HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1998-12-15Mayor James L. Datzman
Council:
Joseph A. Fernekes
Karyl Matsumoto
Eugene R. Mullin
John R. Penna
SPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
December 15, 1998
MINUTES
City Council
Municipal Services Building
Community Room
December 15, 1998
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 54956 of the Government Code of the State of California, that
the City Council of the City of South San Francisco will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, the 15th day of December,
at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Services Building, Community Room, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, California.
Purpose of the meeting:
Review of the Terrabay Project.
Dated:
City Clerk
City of South San Francisco
December 3, 1998
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
AGENDA
(Cassette No. 1)
Review of the Terrabay Project.
ACTION TAKEN
6:05 p.m. Mayor Datzman presiding.
Council Present:
Council Absent:
Fernekes, Matsumoto, Mullin and
Datzman.
Penna.
Mayor Datzman stated Councilman Penna gave
advance notice that due to his being a realtor, the
FPPC has ruled that he can not take part in discus-
sions or vote on land use.
Chief Planner Harnish related: The project began
with a study session before Council July 9th, 1996.
We were 18 months into the project review, this is
your third study session. The Planning Commission
has had nine and the Historic Commission has had
two, looking at the EIR (enviromental impact
report) and varied spaces on the project. Back in
July at your last study session there were three
12/15/98
Page 1
AGENDA
· -meview of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 2
A~!!ON TAKEN
presentations to alleviate concerns raised in the EIR
and public comments regarding preservation of the
archeological site. The proposal is on the exhibit
displayed. The applicant will carry the presentation
tonight, I will provide the background. The propos-
al was intended to address many of the issues sur-
rounding Phase III, which has continued to be a
public focus. Discussion in study session on Phase
II raised several issues by the Planning Commission
regarding specific parts of the residential develop-
ment, specifically "the point." Discussion with
applicant, staff, and the Planning Commission con-
tinued with what was an acceptable approach in
dealing with "the point." A number of illustrations
are being shown tonight. The Planning Commission
has not seen the most recent versions, nor reacted to
the most recent changes. Bob Kent will give a
presentation on where discussion with the Planning
Commission ended and where the staff has worked
with the applicant to modify the residential or Phase
II conditions that were of concern. The applicants
concerns were the changes adequate and requested
this study session with you and the Planning Com-
mission.
Discussion followed: Developer Mr. Breen stated
he wanted to alleviate concerns raised on all levels
of the project as to what direction the City would
like them to go. We will begin the presentation
showing changes at "the point" and leave Phase III
toward the end as most people are aware of what we
have projected and those issues have been addressed.
We are requesting direction on a timely plan on the
residential phase and the commercial.
Developer Mr. Kent and Bob Montigani gave the
presentation beginning with the triplex which has an
A and B elevation. We added a new elevation and
reduced the size by one bedroom as well as some
architectural relief. An alternative elevation had
also been reduced in size by one room pulled from
the front of the building and have changed some
roof lines giving a gable effect. The duplex is the
predominate house seen on the mountain. The
duplex on the lower portion has the most exposure
at "the point." Floor plans A & B have changed
rear elevations, an extended window, gable roof,
and iron railing for a more spanish appearance
making a becoming front. There is another eleva-
tion containing all the features making a very
attractive end unit, which will be seen on all sides
AGENDA
.--Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 3
ACTION TAKEN
when entering the project. Every other lot will have
the new duplexes which down sizes what is being
built at "the point" and addresses the Commission's
concerns. The unit is 45 feet wide and another is 52
feet wide, so, rather than seeing eight feet building
to building you will see 13 feet building to building
with lowered density. There are two different eleva-
tions with the downhill duplex, elevations A & B
with gable and hip roofs that change the exterior
appearance which was another concern of the Com-
mission. These are like single family homes, the
exceptions are the triplex and the duplex which are
set on 65 foot lot where a single family home is on
a 50 foot lot. The building is 45 feet wide on a 65
foot lot, where a single family home is 40 feet wide
lot on a 50 foot lot, so, if you were on a corner lot
of Sister Cities Blvd. and Bayshore and looked up
you would see what is almost identical as to what
you would see in a single family development.
