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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2004-01-14 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 14, 2004 MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE (Cassette Tape No. 1) 1. Call to Order Vice-Chair Green called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present: Councilmembers Femekes, Garbarino and Gonzalez, and Vice Mayor Green Absent: Mayor Matsumoto 3. Public Comments 4. Interview applicant for Conference Center Authority Council interviewed applicant, Jim Metz, 1426 Bel Aire Road, San Mateo, for the position of Conference Center Authority Commissioner/representative of a business located in South San Francisco (seat vacated by Laurie Masetti/city resident representative). 5. Discussion and appointment to Conference Center Authority No discussion. Motion-Femekes/Second-Garbarino: To appoint Jim Metz to the Conference Center Authority, term expiring March 27, 2005. Approved by voice vote. Absent: Mayor Matsumoto. 6. Adjournment Being no further business, Vice Mayor Green adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Submitted by: Sy~yfa M. Payne, City Clerk City of South San Francisco Ap ve: KarYi~latsumoto, Mayor City of South San Francisco MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 14, 2004 MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: (Cassette Tape No. 1) Vice Mayor Green called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers Femekes, Garbarino and Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Green and Mayor Matsumoto* None *Mayor Matsumoto arrived at 9:11 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Vice Mayor Green INVOCATION: Pastor John Cantley, Grace Covenant Church Vice Mayor Green announced that the meeting will be adjourned in memory of Emie Garbarino and John Pignone. PRESENTATIONS Sewer Smart Program - Director of Maintenance Services Terry White provided information on ABAG's campaign to educate homeowners regarding sewer backups. Free cleanout pop-offs and configurations are being offered to prevent back-up damage into homes. (Visual presentation was given and information was distributed to Council.) AGENDA REVIEW No changes. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Dick Noftsger, 704 Almond Avenue, announced that YMI Council #32 will be honoring Councilman Joe Femekes at its March 6th dinner/fundraiser that will be MC'd by Assemblyman Gene Mullin. Mrs. Barbara Irli, 556 Park Way, announced that Soroptimists International will be sponsoring a Valentine's Day dance on February 13th at the Municipal Services Building. Mr. Jim Metz, Chamber of Commerce president, announced that the annual Chamber installation dinner is being held January 23rd at the South San Francisco Conference Center and will be MC'd by State Senator Jackie Speier. Fire Captain Mike Krause, representing the South San Francisco professional firefighters, thanked Council for the support it gave Fire Apparatus Engineer Gary Kibbee by extending his military leave benefits for one year. He reported that Engineer Kibbee returned safely and is back at work for the department. Fire Apparatus Engineer Gary Kibbee expressed his appreciation to Council on behalf of his wife and family for the extension of benefits that the City Council approved. He discussed the position that military reserves are faced with today and presented an award to Council from Navy Seals Team 3 (a wooden paddle with an engraved plaque). Mr. Gustavo Gomez, 1415 Crestwood Drive, provided information on the Jefferson-Martin 230 kV transmission line project and stated his opposition to the project. He presented a petition from residents of South San Francisco, Daly City and Colma, who support the collocation alternative. (Information material and petition submitted to Council.) ITEMS FROM COUNCIL · Community Forum · Subcommittee Reports Councilmembers reported on attendance at community events, announced upcoming events and fundraisers, and acknowledged members of the community for their contributions. Councilman Gonzalez reported attending Water Transit Authority meetings and that the San Mateo County Water Transit Advocates will be holding informational meetings on February 6th at Oracle in Redwood City. He further announced that ferry rides will be made from South San Francisco and Redwood City to San Francisco on February 7th. Councilman Femekes reported that the facilities naming subcommittee (Femekes/Matsumoto) met to discuss a street-naming request that has been referred back to the requestee. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve the minutes of December 10, 2003 2. Motion to confirm expense claims of January 14, 2004 in the amount of $5,034,177.59 Motion to accept Hickey Boulevard and Longford Signal Project as complete in accordance with the plans and specifications o Motion to accept Bay Trail Improvement Project as complete in accordance with plans and specifications Motion to accept Lighted Crosswalk Warning System Installation Project as complete in accordance with plans and specifications REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 14, 2004 MINUTES PAGE 2 o Acknowledgement of proclamations issued: Ballet Folklorico Alma de Mexico, 12/12/03; Richard Nofisger, 12/13/03; and retirees Rosa Freddie, 12/18/03 and Russ Lee, 12/26/03 Motion-Femekes/Second-Gonzalez: To approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. Approved by voice vote. Absent: Mayor Matsumoto. PUBLIC HEARINGS Consideration of a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Tentative Map, Use Permit, Development Agreement and Affordable Housing Agreement, for Fairfield Residential to construct 360 multi-family residential units and approximately 23,000 square feet of commercial space at 1600 E1 Camino Real within the Transit Village District; P02-0088, UP02-0088, PM02-0088, and ND02-0088; Applicant: Fairfield Development; Owner: COSTCO SSF LLC; waive reading and introduce an ordinance and approve resolution Public hearing opened. Staff report and visual presentation