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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2008-10-22S~U~xsANF~ MI UTES N . s~.9ti ~~. o CITY COUNCIL -. '~ '~` ~~LIFOR~~P CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR MEETING MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 CALL TO ORDER: 7:03 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez announced the meeting would be adjourned in honor of Pastor John Cantley and Rosie Concepcion. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmen Addiego, Garbar~no and Mullin, Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto and Mayor Gonzalez. Absent: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: INVOCATION: PRESENTATIONS None. Led by Mayor Gonzalez. Given by Reverend Doctor Gabrielle Schroeder. • Introduction of new employees and recognition of promoted employees Department Heads introduced new and promoted City employees as follows: Director of Information Technology Hollis introduced new employees Justin Anderson, GIS Coordinator, Jason Brand, Computer Service Technician and Daniel Woldemichael, Computer Service Technician. Chief of Police Raffaelli introduced new Parking Enforcement Officer Roseanne Hitchcock and five (5) new Police Officers, including Officers James Delos Santos, Kevin Morton, Brian Pound, Michael Butterfield and Jason Pfarr. Director of Parks and Recreation Ranals introduced Drew Arzaga who was promoted to Parks Supervisor, Prax Duarte promoted to Parks Maintenance Worker and Joe Campos promoted to Tree Trimmer. Eric Witkowski was promoted to Park Maintenance Crafts Worker and Gary Harang to Parks Maintenance worker. Library Director Sommer introduced new employee Ellie Anderson, Librarian I. Finance Director Steele recognized Colleen Tribby, who was promoted to Budget Manager. He introduced three (3) new employees including, Kate Rosenlieb, Financial Analyst II, Linda Fujitomi, Accountant I and Ian Roth, Financial Analyst II. Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic and Community Development Van Duyn recognized Gerry Beaudin who was promoted to Senior Planner. He introduced three (3) new employees including, Linda Ajello, Associate Planner, Billy Gross, Associate Planner and Miles Hancock, Assistant Building Official. Fire Chief White introduced new employees Vorisia Henderson, Safety Inspector III, Michele Orque, Safety Inspector I and James Anderson, EMT. Council welcomed new employees and congratulated promoted employees. • Halloween Safety Presentation Fire Chief White and Chief of Police Raffaelli provided a Halloween. Safety presentation and encouraged residents to stay safe while having fun. Fire Chief White warned of certain types of costumes susceptible to catching fire and suggested the use of battery operated lights as opposed to the use of candles with an open flame in decorations such as pumpkins. He also advised going through candy collected by children and keeping only candy in original packaging. Chief of Police Raffaelli advised the Police Department insisted parents should accompany children while trick-or-treating. He encouraged residents with doubts about candy to call the police and let them know about their concerns, and if possible, the house the candy came from. He further advised parents and children to be cautious crossing streets and observed 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. was an appropriate time to end trick-or treating. • Introduction of the new City-Wide Bicycle Pedestrian Map Associate Civil Engineer Scramalgia presented the City's new Bicycle and Pedestrian Map. She introduced Kaiser's Community Health and Benefits Manager Steve Wall who participated in the project as part of a creative partnership between. the City and Kaiser. She also thanked members of City staff that assisted with preparation of the map, including Director of Parks and Recreation Ranals, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor John Wong, Assistant to the City Manager Kennedy, Literary Services Coordinator Bookbinder and GIS Coordinator Anderson. She stated that production of the map would not have been possible without Kaiser's generosity. On behalf of Kaiser, Mr. Wall advised it was hoped the map would serve as an inspiration to members of the community and visitors. Council then presented Associate Civil Engineer Scramalgia and GIS Coordinator Anderson for their efforts which were instrumental to development of the map. Associate Civil Engineer Scramalgia advised copies of the map were available on line at www.ssf.net under "Cool Clicks" or "Online Services" and then "Living in the City." Hard copies of the map were available in various offices at City Hall, the City Hall Annex, the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 2 Municipal Services Building, libraries and after school and preschool sites. Hard copies of the map would also be available at the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto, who sits on the County Wide BPAC, advised the entity was very impressed with the City's efforts and preparation of the map. • Outside Investment Review Highlights City Treasurer Dick Battaglia reported Council had previously heard results of a study done by an outside investment consultant, MBIA, which reported the relative safety of the City's portfolio. He then presented a brief summary of the report for the public. In making investment decisions for the City's portfolio, safety and liquidity come first. Increasing yield is the third priority. No medium term corporate notes are included in the portfolio and the treasurer invests in U.S. treasury and U.S. Agency bonds. MBIA concluded the City's investment program is fundamentally sound. It also commended the treasurer for obtaining competitive bids on investments, resulting in lower prices for the City. Councilman Addiego thanked City Treasurer Battaglia for his attention to safety and liquidity. He advised he was very pleased the bulk of the City's investments were under his guidance. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto stated she was impressed with MBIA's presentation but was concerned about its viability given the recent significant decrease in the value of MBIA stock. Director of Finance Steele advised MBIA was a large financial service organization with other unrelated divisions. The City had put out an RFP for an outside investment manager and proposals were expected back on the upcoming Friday. He stated that the City had no investments with MBIA. City Manager Nagel advised the City had previously used MBIA as a consultant looking for sales tax opportunities on the City's behalf. AGENDA REVIEW City Manager Nagel recommended switching the order of items eight (8) and nine (9) to accommodate members of the public who were present to hear item nine (9). Council agreed to hear item nine (9) before item (8). City Attorney Mattas recommended adding a matter involving anticipated litigation to the agenda under closed session. It pertained to information of an urgent nature that the City Attorney would share with Council. A four fifths (4/5) vote of Council was necessary to add this item to the agenda. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 3 Motion- Councilman Addiego/Second- Councilman Garbarino: to add an anticipated litigation matter to the agenda under Closed Session. Unanimously approved by voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS Resident Robin Bortoli appeared to invite Council and residents to a Community Basketball Game that would take place between the Police and Fire Departments on Saturday October 25th at South San Francisco High School between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The event was a fundraiser to benefit local high school programs. ITEMS FROM COUNCIL • Announcements • Committee Reports Councilmembers reported on attendance at community meetings and events, including a fundraising event for Community Gatepath, SSF Adult Education's 75th Anniversary, a Chamber of Commerce Mixer at a Mills Peninsula Hospital Satellite Facility and a Housing Leadership Day sponsored by HEART and the Housing Leadership Council. Residents were advised of upcoming community events, including HEART's "Tour of Your Donations at Work," which would take place Wednesday, November 12, 2008. Specific items for further action and/or consideration were set forth as follows: Councilman Mullin reported a substantial glare off of arterials on stop lights at Sister Cities Boulevard. The glare prohibited drivers from seeing whether lights were green or red. He requested that staff take a look at the situation. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto requested staff to consider whether the City would be eligible to apply for grants to support a community shuttle. She also questioned whether Council had to request Mayor Gonzalez to approach HEART for the purpose of agendizing distribution of certain Genentech funds to support the Mid-Pen project. City Manager Nagel advised the City had formally requested allocation of these funds from HEART. Councilman Garbarino questioned the dollar amount. City Manager Nagel advised the Genentech funds amounted to approximately $2 million over 10 years. Motion to authorize the City Manager to expend funds relating to a request from the South San Francisco Historical Society pertaining to installation of a flag pole at 80 Chestnut Avenue. Prior to discussion of the item, Councilman Mullin. advised the Historical Society was a video client of his company. Accordingly, he left the Dais and would abstain from any vote on the issue. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 4 City Manager Nagel stated the request was discussed at Council's last regular meeting and it was reported that installation of a new flag pole would cost $4500 to $5000. Public Works Director White advised a used flag pole presently in storage at the Corporation Yard could be refurbished and installed for roughly $1500. Council was confronted with the decision as to whether to fund all, a portion or none of the flag pole request. Councilman Addiego stated he had the opportunity to speak with the President of the Historical Society, Ray Yoschak, since the last meeting. He acknowledged the Historical Society's contributions to the City and expressed pride regarding the lease the City had entered with it at 80 Chestnut. Although he had concerns about expending nearly $5000 for a new flag pole given the financial environment, he could support the City taking action to refurbish the flag pole and make some type of in kind contribution.. Councilman Garbarino stated support for refurbishing and installing the flag pole presently in storage at the Corporation Yard. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto expressed concern over fairness with respect to the City's many co-sponsored groups. Accordingly she was leaning towards contributing 50% of the cost. Mayor Gonzales stated he had reservations based upon financial uncertainties facing the City. He agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto that the cost should be shared evenly between the City and the Historical Society. Motion-Councilman Addiego/Second- Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto: to refurbish and install at 80 Chestnut Avenue the flag pole currently in storage at the Corporation Yard and expend City funds after determining the City's in kind contribution up to 50% of the cost. AYES: Councilmen Addiego and Garbarino, Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto and Mayor Gonzalez. