HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2009-06-24S
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o CITY COUNCIL
c'~LIFOR~~~ OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, California 94083
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
400 GRAND AVENUE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Purpose of the meeting:
1. Call to Order 7:03 P.M.
2. Roll Call. Present: Councilmen Garbarino, Gonzalez
and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto.
Absent: Vice Mayor Addiego.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA REVIEW
No Changes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Frank McCauley, President of SoutYi San Francisco Sister Cities Committee, informed Council
of the upcoming official visit from the sister City of Lucca, Italy in October 2009. Lucca officials
would be participating in the Columbus Day Parade on October 11 and discussion was
currently underway for an official dinner tentatively scheduled for October 9.
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
• Announcements.
• Committee Reports.
Council members announced upcoming events, programs and public improvements and reported
on individual attendance at community meetings and events. Specific items for further action
and/or consideration were set forth ,as follows:
Councilman Garbarino reported there was slow but sure progress being made by the Caltrans
Committee. Meetings attended included the Traffic Relief Reliance Board of Directors and Day
in the Park Subcommittee meetings. Events attended included Forty-year Service Recognition
for Alvis Bulos, and a tour of the Girnbles Candy Company with Councilman Gonzalez.
Councilman Garbarino announced the upcoming Day on the Green Barbeque for the Mid
Peninsula Housing Services Corporation taking place 12:00 P.M. Saturday, June 27, at 1565 El
Camino Real in South San Francisco. The Councilman also wanted to relay a memorandum
received from Linda Knelling of the :Foster City City Council which noted the State Legislature's
intentions on taking 100 % of Highway user tax for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, and a
planned take of Redevelopment funds for the next three years to the tune of $350 million per year
totaling $1.05 billion. The Councilman recalled the State had tried this before and was sued, but
they now believe they have found a loop hole. He deferred to City Attorney, Steve Mattas for
further information. The Councilman wanted to make sure the community was aware of the
situation.
Attorney Mattas stated an appeal of t;he Superior Court decision in favor of Redevelopment had
been filed by the State.
Councilman Gonzalez reported on hiis tour of Gimbles Candy Company and was sure to note he
reported the costs of the pounds of candy he received under the Fair Political Practices
Commissions guidelines. Along with the Mayor, Councilman Gonzalez met with the
Ambassador Council of Peru and Officers of the Peruvian Ship, the (BAP) Mollendo. He and the
Mayor were presented with gift of leather encase bottle filled with pisco, the Peruvian National
drink. The Mayor was presented withh a plaque about the Marina Del Gada de Peru, a
museum/ship docked in San Francisco, which they toured. The ship was the home to a number
of cultural events, Peruvian crafts and textiles, and traveled with approximately 300 people. He
further noted the 28th of July was Peruvian Independence Day. Councilman Gonzalez reported
on his attendance of the Youth Gun-Violence Task Force in Oakland hosted by the Association
of Bay Area Government (ABAG). Their main goal was to determine a way to place tougher
restrictions on the sale of fire arms a,nd ammunitions. They would like to introduce a bill at State
level to be signed by all California C"ities.
Councilman Mullin reported on the Caltrain Station Subcommittee meeting where it was learned
Caltrain had accepted the City's offE;r of $1.3 million for the acquisition of 296 South Airport
Boulevard. The City had also been ,given a $537,000 offset/credit towards the balance in
exchange for a hold harmless agreement on environmental mitigation including toxic
remediation of the site. Although questions remain among the parties involved, the City has
continued to do what it can on the local level to ensure the site improvements become a reality.