given by Chief Planner Tom Sparks. Fairfield Development representative Mr. Ed McCoy, provided background information on his company, an overview of the project, and community benefits. He concurred with the conditions of approval. (A copy of the visual presentation was submitted to Council for their information.) Mr. Dennis Hemni, Kwan Hemni Architects, reviewed the architectural elements of the project. Speakers: Ms. Jen Sammut, 761 Palm Avenue, speaking in favor of the project, stated her desire to remain in South San Francisco to live and work, and that the project will provide much needed affordable housing for teachers. Mr. Eric Dupre, representing Greenbelt Alliance and speaking in favor of the project, discussed the transit-oriented benefits of the development and the positive effect this type of development has on the environment. He urged Council to approve the project. Mr. Steve Savage, South San Francisco Classroom Teachers Association, 308 Linden Avenue, speaking in favor of the project, discussed the high turnover rate that the school district has been experiencing due to the lack of affordable housing for its employees. He urged Council to vote yes on the project. Mrs. Dorothy Robbins, representing League of Women Voters of North San Mateo County, emphasized that the League supports the concept of mixed-use transit oriented developments and encourages the production of more affordable housing. Ms. Jessica Stanfill, representing Assemblyman Gene Mullin and speaking in favor of the project, stated his endorsement of the project and the importance this type of REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 14, 2004 M1NUTES PAGE 3 development has in the State of California. He urged Council to support and approve the project. Mrs. Karen Stanfill, 2635 Shannon Drive, speaking in favor of the project, reiterated the huge difference this type of project will make for school teachers; will allow them to live near where they work. She urged Council to approve the project. Mr. Chris Mohr, 90 Broadway, Redwood City, representing Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County and speaking in favor of the project, stated his organization's support for the project, that this project helps meet the County's housing goals and urged Council to approve the project. Mr. William Nack, representing the San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council and speaking in favor of the project, addressed the importance of quality development and the developer's commitment to use Building and Construction Trade workers. Mr. Rick Gomez, 428 Lux Avenue, speaking in favor of the project and as a member of the San Mateo County Transit Authority Citizens Advisory Committee, applauded the City for all its efforts for addressing the community's needs and for proposed transit enhancements--CalTrain station and a ferry transit system. Public hearing closed. Councilman Fernekes reported meeting with the developer previously and stated his support for the project. He asked for verification that City employees and SSFUSD employees will have first priority and staff confirmed. As a personal concem and on behalf of Mayor Matsumoto, Councilman Fernekes asked for a design review of the entrances along E1 Camino Real to replace the wrought iron grillwork with a solid material. He asked that staff report back to Council with results of the design review. He suggested that the gates to the townhomes and apartments be locked, and quality, visible signage be provided for BART riders to access the retail shop area. Councilman Garbarino reported meeting with the developer on several occasions and that the he was pleased with the design of the project. He shared Councilman Femekes concerns and that the gates should remain locked. Councilman Gonzalez stated his approval of the project and that he had met with the developer previously. He discussed several aspects of the project and suggested that more landscaping be added to the upper stories by including hanging baskets to the window areas. Vice Mayor Green reported meeting with the developer to discuss the project design. He asked for background information on how the unlocked gates became a condition, and Mr. McCoy stated it was a recommendation of the Planning Commission subcommittee. With a consensus from Council, Vice Mayor Green directed staff to amend the recommendation so that the gates remain locked. Motion-Fernekes/Second-Garbarino: Resolution No. 01-2004, approving a mitigated REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 14, 2004 MINUTES PAGE 4 negative declaration, including a statement of overriding considerations and mitigation monitoring and reporting program and approving a vesting tentative map and use permit to allow development of 8.48 acre mixed-use transit village project and making findings related thereto, including amending the Planning Commission recommendation so that gates remain locked, that a design review of the front entrances will be undertaken, and that hanging baskets for second floor windows be considered. Approved by voice vote. Absent: Mayor Matsumoto. (Recess: 9:23 p.m. - 9:40 p.m.) Mayor Matsumoto arrived at the meeting, taking the chair. o Consideration of Negative Declaration, Use Permit Modification, Planned Unit Development Modification, and Type C Sign Permit to allow demolition of the existing Century Plaza theater and arcade complex and construction of a new 2,412 seat, 14- theater and arcade complex at 410 Noor Avenue; P03-0103/UPM03-0003/PUDM03- 0001/SIGNS03-0029; Applicant/Owner: Syufy Enterprises Public hearing opened. Staff report presented by Principal Planner Susy Kalkin. Planner Kalkin clarified that a negative declaration is not part of the application. (Copies of the visual presentation were submitted to Council.) Messrs. Ray Syufy, applicant, and Mark Fellman, architect, gave a visual overview of the state-of-the-art theater complex, site plan, materials, and attributes. (Century Theaters' portfolios were previously distributed to Council.) Public hearing closed. Councilman