Originally there were 181 units the Planning Com-
mission said they wanted to see more open space, so
they reduced the number of units to 171 that leaves
more open space at "the point" also making numer-
ous changes to the landscape plan. It was pointed
out the project was very vertical with straight lines,
so upon entering the project you have a one percent
grade which progresses to three, at a zero to 16 feet
height progressing to "the point" and drops as you
go down the street. It was asked how it would look
with the flyover? In a scale picture it was small, but
put into proper perspective the hookramp blocked
the end of the development, and they are installing a
sound wall around the perimeter of the property
with planter boxes to give greenery. Open space
was originally at 250 feet and is now at 350 feet.
Tree planting is planned at "the point" and along
Sister Cities Boulevard similar to the present medi-
an, and intend to mound the area at "the point" with
landscaping, seating, and telescopes for looking
around the bay. They were asked by the Planning
Commission to look at the original Dean and Dean
plan to lower the site by 10 feet and found it not
feasible, for that would require a 10 foot wall.
There was discussion of entries which were
coordinated with the fire and water departments so
as not to be to steep for the commercial area. The
roadways will have a culdesac with buildings on
each side similar to neighborhoods of San Francisco.
It was pointed out Terrabay Village, the Park and
what was going to be the Woods and Terrabay
Commons will not be built, so there will be
AGENDA
--g. eview of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 4
ACTION TAKEN j 79
open space. In the current version you will see a
terraced effect and you would see upper units, but
not 10 story buildings. If you want an idea of
something similar look at Colinga. They have elim-
inated the common walkway, entrances, wall, floors,
and have changed that with one common wall, for-
mal dining room, family room, computer room or
office or guest room. This is what the public is
seeking as a single family dwelling.
Councilman Mullin asked him to give a brief and
better explanation of the open space progression,
which was the 250 feet to 350 feet, mounding and
there will be a corner raised seven feet giving relief
on the lower side.
Mayor Datzman asked if there was more to add and
what is going on in Phase III.
Developer Breen related they dealt with the EIR and
the Planning Staffs concerns before the Commission
where they were adopted and shows a rendering of
the hotel, restaurant, and the two southern pads as
far as location leading up to "the point" which is off
the corner of Sister Cities Boulevard. The entrance
near the hookramps and the archeological site are
one of the two major issues left. During the presen-
tation he showed the location for the North Office
building which is not touching the viola plants that
were of environmental concern. The North pad is
the office building, the Southern pad is the restau-
rant and hotel with a center drive way access.
Vice Mayor Matsumoto asked for clarification of the
sound wall, her perception is similar to what is seen
going down highway 101.
Developer Breen stated it would be six feet in height
similar to a six foot redwood fence, but of masonry
material.
Chief Planner Harnish related more like stucco.
Mayor Datzman asked if Jean Jenks was in the
audience from Laguna Beach, CA., he asked Deputy
City Clerk Bolt if she had a copy of her letter, she
said yes, and he said then enter it into the record,
also from Patricia Holton from San Francisco, CA.
Jean K. Jenks, 301 San Nicholas Court, Laguna
Beach, CA. Her letter speaks in opposition of the
development and the $50 million freeway inter-
AGENDA
---Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 5
ACTION TAKEN
change. She was for the preservation of the Oholne
Indian Village site and shellmound, for the historical
significance, religious significance, artifacts, and en-
dangered species. She related how the City of Port-
land as of recent purchased eight residences along a
steelhead trout spawn and converted it into a public
park. How they tore out an expressway along the
Willamette River and built a strip park to encourage
people to be less auto dependent. They offer light
rail and bus service throughout the City she sug-
gested we think carefully.
Patricia Holton, 93 Prentiss Street, San Francisco,
CA. 94110 writes in opposition to the development.
She would like to see the shellmound preserved.
Gene Dove, 383 Greenridge, Daly City, CA. He
said he wrote something tonight he wanted to share,
he respects the developers, and the people who wish
to preserve the mountain, and the ancestor spirits;
he believes the whole issue involves money and val-
ues. He is for preserving the shellmound.
Edna Harks, 211 Eucalyptus, South San Francisco,
CA. Is against the development. She is with the
Historic Preservation Commission and takes the
responsibility very seriously. There has been very
little discussion among her associates about the
project. She feels the whole area of Sister Cities
Boulevard to Brisbane that would be Phase III
should remain untouched except with some appro-
priate landscaping. She believes there is more re-
mains scattered by winds and time all over, not just
around the shellmound and once the damage is done,
it is done. She believes that the developer SunChase
would appreciate the importance of a 5100 year old
treasure. She said by now she is sure the developer
realizes the sanctity of the land and what it means to
the people who live here and to the City, also in the
pictures it looks like palm trees, palm trees do not
belong in South San Francisco. She urges we act
very carefully, so our unborn generations will not
miss all the wonderful heritage that we have left
behind.