The Housing Subcommittee met to preview the designs of the Mid-peninsula Housing
Development on El Camino Real called El Camino Family Housing and discuss the various
funding approaches. The Subcommittee also met with the Commissioners Prouty and Ochsenhirt
of the Planning Commission to discuss tandem parking policies going forward in the zoning code
revision. This may require interdepartmental discussion looking into parking permits and
enforcement mechanisms to address. the proliferation of vehicles in some areas of the City. The
Conference Center Authority would. be meeting to discuss its current budget. The Councilman
warned of a slower June than years passed. Events attended included the celebration for Alvis
Bulos in honor of his forty-years of advocacy on behalf of the Filipino-American community and
the Grand Boulevard symposium. 7Che Councilman noted his surprise to see the City/County
Association of Governments (C/CA.G) had not considered South San Francisco a "priority
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 2
development area" in regards to Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and thought it maybe
because the City has already done so much in this area and this program is more of a prospective
one. Nonetheless, the Councilman wanted the City to stay in the queue for any State and/or
regional incentives.
City Manager Nagel. clarified the City had received the C/CAG Resolution identifying the entire
El Camino Corridor as a priority development, which was the first step. He also stated Council
should expect a Friday memo and action at the next Council meeting in its regards.
Councilman Mullin then relayed a story of a recent occurrence of a burglary in the City of
Belmont where citizens were alerted via an emergency system automated phone call. Although
he understood costs would be incurrc;d, he would like to see if the City could come with a
thoughtful approach in notifying the community of occurrences involving crime or fire in a
similar fashion. He asked Chief of Police Massoni to speak to the issue.
Chief Massoni stated the Department was currently looking at the exact same system used by the
City of Belmont. Amain concern was the system in question was tied to land lines, something
not a lot of people had anymore. That being said, there needed to be a way to identify cell phone
customers and input them into the system. A meeting was scheduled with the San Mateo Police
Department for examples of how the; system is currently used in their City. Financially, the cost
would be approximately $15,000 peer year and items yet to be determined included the funding
source and the threshold/criteria for reporting information to the community.
Mayor Matsumoto noted her attendance of the CCAG meeting, where a budget was
passed. However, there were still considerations to be made concerning expected State actions.
The Mayor wanted to "piggyback" on Councilman Mullin's comments regarding the master plan
statement, and noted the plan was going from a current size of a 464,000 square foot campus to a
1.2 million square foot campus. Shc~ expressed her excitement for the growing development.
Mayor Matsumoto reported she was fortunate to have met the new South San Francisco Unified
School District Superintendent, Dr. Howard Cohen at a recent Open House. A meeting had been
scheduled with him for July 2. The Mayor announced Council had appointed new Planning
Commissioner, Dr. Pradeep Gupta, to fill the space vacated by former Commissioner Stacy
Oborne. Mayor Matsumoto also noted her attendance of a mixer at Tangle Creations (formerly
known as Tangle Toys) located at Oyster Point. She was happy to report that owner, Richard X.
Zawitz stated he would donate 170 items to be included in the comfort packages being sent to the
City's adopted Marine Battalion, Echo Company. Also, as an artist, he stated he would
work with the City on the commission of a sculpture.
• Consideration of City Council Summer Schedule.
Mayor Matsumoto stated the rule of thumb was for Council to take the second meeting of August
off. This year it was requested Council take the first, rather than the second, meeting off. She
asked Council if they would approve of the change.
Council stated they were agreeable to the proposed change.
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MINUTES PAGE 3
City Manager Nagel stated formal action would be brought to Council at the next scheduled
meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Motion to approve the minutes Hof May 20, 2009.
2. Motion to confirm the expense claims of June 24, 2009 in the amount of $1,958,184.86.
3. Resolution calling a General Election, Setting Candidate Statement requirements pursuant
to Elections Code Section 13307, Requesting that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo
County consolidate a General Municipal Election with the Regular Election to be held on
November 3, 2009, Requesting that the County Registrar perform certain Election services
in connection with such Election, and authorizing the City Manager to reimburse the
County for Election services.
Item 1~To. 2 -Mayor Matsumoto questioned the expense claims in regards to membership dues
for the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $2500 membership,
scholarship and tech funds. Referencing page nine (9), account number 4310, her understanding
was that membership dues would be discontinued. She stated she whole-heartedly supported
membership in the Chamber and questioned if this was an error.
Assistant to the City Manager, Susan Kennedy stated it was an error and the amount of $2500
should be there. Staff would make the necessary corrections.
