councilman Yee did not see a sidewalk
in front of the Mid Peninsula site; yes, there is a
condition requiring that; since there are a lot of
concerns associated with insulation are these
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARING
~a. Public Hearing - Continued
8/13/97
Page 14
PUBLIC HEARING
houses going to be insulated to that standard; yes, to
the 45 CNEL; Mayor Fernekes also visited a couple
of Mid Peninsula projects and agreed that they do an
excellent job; he thanked Greystone for listening and
implementing Council concerns, he believes it is a
good project and excellent for the community;
Councilman Datzman feels the block fence is an
important concern to the residents and staff should
look into the matter.
Chief Planner Harnish stated there are three modifi-
cations to address: A.6.a. Affordable housing
requirement, add "If the Redevelopment Agency
provides a long-term loan to subsidize the
Greenridge project, all 33 of the proposed units shall
be required to adhere to the above referenced
affordability requirements"; in reference to the issue
of fencing, add A.6.b. "The Greenridge project
applicant, staff, and the neighboring homeowners to
the north of the project shall meet and propose
appropriate fencing to separate the north boundary
of the project from the existing neighborhood. Final
design shall be subject to the approval of the Eco-
nomic and Community Development Director.";
A.4.c.1. change "to not exceed $1.6 million";
change A.4.1. "the applicant shall work, to the
satisfaction of the Chief Planner, to accommodate
Samtrans' need, if any, for a bus turnout along the
El Camino Real Frontage abutting the project site."
City Attorney Mattas stated he would add A.4.h.
"Prior to occupancy of the first unit of the develop-
ment, and assuming Caltrans approval, the applicant
shall enter into an agreement with City and BART
whereby the applicant shall advance the costs and
construct a traffic signal at the entry intersection of
the single family homes and El Camino Real subject
to reimbursement by BART and other potentially
responsible parties (i.e., the Macy's site) of their
proportionate share of the costs. Said traffic signal
shall be installed by applicant prior to occupancy of
the first unit."
Councilman Yee stated his goal is to install the
signal befbre generating traffic.
Mr. Delva stated Greystone would not be a problem
subject to the remainder of the conditions.
AGENDA ~!ON TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARING
'a. Public Hearing - Continued.
9b.
Public Hearing - Consideration of PUD-97-004,
GP-97-004, RZ-97-004, Mitigated Negative Declara-
tion No. ND-97-004, Planned Unit Development,
General Plan Amendment, Rezoning and Mitigated
Negative Declaration to allow residential units and
establish density limits; and to allow two apartments
over garage and 600 sq. ft. office with parking in
the front setback and less than 6 ft. landscape strip
on sides in the C-1 Retail Commercial Zone District
in accordance with SSFMC 20.84, and 20.87,
Jagdish Dayal, Applicant, 780 El Camino Real;
Conduct Public Hearing; Motion to approve Mitigated
Negative Declaration No. 97-004, and PUD-97-004,
adopt resolution approving GP-97-004, Motion to
wane reading and introduce a zoning ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING
PUBLIC HEARING
City Attorney stated the wording can be changed to
"signal advance the cost, and prior to occupancy".
Councilman Yee why advance the cost.
Mr. Delva stated Greystone is advancing the funds
for the signal to be put in, but not paying for the
signal itself.
Councilman Yee related: that may be your position,
but if BART does not come in and does not partici-
pate, then he as one vote on Council would require
Greystone to put it in.
City Manager Wilson stated BART is coming in, the
next question is the turn out - we have to take a look
and talk to Samtrans.
Vice Mayor Mullin asked if the proposal is worded
as Hickey Blvd. Extension, because the Council said
it should be considered another name.
M/S Datzman/Mullin - To approve Negative Decla-
ration No. ND-96-116, SA 96-116 and PUD-96-116
with the conditions as amended by staff, Motion to
waive reading and introduce the ordinance and
Motion to authorize the City Manager to consent, in
writing, to waive conducting authority protest hear-
ings on the issue of annexation.