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: Councilman Mullin. ~ Consideration of taking a position with respect to Proposition 5, which will appear on the November 4, 2008 ballot. City Manager Nagel reported this item was placed on the agenda at Council's request during the last regular meeting, at which District Attorney Jim Fox appeared and provided information relating to the proposition. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto opined taking a position against the proposition would be important for Council given its ordinance pertaining to marijuana cooperatives. Councilman Garbarino commented the proposition would result in lighter punishment for drug pushers and sellers and recommended opposing it. Councilman Addiego stated the proposition was wrongly publicized as something that would take users out of the prison system. He supported opposing the proposition. Motion- Councilman Garbarino /Second- Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto: to oppose proposition 5 on the November 2008 ballot. Unanimously approved by voice vote. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 5 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to approve the expense claims of October 22, 2008. 2. Motion to accept the City Hall Annex Roof Replacement and Accessories Project as complete in accordance with plans and specifications. 3. Motion to accept the South Airport Boulevard Bridge Approach Pavement Repair Project No. 51-13231-0704 as complete in accordance with plans and specifications. 4. Resolution No. 104-2008 authorizing the acceptance of a $20,000 LSTA grant administered by the California State Library to participate in the "Transforming Life After 50" project and amending the Library Department's operating budget for fiscal year 2008/2009. 5. Resolution No. 105-2008 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memoraldum of Understanding (MOU) for the Smart Corridors Project. 6. Resolution No. 106-2008 approving the installation of stop signs on Miller Avenue at Walnut Avenue. 7. Acknowledgment of Proclamation Issued Recognizing October 28, 2008 as National Immigrants' Day. Motion- Councilman Addiego/Second- Councilman Garbarino: to approve Consent Calendar Items .Nos. 2, 4, 6 and 7. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Item 1: Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto questioned $285.00 expended on tote bags under the City Council's promotional budget. City Clerk Martinelli-Larson advised the tote bags were likely purchased as gifts for the Annual City Council Board and Commission Recognition Event. City Manager Nagel advised staff would confirm the expenditure and provide Council with the information. Item 3: Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto questioned the polyurethane solution with respect to pavement repair. Director of Public Works White advised the same process had been used to remedy a similar problem with a bridge approach on Utah over the Colma Creek slew area. The process was successful there and no subsidence had been observed, which is what led staff to believe the process would work in this circumstance. Item 5: Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto stressed the importance of alternative routes for traffic upon the occurrence of a major accident on local freeways. She referenced the CCAG Smart Corridors Project and advocated for South San Francisco's inclusion in the program. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 6 Councilman Mullin advised of his understanding that CCAG would include South San Francisco and other Northern Peninsula Cities in the Smart Corridors project. City Engineer Razavi explained South San Francisco was initially excluded from the project because it was implemented in phases beginning from 380 South. Chief of Police Raffaelli advised a Police Sergeant had been attending meetings relating to alternative traffic routes. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto encouraged staff representation on the TAC. City Manager Nagel advised staff was exploring recouping a position on the TAC. Motion- Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto/Second- Councilman Garbarino: to approve Consent Calendar Items No ~. 2, 3, and 5. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9. Resolution No. 107-2008 naming the Orange Memorial. Park Recreation Building in Honor of Joseph A. Fernekes. (Item 9 was heard before Item 8 due to Council's agreement with comments made by the City Manager during Agenda Review, as reflected above.) Director of Parks and Recreation Ranals presented the staff report recommending that Council adopt a resolution naming the Orange Memorial Park Recreation Building in honor of former City Council Member Joseph A. Fernekes. :Following the passing of Joe in August, Councilman Garbarino suggested some type of lasting memorial to recognize his countless civic contributions. Director Ranals advised an Administrative Instruction governed naming of city facilities. In accordance with the policy the issue was forwarded to the City Council Committee on naming of facilities comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto and Mayor Gonzalez. Mayor Gonzalez and Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto met prior to the City Council meeting on September 10, 2008 and reviewed the suggestions. As specified in the naming policy, the issue was then referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a recommendation. The Commission discussed Joe's many accomplishments and dedicated service, including his deep involvement in civic affairs serving on the School Board, as a City Councilmember and Mayor and as a member of many committees and civic organizations. His dedication, generosity, and positive influence on the community were noted. i he Commission also considered the guidelines specified in the naming policy and the requirement that there be a well defined connection associated with the contributions of the individual or community organization and the City facility. The Commission considered a number of potentially sitting and appropriate facilities including, a city street, Day in the Park, the Orange Memorial Park Recreation Building, the activity room in the building and a room in the Conference Center. The Commission also suggested other means of honoring Joe such as celebrating him in some way at the Day in the Park event, erecting a bust of Joe at Orange Memorial Park or other location, installing a plaque at the Centennial Way Memorial Plaza or naming a Centennial feature REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 7 such as the Centennial Clock after him. Ultimately, the Commission was unanimously in support of naming something in honor of Joe Fernekes. This was followed by a vote of 4/2 in favor with one Commissioner absent to recommend naming the recreation building at Orange Memorial Park for Joseph A. Fernekes. In accordance with the naming policy this recommendation went back to the Council Naming Committee. The Naming Committee met on October 8, 2008 and supported naming the recreation building the "Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building." The Committee recommended that the name "Joseph A. Fernekes" be added below or to the side of the existing letters on the exterior building which read "Recreation Building." The estimated cost to change the signage on the outside of the building was $4000. Councilman Garbarino commented he couldn't think of a more fitting tribute. He stated naming the recreation building after Joe was exactly the right thing to do. He further noted there was a gentleman willing to donate a plaque in Joe's honor. Councilman Mullin agreed naming the recreation building after Joe would be a fitting tribute to an outstanding citizen and leader. The building would serve as a place for members of the community to congregate in the geographic heart of the City. He thanked all the citizens who spoke in support of a tribute to Joe at Council's meeting on September 10, 2008. He stated he would be honored to support naming the facility after Joe. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto commented Joe would be pleased to see the process work as he and the Mayor Pro Tem had designed as members of the Committee. She stated she was very pleased that a means of honoring Joe was coming to fruition. Councilman Addiego stated Joe embodied the criteria specified in the naming policy. He wished a biotec'~ teaching facility were further along, because he envisioned that as being something appropriate to carry Joe's name given his commitment to bringing the industry to South San Francisco. Mayor Gonzalez stated he was honored to request a motion to name the Orange Memorial Park Recreation Building in honor of Joseph A. Fernekes. Motion- Councilman Garbarino/Second- Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto: to approve Resolution No. 107-2008 naming the Orange Memorial Park Recreation Building in Honor of Joseph A. Fernekes. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 8. Update on Green and Sustainability Initiatives in the City of South San Francisco and direction to staff in regard to moving forward with possible goals, objectives and policies. (Item 8 was heard after Item 9 due to Council's agreement with comments made by the City Manager during Agenda Review, as reflected above.) Senior Planner Beaudin presented the staff report providing an update on green policies in the City of South San Francisco. To prepare this report, each City Department looked into current policies and plans for the foreseeable future. Staff uncovered nearly 100 current "green" or sustainability initiatives that had been undertaken. Certain initiatives overlapped between Departments like office recycling, which resulted in some double- counting, but there were also many Department-specific examples. One such example was REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 8 the Police Department's cell phone recycling program, pursuant to which functioning cell phones were collected and donated to victims of domestic violence. Senior Planner Beaudin then recounted several of the City's innovative green initiatives. He began with the project to "green" the City owned house located at 109 Longford Drive. The house would be remodeled to include a number of environmentally friendly materials and systems. The public would be able to walk through the house and observe green improvements for nearly one (1) year. The house would then become part of the City's affordable housing program. The City's transit village plan was also designed to have a direct environmental impact. The plan aimed to locate housing near transportation, providing numerous environmental and health benefits for residents and yielding fewer vehicles on the roads. Centennial Way, which serves as anon-motorized transportation route, was fitted with purple pipe to permit the possibility of irrigation using recycled water. The Green Building Exchange was actively pursued by the City and its arrival in South San Francisco pursuant to a