Item No. 3 -Citing past elections, Councilman Gonzalez recalled there being problems with the
County and asked if the City Clerk, :Krista Martinelli-Larson was satisfied with this year's
Election process so far.
City Clerk Martinelli-Larson stated ;she had recently attended a meeting at the San Mateo County
Elections office and at the moment she was unable to give a firm estimate on the projected
elections costs. However, she stated she would have better answer in August after it was
determined if a State or County Player would come onboard. As Council would recall, a State or
County player did not come in the last Election so the costs were shared among the
Municipalities only. Clerk Martinelli-Larson reported new requirements set forth by the
Secretary of the State which increased the expenses to $2.50 per registered voter if a State or
County player came in and possibly $3.70 if there was no State or County player . The County
had proposed several cost saving measures to address the new increase including the further
consolidation of precincts and are currently working with Supervisor Hill to pass legislation that
would allow only one sample ballot per household.
Councilman Gonzalez questioned whether or not the one sample ballot per household would be
required to be at the request of the voter.
Clerk Martinelli-Larson stated the (:ounty was anticipating obstacles and currently working on
legislation to address such issues.
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MINUTES PAGE 4
Councilman Garbarino stated that he was glad to hear a clearer explanation of the anticipated
costs for the Election.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez/Second Councilman Garbarino: to approve Consent Calendar
Items No. 1-3. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. Resolution establishing Increasf;d Sewer Service Rates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-10
through 2013-14, Amending thE; Master Fee Schedule to include the rates, Adopting the
~~
"Report of Annual Sewer Rentals and Charges for Fiscal Year 2009-10, and establishing
maximum not to exceed rates for Fiscal Years 2010-11 through 2013-14.
Mayor Matsumoto explained the public hearing procedures to the audience and noted protest
letters must be turned in to the Deputy City Clerk before the hearing was closed. She informed
the audience protest letters must include property owner name, the Assessor's Parcel Number
(APN), property address and owner signature in order to be valid.
Public Works Director, Terry White presented the Staff Report which included the
recommendation to increase the sewer rates in order to address concerns that had been previously
discussed in two prior study sessions; the main concerns being aging infrastructure, the
production of a recycled water product, energy conservation, collections systems maintenance,
and the continued funding of daily operations. Staff had used the resource of various engineering
firms to determine the needs and costs. In conformance with Proposition 218, notices had been
sent to residents in May. The propos~~ed increase was as followed: 20% for years 2009-2010, 10%
for 2010-2011, 5% for 2011-2012 and 0% for years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014.
Director White noted a public meeting had been held at the Magnolia Senior Center on June
17 and attended by nine (9) members of the public. He further noted Proposition 218 required a
majority of property owners, roughly close to 7000, needed to submit a formal protest in order
to stop Council from moving forward with the increase. It was expected that far less would be
reported from the contracted accounting firm, Harris and Associates.
Director White added a rate hike of $6.41 was fair and equitable compared to other cities in the
County and in consideration of the work that had to be done.
Mayor Matsumoto opened the Public Hearing and requested public comments.
Resident Dennis Beedie stated his understanding from a previously attended meeting was that
capacity was going to increase frorri four tanks to five. Mr. Beedie questioned if capacity per
tank could be increased by 20% in height with a net result of a 50% increase in capacity, as
opposed to just a 25% increase with one tank placement. He expressed his hope that the City
would maximize the moneys to be spent for the renovation.
Mayor Matsumoto thanked Mr. Beedie for his input given at both tonight's Public Hearing and
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MINUTES PAGE 5
the previous meetings that he has attended.