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
City Clerk Battaya read the title of the ordinance in
its entirety.
Mayor Fernekes opened the Public Hearing.
Chief Planner Harnish gave the staff report and
stated there is an additional proposed policy, 6-9.
Mr. Shaun Obenshaw stated he is a home owner on
A Street behind the site. He stated there is already
a parking problem on A Street from the motels, fast
food places and the like. Now there is a proposal
for a two story apartment building that will block off
their views and with apartments there will be more
parking, yet we have a one-way street and people
park illegally in driveways now. The houses are
not set back far enough, so we have people parking
8/13/97
Page 15
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC HEARINGS
b. Public Hearing - Continued.
DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO TO ESTABLISH A DENSITY DES-
IGNATOR OF H (15 UNITS PER ACRE) FOR
MIXED USES IN THE C-1 RETAIL COMMER-
CIAL ZONE IN PLANNING AREA 6 ALONG EL
CAMINO REAL
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
10. Motion to waive reading and introduce an ordinance
for nuisance abatement.
AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 8.26 TO
THE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO ABATEMENT OF NEIGH-
BORHOOD NUISANCES
2./o
PUBLIC HEARINGS
on sidewalks from Orange and now he is afraid
there will be even greater parking problems with the
office downstairs from the apartments. In the future
someone may open up the back of the property and
purchase lots on A Street and he feels that will be
out of line because of the many children in the area.
Chief Planner Harnish stated that based on parking
standards, the parking is adequate.
Discussion followed: the off-street parking would
not be on A Street; the on-street parking would be
on El Camino; four spaces have been provided for
the units; the access is only on El Camino; only
duplexes would be allowed on A Street because it is
zoned R-2 and would not permit apartments; you
cannot speculate what the future brings, the issue is
are we going to approve it.
Mayor Fernekes closed the Public Hearing.
M/S Yee/Penna - To approve Mitigated Negative
Declaration No. 97-004, and PUD-97-004.
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
M/S Yee/Penna - To adopt the resolution approving
GP-96-116 and GP-97-004 and to waive reading and
introduce the ordinance.
RESOLUTION NO. 95-97 AND 1ST READ-
lNG/INTRODUCTION
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
City Clerk Battaya read the title of the ordinance in
its entirety.
City Attorney Mattas related: there were extensive
meetings with property owners, their staff and legal
counsel on this ordinance; the ordinance is a three
prong to cope with nuisances in the City; the City is
considering a joint venture to manage and acquire
some of these buildings in Willow Gardens; we are
looking at options to assist in developing standar-
ized leases; there is an aggressive program by the
police that is on-going for a handful of properties;
8/13/97
Page 16
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
I.EGISLATIVE BUSINESS
0. Motion - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 17
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
there are some property owners that did not do a
good job and oppose the ordinance; this ordinance is
a mechanism to respond to nuisances of noise, gang
activity and harassment to adjacent property owners
and threats; this makes the property owners respon-
sible for their tenants which is enforceable by the
City, but if the owner was in an eviction process
they can use this ordinance, which was a request by
property owners; if the Police Chief's efforts with
the owner and tenant is not successful, then he can
issue a citation; it is important to note that the first
step is voluntary where we notify them and try to
resolve the problem before enforcement; the City is
looking for good faith efforts from the property
owners, if they are making prompt repairs with the
security of the property; if the property owners go
to Court and have a problem trying to evict the
tenant, and the Court says it is not appropriate, then
that is conclusive evidence on their part and we
would not pursue the property owner; going to
Court is time consuming and expensive and if the
Court rejects it we don't want to further cost them;
assuming we had an enforcement action, we gave
notice, they can either implement more effective
property management or increased lighting and if
they don't comply with that we can enforce it unless
they file an appeal which is heard by the City Man-
ager or at the request of the property owner we will
have an outside person; they asked for that and they
will pickup the cost of that; there is one other im-
portant step at the request of the property owner,
there is an opportunity for mediation once the Chief
notifies the potential violation, then the cost is
shared with the City and the property owners and
there is a cap of what can be given to the mediator
if both sides agree; this ordinance applies to nui-
sance type activity on the property and at the request
of the property owner we have reduced it to within
an area of 100 feet; we have also reduced the
amount of fines under the administration penalties
and added the mediation and expanded and clarified
the document; if the owner goes to Court it is good
faith action on their part; he stated a couple of addi-
tional items were delivered to Council and a further
explanation of problems we encountered over the
years, and there is a letter from his Office in re-
sponse to the legal counsel for the rental repres-
entatives; we have had numerous meetings with the
attorneys representing the rental property owners;
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
0. Motion - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 18
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
we have not come to agreement on all things, but
the police and his Office feel the ordinance proposed
is appropriate and we shared it with Mid Peninsula
and they have no objections.