Albert Lannon, 308 Bartlett St, San Francisco CA.
Spoke against the project. He is not a resident, but
is associated with the City working at various
companies, Woolworth and Folgers and is a member
of ILWU. He has watched S.S.F. develope since
1976 and with plant closures he understands the
AGENDA
AGI!ON TAKEN
.--Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
need for development; he is representing with The
Sons of San Bruno Mountain, they support environ-
mentally sensitive developments, they support the
EIR process, they are in support of preserving the
shellmound for historic and educative purposes, not
only for South San Francisco, but for the entire Bay
Area. He suggested a re-creation of the Indian Vil-
lage as like what was done at Point Reyes.
Jan Pont, 111 Belmont Avenue, South San Francis-
co, CA. Is against the project. Her concerns were
the flyover, pollution, open space, parking, and
density. Her suggestion was leave it without devel-
opment.
Dan Shattuc, 907 W Cardinal Drive, Sunnyvale,
CA. Who spoke against the project. His concerns
were the loss of the mountain as a regional asset, a
place to be enjoyed for the outdoors, hiking, and
watching the butterflies. It should be left as a ref-
uge for people. The shellmound is a potential na-
tional landmark and it is being pursued. It is sacred
and deserves the recognition.
Philip Batchelder, 2915A Wheeler St, Berkeley CA.
He is a teacher his concern is the shellmound and
preserving it. He is concerned with the project
creating problems, like traffic, pollution, over-
crowding of schools, and the effects on the tax
payers.
Lynne Fritz, 455 County Center, Redwood City,
CA, Her home address 1801 Crystal Springs Road,
San Bruno, Ca. She is representing the San Mateo
County Parks and Recreation and superintendent of
Parks and North County, speaking for the
shellmound and expressing their support and will-
ingness to work with the City of South San Francis-
co to preserve it.
Patrick Orozco, 644 Pear Tree Drive, Watsonville,
CA. He greeted the council in his native language,
he said he is maybe the last one of his people who
can still speak it. He spoke of his grandmother
who told him as he was growing up all about his
family and people. For all of the history, ancestry,
religion, education and the sacred ground, he asked
Council not to allow the development.
12/15/98
Page 6
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 7
Lois Robins, 607 Burns Ave Aptos, CA. Is against
the project. She has photographed and documented
the recovery of the Indian culture. It has taken 20
years for them to come out and reclaim their cul-
ture, you are at a very fateful moment in time, and
what you do will be very significant to the history of
California.
Dell Schembary, 321 Alta Mesa Drive, South San
Francisco, CA. He is a former member of the save
San Bruno Mountain committee working with Bay
Area Mountain Watch and The Sierra Club. He is
against the development. He suggested make the
best use of the area. If we must build, then build
with less density and higher quality.
David Schooley, P.O. Box A0, Brisbane, CA. is for
the shellmound. His concerns are the loss of open
space, habitat, endangered species, and to preserve
the history of the Oholne people.
Marc Teglia, 604 Baden Avenue, South San Francis-
co, CA. Is long a time resident and not the first
generation of his family in South San Francisco. He
stated he had not prepared any statement, he was
speaking on what he just heard. The development
will make a statement to the rest of the county. He
felt we should go back and look at the original plan
not focused on the mountain, but showing a housing
development nestled at the bottom of the hill.
He understood at that time the developer W. W.
Dean chose not to do an EIR, and that would have
shown the road blocks that are coming up
now. Perhaps the answer is scaling it back. There
is major talk of reduction in units, but an increase of
bedrooms and a major increase in the footprint.
The comment about Colinga was nice, but it is an
example of what we do not want to see. He said
there maybe pictures not shown this evening to
Council that would have shown other perspectives of
the W. W. Dean model.
Mayor Datzman asked if this information had been
requested.
Commissioner Teglia stated it had, and was just
recently available to the Planning Commissioners.