Representative for Rotary Plaza Apartments (Plaza), William Harrison spoke about the hardships
that would be faced by the Plaza's residents if the increase were to be implemented and provided
Council with atwo-page summary of'the already submitted protest letter. The protest concerned
the adverse effect the proposed flat sc;wer rate increase would have on the low-income tenants at
Rotary Plaza Apartments. Currently classified as a residential user, the Plaza units are equivalent
to 181 single family homes. Mr. Harrison asked Council to take into consideration the median
household income, age and water usage of the Plaza resident. He stated that users similar to the
Plaza were classified as "Institutional" and noted if the Plaza were reclassified as such, the
increase would be a fairer and more equitable arrangement. He summarized by stating that the
current flat rate sewer fee classification system was unfair and discriminatory and noted that it
caused the Plaza to pay a disproportiionate larger share of the total sewer rate increase than single
family owners. Although he understood that an amendment to City Ordinance maybe needed,
Mr. Harrison recommended City Council to restore equity and fairness to the process by
reclassifying Rotary Plaza as an "Institutional" user.
Councilman Garbarino noted the use of the words rent, tenant and housing in the letter submitted
to Council and asked Mr. Harrison how this would relate to the Plaza being reclassified as
"Institutional."
Mr. Harrison conceded he may have been incorrect in the citing of the term "Institutional" as a
suitable classification. He had hoped by speaking, Council would direct the City Attorney to find
a classification that would grant the :Plaza relief or if one did not exists, fashion language for an
amendment to the current ordinance granting a reclassification which would be more suitable for
the Plaza.
Councilman Garbarino asked Director White if tanks were increased from 1/2 inch thickness to
5/8 inch thickness as previously suggested by Mr. Beedie, what would be the costs associated
with that.
Director White first clarified if the speaker was referring to the digesters being rebuilt, then noted
the preliminary designs were planned for a complete tear down and rebuild, hopefully occupying
the same locations. If seismic problF;ms could be addressed, all attempts would be made at trying
to save the digester.
Mayor Matsumoto questioned if residence at Rotary Plaza did their own laundry, cooking and the
like, or were those services provided by the Plaza.
Mr. Harrison responded residents h.ad their own kitchens and received one meal per day, which
the resident paid for. Laundry facilities were provided on site and paid for by the residents.
Councilman Gonzalez questioned how many other units were in the City similar to that of the
Rotary Plaza.
Director White could not provide an accurate estimate of that number, but stated there was a
meeting between Staff and the Plaza where a reclassification of status had been attempted. The
Building Department took issue with that and it was determined there was construction and
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MINUTES PAGE 6
changes that needed to be made whic:h, financially, was counterintuitive to them. Director White
also noted aspects of State law prohibited giving a discount to low-income and senior units,
which was another issue that would need to be addressed. Director White stated anyone with
multi-units tended to have an issue with paying the rate of a single family home. A tiered system
would need to be looked at in order to determine who should pay the burden.
Councilman Gonzalez stated he had received a letter from Theresa Delorente. He questioned if it
was proper for Council to recognize and read the letter.
Mayor Matsumoto asked if the letter had been seen by the Clerk.
Deputy City Clerk, Anna Hernandez stated she had not been provided the letter.
City Attorney Steve Mattas stated the letter was not a formal protest but if they wished to do
so, Council could read it into the record.
Councilman Gonzalez read the letter for the record, which stated the writer's opinion that
apartment buildings should be given their own distinct classification rather than being
charged the single family residential rate.
Being no other speaker cards or letters of protest submitted, Mayor Matsumoto closed the Public
Hearing and opened discussion for Council. An announcement of the final tabulations would be
read after the discussion was held.
Councilman Mullin wanted to clarify Council would be approving maximum not to exceed rates,
this fiscal year's increase of 20% and that subsequent annual increases would come before
Council at approximately the s same time in the following years. Councilman Mullin also
questioned if Dynamic/Tiered pricing analysis could be looked into for the future as he felt the
idea had merit. On a final note, Councilman Mullin stated he was very excited about the
alternative energy piece of the project and believed there would be a real savings as a result of
this investment. He was very encouraged by this prospect and stated he believed South San
Francisco to be the only municipality in San Mateo County moving in this direction.
Director White confirmed Councilman Mullin's understanding of the action taken this evening
and noted Council would be presented with the increase options for the subsequent fiscal years.
Director White stated there would be future study sessions determining the different
pricing options such as tiered/dynannic pricing, at which point, costs would be better defined.