Mrs. Valerie Lambertson related: she has lived at 30
Arlington for over 37 years and for eleven years has
owned four units on Brusco Way and she and her
husband have always worked with the tenants; they
have followed the guidelines pertaining to Willow
Gardens; always worked with the police, Council-
members Teglia and Penna to clean up the area, get
garbage cans for the tenants and let them know that
plastic is not acceptable by the Scavengers; she is
talking about many property owners that worked
with the City on the common greens and a higher
assessment; we have been told about the crime
issues, we were asked who did this and were told it
was a violation of the tenants rights and we handled
that on our own; our leases contain provisions for
actions in the event of violations by tenants; concern
over lack of notification of the proposed ordinance
and she only learned of this ordinance by reading
the Enterprise Journal; the Mayor sent her a letter
and invited her to a meeting with the City Attorney;
she found it amazing that the assessment mailing list
was not used to notify property owners and this
should be in the compliance lists with Sue Harris;
Willow Gardens is not a large area and it is easy to
get the property owners address; in the ordinance
the nuisances seem to be misdemeanors and under
police jurisdiction, how is it the property owners
have to carry out the duties of the police; she is
sorry for the people who have suffered harassment
and find it distressful that the police can't
stop the problem of illegal activity of the tenants and
ask us to handle the problem without threatening;
she and her husband will participate and cooperate;
you are being asked to pass an ordinance and we are
asked to carry out police duties; if you do pass the
ordinance there is a provision to review the ordi-
nance in one year and urged Council to do so.
Discussion followed: Mayor Fernekes asked, did
staff miss a step in the notification process; the City
Attorney sent it to the assessment parcels and made
it available to other rental organizations, subsequent
to that we used the list of attendees of meetings and
had met individually with Mrs. Lambertson and
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
O. Motion - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 19
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
others; he did not send all versions of the ordinance
to all people and with those that did not respond we
did not do a broad based mailing; we are only deal-
ing with 52 properties and the Vice Mayor feels all
interested parties should have had a summary of the
ordinance to get the public up to speed; etc.
Mr. Terry Feinberg, Tri-County Apartment Assoc.,
commended the City Attorney for involving his firm
in this matter, even though there are still areas of
disagreement that are not acceptable. He urged the
Council to consider their points and incorporate
them into the ordinance. They fully recognize the
nuisance problems and the frustrations of the Chief.
He does not want any one to get the idea that prop-
erty owners do not have enforcement or they should
serve in the role of police. We do not believe this is
the only source of nuisance in the City. He finds it
ironic that with an ordinance with broad applications
we are being asked to trust the intentions of the City
because of a handful of cases, but at the same time
if you are not enabling the Police Chief to have the
tools and the power for nuisances for all real proper-
ty. The staff report says property owners have the
responsibility to maintain their property, yet to
control it 100' off of their property - he finds that
difficult. Many of the perpetrators the police cannot
control, so we would prefer that the control remain
on the property or for 50 or 75' rather than 100'
which does not.go into other property. This comes
back into the intent of the ordinance and would add
insult to injury. His concern is that the ordinance
will last longer than the Councilmen's tenure. He
spoke at length on trying to take action on hearsay,
so it is critical that communications come from
the Chief to the property owners on the violations.