What was shown tonight was a perspective of the
Phase I side shown facing Phase II and barely
AGENDA
ACTION TAKEN
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
seeing "the point" perspective urging them to take a
second look. A cluster that coincides with the circu-
lar area of "the point" shows where the development
was restricted. The roofline covered the next build-
ing and followed the contours of the hill. There was
more open space between "the point" and the valley.
Look at the 82 site plan, compare it with today, it
should be modified, but still within the footprint.
Linda Dyson - Weaver, 1545 Burlingame Avenue,
Burlingame, CA. She is in favor of preserving the
shellmound for the scared aspect, as she reflected
back on how she would feel if a development was
going into Woodlawn in Colma where her mother
is, so take precaution.
Mayor Datzman related we were getting to the last
speaker.
Fred Arnes, 2413 Carlson, Richmond, CA. Is
strongly opposed to the project. The valley is very
unique and requires very special consideration, and
not every community has a shellmound over 5000
years old. The City of Richmond had one that was
destroyed when a sewer main and creek overflowed,
so, this development is in appropriate.
Mayor Datzman thanked ali speaker for their com-
ments and watching the time line, and are now ready
for Council comments.
Councilman Fernekes had a few questions and com-
ments, he asked when the Dean project of Terrabay
came betbre the public, was there support or did
they oppose it. How many were in favor and did it
pass.
Chief Planner Harnish said yes it was supported.
City Manager Wilson said he did not recall how
many.
Mayor Datzman said I am sure the information is a
matter of record.
Councilman Fernekes asked, but it did pass?
Chief Planner Harnish said yes it passed.
12/15/98
Page 8
AGENDA
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 9
ACTION TAKEN
Councilman Fernekes said he was addressing a
question he heard, was the financing completed for
the City, what are the outstanding obligations.
City Manager Wilson stated he only recalls that in
the development agreement, to have the hookramps
installed prior to the development of Phase II and
Phase III. Due to the need to relocate the utilities,
and avoid the necessary elevation for the needed for
the flyover and the modifications to the Bayshore
Boulevard, the project has become more expensive.
Councilman Fernekes asked what is the approximate
value of the hookramps and flyover.
Director of Public Works Gibbs stated, as it stands
it is around 15 to 17 million and the hookramps are
approaching 20 million due to relocation for the
utilities, which is still in question.
Councilman Fernekes asked where is the widest
share of the obligation.
City Manager Wilson stated it is a City obligation,
at this point we have the developer fee in place and
will be augmenting our plan for the redevelopment
agency participation to the transit authority.
Councilman Fernekes asked what is the developer
commitment, the cost of the project, is the school
district apprised.
City Manager Wilson stated the developer commit-
ment is very significant on conforming to the entire
project.
Director of Public works stated the cost is around
fourteen million.
Chief Planner Harnish stated the schools are in-
volved and aware of the project, and with the studies
done there are no issues.
Councihnan Fernekes stated there were some condi-
tions that the development would bring into the City,
one was a brand new fire house based on Sisters
Cities Boulevard at the entrance to Terrabay and a
ball field at Hillside school, that was under
W.W. Dean's plan. We had an opportunity to open
a brand new gymnasium two months ago, which is
AGENDA
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 10
fi~!!ON TAKEN
open to City use and by W. W. Dean a provision
for a daycare and funding for the daycare, the
flyover and hookramp. He appreciated hearing all
the speakers tonight. He was trying to recall some
of the history, and address the community concerns,
as well, as we are all concerned for the preserving
Of sign hill. He also has some concerns for "the
point," as it is most visible to our community off the
Bayshore Freeway and Industrial Park. He is con-
cerned, that we should feel more faith. I would like
see a more horizontal approach, and that the devel-
oper Standard Builders listen to the community. He
felt a little uncomfortable that something was miss-
ing. We have made great strides with the school
board, would like to see staff work more with the
developer and complimented everyone. One more
thing I would like to see is more openness and I like
the front looks and would like to see the parking
plans.
Councilman Mullin thanked all for their comments,
he looks out over a beautiful view of the mountain
from his home and it is a major asset to this com-
munity. His concerns is the obvious, that this devel-
opment is an improvement of what before was a
linear look. Looking at the distance from the pur-
posed mounding and the bottom of "the point" what
amount of space are we talking about.
Developer Breen said approximately 90 feet or a two
to one slope.