Councilman Garbarino concurred with Councilman Mullin in regards to the alternative energy
aspect and stated it had great potential and he supported it 100%. Referring back to the Rotary
Plaza request of reclassification, thf; Councilman stated he was not sure that he saw a link to
reclassify the Plaza as "institutional." He questioned if there was someway the City could pass
the existing resolution while at the ;same time have legal council to look into the matter. He also
noted he would like to receive input from the Vice Mayor as well.
City Attorney Mattas stated Council could act on the resolution this evening and noted
timing constraints related to Proposition 218 exist with a proposed increase in fees, but Council
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MINUTES PAGE 7
did not have the same constraints in terms of a decrease in fees. He also noted
Council could consider adjustments so long as the adjustments did not have the net of raising
somebody else's rates. If rates were raised beyond the presented threshold, the Proposition 218
process would have to be reinstituted.
Councilman Gonzalez stated water consumption differs greatly from household to household yet
the rate is the same for both. He recalled the suggestion that Public Works look at the costs of
implementing a system that charged users rates based on consumption and wondered if that was
still something being considered.
Director White stated time constraints were an issue as the Public Works had until August 1 to
get information to the San Mateo County Assessor's office for inclusion on the tax roles for fee
collection. If the window is missed then the current rate would have to remain.
Mayor Matsumoto noted at least 6876 protests were needed for Council not to take action on the
item and requested a final tally of protests received.
Harris and Associates representative reported the receipt of 47 completed protests letters. Since
this was not a majority, Council could move forward with the action.
Mayor Matsumoto requested the City Attorney walk Council through the process
City Attorney Mattas reviewed procf;dure with Council.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez/Second -Councilman Garbarino: to approve Resolution No. 54-
2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
5. Resolution establishing Stormvvater Management Program Rate Structure for Fiscal Year
2009-2010; and Resolution adopting the Public Works Director's report of Fiscal Year
2009-2010 Stormwater Management Service Fees.
Technical Services Supervisor, Cassie Prudhel presented the Staff Report which included a
general outline of program responsibilities, examples of program activities, program
accomplishments and funding sources.
Mayor Matsumoto opened the Public Hearing. Being no public speaker cards for this
item, Mayor Matsumoto closed the .Public Hearing and opened for discussion from Council.
Councilman Garbarino, referencing page two (2) of the Staff Report, questioned who monitored
the discharges and if fines existed, liow much were they. He also questioned if restaurant grease
traps were monitored.
Supervisor Prudhel reported City Staff did the monitoring. Fines were not usually issued, but if
continued violations occurred, administrative citations were issued for repeat offenders. She also
noted restaurant grease traps were monitored.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JiJNE 24, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 8
Mayor Matsumoto questioned if Stafi~had considered putting caps over drains to prevent
pollution from going into the Bay. Sl1e stated there had to be someway to stop uncontrollable,
"non-point" trash from going to the b.ay and noted she would like to see the City take a proactive
approach.
Supervisor Prudhel responded there `vere various devices that could be retrofitted. A number
of other actions, such as catch devices and public outreach, were available to help alleviate the
problem in the future as well. She nc-ted an outreach program between the City and El Camino
High School had been ongoing for the past six (6) years and additional secondary and high
schools would be looked at for similar participation.
Councilman Gonzalez stated he was supportive of the Mayor's idea regarding catch devices.
Supervisor Prudhel stated a multifacf;ted approach would be taken in dealing with pollution
going into the Bay.
Councilman Mullin noted the problems concerning plastic bags and recalled the former goal of
distributing reusable bags. He questioned if there was any sense of their usage or information
available on the reduction of plastic lbag use in the City. He further noted a potential ban on
plastic bags had received a lot of atte;ntion.
Supervisor Prudhel stated she did not have any data available but would try to find out statistics
from the group, Bay Area Pollution ]Prevention. A possible ban of, or tax on single use bags had
been considered in other cities in order to fund clean-up projects.