He believes it is Council's intent to avoid the issu-
ance of citations and the dialogue upfront. They
believe the hearing officer should be neutral and the
prevailing party should bear the cost of the hearing.
When neutrality was discussed there was the percep-
tion of bias if the City Manager, who is the Supervi-
sor of the Chief of Police, should be the hearing
officer and to allow a neutral body to do this and the
prevailing party pay.
Mr. John Falsarella, 1385 Lasven Dr., Millbrae,
stated he has been a residential property owner since
1966 and prior to that lived in S.S.F. for 25 years.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
O. Motion- Continued.
8/13/97
Page 20
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
He stated they had problems in the units and were
able to cooperate with the Police Chief on the small
problems they were faced with. Whether the police.
came by with more frequency or whether the per-
sons were held in custody for graffiti. He com-
mended Council, for he heard of this ordinance,
not from the City, it was from the Times and Mr.
Drago held over the passage of the ordinance be-
cause he was disturbed that he was not noticed
before it was passed. The Council decided to post-
pone the ordinance, it was decided that the property
owners should be brought in and he was invited to
work with the committee. It was a good committee
and he complimented Raffaelli, Petrocchi and Mattas
and his assistants. Progress was made, however, we
could have gone even further. You have to realize
if you own rental property that it is a tough job and
we try to keep our property up, however, the more
obstacles put in our way the more difficult to do the
job. He stated you could not tell your tenants what
to do off of your property and he feels this section
of the ordinance should be deleted. He stated there
are still sections of the ordinance that have to be
addressed, plus the one to be deleted, and make it
easier for the property owners to do a good job.
Mr. Patrick Nobis stated this ordinance was enacted
from a lot of documents he has brought to the Coun-
cil of what Alden Glen has suffered, yet this does
not excuse the behavior of the tenants. This is not
going to help the situation in Alden Glen or the new
development, this is not going to turn the trick.
They have to have three offenses and be caught
three times in a 12 month period. We can't even
see who is attacking us. How are we going to
identify the perpetrators, for the property owners
have a point. In fact he thinks it is a waste of time
that you went through this watered down ordinance.
If the Council remembers a couple of months ago it
was law enforcement and health and safety. He
feels he is a sitting duck and the people buying these
new houses will also be sitting ducks. He has a tape
from a Planning Commissioner who said he could be
happy because we are providing more targets and
he is really upset with staff. He has concerns ov-
er the staff report that says only one family has
called the police, when the Alden Glen rear yard
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Motion - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 21
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
abuts to the easements in Willow Gardens and the
residents have called police in excess of 50 times to
report graffiti and juvenile vandalism, including
rocks and pellets shot that have damaged the walls
and the sliding glass doors. The police, to help,
installed a hidden TV in additional to foot patrols
and the police spent a considerable amount of re-
sources to address the problems.
First of all he is upset, he has been a victim for
seven years and he is upset the staff has victimized
him again saying, by his complaining about the
graffiti. He called the police on unprovoked attacks
on his property and he was encouraged to call the
police. What concerns him in the report is the other
reports, other than the addendum, does not address
the other reports filed in the neighborhood, but says
the youths were retaliating against him for his com-
plaints. He wants the police to tell him who it is
that is retaliating against him. It doesn't involve the
numerous complaints of vandalism and break-ins
reported by other neighbors. It is no wonder more
people don't come forward, for they will not unless
the City will back them up. This was not a hidden
video, the police went to the apartment and asked to
put it in, when they put the video in the kids saw it.
When the video was up the amounts of attacks were
reduced and when the camera came down they
started again. Why haven't you, as responsible
leaders of this community, monitor all the time.