lease with the City for property located at one Chestnut Avenue would serve as a source of information on green and sustainable building practices. The City had also been working with environmental organizations and mai~itained affiliations with a number of groups, including Joint Venture Silicon Valley and ICLEI. ICLEI works with cities around the world to implement, adopt and create policies and programs with an environmental emphasis. The City was also pursuing an aggressive traffic program and had formed a close working relationship with the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance. Green features were also being considered with respect to planned construction of the Miller Avenue Parking Structure. For example, installation of solar panels was being explored as was LEED certification for the structure. The last green initiative Senior Planner Beaudin highlighted pertained to the water treatment plant. He opined the water treatment plant was a great example of green policies working behind the scenes. Capturing methane gas and employing cogeneration translated directly into environmental and financial benefits for the City. He also noted the possibility of wind power at the plant was being studied. Senior Planner Beaudin advised staff recommended that Council consider adoption of goals, policies and objectives and formalization of existing policies and programs. Regarding goals, staff suggested the following as a broad base starting point: "It is the intent of the City of South San Francisco to be a sustainable community- one which meets its current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Objectives relating to the economy, social equity and the environment were also recommended. Senior Planner Beaudin then laid out suggested next steps which could move concurrently with ongoing "green" initiatives, and quickly help organize and improve the existing process. Some examples of suggested next steps included appointing or hiring an Environmental Coordinator to ensure a comprehensive approach to meeting the City's goals, accepting costs associated with "green" as necessary to make sustainability a priority, adopting a green building ordinance, including additional sustainability policies in the next General Plan update and reaching out to the broader community for interested parties and stakeholders. He concluded by noting staff sought Council's direction on moving forward. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 9 Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto suggested looking at college interns as a possible fit for the Environmental Coordinator position and/or the data collection piece of coordinating sustainability initiatives. She stated she believed Council had adopted a fly ash ordinance but did not see it referenced. She also suggested making green information accessible to residents in a more user-friendly manner on the City's website. She further suggested green building elements should be encouraged. Councilman Garbarino advised he had recently met with Mr. Patel, who had applied to build a hotel in the Oyster Point area. During this meeting he discussed green building elements with 1~Ir. Patel. Mr. Patel indicated a willingness to include such elements in construction. Councilman Garbarino opined that while green elements cost more up front, the return is usually great. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto stressed the importance of developing green building standards for businesses planning long term developments in the City. She reiterated the importance of making such standards accessible on the website when enacted. Councilman Garbarino agreed green policies should be accessible on the website in a user friendly manner. He opined people would be willing to go along with green initiatives if provided with direction and information on where to find green resources. Councilman Mullin commended the green efforts of multiple City Departments. He also advised that venture capital money is moving into green businesses and creating green jobs. He suggested green technology could be a complimentary industry in the East of 101 Biotech Sector. Councilman Addiego comrr~ented on carbon pollution and the problems associated with traffic. He also mentioned the importance of alternative fuel and the biodiesel industry. He recommended that Council and staff keep an eye on developments in the alternative fuel area and encourage cultivation of this industry. Mayor Gonzalez stated the Green Building Exchange was a great addition to the community that would assist residents in navigating green building possibilities. He stressed the importance of emphasizing green building with developers seeking to do business in the City. Director of Public Works White addressed the fly ash ordinance issue. He stated Council did not adopt a fly ash ordinance, but rather a construction debris and recycling ordinance requiring inert materials to be recycled. CLOSED SESSION 10. Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c)) Initiation of Litigation: One Case Closed Session t3egan: 9:~8 p.m. Open Session Resumed: 10:10 p.m. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 10 Report out of Closed Session by Mayor Gonzalez: direction was given. COUNCIL COMMUNITY FORUM None. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Gonzalez adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m. in honor of Pastor John Cantley and Rosie Concepcion. Submitted y: i a 1' arson, City Clerk City of South n Francisco Approved: .-----~ ~ ;~ ;~.~~ Pedro Gonzalez,( ayo City of South Can Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 22, 2008 PAGE 11