Councihnan Mullin questioned what is the reason for
that distance, and why is the development not lower
is it due to terrain.
Donna O'Flaerty with Brian, Kangas, Foulk civil
engineers stated yes it is due to the terrain, it is a
two to one and a portion is one to one half there is a
90 foot differential between the entrance to Sister
Cities Blvd. and the bottom row of homes.
Councilman Mullin asked for clarification of the
term.
Donna O'Flaerty stated, it refers to the horizontal
area per vertical area for a two to one slope. It is
two feet horizontal for every one foot, and one half
to one foot is one foot horizontal for every one foot
vertical, so that is a bit steeper slope.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
eview of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 11
Councilman Mullin said so one to one would be, she
said one is the horizontal and he said a three to one,
she said is a 45 degree angle, due to existing cuts
which is one and one half to one, and two to one
when the intersection of Sister Cities Blvd. was im-
proved. If we would bring the development down
the hill it would require us to cut more rock. We are
trying to stay with the same theme and foot print.
Developer Breen stated the original Dean plan was
Commons East and West, and East is now part of
"the point." If we were to take the east part of the
Dean Plan and go all the way around the mountain
to where the purposed athletic club facility would
be, the land being covered is less dense under our
plan.
Councilman Mullin stated just for the public the
total number of units is fewer of the size comparison
as is currently purposed.
Developer Breen stated they are higher in overall
square footage by about 15%.
Councilman Mullin asked what is the distance you
indicated, as a way to mitigate the linear horizontal
design of the development leading up to "the point."
There was a rise in the streets of 16 feet what is the
length in distance.
Developer Breen indicated 60 feet and if you count
up to 10 or 11 buildings in the plan shown, is a 1%
change and reaches "the point" at 16 feet over 60
feet.
Councilman Mullin asked about the landscaping
addressing Mr. Shembreys concern, what types of
plants or species of trees being planned.
Chief Planner Harnish stated there has been a lot of
work on the applicants part in upgrading the land-
scape, but the plans have not been through the De-
sign Review Board yet.
Councilman Mullin asked about the magalopoli
syndrome that has been purposed from San Francis-
co to Los Angeles what is the projected build out
for South San Francisco.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 12
Chief Planner Harnish stated about seventy thousand
using a 20 year projection in the general plan and
figure out how the city can accommodate that many.
Councilman Mullin said he has spent a lot of time
recently looking into the need for housing in the
peninsula area, spent all day at the housing consor-
tium trying to see how to accommodate people
working on the peninsula who are supposed to put
up their far share. If we do not develop a guide to
centralize, to develop properties that will enhance,
and recover revenue streams of the City, compared
to the development of residence, we do not have to
put up with people driving great distance who work
in our community. I for one am opposed to looking
at big housing, I have children who are looking into
living in the community and maybe in the market
for duplexes or triplexes or housing units, even
though the city may not make money off the housing
developments, I think it is a need to service the
community. I have been a teacher in this community
30 years and do not remember over crowding in the
schools, but that is the prime reason Martin school
has been re- opened is with the anticipation of this
development. In answer to Mr. Batchholders con-
cern over the 45 acre site other than the purposed
shellmound, the other 45 acres what do we know
about this site, what studies, what knowledge at the
present time for Phase III.
Chief Planner Harnish stated they started with the
EIR, and addressed the issues focused on the
shellmound. The historic discussion evolved since
the EIR first came out. We asked the archeological
consultant EIR team to evaluate rather to come back
to us with responses on the historic nature.
Councihnan Mullin stated this is the first time he
had seen any changes and reason for the elevations,
but is not on the design review yet. I find it diffi-
cult to make general comments about the design, but
what is your impression with respect to the gable
roofs and ion works. How does that give a concep-
tual basis.
Chief Planner Harnish said his first impression was
it is an improvement over the original line, but is
not too sure it goes far enough to address both the
Council and Commission concerns to the staff who
are also concerned about the linear nature to the
AGENDA
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 13
ACTION TAKEN
development. We looked at broad design issues, but
the technical engineering issues tells what can or can
not be fiscally or feasibly built on the mountain and
the genesis of this design is one where after certain
study sessions with the Commission, at the direction
of the Commission and the staff working with the
applicant, try to address those concerns by occasions
to the design. The modifications to the design were
not based on the existing proposed development,
going through a complete redesign, we are not fully
addressing the concerns and hence we find ourselves
at the study session in progress, but whether or not
it is enough. We only have the briefest time to act,
we should study this fi.~rther.