This is what is needed, not this ordinance and one of
these days some one is going to be hurt and he is
here to put it on record that you are responsible, he
wants those people to have plenty of information.
He stated he could not understand Councilman Yee
tonight, when the Planning Commission and the
police proposed the 8' wall between the property
line you opposed it, but in this new development
you want them to have an 8' wall - why the differ-
ence. Health and safety was very important, but
you people rejected that, he is saying now the Coun-
cil and police have a responsibility to the remaining
neighborhood and the new people coming in to take
acquisition and be involved, but you have to have
the video to identify the perpetrators and he pro-
ceeded to question Councilman Yee.
City Attorney Mattas stated Mr. Nobis' comments
were out of order.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
0. Motion - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 22
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Discussion followed: Mayor Fernekes stated the
subject matter is the ordinance; Mr. Nobis disagrees
with the ordinance for it will not solve the problems.
Mr. Collin Post stated he remembered this issue
when Jack Drago was in Office and his neighbor-
hood also had problems on their block at that time,
for kids were vandalizing and breaking windows and
doing graffiti.
He heard someone say the owners cannot be police-
men, that is true they are not, but they are owners
of this property and if you have problems 100' away
then they should screen the tenants. He commended
the police for keeping them away from his block.
Councilman Penna stated he read Mrs. Lambertson
letter who had asked for the information and he
thought anyone could call in for the information.
City Attorney stated significant information is pub-
lic, but there are certain items where the Police
Dept. may chose not to release them, but the facts
and circumstances are available as public records.
Councilman Penna stated in reading the letter he did
not think it was proper to hold property owners
responsible unless the property owners know what is
going on. There are many cases and areas where
there are owners that are not aware of what S.S.F.
residents have done in suing SFIA in Small Claims
Court and getting a judgment for a nuisance, which
this is also. The owners said that no ordinance
should just affect one type of property and the rea-
son we just passed an ordinance in the industrial
area regulating freight forwarding is there are truck-
ing uses that block East Grand Avenue and Harbor
and entrances to the City and nobody bothers to
enforce that which is a nuisance for anybody coming
into the City. We should look at all properties with
this ordinance. He stated you need proof of the
nuisance before going into Court for the Judge to
award against the individual and you can collect,
and you will think carefully before letting someone
rent your property because it is all a case of meet
and confer. Some government officials like the
police or the code enforcement have to go through
the meet and confer process.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
0. Motion - Continued.
8/13/97
Page 23
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
City Attorney Mattas related: the basis for the
limitation for residential property that is the source
of the problem, the City has other types of ordi-
nances for non-residential use and the types of activ-
ities identified as defined nuisances. If we are going
to try to create an ordinance that is going to attempt
in some sections of the City having to do with graf-
fiti and the disruption of property values and other
peoples rights, then we have to be more cooperative
with the police enforcement and the way property
owners process lease applications. The application
process is based on the person's income, credit and
any references.
Vice Mayor Mullin related: he does not believe
anyone is in the business of asking the property
owners to substitute for the police; the ordinance is
relatively mild and this is only the first step being
taken and it will be coupled with on-site manage-
ment and a whole variety of things that will take
cover the problem areas of the City to turn it into a
model that will be desirable for people to live in; his
concern is, how far off the property does the prop-
erty owners responsibility and if we are talking
about graffiti and vandalism that occurs out of the
apartment or building itself; he has a problem with
100' and would have substituted, the behavior of
residents within the confines or immediately adjacent
to the development; he understands there are certain
areas where we are responsible and this is just an-
other tool to address problems that are continuing
and exacerbating; he has problems with people
saying let's get the tape measure out; in refer-
ence to retaliation it seems that is with the one resi-
dent who has had a lot of problems; this is not the
only City to have a multi faceted approach with
social problems; he attended a long presentation in
Bellflower on a stronger ordinance for a degenerated
area; he had questions about the nuisance officer for
that seemed to be a technical problem; did Mr.