Motion -Councilman Garbarino/Sec;ond -Councilman Gonzalez: to approve Resolution No. 55-
2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino, Gonzalez
and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice Mayor
Addiego.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez/Second -Councilman Garbarino: to approve Resolution No. 56-
2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
6. Resolution recommending that, the San Mateo County Flood Control District impose basic
and additional charges for funding the expanded scope of work for the 2009/10 Annual
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) County Wide Stormwater
Management Plan General Program and Fee.
Public Works Technical Services Supervisor, Cassie Prudhel presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Matsumoto opened the Public Hearing. Being no public speaker cards for this
item, Mayor Matsumoto closed the Public Hearing and opened for discussion from Council.
Mayor Matsumoto, referencing "conclusions" on page 2 of the Staff Report, she questioned if the
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MINUTES PAGE 9
action was City or Countywide as well.
Supervisor Prudhel stated if the Resolution were approved as presented this evening, Council did
not have to address it again in future :years, whereas in the past it had been reviewed on a yearly
basis. Historically, Council had not :rejected an automatic minimal fee and South San Francisco
remains one of only three (3) cities in the County to address the item annually.
Attorney Mattas explained the pros a;s being: it was a relatively small fee and the Consumer Price
Index (CPI) adjustment would be relatively small as well. The con was: if the County would
ever go beyond the amount of the CPI, the item would need to come before Council again
because the increase would go beyond Council's authority.
Supervisor Prudhel stated the increase this year was a very minimal two cents across the board.
Councilman Gonzalez wanted the public to know that many of the increases being passed by
Council were being demanded by Federal or State laws and regulations; the City must comply.
Motion -Councilman Garbarino/Second Councilman Mullin: to approve Resolution No. 57-
2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
7. Resolution making findings anti adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND08-0002)
for the South San Francisco General Plan Housing Element Update (P08-00271).
Resolution making findings anti adopting the South San Francisco General Plan Housing
Element Update (P08-00271).
Economic and Community Development Senior Planner, Gerry Beaudin presented the Staff
Report. He began by thanking the City Council, Planning Commission and Housing
Subcommittee members for their inI>ut throughout the process. He also wanted to acknowledge
the expertise and hard work of City Staff and City consultants, Bay Area Economic (BAE) and
the environmental consultant PBS and J. The Staff Report highlighted aspects of the Housing
Element Plan including Planning Commission Review, relation to State Law, comment letters
and Housing Element analysis, organization and focus. The Staff Report also included
information on Regional Housing Needs Allocations (RHNA), opportunity site locations and
analysis, and community outreach. 'The City's existing Housing Element was last certified by the
State in 2002. The current plan update covers the 2007 to 2014 planning period as required by
State Law and pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the State Housing and
Community Development Agency (HCD).
The Housing Element Update resulted in minor policy changes and a plentiful list of opportunity
sites. The update and environmental document adequately addressed South San Francisco's
complex housing needs as well as the legal requirements set out by the State. Therefore,
Staff recommended City Council adopt the resolutions to approve the Mitigated Negative
Declaration and adopt the South San Francisco Housing Element Update.
Mayor Matsumoto opened the Public Hearing. Being no public speaker cards for this
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MINUTES PAGE 10
item, Mayor Matsumoto closed the Public Hearing and opened for discussion from Council.
Councilman Mullin thanked City Sta~Ff and consultants for a very comprehensive process and
creation of comprehensive and forward thinking document. He felt the Housing Element Plan
would reinforce South San Francisco's leadership position in the issue of housing.
Councilman Gonzalez thanked Staff :for incorporating the language from the Airport Land Use
Committee acknowledging airport noise as a potential issue for residential development in the
South El Camino Real area.
Mayor Matsumoto also gave kudos and stated it was a wonderful project. She also noted if
passed, South San Francisco would be only one (1) of two (2) cities to pass a Housing Element
Plan out of the twenty cities in the County.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez/Second Councilman Garbarino: to approve Resolution No. 58-
2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez /Second -Councilman Garbarino: to approve Resolution No. 59-
2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
8. Resolution approving Conference Center Authority Fiscal Year 2009-10 Budget for the
South San Francisco Conference Center.