Femekes discussed his concerns with staff that include pedestrian safety and installing additional crosswalks along Huntington Avenue. His concern is whether the crosswalks are a requirement and who would be responsible for their installation. He suggested a review of the off-site agreement with the Tanforan Business Park by the City Attorney, questioned the application of a categorical exemption in this instance, on- site parking requirements, whether or not a new traffic analysis is justified, and the possibility of building a parking structure. He disclosed that he had met with Syufy representatives to discuss the proposed project. Vice Chair Green questioned the proposed parking requirements and staff explained that the number of parking spaces is based on the number of theater seats, with a ratio of five people per parking space. He discussed with staff the drop off-site that offers an adequate area. Councilman Garbarino stated that the parking requirements are a concern, and agreed that the agreements with Tanforan Business Park need to be reviewed. He suggested that consideration be given to community organizations to use one of the theaters on occasion for performing arts. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 14, 2004 MINUTES PAGE 5 Councilman Gonzalez suggested better access from the rear parking lot and supported the suggestion for a performing arts theater. He discussed the estimated cost of the construction with Mr. Syufy and using union labor. Mayor Matsumoto stated her concerns include on-site circulation and congestion, traffic problems she has encountered at other theater complexes, and suggested a lesser number of theaters. Mr. Syufy discussed the rationale for an increased number of screens and the affect it has on staggering traffic. Mayor Matsumoto discussed with staff the condition to add minor landscaping and staff responded that current landscaping is being enhanced. Councilman Fernekes stated that he was not prepared to vote this evening. He asked that the following be addressed: 1) a report on the feasibility of a parking structure; 2) a review of the agreements by the City Attorney to see if Syufy still has an agreement if the Tanforan Business Park is sold or leased; 3) a review of traffic concerns and a report back from staff with recommendations; 4) consideration that one of the theaters be used for performing arts, and 5) that the language related to "a review of the need for crosswalks" be more specific to address who is responsible for installing crosswalks along Huntington Avenue. Councilman Gonzalez reiterated his concern that better access or an entrance from the rear parking lot be considered for patrons. Councilmembers concurred to continue the application. The applicant agreed to a four- week continuance. City Attorney Mattas stated the item will come back to Council in four weeks; staff will prepare a report for Council's consideration and to continue its discussion. o Consideration of appeal of Planning Commission decision to deny a Use Permit Modification to allow sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption at an existing service station at 300 South Airport Boulevard in the Planned Commercial (P-C-L) Zoning District; P03-0045 and UPM03-0001; Applicant: Greiner Service Stations, Inc.; Owner: American River Properties Motion to continue public hearing to January 28, 2004 Public hearing opened. Motion-Fernekes/Second-Green: To continue the public heating to January 28, 2004. Unanimously approved by voice vote. (Cassette Tape No. 2) ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10. Resolution of necessity and authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of~-0 6 properties for the Wet Weather Program Phase I Staff report presented by Public Director John Gibbs. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14, 2004 PAGE 6 City Attorney Mattas advised Council on the process of eminent domain and that the hearing is to allow an opportunity for property owners to speak. Mr. Joe Chen, 148 Beacon Street, speaking with concern, asked for assurance that the City will correct any damage or settling to his building and that parking be made available for his employees who will be unable to park during the construction work. Public Director Gibbs stated that an parking area will be made available for Mr. Chen's employees and for the employees at Costco. He discussed with Council the backfilling trench work that will be undertaken, the routine compaction and settlement that will occur, and the laboratory testing that is conducted. City Attorney Mattas advised Council of the letter received from Herman H. Fitzgerald, attorney at law, representing McClellan Property, 251 Shaw iRoad, and stated that issues and concerns contained in the letter have been adequately addressed, that the City is in compliance and is appropriate in its actions. Mr. Chen reiterated his concerns and Director Gibbs stated a building baseline compaction level will be established to measure any settlement. City Attorney Mattas stated that condemnation matters are addressed in an agreement between the property owner and the City. Motion-Gonzalez/Second-Garbarino: To approve Resolution No. 02-2004, determining that the public interest and necessity require the acquisition of certain land and directing the filing of eminent domain proceedings. Unanimously approved by voice vote. CLOSED SESSION 11. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9a: Conference with legal counsel- existing litigation: Aetna v. City of South San Francisco Time entered into Closed Session: Time reconvened into Open Session: Report from Closed Session: 11:07 p.m. 11:21 p.m., all Councilmembers present. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Matsumoto adjoumed the meeting in memory of Messrs. Emie Garbarino and John Pignone at 11:22 p.m. Submitted by: Syl,dia M. Payne, City Clerk City of South San Francisco ~~.a~pr°ved' . lvlatsumoto, lvlayor City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEET1NG JANUARY 14, 2004 MINUTES PAGE 7