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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2002-11-13 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2002 MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE 1. Call to Order 6:49 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present: 3. Public Comments (Cassette Tape No. 1) Councilmembers Femekes, Green and Matsumoto, Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez and Mayor Mullin Absent: None o o Interview applicant for Conference Center Authority Hotel Representative Announcing that the applicant, Mr. Paul Herbert, had not arrived for his interview, Mayor Mullin stated that the questions will be dispensed with. Discussion/appointment of Conference Center Authority Hotel Representative Motion-Femekes/Second-Green: To confirm the appointment of Mr. Paul Herbert as the Hotel Representative to the Conference Center Authority, term expiring March 27, 2005. Motion withdrawn due to the arrival of Mr. Herbert. Mr. Herbert responded to questions regarding his background, work experience and knowledge of South San Francisco and the Conference Center. Motion-Femekes/Second-Green: To confirm the appointment of Mr. Paul Herbert as the Hotel Representative to the Conference Center Authority, term expiring March 27, 2005. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Adjoumment Motion-Matsumoto/Second-Femekes: approved by voice vote. Submitted by: Sylvl[6 M. Payne, City City of South San Francisco To adjoum the meeting at 6:58 p.m. Unanimously Approl~ed: ~ Eugene ~ Mullin, Mayor City of South San Francisco MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2002 MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE DO/../) CALL TO ORDER: 7:36 p.m. (Cassette Tape No. 1) ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Femekes, Green, and Matsumoto, Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez and Mayor Mullin Absent: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Mullin PRESENTATIONS · Genentech Goes To Town Video (Channel 2 News) - Mr. Greg Cochran, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, provided background information on the program and thanked his staff and the City for helping to make the program successful. · Trivia Challenge Presentation of Awards - Project Read Manager Holly Fulghum-Nutters gave a visual presentation that highlighted the event and announced that $16,000 was raised for the Project Read computer lab. A plaque was presented to Ms. Pat Fitzpatrick in recognition of her hard work and for preparing the questions each year. · BART Construction Update - Nia Crowder, BART South San Francisco Liaison, gave a visual presentation of BART's work in progress, photos of the station's interior, and an update on her community outreach. Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez questioned the location of the bus stop and taxi pick-up area, and BART's emergency drill exercises. AGENDA REVIEW City Manager Wilson requested that Item No. 4 be removed from the Agenda, Item No. 5 be pulled from the Consent Calendar, and add an informational item explaining the procedure for filling the Council vacancy. Mofion-Femekes/Second-Matsumoto: To add an emergency agenda item related to information on filling the Council vacancy, occurring midnight, November 20, 2002. Unanimously approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Femekes, Green and Matsumoto, Mayor Pro Tern Gonzalez and Mayor Mullin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. City Attomey Mattas informed the general public that Mayor Mullin has been elected to the State Assembly and has submitted a letter of resignation, effective midnight, November 20, 2002. State law dictates that Council fill the vacancy through one of two options: interview applicants and make an appointment for the remainder of the term, or have the matter placed on the ballot for an election. He stated that December 18 has been set to interview applicants, the qD vacancy has been noticed, and to contact the City Clerk for an application. Councilman Green questioned the timeframe and City Attorney Mattas responded that the thirty days for Council to make its decision begins November 21. PUBLIC COMMENTS ITEMS FROM COUNCIL · Conununity Forum · Subcommittee Reports Councilwoman Matsumoto reporting a meeting with representatives of the Farmers' Market to discuss its current status and to request that the number of participating vendors be increased. She commended staff for their work during the November 7 storm and noted that employees were implementing core values. She recognized Alison Knapp, Terrabay developers, and Friends of San Bruno Mountain for their preservation work on San Bruno Mountain. Councilman Femekes reported on the analysis of the proposed expansion of the Conference Center. He commented on Detective Pat Sullivan's retirement picnic that was organized by the Police Association, and that the Annual Trivia Challenge was catered by Ron DeGrande/Califomia Catering. Mayor Mullin recognized Councilman Femekes for his valuable work that was instrumental in organizing Detective Sullivan's picnic. Councilman Green stated that he attended the Community Gate Path Shareholders' Breakfast, the Annual Trivia Challenge; he was behind the barbeque at Detective Sullivan's picnic and served over 400 people. He further reported that he attended the Council of Cities' Criminal Justice dinner, South City High School's Blue and White Ball, and that he and Councilman Femekes (Budget Subcommittee) met with staff. Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez reported that he attended workshops on building relationships with the media, and the state's budget and legislative process. He attended the installation of Grand Avenue Baptist Church's new pastor, Robert Forester, the requiem mass for Tina Tealdi, and PAL's annual western dinner/dance. Mayor Mullin announced that the meeting will be adjoumed in memory of Tina Tealdi, mother of Police Lieutenant Leo Tealdi; Chris deCossio, former owner of Positively Flowers; and Bob Johnson, son of Tillie and Lyle Johnson. Mayor Mullin stated that the 2002 Mayor's Award is being awarded at the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Installation Dinner on January 24, 2003. He stated he will be presenting the award with the permission of incoming Mayor Gonzalez. Councilwoman Matsumoto congratulated staff for the work at the Water Quality Control Plant and that the new plant is state-of-the-art. Mayor Mullin recognized the Department of Public Works for the progress of the E 101 flyover project. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 2 CONSENT CALENDAR Motion to approve the minutes of the October 23 regular meeting and October 16 and 23 special meetings Motion to confirm expense claims of November 13, 2002 in the amount of $2,728,884.79 Resolution No. 99-2002, authorizing the acceptance of a grant fi.om the California State Library to fund Project Read's Families for Literacy Program in the amount of $23,765 and a grant from the California State Library to fund the cost of printing an outreach brochure for Project Read in the amount of $400 Resolution approving the City of South San Francisco's Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program through September 30, 2003 Item removed from Agenda. Resolution authorizing an adjustment to the compensation rates for the City Clerk and City Treasurer Item pulled from Consent Calendar. o Motion to accept Orange Memorial Park Sculpture Garden as complete in accordance with plans and specifications o Resolution authorizing the purchase of two bronze sculptures by Corrine Hartley fi.om Terbush Gallery for the Orange Memorial Park Sculpture Garden in the amount of $22,695 Item removed from Consent Calendar. o Motion to note receipt and file the findings of the report prepared by the City-retained actuary related to the PARS supplemental retirement enhancement program for the City Manager as specified in the Employment Agreement between the City and the City Manager o Motion to cancel the regular meeting of November 27, 2002 and schedule a special meeting for November 20, 2002 10. Acknowledgement of proclamations issued: Detective Patrick Sullivan (retiree), October 26, 2002; National Immigrants Day, October 28, 2002; Smile for Life Day, October 30, 2002 Councilman Gonzalez requested Item No. 7 be removed from the Consent Calendar. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 3 Motion-Femekes/Second-Matsumoto: To approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Item No. 5: Staff report presented by Human Resources Director Bower. Councilwoman Matsumoto asked for the total annual salary of the City Clerk and the City Treasurer. She further requested that she be provided with a comparison report on how many appointed, elected, full or part-time city treasurers there are in San Mateo County. Motion-Matsumoto/Second-Femekes: To approve Resolution No. 101-2002, authorizing an adjustment to the compensation rates for the City Clerk and City Treasurer. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Item No. 7: Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez stated his support for the sculptures, but questioned the funding sources. Director Nagel, Department of Parks Recreation and Community Services, stated that funding is from an annual general fund allocation to the Cultural Arts Commission and an established art trust fund. Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez further questioned the proposed loan art program, which Director Nagel briefly described and reported that it will come before Council in February for consideration. Motion-Gonzalez/Second-Matsumoto: To approve Resolution No. 100-2002, authorizing the purchase of two bronze sculptures by Corfine Hartley from Terbush Gallery for the Orange Memorial Park Sculpture Garden in the amount of $22,695 ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11. Annual review and resolution approving implementation of the City Treasurer's Investment Policy Finance Director Steele reported that City Treasurer Bonalanza-Ford is ill and unable to attend the meeting. He presented the staff report. Councilwoman Matsumoto suggested that the City retain the services of an impartial investment advisor to review the City's investments on a quarterly basis and that it be stipulated in the policy. Mayor Mullin stated his reluctance to support the proposal since an advisor does not have a vesting interest, that the market is unpredictable, and that it was not discussed at the subcommittee level. Councilman Femekes stated support for an outside advisor and its advantages. Councilman Green and Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez stated they wanted to know the costs associated with hiring an investment advisor before stating their position. City Manager Wilson stated that he will research the issue and report back to Council at the next regular meeting. Motion-Femekes/Second-Matsumoto: To continue the annual review and resolution approving implementation of the City Treasurer's Investment Policy to the next regular meeting. Approved by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Femekes, Green and Matsumoto, and Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez. Noes: Mayor Mullin. (item further discussed after Agenda Item 12) REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2002 PAGE 4 12. Report on the San Mateo County Tourism Business Improvement District Staff report presented by Conference Center Director O'Toole. Mr. Jim McGuire, General Manager of the Four Points Sheraton, stated his support for the program and the benefits to the hotel business. Councilwoman Matsumoto discussed with staff and Mr. McGuire how the fees are assessed and how leads are tracked. In response to further questions, Director O'Toole addressed the sales and promotional opportunities provided by the Convention Bureau, the diverse financial responsibilities between the Conference Center and the Convention Bureau, and the quarterly meetings held with the South San Francisco hotel community. Councilwoman Matsumoto stated her disappointment that South San Francisco hotels are not taking advantage of the opportunity to list activities in the Convention Bureau's event calendar. Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez commented on the slow recovery of the hotel industry and noted that laid-off employees are returning to their jobs. Mr. McGuire agreed and stated that occupancy levels are increasing. Mayor Mullin stated his dissatisfaction with the annual report and requested hard data be included next year. He asked that the report include how many leads were generated and what percentage of those leads actually resulted in hotel rooms. He stated that South San Francisco was not benefiting from the BID and that the report should state what happened last year, not what may happen next year. Mr. McGuire responded that Mayor Mullin's concern will be voiced back to the Convention Bureau's Board of Directors. Mr. McGuire and Director O'Toole clarified that the hotel BID assessment process is determined in a variety of ways, which the hotels chose fi'om. Councilmembers Matsumoto and Green both agreed with Mayor Mullin that the report was inadequate. City Manager Wilson stated that Council will have an opportunity to review the BID each year. He suggested a study session be held with the Convention Bureau in 2003. Councilwoman Matsumoto questioned if any city was opting out of the BID and Director O'Toole responded that no city was opting out. Councilwoman Matsumoto questioned if there were any provisions for opting-in and out and City Manager Wilson stated it was never discussed. Before adjouming the meeting, Mayor Mullin announced a speaker's card from City Treasurer Bonalanza-Ford. In reference to Agenda Item No. 11, City Treasurer Bonalanza-Ford opined that it was not necessary for the City to expend money for an impartial investment advisor and that sufficient input is provided by the City Manager, Finance Director and Assistant Finance Director. In reference to Agenda Item No. 5, she stated that every city treasurer's duties are different and a comparison would have to be conducted state-wide rather than county-wide. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 5 City Treasurer Bonalanza-Ford asked Council to take action on the Investment Policy tonight in order to have it submitted to the State along with the City's financial report. City Attorney Mattas discussed with Council the City Treasurer's request and it was agreed to reconsider Agenda Item No. 11 so that it could be further discussed. Motion-Femekes/Second-Matsumoto: To reconsider the continuance of the annual review and resolution approving implementation of the City Treasurer's Investment Policy to the next regular meeting. On the question: Councilman Green asked if the policy can be approved without taking action on an outside advisor and City Attorney Mattas stated it can be considered as written. He further explained Council's options. Councilman Fernekes stated that he can support going forward with the policy now, with the stipulation that Council be provided with information on an outside advisor at the next regular meeting. City Attorney Mattas advised Council to continue with the motion before further discussion. City Treasurer Bonalanza-Ford reiterated her request to have the policy approved tonight and stated her position as an elected official has the prerogative of not taking the advice of an impartial advisor. Motion to reconsider Agenda Item No. 1 ! continued: Unanimously approved by voice vote. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS (continued) 11. Annual review and resolution approving implementation of the City Treasurer's Investment Policy Mayor Mullin reopened the discussion for consideration of the Investment Policy. Councilman Femekes clarified that the request is for staff to provide information at the next meeting and that the City Treasurer's input will be heavily weighed. City Attorney Mattas advised Council that if a majority of Council desires information from an independent advisor, then Council may include such language in the policy. He stated he was not clear on the jurisdiction of the issue this evening. Motion-Green/Second-Fernekes: To approve Resolution No. 102-2002, approving implementation of the City Treasurer's Investment Policy and to direct staff to provide information at the next regular Council meeting on an independent investment advisor. On the question: Councilwoman Matsumoto asked for clarification if including the language for an outside advisor is futile. City Attorney Mattas stated that it is within the City Council's purview to ask for further information and he will further research jurisdiction. Motion continued: Unanimously approved by voice vote. ADJOURNMENT Motion-Femekes/Second-Green: To adjourn the meeting at 9:34 p.m. in memory of Tina Tealdi, Chris deCossio and Bob Johnson. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Submitted by: ayne, City Cler~ City of South San Francisco Approve7 Eugene R. Mullin, Mayor City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 6