Executive Director of the South San Francisco Conference Center, Sandra O'Toole presented the
Staff Report. She highlighted key issues for the Conference Center including: an increase/shift
towards online marketing, a decline in revenue and a slower June than usual due to the economic
climate. However, she noted the Conference Center continued to be sought after by repeat and
new customers, who appreciated the consistency of rates not offered by its competitors.
Furthermore, the Conference Center had been the recipient, for the seventh consecutive year, of
the 2009 Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings Magazine and was chosen as Meeting News
Magazine's winner for the 2009 Planners Choice Award for the first time.
The Conference Center Authority (Authority), which included Councilmen Gonzalez and Mullin
and City Manager Nagel, had conducted public meetings and considered available public input.
The Authority had also reviewed thE; proposed budget and found it to be representative of the
appropriate level of expenditures for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2010. Therefore the Authority
recommended Council accept and approve the Conference Center FY 2009-2010 Budget.
Councilman Garbarino congratulated the Center on its prestigious awards and commended
Executive Director O'Toole and her staff for there excellent work.
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MINUTES PAGE 11
Mayor Matsumoto questioned why F'i' 2008-2009 had been one of the best years for the
Conference Center.
Executive Director O'Toole stated the Conference Center's business had continued to grow with
its most successful years being 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and despite the current economic climate,
2008-2009. Again, she stated return clients as well as new clients appreciated the consistency of
rates and noted rates had not been raised but for two modest increases since the Centers opening.
Mayor Matsumoto questioned if raising the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) would affect the
revenue coming to the Conference Cf;nter.
Executive Director O'Toole stated this depended on the amount of the increase. It would more
likely make the Conference Center level with other cities but would still be less than San
Francisco. She felt rate increases should increase along the line with competitors.
Mayor Matsumoto questioned what specifically "revenue projections" in regards to "Event
Services" was referring to.
Executive Director O'Toole reported. 98% of that was Audio Visual revenue, which was doing
very well.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez /Second Garbarino -Councilman : to approve Resolution No.
60-2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
9. Resolution approving Fiscal YE;ar 2009-10 Interim funding for the South San Francisco
Conference Center.
Item removed.
10. Resolution approving the 2009-10 Operating Budget for the City of South San Francisco.
Budget and Financial Manager, ColE;en Tribby presented the Staff Report and walked Council
through an overview of the Genera12009-2010 Budget. Included was a combination of
expenditure and departmental reductions, wage freezes, funding decreases, and a borrowing from
reserves to close the approximate $900,000 gap.
Mayor Matsumoto thanked the Budget Subcommittee which included Councilman Garbarino
and Vice Mayor Addiego.
Councilman Gonzalez, citing the anticipated economic situation for next few years and its impact
on services to the City, questioned what the possibilities were of having volunteers versus skilled
workers fill in for any particular department. For example, would it be possible for volunteers to
do items such as graffiti and sidewalk clean up or help with the supervision for various
programs?
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 12
City Manager Nagel stated an analysis of services would be done before the rehiring of positions
and the City would look to alternative; means for service provisions. He cited the program
Improving Public Places and stated the City was looking towards the volunteer approach for
some of its Senior Services. An evaluation would be ongoing.
Councilman Mullin thanked the Subcommittee and the Finance Staff for all of their hard work.
He noted the City had balanced budget, but just barely and major work and challenges would still
have to be dealt with into the future. He was thankful for this year's balanced budget and offered
his support.
Mayor Matsumoto sought to make appoint of clarification regarding account number 4310 and
stated her understanding was funds would roll over and dues would continue to be paid to the
Chamber of Commerce.
Manager Nagel confirmed the dues would stay in place.
Motion -Councilman Garbarino/Second Councilman Mullin: to approve Resolution No. 61-
2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
11. Resolution approving the proposed Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2009-
2010 and determining that the program is consistent with the General Plan.
Public Works Director, Terry White presented the Staff Report. The Capitol Improvement
Program (CIl') outlined the infrastructure and Capitol improvements for the upcoming year
throughout all portions of the community. The plan has been reviewed by Council and the
Planning Commission and deemed to be consistent with the General Plan.