Councilman Mullin stated let me put you on the
spot. I am now hearing 13 feet between homes, 45
foot wide units on sixty toot lots generate 12 - 13
feet between, is that what they were before. Does
that give you a sense of visual impact of the linear
mountain not withstanding the separation.
Chief Planner Harnish stated it is a positive step,
one of the issues raised by Commission and the staff
is lack of open space. The feeling of the neighbor-
hood streets is really closed in and not only the
separation, but the variation of the separation makes
things feel so uniform we have begun to address that
issue. I think in addition to the changes there were
the lots, the roof line, not really raising or lowering
with great expense the physical changes, break up
the feeling of linear misalignment. The designs can
be revised and changed, and have clustering here
and there and still have some of the linear feeling
even if you modify the elevations. It is just a matter
of judgement up front at what point the design says
and does not give you the feeling of urbency, like
little boxes.
Councilman Mullin said little boxes, we are getting
away from that. He had a sense this design is mov-
ing to a better degree possible. I have spent a lot of
time looking across the street from my daughters
house at the development. There is another render-
ing that did not focus so much on the view we saw
on the powerpoint, I may be mistaken, but the front
was far removed, and something else we now have
available that focuses on "the point area."
Chief Planner Harnish said yes, the Planning Com-
mission had requested from staff that they would
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 14
provide copies of the older plan so they could see
the genesis of the project from the earliest approvals
up till now. There are some photographs of the
model that you saw in the powerpoint that were
photographs of the model that were straight up at
"the point." The one you saw tonight was from the
West to East and the Commission was using those;
I believe as an example the development could be
modified to eliminate the linearairty saying we want
you to go back on the 1982 plan.
Councilman Mullin stated he found a view with
Sister Cities Blvd. going East with the purposed
wall, which was either here this evening or in the
City Managers Office a very pleasing design.
He continued, making a general comment we made
strides With Phase III and there may be more work
to be done there. I am pleased by what I have seen,
in the changes from the original design. I am seeing
200 - 300 foot open areas with some kind of park
with trees and atmosphere except at "the point",
which I think mitigates the harshness and you can
use the linearairty of the project almost like a prow
of a ship. I think it softens it tremendously and we
are moving in the right direction. With all due
respect to Vice Mayor Karyl Matsumoto, and I may
be run out of town on a rail, but like a woman as it
makes its way up the hill, it lends a little intrigue
and it has taken me many years to say that. As it is
now we are going in a positive direction. We may
have some additional problems and will try to deci-
pher which ones.
Mayor Datzman stated thank you and I am sorry
Karyl, but we are out of time and lets start with
closures.
Vice Mayor Matsumoto stated just for clarification I
heard the first proposal was W.W. Dean in 1982,
and this was the onset of this project. I believe Mr.
Schooley mentioned the Trust for Public Land, are
they going to make an offer to this man? Does the
City propose this? Has there been pricing, has there
been a commitment?
Mr. Schooly stated from the audience we are
spreading the word; we actually have a commitment
from another group in Marin called the Environ-
mental Mitigation Exchange, they have offered two
million and you know that is not enough. We are
working our hardest to make a win - win situation.
AGENDA
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
12/15/98
Page 15
ACTION TAKEN
Vice Mayor Matsumotos concerns were for the
future, in that the staff will come in and accept a
larger legal proposal.
Mayor Datzman suggested that staff take note of the
question.
Vice Mayor Matsumoto said I see two issues here,
Phase II and Phase III and we are talking an EIR,
can we not separate Phase II and Phase III on this
EIR study?
Assistant City Attorney said if I may Mayor pro tem
Matsumoto legally we can do that. I propose among
options to consider are processing the EIR for both
ends of the project and then moving forward with
approvals for the two different Phases on a different
track. If the Planning Commission is satisfied with
one of the phases they could consider making rec-
ommendations on that Phase, and then that Phase
would come to you prior to the other Phase coming
to you.
Vice Mayor Matsumoto stated this is to Mr Kent, I
appreciate the changes you have made relative to
Phase II, but am still not comfortable. Perhaps we
could sacrifice the open space at "the point." Make
some more space on the development in order to
achieve a cluster of open spaces and linear look.