Feinberg speak of Writ of Notice; etc.
Discussion followed: he said written notice refer-
ring to Subsection A and the City Attorney does not
have a problem changing that; the Vice Mayor is
disappointed that the video cameras were common
knowledge, for they were not common knowledge to
Council, nor did they tell us they were going to be
taken down; if that is the kind of police activity,
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
3. Motion - Continued
8/13/97
Page 24
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
where is the police responsibility, for safety is still
with the police; Councilman Datzman stated one of
the concerns we are talking about is quality of life,
illegal gang activity, these are issues that most often
fall into the hands of the police and he wanted com-
ments from the police; Police Captain Cooper
stated the police can be reactive and document the
incidents attempting to locate witnesses and suspects,
take appropriate action and the odds are slim; proac-
tive measures do work, but we have to have a coop-
erative effort with the property owners and other
City Depts. and other resources by going out into
other jurisdictions and seeking other successful
issues; we view this ordinance as a tool, it is one of
several that we will use to enhance the quality of life
issues and we view it as a tool not something we are
going to use as enforcement tools; we have a
philosophy to treat others like we would like to be
treated and we would use progressive steps; he looks
at this as a tool for the police to assist the people
within the affected areas and simply to assist us in
putting property owners on notice that they are
going to take on responsibility; we will go out and
talk to the home owner trying to gain a compli-
ance; if the homeowner will put up lighting that will
help us police the area and this ordinance will help
to screen the tenants; staff has been working on the
ordinance for roughly a year or so; Berkeley has
safe streets where people take responsibility them-
selves; Councilman Datzman stated five or six years
ago, as Police Chief, we talked about a given area
with problems and when a landlord is occupying one
of the units, chances are you will have less prob-
lems; when a poor job was done in managing the
units they pointed the finger at the police; landlords
collect the rents, maintain the property and do a
pretty good job; the third responsibility is for the
tenants conduct and that falls through the cracks; the
expectation is with the police so, along comes a tool
that people have been trying to get something done
and if the police appear somewhat harsh the owners
can appeal to the City Manager; they are saying, oh
no, we can't do that, can't trust him and we have
to get into the process of mediation; another safe-
guard says in the end of a year you set out issues;
Councilman Yee stated all of his concerns had been
identified by the Vice Mayor and wants staff to
work on the issues; Councilman Penna suggested a
different approach and bring these property owners
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
0. Motion - Continued
8/13/97
Page 25
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
in and having them try to give us a clarification;
City Attorney Mattas stated his office and the police
recognize safe streets that are being used against
drug houses, but he believes that is another tool and
is not exclusive for this ordinance; we made it clear
to the rental people that this ordinance will only be
fully enforced on the absent owners that are not
taking action; he would clarify page 9 of the nui-
sance ordinance to read, "neutral officer" for the
"qualities" is a typo and he will correct the record;
in terms of the 100', it originally said 100 yards and
we believe 100' is a reasonable distance over which
a property owner would have the opportunity to
view their property; we put in the one year review,
obviously for discussion; he recommends keeping
the 100', but after a year if it is problematic, as an
alternative you can delete the 100', and if in a year
it is not successful, then we can come back, but we
thought that was a reasonable distance; the Vice
Mayor's comment about it being adjacent to, we
talked to that, but that is a problem with enforce-
ment; we believe this is a reasonable resolution of
the issues and recommend the Council waive reading
and introduce the ordinance; Councilman Penna
stated, on the 100' you are assuming the property
owners are on the premises, yet most of the property
owners are not around and in order to identify the
violators they have to prove who did it, otherwise
how can you hold anyone responsible; City Attorney
stated they do not make the assumption that the
property owners life on site, we believe there is a
reasonable distance that the property owners should
take proactive steps to observe the activity of the