Mayor Matsumoto noted there was a~ speaker card for the item.
Resident, Marty Bakken questioned if there was a planned widening of C Street.
Director White responded this item was not in the current CIP.
Mayor Matsumoto noted a discrepancy in numbering on page four (4) under Parks and stated
column four (4) should read 2010-2011. Also under Parks, page two (2) for Citywide Art
Acquisition item, she questioned if "available prior year" was carry over from money not spent in
the previous year.
Parks and Recreation Director, Sharon Ranals confirmed the Mayor's understanding.
Councilman Gonzalez questioned ifs the soccer field improvements noted on page fourteen of the
CIP were for Orange Park.
Director White stated they could be for either Orange Park or Terrabay, basically setting aside
money for new turf and net repairs and other items like that.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JiJNE 24, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 13
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez/Seco:nd -Councilman Garbarino: to approve Resolution No. 62-
2009. The motion was approved by t:he following vote: AYES: Councilmen Garbarino,
Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Vice
Mayor Addiego.
12. Resolution providing Interim Spending Authority for the First 60 days of the 2009-10 Fiscal
Year.
Item removed.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
13. Waive reading and introduce the Ordinance eliminating the time limit on the establishment
of loans, advances, and indebtedness in the original Downtown/Central Redevelopment
Project Area.
Redevelopment Manager Norma Fra;goso presented the Staff Report. She stated this action was
permitted under Redevelopment Law' and stated there were no changes to the tax increment or
any negative impact on other taxing entities. However, she called attention to page three (3) of
the Staff Report, and noted the proposed Plan would trigger annual pass through payment in the
amount stated to the three (3) taxing entities as followed: Bay Area Air Quality Control
Management District for $150, San Mateo County Harbor District for $250, and Colma Creek
Flood Control District for $750. Staff recommended Council waive read and introduce the
Ordinance before them this evening.
Councilman Gonzalez requested clarification as to how the City's hands would be tied should the
Ordinance not be passed.
Manager Fragoso stated Council would still be able to act on the funding of projects but without
the ability to incur debt, they would :have to do so with cash on hand.
Mayor Matsumoto requested corrections in the numbers presented in Assistant City Manager,
Marty Van Duyn's memorandum of June 19 to reflect $1150 rather than $1050 before going on
record.
City Attorney Mattas stated the char.~ges would be made and reflected in the Staff Report retained
by the City Clerk.
Motion: Councilman Mullin/Seconcl Gonzalez -Councilman :to waive reading and introduce
Ordinance No. 1410-2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen
Garbarino, Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Addiego.
14. Waive reading and introduce the Ordinance eliminating the time limit on the establishment
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 14
of loans, advances, and indebtedness in the original El Camino Corridor Redevelopment
Project Area.
Redevelopment Manager Norma Fra€;oso presented the Staff Report. She stated, as the previous
action was, this actior. was permitted under Redevelopment Law. She also noted the proposed
Plan would trigger annual pass through payment to the San Mateo County Resource
Conservation District in the amount of $45. Staff recommended Council waive read and
introduce the Ordinance before them this evening.
Mayor Matsumoto referenced page tr~ree (3) of the Staff Report which stated there were only
three (3) taxing entities rather than four (4).
Manager Fragoso stated this was a typo and would be corrected.
Motion: Councilman Mullin/Second Gonzalez -Councilman: to waive reading and introduce
Ordinance No. 1411-2009. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Councilmen
Garbarino, Gonzalez and Mullin, Mayor Matsumoto. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Addiego.
COMMUNITY FORUM
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Being of no further business, Mayor Matsumoto adjourned the meeting at 9:53 P.M.
Submitted by:
~~~
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Approved: Q~ 1
~~ ~~1~, d~~NAWV
Anna M. Hernandez, Deputy City Clerk
City of South San Francisco
Karyl Matsumoto, Mayor
City of South San Francisco
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE l4, LUUy
PAGE 15