Developer Breen said instead of putting it all at "the
point?"
Vice Mayor Matsumoto said it was only a sugges-
tion.
Mayor Datzman stated he could see the applicants
dilemma, but we start with a project planned in 1982
and we are still talking about it in 1998. No
one has complained that we are rushing to approve
this. I do not have a problem saying it is too close
to the flyover. I think there are too many bed
rooms. I have some problems with the linear nature
of the project. I have some problems with
density. I have some problems with the intensity of
the project. I have some problems with the lack of
open space, and where the open space is. I say,
ok, what do I do next. It is no different than some-
body saying, ok, we have done pretty well, but there
is still something missing. How much open space is
there, we need to address this. I noticed staff taking
AGENDA
ACTION TAKEN
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
notes tonight on the variety of items that have devel-
oped. I can tell you this is not what I majored in, in
college on my bachelors or my masters degree. No
one has asked me how things are to be designed, but
I have to figure it out. In doing that I like to ask
questions to the best of my ability, as part of the
process and ask staff to move ahead. I like to see
people working with staff and coming back with a
model and I would like to see that model come back
to the Planning Commission, and they have looked
at this several times and they say yes, like it or no I
dc> not and get some movement.
I think we have spent time tonight providing some
general direction. We had a meeting before this with
general direction. I think the Planning Commission
is in a position where they have had an opportunity
to look at the project and they will again. I sure
hope some results and findings for some kind of
decision to either bring this project to a close or if it
needs to be dealt with further with a time line ac-
cordingly, so we not sitting here in the year 2008
saying gee what is it going to look like. That is the
extent of my comments. He asked if any other
council had any closing comments.
Councilman Fernekes stated I believe staff has direc-
tion and I have spent time talking with the City
Manger over my concerns and he has the direction.
Vice Mayor Matsumoto said she would like to see a
definite time frame and asked that we set a specific
time frame for it to go before the Planning Com-
mission and come back to us lets say, by the end of
January, if that is that possible.
City Manager Wilson stated I would suggest not,
and the only reason I say that, is because one of the
things we both promised the City Council is that
procedurally steps will be taken in order and then
you would not be embarrassed by premature actions
brought to you specifically in embarrassing situa-
tions, which means we have to make sure certain
documents are put with the EIR and things of that
nature, what I have heard very loud and clear is
you want the process expedited and I think we will
12/15/98
Page 16
AGENDA
Review of the Terrabay Project - Continued.
,-~DJOURNMENT:
12/15/98
Page 17
ACTION TAKEN
do our very best to get this product before the Plan-
ning Commission, so that they can take actions and
deliver it as fast as we can. I do not want to
jeopardize this with a date and I find out because of
an EIR factor we can not beat it.
Mayor Datzman said in closing, I think I can say
this in at least one council members words, I do not
know if they will expedite, that describes the posi-
tion that would have been taken. I would like to see
a situation at a little more appropriate time certain,
that when a Planning Commission looks at a docu-
ment it is not their job to build a project brick by
brick, item by item, any more than it is Councils
and that is not to criticize because that is equally at
Council level. It is not our job to decide whether
something be raised three feet or lowered three feet
and then have somebody come back time, and time
again, so, I think if it goes back to the Planning
Commission on this basis and is reviewed it is their
position at that time to get a yea or ney for further
direction and that is what the process is called for.
Would there be any other direction required of
Council, or do you feel comfortable.
City Manager Wilson said I agree.
Assistant City Attorney said all I would do is simply
have the City Managers regard for the need for
careful and deliberate consideration of the docu-
ments and legal issues.
Councilman Fernekes stated once again my compli-
ments for working aggressively over the concerns.
We are doing great things for this Mayor and help
the taxpayers in a manor that is acceptable and that
we get this done in a time frame.
Mayor Datzman thanked the members of the public
for their interest and participation in the process. I
would like to thank Council for hanging in there
inspite of the under the weather conditions and that
is pretty apparent. We have direction given and do I
hear a motion to adjourn.
M/S Mullin/Fernekes - To adjourn the meeting.
Carried by unanimous voice vote.
Time of Adjournment was 8:30 p.m.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Deput~f, City Clerk
City of South San Francisco
APPROVED.
JaTf~ L. Datzman, ~),or
C~fof South San Ffiu~isco
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.
12/15/98
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