residents; Councilman Penna disagreed, no one is
the parent of anyone else unless it is your child and
you are putting a responsibility on the property
owners who are not on-site; he cannot support that
and does not see legally where you have a legal
basis; City Attorney stated they have reasonable
manager responsibility to oversee the activity of the
tenants within the nexus; what is the basis of the
law; you have a duty to properly manage your prop-
erty; yes, when you can prove it and it is already
provided by law and he cannot support this; Coun-
cilman Datzman stated this whole issue of media
tion, and we have an ordinance whose avenue leads
to the City Manager and that does not cost additional
money, and if that doesn't work they can get a
mediator and play lots of money; the mediation
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
0. Motion - Continued
8/13/97
Page 26
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
request came from the property owners and indicat-
ed they have effectively utilized this in dealing with
the problems before and the entire focus was to
attempt to come to compliance before going into
adversarial and it is an initial step; Councilman
Penna asked, what happens if a tenant walks within
100' and does damage to another property, the
police are called, but there is no way to identify the
violator; then even under this ordinance we cannot
do anything; where do you gain the proof if the
property owner is not available or on site or away,
and so you are taking somebody else' word for it
and a tenant has done some damage here and now
you are going to pull property owners responsibility
-- it is not making any sense here, what are you
trying to do; City Manager stated this was discussed
as one of the areas to clean up neighborhood, for the
property has to be managed; we see problems where
the people have failed to properly manage their
property; where you can identify a situation, where
the property isn't being maintained, now there must
be for that is the thrust of this document; Council-
man Penna stated that can be done under small
claims.
M/S Mullin/Datzman -To waive reading and intro-
duce the ordinance and include the City Attorney
changes.
Councihnan Yee asked if six months is too soon to
review; he agrees it is difficult to hold a landlord
responsible and believes it is better to have a shorter
time period; Vice Mayor Mullin stated this is still a
police response area and this is the first step to
change an area that is below standard and improve
the quality of life; Councilman Yee stated this could
apply to any duplex.
The Motion and Second tailed Councilmen Yee and
Penna voted no, and it required a unanimous voice.
M/S Mullin/Datzman - To waive reading of the
ordinance.
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
M/S Mullin/Datzman- To introduce the ordinance.
Carried by majority voice vote, Councilmen Yee
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
0. Motion - Continued
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
11. Appointments to the Conference Center Authority. ~_G~ t/-'
12. Resolution in support of the CalTrain improvements.
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CALTRAIN SYS-
TEM IMPROVEMENTS
GOOD AND WELFARE
ADJOURNMENT:
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
and Penna voted no.
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
M/S Yee/Penna - To appoint Debra Coffelt, General
Mgr. Best Western Grosvenor Hotel and Bob
Bledsoe, General Manager Ramada Inn/Holiday Inn
as recommended by the S.S.F. Hotel Assoc.
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
Councilman Yee stated he read it closely, it is
supporting the downtown extension which is very
political and feels it is a dead horse that is already
beaten down.
Councilman Penna stated he brought it up and
supports it to get passenger service, otherwise we
will suffer more congestion and does not think it is a
dead horse.
Vice Mayor Mullin stated S.F. is not going to fund
this, it is going downtown and he has problems
going on record with something opposed by S.F.
He asked that the City Attorney take out the down-
town extension in the second whereas.
M/S Penna/Mullin - To adopt the Resolution, but
take out "downtown extension in the second where-
as."
RESOLUTION NO. 96-97
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
GOOD AND WELFARE
No one chose to speak.
M/S Yee/Penna - To adjourn the meeting.
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
Time of adjournment was 12:46 p.m.
8/13/97
Page 27
AGENDA
RESPECTFULLY SUBMIT'FED,
Barbara A. Battaya, City Clerk
City of South San Francisco
ACTION
TAKEN
APPROVED.
Oity of So~th San Francisco
The entries of this Council meeting show the action taken by the City Council to dispose of an item. Oral communica-
tions, 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.
8/13/97
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